Heart of the Civil War

One Vast Hospital – Civil War Walking Tour in Downtown Frederick
2025-08-31 14:00, 2025-09-06 10:30, 2025-09-07 14:00, 2025-09-13 10:30, 2025-09-14 14:00, 2025-09-20 10:30, 2025-09-21 14:00, 2025-09-27 10:30 UTC | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Saturdays and Sundays from April through September
Walk in the footsteps of doctors, nurses, soldiers and civilians who cared for 8,000 wounded soldiers in Downtown Frederick.
Join NMCWM docents for a walking tour of Downtown Frederick focused on the city’s role as a makeshift hospital in the final months of 1862 every Saturday (10:30 a.m.) and Sunday (2:00 p.m.) from April through September.
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.
In September 1862, a newspaper correspondent from the Philadelphia Inquirer referred to Frederick as “one vast hospital.” In the aftermath of America’s bloodiest day at Antietam on September 17, 1862, over 8,000 wounded soldiers, Union and Confederate, were brought to make-shift hospital wards in Frederick’s churches, schools, hotels, and private homes. From the diaries and letters of the surgeons, soldiers, and civilians who were there, this guided walking tour will explore the locations of the city’s Civil War hospitals in churches, schools, and public buildings. Many of those same buildings still make up the historic district today.

54th Annual Boonesborough Days Festival
2025-09-06 09:00 - 2025-09-07 16:00 | Shafer Park, Park Drive, Boonsboro, MD, 21713, United States
Sponsored by the Boonsboro Historical Society, Boonesborough Days is a festival devoted to showcasing handmade crafts and art in this town that was the location of two Civil War battles (Battle of South Mountain in 1862 and the Battle of Boonsboro 1863). Browse through historic and picturesque Shafer Park and shop for handmade crafts, paintings and unique gifts. Experience various historical demonstrations. Civil War display and artifacts, Tri State Astronomers, great food and more!
This is a 2-day festival being held Saturday, September 6th from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, September 7th from 9am to 4pm.

Civil War Walking Tour
2025-09-06 10:30 | Heritage Frederick, 24 E Church ST, Frederick, Maryland, 21701
Explore what it was like to live in Frederick during the Civil War. Stories include the last Confederate invasion of the North, the ransom of Frederick, and the Battle of Monocacy.

Road to Antietam from the Best Farm
2025-09-06 11:00 | Best Farm (Tour Stop #1), Urbana Pike, Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, MD, 21742, United States
Step into the past to learn about the “Lost Orders” of the 1862 Maryland Campaign and the role Best Farm played during the Civil War. Ranger programs will explore the history of the Best Farm and infantry demonstrations will be conducted throughout the day.

Disguised and Determined: Women Who Fought in the Civil War
2025-09-06 15:00 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Saturday Speaker Series: Tracey McIntire and Audrey Scanlan-Teller
There are hundreds of documented cases of women who fought disguised as men during the Civil War. Tracey McIntire and Audrey Scanlan-Teller, PhD will discuss and share documentation of some of the more fascinating women and what motivated them to fight alongside men.
Tracey McIntire earned her BA in English at Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire. She is Lead Educator at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, site administrator at the Pry House Field Hospital Museum and an interpretive volunteer at Antietam National Battlefield. Since 2008, she has portrayed a woman soldier at living history events.
Audrey Scanlan-Teller earned her MA and PhD in art history at the University of Delaware. Since 2005, she has portrayed a Civil War enlisted soldier for historical interpretive demonstrations, a portrayal that compelled her to study the women soldiers of the Civil War. Dr. Scanlan-Teller is an active interpretive volunteer at Antietam National Battlefield Park and a small business owner.

Frederick in the Civil War: A Bus Tour of the Historic City
2025-09-07 14:30 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 21701, United States
Step back in time aboard a vintage 1966 double-decker bus for a fascinating one-hour journey through Downtown Frederick, exploring the city’s critical role in the Civil War and the evolution of battlefield medicine.
Departing from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, this guided tour is led by a professional docent who will share gripping stories of local hospitals, heroic caregivers, and the medical innovations that emerged from wartime necessity. As you roll through historic streets and landmarks, you’ll gain insight into the challenges faced by doctors, nurses, and soldiers alike during one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
– Explore Frederick’s Civil War history through a medical lens aboard a restored 1966 double-decker bus
– Hear expert narration from a professional museum docent
– Visit key sites where wounded soldiers were treated
– A unique educational experience in the heart of historic Frederick
– Every ticket includes admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine
DEPARTS FROM: The National Museum of Civil War Medicine
TICKET PRICE: $39 per person (includes admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine)
HOW TO BOOK: Spots are limited — join us for an unforgettable ride through the past — where history meets healing.

American Battlefield Trust Generations Event at Antietam Battlefield
2025-09-07 14:30 | New York Monument near Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5831 Dunker Church Rd, Sharpsburg, Maryland, 21782
On Grandparents’ Day, bring your kids, grandkids, neighbors, and friends and march in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers at Antietam National Battlefield. This afternoon of high energy activities and a history hike will help to instill a lifelong interest in history! Join the American Battlefield Trust and the Antietam Institute for this special Generations event, designed to help adults share their passion for history with younger people. This event is open to all who attend with someone from another generation. It is ideal for ages 6–17, with a parent or guardian required to accompany each child. Registration is required to help us plan engaging activities for everyone.
Location: Park in designated lots or overflow parking at Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center. Meet at the New York State Monument on the high ground just to the left of the Visitor Center; American Battlefield Trust staff will be on-site to point out the monument, too.
What to bring: Please wear comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor activities. Be prepared to walk about 1.5 miles along dirt and grass trails and some rolling terrain. A water bottle and snacks (none will be provided).

Catoctin Furnace Living History Festival
2025-09-11 20:00 - 2025-09-14 16:00 | Catoctin Furnace, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, Maryland, 21788
From Thursday, September 11, until Sunday, September 14, 2025, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society will present seven public performances of Iron Will, set between October 11 and 13, 1780, at Catoctin Furnace. In 1780, the Continental Army convinced the co-owners of Catoctin Furnace—Maryland’s first governor, Thomas Johnson, and his brother James, the ironmaster at the furnace—to manufacture 31 tons of shells, which were fired, eventually, at the decisive Battle of Yorktown.
This original production based on historical events focuses on the personal stories of people at the furnace—owners and workers, European immigrants and African slaves—against the historical backdrop of the Revolutionary War and the development of Maryland’s industry.
Audiences will be able to immerse themselves in the lives of the people at the Revolutionary War era furnace by attending site-specific performances at historic locations, including the Collier Log Cabin, the fully functional blacksmith’s shop, the furnace, and other outdoor locations.

Living History - Frances Perkins
2025-09-12 13:00 | Washington County Free Library, 100 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740
Living History at the Library proudly presents: “I Am Not Content: an Hour with Frances Perkins.” Frances Perkins was the Secretary of Labor under FDR and the founder of Social Security. She was responsible for implementing decent wages, humane working hours, safe working conditions, abolishment of child labor, plus much more!
Please join the Washington County Free Library on Friday, September 12 from 1-2:30 PM in the Community Room when actress Kathie Mack retells the life of Frances Perkins in a one-woman play by Steve LaRoque, who will introduce the program. Seats are limited so please register today!

‘When Hell Came to Sharpsburg’: Author Talk With Steven Cowie
2025-09-12 13:00 | Pry House Barn, 18906 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville, Maryland, 21756
Join the National Museum of Civil War Medicine on the Antietam National Battlefield on Friday, September 12, at 1:00 p.m. for a special presentation by author Steven Cowie about his book “When Hell Came to Sharpsburg: The Battle of Antietam and Its Impact on the Civilians Who Called It Home.” Cowie will look at the impacts of the Battle of Antietam on the local civilian population, including the Pry family. His talk will be presented in the Pry Barn, which served as a field hospital after the battle. The Pry Barn is located at: 18906 Shepherdstown Pike Keedysville, MD 21756 This will be a pay-what-you-please program.

Culture & Cocktails: A Local Family's Experience of the Battle of Antietam
2025-09-12 18:00 | Miller House Museum, 135 W Washington St, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
On Friday, September 12, join Jay Graybeal, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Army Heritage Museum, for “Confusion and Excitement: A Local Family’s Experience of the Battle of Antietam.”
Jay Graybeal presents a talk on his ancestors’ experiences as local farmers during the Antietam and Gettysburg Campaigns, including the trials they endured and the court cases they were involved in following the Civil War.
This month’s drink is the Sherry Cobbler, a cocktail popular during the mid-19th century that combines sherry, sugar, and citrus. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d’oeuvres will be served!
Culture & Cocktails 2025 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation. Please register at the link.

Frederick's Black Heritage Walking Tour
2025-09-13 10:30 | Heritage Frederick, 24 E Church ST, Frederick, Maryland, 21701
Visit landmarks and hear stories revealing Frederick’s Black heritage from the early-19th century to the present day. This tour features sites associated with enslavement and segregation and highlights the achievements of a diverse and vibrant Black community in the pursuit of equality and freedom.

Hood's Defeat Near Fox's Gap
2025-09-14 14:00 | Old South Mountain Inn – Appalachian Trail parking lot, Intersection of Washington Monument Road and Old National Pike at Turner's Gap, Middletown, Maryland, 21769
Author Curtis Older will present a review of the Fox Family of Fox’s Gap, “Hood’s Defeat Near Fox’s Gap,” “The Land Tracts of the Battlefield of South Mountain,” and “The Braddock Expedition and Fox’s Gap in Maryland.” Curtis Older is a descendant of the Fox family that lived at Fox’s Gap and has lots of interesting historical and genealogical information on that family. Curtis will guide those who want to walk the Appalachian Trail to Fox’s Gap from Turner’s Gap that day.
Autographed copies of “Hood’s Defeat Near Fox’s Gap,” “The Land Tracts of the Battlefield of South Mountain,” and “The Braddock Expedition and Fox’s Gap in Maryland” will be available. This event is FREE. First eight attendees receive choice of two free books.
Attendees should plan to bring fold-up seating, if they wish. A bottle of water or soda will be made available for each attendee. If you plan to attend, please register by emailing Curtis Older at curtisolder@me.com.

Fateful Sunday: Burkittsville and the Battle of South Mountain
2025-09-14 16:00 | South Mountain Heritage Society, 3 East Main Street, Burkittsville, Maryland, 21718
Join the South Mountain Heritage Society for a special guided walking tour in Burkittsville, Maryland, commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of South Mountain on September 14, 1862!
At 4pm, gather outside the historic South Mountain Heritage Society for a 90-minute journey led by historian Jody Brumage of South Mountain Heritage Society and Heritage Frederick and Public Historian Jake Wynn. Together, they’ll uncover the dramatic events that shaped this historic village during the Civil War’s crucial Maryland Campaign.
As they trace the footsteps of Union and Confederate forces converging on Burkittsville, you’ll hear stories of a small town thrown into the chaos of a massive military campaign.
The walking tour will delve into the pivotal role Burkittsville played in the immediate aftermath of the United States Army’s victory at Crampton’s Gap, when churches and private homes became makeshift hospitals. These improvised medical stations reveal a human story of courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of unprecedented hardship.
Don’t miss your chance to walk the historic streets of Burkittsville in the footsteps of soldiers, generals, and surgeons who saved lives. Reserve your spot today.

McCauley Lecture Series
2025-09-15 18:00 | Washington County Free Library, 100 South Potomac St., Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740
Does anybody really know when the Civil Rights Movement began? You will by the end of this presentation!
For the first time in public, Dr. Edward N. Maliskas makes the case that America’s Civil Rights Movement began in Washington County, Maryland.
Maliskas begins by offering for the audience’s consideration a short list of commonly cited candidates for the honor of being the birthplace of the movement. To be sure, they are important milestones, but do they meet the academic criteria for what constitutes the inception of a social movement?
The case begins with defining “social movement.” A quick list details the primary characteristics of a mass social movement, including the leadership, coordination, and strategies necessary to produce and sustain a movement as massive as the Civil Rights Movement.
Maliskas concludes that the only group sufficiently powerful and connected to begin the Movement did so with a large, passionate, and self-aware event held in Western Maryland in the early 1950s.

Box Lunch Talk: Mike Eaton, English Teacher Extraordinaire presented by Caroline Babylon
2025-09-16 12:00 | Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
From 1938-1971, English teacher, William Granville “Mike” Eaton, commanded his classroom at Westminster High School and directed excellent theatrical productions. Eaton lived in Thelma Hoffman’s boarding house, a.k.a. Cockey’s Tavern, owned by HSCC. Caroline Babylon and Kevin Dayhoff inherited Eaton’s extensive archive, which will be set up in the Mike Eaton Room at HSCC this year. They also established the Mike Eaton Scholarship which is given each year to teachers nominated by their students. Caroline will share stories about her inspiring teacher who believed in the great potential of his students.
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.

Mount Olivet Cemetery Civil War Tour
2025-09-17 18:00 | Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 South Market St, Frederick, Maryland, 21701
This insightful walking tour features former residents who participated in and experienced first-hand the American Civil War. Mount Olivet was opened less than a decade before the conflict and possessed a contract with the federal government to bury here the dead of both armies who passed in Frederick’s “one vast hospital.” Many local veterans survived the horrors of war and came back to Frederick to continue their lives in peaceful times. They would be laid to rest here in family lots. Civilians like Barbara Fritchie, Rev. Daniel Zacharias and Glenn Worthington played unique roles in Civil War lore and they, too, repose here.
Note: This tour can be taken ala carte or is already bundled as a special FREE bonus to go with the 3-week Frederick in the Civil War ONLINE course being taught via Zoom (Aug.27-Sept. 10-See Course offering)​2+hour Walking Tour $20. Meet at the Key Chapel, 100 yards behind the Francis Scott Key Monument (near front gate).

SAR 250 Speakers Series - "The 1774 Summer of Discontent: How Colonial Governors Unified Patriots for War"
2025-09-17 19:00 | Frederick Masonic Lodge, 6816 Blentlinger Rd, Frederick, Maryland, 21702
Jim Bish, Revolutionary War historian, and President of Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR, will reveal the importance of the many local Resolves that were penned in the summer of 1774, especially in the middle Atlantic States of Maryland and Virginia. The local commitment against the actions of England became paramount in the success of the Revolution. Local residents reacted to the probable abolition of their rights by the British. This democratic action was the first step to declaring independence two years later. In doing so, the county freeholders and inhabitants bought into the upcoming struggle while producing a purely democratic set of documents which show a united clarity of purpose. Their collective local actions and their statements, county by county, have rarely been duplicated, previously or since. Virginia and Maryland produced the most comprehensive set of resolves compared to anywhere in the colonies leading up to the Revolutionary War. These resolves fortified their commitment to the ever-strengthening common cause of America. During the 1774 summer of discontent, the Royal Governor’s actions helped to unify Virginians and Marylanders for war, something that Massachusetts and the other colonies needed in the following years.

HCWHA U.S. 250th GeoTour Kickoff
2025-09-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Exploration Commons, Westminster Branch of Carroll County Public Library, 50 East Main Street, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Explore the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area in Maryland’s Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties! The HCWHA U.S. 250th GeoTour will take you from Civil War battlefields to charming historic towns and lots of unexpected places in between to discover a sampling of our region’s many museums and historic sites.
Created in recognition of 250 years of history since the American Revolution, each geocache highlights the site’s history and you are invited to learn more at each stop during your visit.
This GeoTour was made possible by a TRIPP grant from Visit Frederick, a MAERDAF grant from the Rural Maryland Council, and generous support from the Maryland Geocaching Society.
If you plan to attend the kickoff event for the GeoTour, please register at the link below.

Foundations of Frederick History Walking Tour
2025-09-20 10:30 | Heritage Frederick, 24 E Church ST, Frederick, Maryland, 21701
Experience the history and beauty of downtown as knowledgeable guides share the fascinating stories that make up historic Frederick, Maryland.

Carroll 250 Speaker Event: Stephen G. Evangelista, Civil War Historian & Author
2025-09-20 14:00 | Carroll County Public Library – Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg, Maryland, 21784
Join author Stephen Evangelista as he explores the topic of his latest book, Forever Silenced: The Story of the Gettysburg Gun which offers an extraordinary and sweeping narrative of one of the Civil War’s most enduring artifacts: the Gettysburg Gun. This cannon is the only known artillery piece to have fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and survive on its original wooden gun carriage.
Learn about the incredible story of the Gettysburg Gun from its casting in Boston in 1862, through the crucible of war, to its present home in Rhode Island. A true testament to survival, sacrifice, and honor across three centuries. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation.
This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.
Please visit the Carroll County Public Library website at https://ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/stephen-evangelista
Questions? Contact Laura Bankard, Outreach & Events Director at lbankard@hsccmd.org or 410.848.6494 ext. 200.

Art & Architecture Walking Tour
2025-09-27 10:30 | Heritage Frederick, 24 E Church ST, Frederick, Maryland, 21701
Look at Frederick with new eyes. Experience the history and beauty of downtown as we explore some of the popular architectural styles, local art, and history.

Maryland Microbrewery Festival
2025-09-27 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.
Adult / beer sampling: $25 (in advance) or $30 (at the door). Non-beer sampling: $8 (in advance) or $10 (at the door). Under 12 years: free.
