Bugle Call

Newcomer Illumination: Visitors invited to participate in memorial at Antietam

November 2, 2015

National Park Service Antietam Washington County Newcomer House

On Saturday, December 5, the annual Antietam Memorial Illumination will honor the 23,110 soldiers killed, wounded or missing in the bloodiest one-day battle in American history. This year, a new feature will accompany the dramatic and moving commemoration. Starting now, visitors have the opportunity to participate in the illumination that will take place on the grounds of the historic Newcomer House.

Visitors can dedicate their own luminary memorial—whether to a Civil War soldier, a current service member, or a loved one—at four locations in the weeks leading up to the annual ceremony:

• Newcomer House, the Exhibit and Visitor Center for the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, is open 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM each weekend. It is located at 18422 Shepherdstown Pike in Keedysville.
• The Visitor Welcome Center in downtown Hagerstown, operated by the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The 6 N. Potomac Street location is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Friday as well as 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays.
• The Maryland Welcome Centers on I-70 Westbound and Eastbound. The Welcome Centers on South Mountain are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursday through Monday.

On the day of the event, visitors can stop by Newcomer House before 3:00 PM to create their luminaries. Girl Scout troop #40726 from Inwood, West Virginia and the Temple Youth of B'nai Abraham from Hagerstown will assist in lighting and maintaining these luminaries on December 5. These young stewards will learn about the Battle of Antietam and its continued significance through their service. The Newcomer House is located just a short distance from the event entrance on Route 34. 

Images: Top- Dunker Church at a past Illumination ceremony. NPS photo. Bottom- Supplies set up at the I-70 Welcome Center.

Contributing Author: Rachel Nichols

Rachel Nichols, heritage area assistant in Washington County, came to the staff in 2013 through a grant agreement with the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Center. While at the CVB, Rachel specialized in public relations for the organization. She has a strong background in... Read More