Heart of the Civil War

"Ancestors at Antietam" - Virginia Mumma Hildebrand: The 70 Year Journey of the Antietam Remembered Manuscript
2026-05-02 14:00 (America/New_York) | Antietam Institute Education Center, 101 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
Virginia Mumma Hildebrand (1901–1982) grew up in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Virginia’s grandfather was Samuel Mumma Jr. (1838–1925), and her grandmother was Frances Reichard Mumma (1844–1883). Virginia’s great-grandfather was Samuel Mumma Sr. (1800–1876), and great-grandmother was Elizabeth Miller Mumma (1816–1886), owners of the Mumma farm in the middle of the battlefield.
The September 17, 1862, Battle of Antietam destroyed Samuel and Elizabeth Mumma’s family of ten’s home, barn, outbuildings, crops, and all of their personal property, save a few personal items and the clothes they were wearing when they evacuated.
Over her lifetime, Virginia Mumma Hildebrand listened to stories from family members and residents of Sharpsburg who were present during the battle. In her youth, she attended reunions held on the battlefield by past combatants from the North and South and listened to and recorded their stories. Many of these veterans convalesced from horrible wounds and illnesses in local homes and field hospitals for months and formed lifelong friendships with residents. Between 1956 and 1960, Virginia developed a draft manuscript for a new book called “Antietam Remembered” with plans to release it in time for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam held August 31 through September 17, 1962. Unfortunately, after five years’ work and bringing the manuscript to near completion, she took ill, and a series of circumstances left the work unpublished.
Despite her best efforts, her manuscript was never formally published as a finished work. One bound copy of the 1959 draft resides in the Western Maryland Room of the Washington County Free Library in Hagerstown, Maryland. In 2024, Virginia’s grandson Michael Hildebrand took on the task of updating and completing Antietam Remembered.
Mr. Michael Hildebrand had a fifty-one-year career in hazardous materials emergency planning and response. During his career, he held professional positions with the National Transportation Safety Board, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the American Petroleum Institute. He was a successful consultant for 27 years, completing more than 700 emergency planning and response projects throughout the United States and internationally. Michael is an experienced technical writer and has worked on 18 different textbook projects. He is the co-author of six textbooks currently in print on emergency response, including Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, 5th edition (2024), now in its 37th year of continuous print. Michael grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, and spent many days visiting Sharpsburg, the Antietam Battlefield, and hunting relics on the Mumma family farm. He is a self-described Civil War history buff. These monthly “Ancestors at Antietam” talks are free and open to the public – anyone may attend – and you do not need to register. The talks will be held at the Institute’s Education Center at 101W Main Street, Sharpsburg, beginning at 2 pm.

One Vast Hospital - Downtown Frederick Walking Tour
2026-05-02 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-26 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-19 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-04-18 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-12 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-04-11 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-04 10:30 - 11:00 | 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.

Inside the Farms of Monocacy
2026-05-02 09:00 | Best Farm (Tour Stop #1), Urbana Pike, Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, MD, 21742, United States
The Battle of Monocacy was fought amongst the farms, fields, and forests along the Monocacy River on July 9, 1864. Each of the farms, and the people who lived on them, were impacted by the battle.
On May 2nd, 2026, join Monocacy National Battlefield Rangers and volunteers as they explore two of these farms. Guests should meet at Best Farm, tour stop #1 on Monocacy National Battlefield at 9am on May 2, 2026. At tour stop #1 you’ll look at the long legacy of the Best Farm. Located on the north end of the battlefield landscape, the Best Farm has a legacy far beyond the Civil War.
After Best Farm, guests will be encouraged to join the ranger staff at tour stop #2, the Worthington Farm. Guests should meet at Worthington Farm by 11am for the tour of Worthington Farm. This farm has a deep importance to the history of the campaign and the establishment of Monocacy National Battlefield itself. Space is limited at both farms, so please contact Monocacy National Battlefield via email, mono_mail@nps.gov or by calling 301-662-3515 to make your reservation.

Flower & Plant Market
2026-05-01 11:00 | The Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
Join the Union Mills Homestead when they open the 2026 season with their 56th Annual Flower & Plant Market! Come see beautiful selections of your favorite regionally grown: Native Plants Hanging Baskets Annuals/Perennials Vegetable Plants and Herbs Shrubs and Trees Heirloom Vegetables Browse the Tannery and wagons for the perfect additions to your garden. Visit the Gardener’s Corner for gently used books, pots, containers, and other garden-related bargains. Browse the booths of craft and garden-related vendors.
Schedule: Friday Early-Bird Selections — have the first pick of the unique selection of quality plants! Kountry Kafe Catering will feature a light luncheon menu. Craft vendors will join for the afternoon. Saturday and Sunday Tannery and wagons full of locally grown flowers, shrubs, vegetables and herbs. Garden-related vendors. Kountry Kafe Catering will feature your lunch menu favorites. Historic House and Mill tours from noon – 4 pm (last combination tour starts at 3). Saturday only – children’s activity table provided by the Littlestown Garden Club.

History Distilled: Alcohol & The Civil War Era
2026-04-30 18:30 | Pathfinder Farm Distillery Tasting Room and Cocktail Bar, 14 S. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
Join us at Pathfinder Farm Distillery Tasting Room for a night of local spirits and history!

Pathfinder is thrilled to host “History Distilled,” an open-house storytelling event. Grab a signature Pathfinder cocktail and settle in as three captivating historians explore the fascinating and often rugged connection between alcohol and the American Civil War era.

Meet Our Speakers:

Travis Shaw, Director of Education at the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area With over two decades of experience in archaeology and historic preservation, Travis is a dedicated public historian who has shared his expertise through numerous articles and historical films.
Emily Huebner, Director of Operations and Programs for Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. A specialist in Maryland history, Emily previously worked with the Maryland State Archives on the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland project and has a deep background in researching the state’s complex past.
Mallory Huard, Assistant Professor of History at Hood College A scholar of 19th-century U.S. history, Mallory specializes in the intersections of commerce and society and currently teaches courses on the American Civil War and environmental history.

This is an open-house style event. No stuffy lectures here—just great stories, good company, and excellent whiskey. Come out, support your local distillery, and learn something new about the high-proof history of our region.

Indie Bookstore Day at Curious Iguana!
2026-04-25 10:00 | Curious Iguana, 12 N. Market Street, Frederick, MD, 21701
Save the Date: Saturday, April 25 is Indie Bookstore Day! Curious Iguana is excited for warmer weather and celebrating independent bookstores everywhere, so come out to show some readerly love! In store at Curious Iguana, search the shelves for the hidden Golden Ticket from Libro.fm to win 12 audiobook credits! While you’re there, be sure to grab your Bookstore Crawl Passport. Also, the first 30 customers who spend $50 or more will receive a FREE, exclusive Indie Bookstore Day tote bag! We will also have a select number of these totes available for purchase individually. See you there!

Park Day 2026!
2026-04-25 10:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
One of Monocacy National Battlefield’s biggest volunteer opportunities of the year! Park Day brings in volunteers from all over Frederick County and beyond to assist Monocacy National Battlefield on a variety of projects. These include, but are not limited to:
* Weeding
* Planting
* Litter patrol on the trails
* Invasive species removal
Forms and gloves will be provided, please dress appropriate for the weather and be prepared to get dirty!

Box Lunch Talk: Memories of Oakland Mills Before the Building of Liberty Reservoir Presented by The Liberty Reservoir History Group
2026-04-21 12:00 | Historical Society of Carroll County – Shriver-Weybright Auditorium, 210 East Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157
The town of Oakland Mills existed in the Southeast corner of Carroll County prior to its demolition by Baltimore City to facilitate the damming of the North Branch of the Patapsco River. This talk features two speakers, one who lived in the town prior to the reservoir and the other whose mother was born and raised in Oakland Mills while her father grew up on a farm on Ridge Road. They are cousins and will share personal and family memories of the town, events surrounding the closing of the mill, destruction of the town and with it….a way of life.
The Liberty Reservoir History Group is an informal gathering of individuals who meet monthly to capture the history of the land and life stories of the people impacted by the building of Liberty Reservoir which was completed in 1953.
Elaine McLaughlin and Wallie Meeks are members who shared their childhood memories at previous group meetings and now have a chance to share them with you!
As always, there is no registration for Box Lunch Talks. You bring your lunch, and we provide the drinks and desserts (thanks to our volunteers and staff). The cost is $3 for HSCC members and $5 for nonmembers.
Questions? Please contact Laura Bankard, Outreach & Events Director at lbankard@hsccmd.org or 410.848.6494 ext. 200.

Carroll 250: Patriots Buried in Carroll County Cemeteries
2026-04-20 18:30 | Exploration Commons, Westminster Branch of Carroll County Public Library, 50 East Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Presenters: James Engler and John Laycock, members of the Westminster Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution
Description: There are an estimated 60 Revolutionary War patriots buried in Carroll County across several cemeteries. Many of these are known, but many more are likely lost to history. It is important to remember our patriot ancestors. This talk will provide an overview of family cemeteries, church cemeteries, and town cemeteries located in the county and discuss patriots buried there.
Registration is required for this event. Please register at the link.

Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Sons of the American Revolution Speaker Series
2026-04-19 15:00 | C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E Patrick Street, Frederick, MD, 21701
Presented by Dr. John George
Of all the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, only one was Roman Catholic, and among the wealthiest men in colonial America. He was Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Frederick County’s own Signer.
This presentation describes Carroll’s Irish roots, the early Maryland settlement, his European education, and his many reasons for supporting Maryland’s independence from British rule. Carroll’s legacy includes contributions to the Bill of Rights, transportation, agriculture, and commerce. Also Included are the interesting roles of his descendants.
Location: C. Burr Artz Library, Programming Room

Revolutionary Times in Burkittsville
2026-04-19 14:00 | Zion Lutheran Church, 107 West Main Street, Middletown, MD, 21769
The historic village of Burkittsville was founded on a crossroads that has linked it to the broader story of the United States for over 250 years. As our country marks its Semiquincentennial anniversary in 2026, South Mountain Heritage Society (SMHS) is opening a special exhibition exploring the role Burkittsville and the surrounding communities of the lower Middletown Valley have played throughout the 18th and 19th centuries in our nation’s founding.
Jody Brumage is an active Frederick County public historian and current Archivist and Museum Manager for Heritage Frederick and President, Historian and Curator of SMHS. Jody will provide an overview of the SMHS exhibit and share some of the unique stories and artifacts of Revolutionary times in the Burkittsville area.

Junior Ranger Day
2026-04-19 10:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join National Park Service rangers and living history volunteers for Junior Ranger Day! Guests will be encouraged to do participate in the Monocacy National Battlefield Junior Ranger program, earning their Junior Ranger badge if they complete at least five activities. In addition, guests are invited to “enlist” with Monocacy National Battlefield living history volunteers who will be teaching both infantry and artillery drills to anyone who would like to take part. How did soldiers move and fight on Monocacy National Battlefield? How long did it take to load a cannon? You will find out with this fun, hands on activity.

Members Only: Learning to Look
2026-04-18 14:00 | The Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
You can get your hands on one-of-a-kind objects at the Union Mills Homestead’s very first Members Only program!
Learning to look is a unique workshop where the Union Mills Homestead’s Executive Director will personally walk you through how to handle and examine original pieces from their collections. Unlock exceptional stories of the people who lived at the Homestead in centuries past and take home new skills with a suggested donation of $10.
Reserve your spot by emailing at: info@unionmills.org
You can become a member today through the Union Mills Homestead’s website: https://unionmills.org/membership/

A Heart Touched By Fire: Union Nurse Cornelia Hancock’s Civil War
2026-04-18 14:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
In 1863, Cornelia Hancock, a 23-year-old Quaker girl, wrote “After my only brother and every other male relative and friend that we possessed had gone to War, I deliberately came to the conclusion that I, too, would go and serve my country.” Two days after the great Battle of Gettysburg she was the first woman to reach the Union Army of the Potomac’s 2nd Corps Hospital. Hancock served as a nurse for the remainder of the war. Well known during the war, she is little remembered today. Author Carolyn Ivanoff will tell Hancock’s story through her own words and annotated letters. This program highlights the events and tragedies of Civil War from a woman’s point of view.
Carolyn Ivanoff is a retired high school administrator and independent historian. She has won several awards for her historical work and presentations. Previous to her new book on Cornelia Hancock, Ivanoff authored “We Fought at Gettysburg,” which features first-hand accounts by the survivors of the 17th Connecticut Infantry and their experiences on the greatest battlefield of the Civil War.

Carroll 250 Speaker Series: The Memory of Landscapes: A study of four historic National Parks within an hour’s drive of Carroll County
2026-04-15 18:30 | Taneytown Branch of Carroll County Public Library, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown, MD, 21787
Join presenter Winona R. Peterson, retired NPS Cultural Resource Program Manager, for this fun informative talk.
All landscapes have stories to tell; even the ones we interact with daily. This program will present compelling layers of history found at selected historic national park sites within an easy drive of Carroll County. We will explore the importance of nationally significant landscapes and the complexities of managing resources that have more than one significant story to share with the visiting public. The discussion will focus on how the National Park Service studies and manages these cultural landscapes. We will be visiting Hampton National Historic Site, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Winona R. Peterson graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Recreation and Parks. She began and ended her 41-year career with the National Park Service at Gettysburg National Military Park. In between, she worked at Everglades National Park, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site and Eisenhower National Historic Site. She was an interpretive park ranger, an administrative clerk, a chief ranger, historian and a cultural resource specialist. During the last 5 years of her career, she was the historian responsible for assessments completed at eight historic parks in the northeast region. Mrs. Peterson recently became a member of the Preservation Maryland Board of Directors, an organization that has been at the forefront of historic preservation in Maryland for 90 plus years. She lives on a 90-acre farm in Carroll County with her husband Steve.
Registration is now open and is required.

Music of the Regiment
2026-04-12 14:00 | Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ (ERUCC), 15 W. Church St., Frederick, MD, 21701
Join Music of the Regiment for this FREE exploration of the classical and military music traditions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries! Founded in 2023, this group of musicians and educators presents the music of the past in as near a format as possible, performed on instruments appropriate to the time period. New in April 2026, join them for “Equal to any Band in this Country…,” a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches and opera arrangements that formed the soundtrack of the French, American, and British forces as they converged on Yorktown in 1781. The concert will begin at 3:00 in the main sanctuary of Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ (ERUCC). Join at 2:30 for a short preconcert talk before the main show!

Carroll 250: Midwives to the Revolution - Maryland Women in the Early American Printing Industry
2026-04-11 13:00 | Carroll County Public Library – Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg, Maryland, 21784
In an age when women’s voices were often silenced, some found power in ink and paper. Join Dr. Amy Rosenkrans as she uncovers the crucial role women played in the colonial printing industry, spotlighting Maryland trailblazers Anne Catharine Hoof Green of Annapolis and Mary Katharine Goddard of Baltimore—printers who helped shape public opinion in a revolutionary world.
Registration is required for this event. Please register at the link.

Emmitsburg: From Way Back When to Now
2026-04-11 12:00 | National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 339 S Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727
Join the Daughters of Charity Provincial Archives for their special exhibit on the history of Emmitsburg, the town they have called home since Mother Seton’s arrival in 1809! From its humble founding in 1785 through the Civil War, the founding of Mount St. Mary’s and St. Joseph Colleges, the rise and fall of the railroad, and its place of distinction among America’s firefighters, Emmitsburg has a story far larger than its small size. Opening Saturday April 11, 2026 through the holiday season 2027.

Living History at the Museum
2026-04-11 11:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Join the National Museum of Civil War Medicine for living history! Members of the Blue and Gray Hospital Association will be in the Delaplaine Randall Conference Room describing the medical history of America’s bloodiest conflict. Dressed as members of the Confederate Medical Department and armed with period medical equipment, the unit brings a unique perspective to understanding the conflict.
The presentation is included with admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and FREE for NMCWM members.

History: Shaken & Stirred - Untold Stories of Roads in Carroll County
2026-04-09 18:00 | Covalent Spirits, 118 E. Main Street, Westminster, Maryland, 21157
Stop in for a drink at Covalent Spirits Westminster on April 9th at 6pm as HSCC continues History: Shaken and Stirred. Once again there will be five speakers telling three 5-minute, untold, local history stories shared with the crowd in a fun, relaxed setting. This quarter, Untold Stories of Roads in Carroll County will be told. A special history-themed drink will be developed by owners Jenn and Drew. Please have dinner before you come, as the refreshments are light and meant for snacking. Light refreshments provided by Collision Course. No RSVP or reservation required.
Covalent Spirits is located at 118 E Main St, Westminster, MD 21157 in the 1920s building that served as the City Garage. More information can be found here: https://covalentspirits.com/home
Please contact Laura Bankard, Outreach & Events Director at lbankard@hsccmd.org or 410.848.6494 ext. 200 with any questions.

“Ancestors at Antietam” - “Rediscovering William” Lt. William Alden Horton and the 16th Connecticut at Antietam“
2026-04-04 14:00 | Antietam Institute Education Center, 101 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782
The Antietam Institute’s First Saturday programs are back, and this year’s theme is “Ancestors at Antietam.” They’ve invited several Institute members who had ancestors who fought at Antietam, or have unique connections with Sharpsburg, to tell us a little about their ancestor and/or their experiences. Join on April 4, to hear Laurie Buckler Mack share the story of her ancestor called, “Rediscovering William” Lt. William Alden Horton and the 16th Connecticut at Antietam.”
Laurie is a native of Maryland and lived in the Boston area before moving back to Maryland and settling in Annapolis. Laurie has a BA in English and AA in Veterinary Technology and has enjoyed a second career as a RVT at a Veterinary Surgical Referral practice for the last 25 years. She grew up in the suburbs of Washington DC surrounded by references to the American Civil War: Attending Walt Whitman High School, learning to drive on the Clara Barton Parkway and taking endless trips across the Potomac River on the Jubal Early at White’s Ferry are just a few. Her father Don was a huge history buff and loved to talk about family history, reminding Laurie that she had an ancestor who was killed at Antietam. Laurie was finally able to visit Antietam during Covid in August of 2020, sparking an interest in the Maryland Campaign, Lt. William Alden Horton, and the 16th Connecticut. Laurie is currently a member of the Jamestowne Society, the Maryland Mayflower Society, Society of New England Women, Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society United States Daughters of 1812, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Hobbies include fulfilling Find-a-Grave requests, exploring historical sites, and reading.
These monthly talks are free and open to the public – anyone may attend – and you do not need to register. The talks will be held at the Institute’s Education Center at 101W Main Street, Sharpsburg, beginning at 2 pm.

Hooves, Paws, and Claws for the Cause: Animals in the U.S. Civil War
2026-03-28 14:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Join the National Museum of Civil War Medicine for a special Saturday Speaker Event with NMCWM author and volunteer Brad Stone who will be discussing his new book “Hooves, Paws, and Claws for the Cause: Animals in the U.S. Civil War.” Dogs, cats, horses, pigs, camels, bears, badgers, bald eagles, silk worms, and many other creatures played important roles during the American Civil War. “Hooves, Paws, and Claws for the Cause: Animals in the U.S. Civil War” tells the stories of these remarkable animals and the many ways they helped the soldiers and sailors they served with during the war. Stone will share some of his favorite stories from the book. A book signing will follow.

Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer
2026-03-21 14:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Join the National Museum of Civil War Medicine for their Saturday Speaker Series with author Karen Stone. While helping catch President Abraham Lincoln’s killers, the barge “Black Diamond” was rammed and sank in the Potomac River, killing 87 men. In this talk, Stone will unfold the story of this heroic pursuit that turned tragic.
Karen Stone has been the Museum Division Manager for St. Mary’s County, Md., where this event took place, since 2017. A Lincoln fan and student of his assassination since childhood, she was fascinated when she first heard about this story and its connection to Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth. She is the author of “Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer.”
