Heart of the Civil War

Tolson's Chapel Open House
2026-06-06 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

14th New York State Militia in the Maryland Campaign – Jim McLean
2026-06-01 19:00 | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209 W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782, United States
The Antietam Institute will be kicking off their 2026 Civil War Lecture Series on Monday, June 1st, with historian James L. McLean, Jr., telling the unique story of the 14th New York State Militia (14th Brooklyn) and the regiment’s actions in the 1862 Maryland Campaign.
The 14th New York State Militia, nicknamed the “14th Brooklyn,” “Brooklyn Chasseurs,” or “Red-legged Devils,” was a prominent Brooklyn volunteer regiment famous for its distinctive red-pants Zouave-style uniform and service in the Civil War as the 84th New York Infantry. Formed in 1847, it saw major action at First & Second Manassas and Gettysburg, earning high praise for bravery, and remained in service through later conflicts.
McLean’s interest in the Civil War, sparked at an early age on a bus trip to Gettysburg. In November 1863 (on the eve of JFK’s assassination), Jim attended his first meeting of the Baltimore Civil War Round Table at the age of 12. His interest in the Civil War has never waned. In September 1978, Jim gave a talk to the Round Table about Lysander Cutler’s brigade at Gettysburg. He had collected material on that brigade, which included the 14th New York State Militia/14th Brooklyn, ever since. Cutler’s Brigade at Gettysburg was published in 1987, revised and enlarged in 1994, and recently republished in 2023 by Savas Beatie. Jim has also published several articles in Civil War magazines. In October 2025, Savas Beatie released The 14th New York State Militia Volume I: “Baptized by Fire”—from Bull Run to Bull Run, April 1861–August 1862, of Jim’s proposed trilogy about the 14th NYSM. The book is full color throughout. It includes: 36 color maps; more than 100 photos/illustrations (many in color); over 500 pages; several appendices, one of which provides a detailed list of casualties, discharges, and desertions; footnotes at the bottom of the pages; high-quality, glossy paper; and an attractive dust jacket.
For thirty years, Jim taught high school mathematics. Much of the time, Jim also ran Butternut and Blue, a Civil War book business.
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 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.

One Vast Hospital - Downtown Frederick Walking Tour
2026-05-31 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-05-30 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-05-24 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-05-23 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-05-17 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-05-16 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-05-10 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-05-09 10:30 - 11:00 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.

Ranger Hike and Skirmish Demonstration at Historic Newcomer House
2026-05-30 13:00 | Newcomer House, 8422 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville, Maryland, 21756
On Saturday, May 30, the 3rd US Regular Infantry will present military and civilian living history near the Newcomer House, including a skirmish demonstration. The demonstration will be part of a ranger-led hike of the Middle Bridge area of the battlefield, including the Tidball Trail and Sherrick Farm Trail, to focus on the 5th Corps at the Battle of Antietam.
Visitors will meet at the historic Newcomer House on the Antietam National Battlefield at 1:00 pm for an introduction and safety briefing before walking to the Tidball waysides for the skirmish demonstration. After the demonstration, visitors may return to the Newcomer House, talk with the Regulars, or continue on the ranger-led hike. The hike will be under 2 miles and will last up to two hours. Visitors are reminded to wear comfortable footwear and to dress appropriately for the weather. This program is free and does not require advance registration.
The Newcomer House is the only dwelling on the Antietam National Battlefield that witnessed the battle and is regularly open to the public. It serves as an exhibit and visitor center for the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. Knowledgeable volunteer docents are available to share information about the Newcomer House and offer assistance to visitors to the three-county Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area.
This is the tenth season of Porch Programs at the Newcomer House. Porch Programs feature presentations, demonstrations, pop-up exhibits, interactives and more during the season.

New Anthony Wayne Historic Marker Dedication at Noland’s Ferry
2026-05-28 14:00 | Nolands Ferry C&O Canal, Nolands Ferry C&O Canal, Tuscarora, MD, 21790
The largest troop movement through western Maryland during the Revolutionary War will be commemorated at an Historic Marker dedication on Thursday, May 28 at Nolands Ferry on the Potomac River in Frederick County.
The marker, entitled “Anthony Wayne’s Potomac Crossing,” is a cooperative venture between the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Sgt. Lawrence Everhart Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Other partners in the dedication ceremony are the Maryland Two Fifty Commission, the Maryland Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Frederick County US Semiquincentennial Commission, and the Frederick and Carrollon Manor Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
The dedication ceremony will be held at the Nolands Ferry Picnic Area of the C&O Canal Park, Tuscarora, Maryland, reached via New Design Road about two miles south of MD Route 28. After the ceremony, MDOT will install the marker in its permanent location at the intersection of MD Route 28 and New Design Road.
The Nolands Ferry historic marker will be the second in Frederick County, and the third in western Maryland, after previous marker installations at the Bruceville Encampment site in Carroll County, and at the Monocacy River encampment site in the City of Frederick’s Riverside Park. A fourth marker is planned for a site near the Hessian Barracks in Frederick.
The May 28 ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For further information, contact Michael Moore at 301-676-9562, or Edward Spannaus at 301-969-8001.
The text of the marker is as follows: ANTHONY WAYNE’S POTOMAC CROSSING ON MAY 31, 1781, GEN. ANTHONY WAYNE AND AROUND 1,100 PENNSYLVANIA CONTINENTAL TROOPS, CROSSED THE POTOMAC RIVER AT NOLAND’S FERRY, LOSING 4 MEN TO DROWNING, ON THEIR WAY TO REINFORCE THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE IN VIRGINIA. THEY MET LAFAYETTE’S TROOPS SOUTH OF THE RAPIDAN RIVER NEAR CHARLOTTESVILLE ON JUNE 10TH. FACING LAFAYETTE’S AND WAYNE’S COMBINED FORCES, BRITISH GENERAL CHARLES CORNWALLIS WITHDREW TO YORKTOWN. HE SURRENDERED OCTOBER 19TH.
**IF RAINING ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT, IT WILL BE HELD AT Emmanuel Trinity Lutheran Church, 4004 Ballenger Creek Pike, Adamstown. PLEASE CHECK THE SGT. LAWRENCE EVERHART CHAPTER FACEBOOK PAGE AT https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070816913651 FOR UPDATES.**

Last Full Measure of Devotion - Memorial Day at Monocacy National Battlefield
2026-05-25 14:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join Park Rangers as they discuss the history and importance of Memorial Day. Listen to patriotic music and participate in the National Moment of Silence as they commemorate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Boonsboro Historical Society "Show and Tell"
2026-05-19 18:00 | Boonsboro Free Library, 401 Potomac Street, Boonsboro, MD, 21713
The Boonsboro Historical Society invites community members to present artifacts or family heirlooms related to the history of Boonsboro and Washington County on Tuesday, May 19th 6pm-8pm at the Boonsboro Free Library.
In the interest of time, individual presentations will be limited to ensure all guests may participate. We ask you bring only one item and it be reasonably sized. Please be advised that firearms are not permitted on the premises. We look forward to an evening of local history and shared stories.

Box Lunch Talk: A Tribute to Carroll County’s Hometown Heroes Presented by Steve Bowersox
2026-05-19 12:00 | Historical Society of Carroll County – Shriver-Weybright Auditorium, 210 East Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157
Remembering the reason for Memorial Day by paying Tribute to several of Carroll’s war casualties. Steve will speak about five soldiers from various conflicts and tell their stories.
Steve is a member of the Board of Trustees at the Historical Society of Carroll County. He is a lifetime resident of Westminster and is retired from the Carroll County Public School system. He loves history in general and is particularly fond of Westminster History.
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.

The History of the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company
2026-05-17 14:00 | Middletown Volunteer Fire Company Activity Building, 1 Fireman's Lane, Middletown, MD, 21769
Please join the Middletown Valley Historical Society on Sunday, May 17, at 2 pm, at the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) Activities Building, 1 Fireman’s Lane, Middletown, when Brian Beaulieu, Executive Board Member of the MVFC, will present the History of the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company.
Brian will describe the Fire Company’s progression from 1803 until today.
Fire service in the area dates back to at least 1803, although the department was not officially founded until January 26, 1894. Records indicate that a major fire in 1892 at the old tannery made clear the need for organized fire protection in Middletown.
After Brian’s talk, around 3:30 pm, guests and children are invited to visit the Middletown Volunteer Fire Station where he will showcase some of the Company’s special fire equipment from the past and present. Refreshments served at both locations.

Monocacy's Lost Battalions
2026-05-16 14:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
At the Battle of Monocacy, fought July 9, 1864, Union troops launched a desperate attempt to delay a Confederate advance on Washington, D.C. Throughout the battle, the Federal commanders, Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace and Brig. Gen. James Ricketts, waited for additional reinforcements that never came. Where was the rest of Rickett’s command? Nearly a thousand of his men failed to reach the battlefield on July 9. Park Ranger Matt Borders will unravel the fascinating story of what happened to them, and where they were found.

Mount Airy Civil War Living History Experience
2026-05-16 12:00 | Mount Airy MD Museum, 1 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD, 21771
Join the Historical Society of Mount Airy at the Mount Airy Museum on Saturday May 16, noon-4pm, to experience The Living History Battalion as they will portray Company G of the 3rd Maryland Potomac Home Brigade. This company was stationed in Mt. Airy from 1863 to 1864. In July 1864, they were sent to Frederick and participated in the Battle of Monocacy. Besides guarding the railroad at Mt. Airy, Company G also sent patrols through Carroll and Frederick Counties capturing and guarding confederate and political prisoners, as well as protecting the polls during elections. Throughout the day, there will be displays on Company G activities and lessons on the “life of a soldier.” Bring the family for a fun learning experience where the kids can march and drill with members of the Company! The Mount Airy Museum is located inside the historic Train Station at 1 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD.

The Maryland Iron Festival
2026-05-16 10:00 - 2026-05-17 10:00 | Catoctin Furnace, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, Maryland, 21788
The Maryland Iron Festival Celebrates 250! May 16-17
It’s the 250th birthday of our country and of Catoctin Furnace, home of the Maryland Iron Festival, and they’re pulling out all the stops. Join for a patriotic weekend of family fun, tours of the village, food trucks, live music, a beer and wine garden, a makers’ market, kids’ activities, an antique car show, and the exciting 2,800-degree molten iron pour at 1 pm on Saturday. You can purchase molds to carve in advance and take home your own cast iron tile. For the full schedule and information about parking and shuttle service, go to catoctinfurnace.org/mif/. A celebration like this only happens once every 250 years!

Catoctin Furnace Outdoor Theater Festival
2026-05-14 19:00 - 2026-05-17 19:00 | Catoctin Furnace, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, Maryland, 21788
On May 14-17, join the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society for theater under the stars at four nightly performances of Iron Will, a tale of American colonists and enslaved African Americans who are both fighting for their freedom. Walk through the quaint village of Catoctin Furnace as the play unfolds. Combine it with a trip to the Maryland Iron Festival during the day on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17. Tickets are $25 in advance at catoctinfurnace.org/theater/

"Ancestors at Antietam" - Virginia Mumma Hildebrand: The 70 Year Journey of the Antietam Remembered Manuscript
2026-05-02 14:00 | 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.

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!
