Heart of the Civil War

One Vast Hospital - Downtown Frederick Walking Tour
2026-08-22 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-08-23 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-08-29 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-08-30 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-09-05 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-09-06 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-09-12 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-09-13 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) and 4 more dates | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Explore the incredible Civil War history in Downtown Frederick with expert guides from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. from April until September, docents from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine will explain how Frederick became “One Vast Hospital.” Arguably the most trying moment in city’s history came after the Battle of Antietam in the fall of 1862. The town’s population doubled when 8,000 wounded soldiers were delivered by ambulance to make-shift hospitals throughout Frederick. Walking tours last for an hour to an hour and a half.
Tickets are $15 and include admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in addition to the walking tour. Tickets are free for Museum members, but you must still reserve your spot. Reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
Contact Chris Reed at chris.reed@civilwarmed.org for more information.

Music on the Millrace: Hayden Shaw and This Side of Pleasant
2026-08-23 15:00 | The Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
Music on the Millrace offers a relaxed, inviting opportunity for members and friends to come out to enjoy the authentic beauty of the site, separate from our other major events.
This is a great time to enjoy an afternoon on the beautiful grounds of the Union Mills Homestead. Admission to the event is only $10. Under 12 are free! Food, beer and wine will be available to purchase. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. No outside alcohol may be brought into the event. Because we have to inspect any containers to ensure there is no alcohol, please refrain from bringing backpacks or coolers, although you are welcome to bring your own snacks.
Hayden Shaw and This Side of Pleasant
Hailing from right down the road, Hayden Shaw and his band This Side of Pleasant (as in Pleasant Valley) is thrilled to be back for another great day of Bluegrass! Hayden Shaw & This Side of Pleasant is a high-energy Bluegrass group comprised of some of Hayden’s best friends in Bluegrass. Last March they broke the attendance record for a Wehrly’s Auction House “Pickin’ and Biddin’” show. Hayden pulls from a wide array of influences and music genres to bring a fun and exciting bluegrass show that you won’t want to miss!

“Make me a Map” The Creation of the Artillery Atlas of Antietam – Aaron Holly & Jim Rosebrock
2026-08-24 19:00 | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782, United States
Captain Albert Monroe who commanded a Federal battery at Antietam believed that “the value of the light artillery in the army as a factor in the suppression of the Rebellion, has never been accorded that credit to which it is entitled.” James Rosebrock and Aaron Holley have partnered to set the record straight by creating a visual record of the employment of artillery in the Maryland Campaign. The Artillery Atlas of Antietam explores the contribution of the artillery in the Maryland Campaign and presents new insights through the lens of topography, geography, and the words of those who made history. Join the Antietam Institute on August 24, to meet authors, Aaron Holley and James Rosebrock during their talk, “Make me a Map”: The Creation of the Artillery Atlas of Antietam.
Aaron Holley is a native West Virginian and lifelong Civil War enthusiast. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 2013 followed by a Master of Science in Forestry with an emphasis in forest biometrics in 2015, both from West Virginia University. Upon graduation, Aaron entered the field of forest conservation consulting, working in forest ecosystems both domestically and internationally. His education and work experience introduced him to the concept of modern mapping and geospatial analysis, which led him to extensively map the Antietam battlefield beginning in 2019. The result of this mapping process was published both as a wall map and as a GPS-enabled digital map. In 2024, Aaron was invited to become a member of the board of directors for the Antietam Institute, where he assists with all things cartography. He has produced maps for several publications related to Antietam, including An Ornament to His Country, Roads to Antietam, The Artillery of Antietam and The Antietam Journal and is a co-author of the upcoming The Artillery Atlas of Antietam. Aaron lives in Fisher, Hardy County, West Virginia with his wife, daughter, and son.
Born in Buffalo New York, Jim received his undergraduate history degree in Russian history from Niagara University in 1976. He was commissioned in the US Army that year and held command and staff positions for nine years from 1976 to 1985 in the United States and Germany. His final assignment on active duty was with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he deployed to Grenada in 1983 with the division staff as part of Operation Urgent Fury. He graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University in 2002 where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy. As an Army Reserve officer, Jim’s final assignment was as an instructor for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He retired in 2004 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jim worked at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for 30 years, serving as Chief of the Security and Emergency Programs Division and subsequently as the Department of Justice’s liaison to FEMA during major disasters. He has served as a National Park Service volunteer since 2007 and is a certified battlefield guide at Antietam National Battlefield. He led the guide service from 2011-2018 and is a co-founder of the Antietam Institute, where he currently serves as the Institute’s president. Jim completed his first book The Artillery of Antietam in 2023 and is currently working on an artillery atlas of the Maryland Campaign, scheduled for release in 2026. He lives with his family in Jefferson, Maryland.
Come join leading historians and scholars as they discuss intriguing topics about their latest works and research on the Maryland Campaign and the Civil War during the Antietam Institute’s Civil War Summer Lecture Series. See the complete 2026 schedule.
These indoor programs are held in McKinley Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 209W Main Street with a small parking area off the alley. More parking is available on Main and Hall Streets. These lectures are free and open to the public. Each week, the Antietam Institute holds a drawing in which the proceeds support the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates and changes to the schedule.

The Battle of Henry House Hill at 1st Bull Run
2026-08-29 10:00 | Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center Street, Westminster, MD, 21157
Aug. 29th, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM and Aug. 30th, Sunday 10 AM-3 PM
Battle reenactments will be Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 P.M.
The Battle of Henry House Hill at 1st Bull Run
The battle scenario will depict one of the climatic engagements of the 1st Battle of Bull Run/Manassas in 1861 where Stonewall Jackson earned his famous nickname by standing like a “stone wall.” The battle will feature the color and confusion of early Civil war units as both sides learn how to be soldiers while under fire for the first time.
Throughout the day Reenactors in full costume will demonstrate infantry drilling, artillery firing and camp life. Please note that the Camp will close at 2 PM on Sunday. Food is available for purchase at the event.
Admission: $10 per family, $5 per adult, $4 per senior (60 & over) FREE Parking.

A Farmer, a Physician, and a General: Henry Rohrbach, Nathan Mayer, and Isaac P. Rodman – John Schildt
2026-08-31 19:00 | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782, United States
The Antietam Institute will wrap up their Summer Lecture Series on August 31, with esteemed local historian John Schildt presenting “A Farmer, a Physician, and a General: Henry Rohrbach, Nathan Mayer, and Isaac P. Rodman.” Although not on the battlefield proper, the Henry Rohrbach farm sat just east of the Lower Bridge and would serve as a staging area for the Federal forces, a headquarters, and a hospital on September 17, 1862. A farmer, Henry Rohrbach; a surgeon, Dr. Nathan Mayer; and a soldier, General Isaac P. Rodman, would share the trauma of war at the house and barn of the Rohrbach farmstead.
Reverend John Schildt graduated from Shepherd College, Wesley Theological Seminary and has studied at Western Maryland College, Gettysburg Seminary and West Virginia University. John’s first book, September Echoes, published in 1960, was the first on Antietam since Francis Palfrey in 1887. This led to an appointment to the Maryland Centennial Committee. He wrote the account of the battle for the Official Centennial Program and was the guest speaker for the 125h anniversary. John has been a lecturer and guide for several Civil War organizations, Round Tables, and many other groups. John led his first tour of Antietam in 1958. Since then, 2,000 additional tours have followed. John has written over thirty-five books relating the various aspects of the Maryland Campaign of 1862 and local history. This list includes Drums along the Antietam, Roads to Antietam, Four Days in October, Islands of Mercy, and Roads to Gettysburg. He and his wife and daughter live in Sharpsburg.
Come join leading historians and scholars as they discuss intriguing topics about their latest works and research on the Maryland Campaign and the Civil War during the Antietam Institute’s Civil War Summer Lecture Series. See the complete 2026 schedule.
These indoor programs are held in McKinley Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 209W Main Street with a small parking area off the alley. More parking is available on Main and Hall Streets. These lectures are free and open to the public. Each week, Antietam Institute holds a drawing in which the proceeds support the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates and changes to the schedule.

Artillery Day
2026-09-05 10:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Once again, the “King of Battle”, the artillery, will shake the ground of Monocacy National Battlefield! Demonstrations with different types of cannons will occur throughout the day with rangers and volunteers providing an understanding of light field artillery and its use on the battlefield landscape. Remember to cover your ears!

Troops through Time (Living History Event)
2026-09-05 10:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join in celebrating America’s 250th with a weekend of living history. Reenactors from 1775 through WWII and beyond will be on site to demonstrate the life of a soldier in some of our most notable struggles to preserve freedom. Camps open to public from 10-4. Events include living history demonstrations, Civil War Field Music performances and Civil War Artillery demonstrations. Guest Speakers will give talks on a variety of military topics throughout the day.

Tolson's Chapel Open House
2026-09-05 10:00 | Tolson’s Chapel, 111 E. High St., Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Open House 1oam – 2pm.
Tolson’s Chapel is open the first Saturday of every month between April and October. Onsite docent(s) will explain the historical significance of Tolson’s Chapel from its inception in 1866 as the spiritual and educational center of a vibrant and newly freed community of African American families in Sharpsburg, MD.

"Ancestors at Antietam" - William Campbell, 34th NY and Bennett Livingston, 13th NJ
2026-09-05 14:00 | Antietam Institute Education Center, 101 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Join the Antietam Institute on September 5 as Institute member Cindy Cohrs-Brandt explores the battlefield experiences of two Union regiments at Antietam: the veteran 34th New York and the newly raised 13th New Jersey. Shaped by prior combat in the Peninsular Campaign, the 34th New York entered the battle as seasoned soldiers, while the 13th New Jersey faced its first engagement only weeks after mustering in. Each regiment confronted its own distinct challenges on the field at Antietam. Cindy’s ancestor presentation is called, Discovering my Antietam roots: William Campbell, 34th New York and Bennett Livingston, 13th New Jersey.
A native of New Jersey, Cindy’s interest in the Civil War began in childhood when she walked Pickett’s Charge with her father. That experience left a lasting impression and sparked a fascination that grew into a lifelong passion for Civil War history.
Cindy holds a BA in American History from Drew University, a Master’s in Library Science from Emory University, and a Master’s in Teaching from Montclair State University. After working as a corporate librarian, she now serves as a school librarian, where she enjoys sharing her love of history and research with her students.
Through her interest in genealogy, Cindy discovered two Civil War ancestors—one from each side of her family—deepening her personal connection to the conflict. Antietam is her favorite battlefield, where both ancestors fought in close proximity, and visiting all the battlefields where they served remains a lifelong goal.

Elevated Architecture Double Decker Bus Tour
2026-09-13 14:00, 2026-10-11 14:00 | The Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E Church St, Frederick, MD, 21701
Heritage Frederick is excited to partner with Maryland Double Deckers to bring you an all new history experience! Most people walk through Downtown Frederick with absolutely no awareness of what’s happening above their own eyebrows, which is precisely how gargoyles gain confidence. This tour aims to correct that.
Many of the defining features of historic Downtown Frederick’s charming architecture are found high above the streets in upper stories, cornices, and spires. Discover beautifully preserved examples of commercial, residential, religious, and public buildings displaying major American and European styles that span more than two centuries. Along the way, we’ll explore how the history of Frederick is told by the enduring structures that witnessed it.
Recurring program: Saturdays: June 13, July 11, August 8 10-11:30am Sundays: September 13, October 11 2-3:30pm

Uncovering Civil War Resources in the Western Maryland Room: Authors Share Their Insights
2026-09-13 14:00 | Washington County Free Library, 100 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740
Three authors who used Western Maryland Room (WMR) resources to write about the Civil War as it affected the citizens of Washington County will discuss their research and writing methods in a panel discussion format, and talk about why the WMR’s resources are so valuable for historians, writers, and genealogists. The authors are Emilie Amt (Black Antietam), Mark Brugh (Ghosts of Antietam), and Steven Stotelmyer (The Bivouacs of the Dead). Part of America’s 250th Celebration, and in commemoration of the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam in Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Alexandria’s Civil War Prisons: Confinement and Justice During Union Occupation
2026-09-19 14:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
During the Civil War, Alexandria was home to five military prisons. Speaker Madeline Fierstein will examine what life was like in these institutions for both Confederate and Union prisoners and how this disrupted the daily lives of Alexandria residents. Learn about the medical treatment of jailed soldiers and prisoners of war at hospitals like the confiscated Lee-Fendall House. You will hear first-hand accounts from those who experienced imprisonment within the city limits, from the earliest days of battle to the beginning of Reconstruction.
Madeline Fierstein is a historian of American history based in Alexandria, Va. She is the founder of “Rooted in Place”, LLC, which focuses on psychiatric institutions, military hospitals, and prisons. Madeline has developed popular guided tours in Alexandria and Washington, D.C. She leads significant projects documenting the soldiers who were treated in Alexandria’s wartime hospitals. Visit her website for past research and upcoming tours at www.madelinefeierstein.com

Classic Car Battlefield Cruise
2026-09-20 10:00 | South Mountain Battlefield State Park at Turner’s Gap, 6132 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
Join for a unique journey through Civil War history as classic automobiles and historic landscapes come together in the Monocacy National Battlefield Classic Car Cruise. This special event celebrates automotive heritage while honoring one of the most significant Civil War sites in the region.
The cruise begins at South Mountain Battlefield, where participants will gather amid the scenic mountain passes that witnessed pivotal moments of the 1864 Valley Campaign. Following a brief welcome and orientation, drivers will depart on a carefully planned scenic route, offering sweeping views of the countryside and an enjoyable drive well-suited for classic and vintage vehicles.
The caravan will proceed eastward toward Monocacy National Battlefield, tracing roads that echo the movements of armies more than 160 years ago. Upon arrival, participants will enjoy a guided tour of Monocacy Battlefield, known as the “Battle That Saved Washington.” The tour will highlight key locations, interpretive stops, and stories that illuminate the July 1864 battle and its lasting impact on the Civil War.
This event offers a relaxed and memorable way to experience regional history—combining the elegance of classic cars, the beauty of Maryland’s landscape, and the rich stories preserved at our national battlefields. Whether you are an automotive enthusiast, a history buff, or both, the Monocacy Battlefield Classic Car Cruise promises a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
To register please contact Ranger Brian at Brian_J_Robinson@nps.gov with your name and number of participants.

National Public Lands Day 2026
2026-09-26 10:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Monocacy National Battlefield’s end of season public volunteering day! Join National Park Service rangers and volunteers as they work on various beautification projects and invasive species removals throughout the battlefield. This event will occur rain or shine, so please dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty! Volunteer forms and work gloves will be provided at the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center.

Maryland Microbrewery Festival
2026-09-26 11:00 | The Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
The Union Mills Homestead is pleased once again to host this unique event to promote Maryland’s microbreweries. The Maryland Microbrewery Festival is the highlight and culminating event of Carroll County Beer Week. This fun-packed festival celebrates and promotes the best of Maryland’s handcrafted and distinctive microbrews. Come join the fun of Maryland’s premier beer festival!

A wide selection of Maryland breweries, each with a variety of different beers to sample.
Food vendors.
Continuous live music and entertainment.
Crafts and unique merchandise vendors.
Seminars to enhance the public’s knowledge of brewing.
Historic Site – 16 acres of open, beautifully maintained parkland with easy access.
Ample parking, both onsite and at the satellite parking lot–Park there and carpool!

Tickets are available at the event, or get prepaid tickets in advance on the event website, marylandmicrobreweryfestival.com. Limited admission: tickets sold on first-come, first-served basis. $25 (in advance) or $30 (at the door); Non-beer sampling: $8 (in advance) or $10 (at the door); 12 years and under admitted free

Tolson's Chapel Open House
2026-10-03 10:00 | Tolson’s Chapel, 111 E. High St., Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Open House 10am – 2pm.
Tolson’s Chapel is open the first Saturday of every month between April and October. Onsite docent(s) will explain the historical significance of Tolson’s Chapel from its inception in 1866 as the spiritual and educational center of a vibrant and newly freed community of African American families in Sharpsburg, MD.

Inside the Farms of Monocacy
2026-10-10 09:00 | Best Farm (Tour Stop #1), Urbana Pike, Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, MD, 21742, United States
The Best and Worthington farms are an integral part of the history of both the Civil War and the Battle of Monocacy. Join rangers and volunteers to learn about the people who lived, worked, and fought on the farms. Visitors will also get a rare opportunity to tour the first floor of these historic structures.
Guests should meet at Best Farm, tour stop #1 on Monocacy National Battlefield at 9am on October 10, 2026. Following the tour of Best Farm and its grounds, guests will be asked to meet at Worthington Farm, tour stop #2, by 11am for a tour of Worthington Farm. Space is limited at both farms so please contact Monocacy National Battlefield via their email, mono_mail@nps.gov or by calling 301-662-3515 to make your reservation.

Mason-Dixon Jeep Gathering
2026-10-18 10:00 | The Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
Come out and see a large collection of Willys and Jeeps at the historic Union Mills Homestead. This is one of the largest vintage Jeep shows on the East Coast. This year is the 20th Anniversary of this annual event. See World War II and Korean War era military Jeeps and the civilian Jeeps and utility vehicles that are the grandfathers of today’s Jeeps & SUVs.
Jeeps can be entered into one of three categories at the show: Best Military Jeep, Best CJ (Civilian Jeep) and Best Non-Jeep. The non-jeep category features Willys trucks and station wagons. Everyone in attendance will vote on each of the three categories to name the winners.
Tours of the Historic house and Mill available for a small fee from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, with the last tour starting at 3:00 pm. Food and drink will be available to purchase on site.
