2008 Schedule of Events
These events at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park are free to the public unless otherwise noted.
May 3
The Eyes of the Army: The Cavalry Factor
Living History volunteers will demonstrate cavalry riding, weapons firing, sabre drill, and bugling. Location: Bolivar Heights.
May 17
How Does Your Garden Grow?
What are kitchen gardens & heirloom vegetables and how do they differ from today’s gardens? Join Master Gardener Carol Anderson for a hands-on demonstration and examination of 19th century garden tools and heirloom garden plants at the park’s Armory Paymaster Garden.
May 24-25
Defend and Protect: Arming the American Soldier
Special exhibits and programs highlight the Harpers Ferry Armory, technology, invention and how soldiers used these weapons for national defense and exploration.
June 7
National Trails Day
Join Harpers Ferry Park and partners for our annual National Trails Day events, America’s largest annual single-day trails and outdoor celebration.
June 14-15
Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862
Artillery demonstration and program on General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of the 12,500-man Union garrison. Visitors are invited to witness the power of artillery that sealed the fate of the federal soldiers. Programs at 12, 2 and 3 p.m. Bolivar Heights Battlefield.
June 21
U. S. Navy Band “Country Current”
The band will perform on the grounds of Mather Training Center (former Storer College campus) on Camp Hill from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free of charge. Workshop from 10 to 4 p.m.
June 21-22
The Art of the Forge: Blacksmithing in the 19th Century
Learn the stock and trade of the early town’s craftsmen who took great pride in leaving their mark in the town’s industrial history story. Instructor: Professional Blacksmith, David Dufficy. Workshop registration is limited to 6 students. Cost of $100 covers instruction, coal, and metal for two days. To register, contact the living history offices at 304-535-6063.
June 28
The Seventh Annual Don Redman Heritage Awards & Concert
With Jimmy Cobb, Jymie Merritt & the Howard Burns Quartet on the grounds of Mather Training Center. 6:00 p.m.
June 28-29
History 3-D: Harpers Ferry in Depth
Join instructors to make your own Civil War era wooden stereopticon 3-D viewer and image cards of the town’s famous history making moments. Workshop registration is limited to 15 students. Cost is $35.00 per stereopticon kit. Children under 16 must be with a registered parent. Cost covers instruction and stereo viewer and photos. To register, call the living history offices at 304-535-6063.
July 5
America’s Picnic: Celebrating The Glorious Fourth
A special living history program on how the 4th was celebrated in America. Experience the patriotic passion of a traditional hometown band concert with the Wildcat Regiment Band, the Regimental Band of the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Workshop from 2-4 p.m.
July 6
Ices, Creamed Ice, and Custards Ice Cream Making and Molding Workshop at Roeder’s Confectionery
Observers welcomed. Call the living history offices at 304-535-6063 to register. Workshop limited to 20 people: 16 yrs or older $5.00. Under 16 free with paying adults.
July 12
Supplied for Survival: Meriwether Lewis at Harpers Ferry
Visitors are invited to follow in the footsteps of Lewis as he prepared for his transcontinental expedition. Enjoy special exhibits and tours, family and youth activities.
July 12-13
Giving Aid and Comfort: Medical and Relief Work During the Civil War
Living history volunteers, the Frederick Ladies Relief Society, portray the medical and relief efforts that provided aid and comfort to the soldiers fighting during the Civil War.
July 19-20
Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862
An artillery demonstration and program on General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of the 12,500-man Union garrison. Visitors are invited to witness the power of artillery that sealed the fate of the federal soldiers. Programs at 12, 2 and 3 p.m. Bolivar Heights Battlefield.
July 26
Thomas Jefferson at Harpers Ferry
1:00 p.m. – This Scene is Worth a Voyage Across the Atlantic with Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson (Lower Town). 3:00 p.m. – The Object of Your Mission: Thomas Jefferson and the Lewis and Clark Expedition with Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson (Lower Town).
July 26-27
A Soldier’s City: Harpers Ferry 1864
Living history volunteers of Co. C 10th Vermont will interpret the Union occupation of Harpers Ferry during the summer of 1864. Ranger guided historic weapons, drill and firing demonstrations.
August 2-3
I Will Follow Them To the Death: Sheridan’s Soldiers 1864
Members of the living history group 11th New Jersey will demonstrate union army garrison duties and maintaining military security in an occupied enemy town.
August 9-10
Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862
Artillery demonstration and program on General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of the 12,500-man Union garrison. Visitors are invited to witness the power of artillery that sealed the fate of the federal soldiers. Programs at 12, 2 and 3 p.m. Bolivar Heights Battlefield.
August 16-17
A Summer of Fire: Harpers Ferry 1864
Visitors are invited to see a town with southern loyalties garrisoned by Union soldiers. Living history volunteers of the 142nd Pennsylvania and 20th Maine Hospital interpret the Union occupation of Harpers Ferry during the summer of 1864. Ranger guided historic weapons, drill and firing demonstrations will be featured.
August 24
Remembering the Niagara Movement: A Pilgrimage to John Brown’s Fort
8:30 a.m. – Retrace the 1906 footsteps of the men and women of Niagara during this commemorative walk to the site of John Brown’s Fort in 1906. A 10:00 a.m. memorial service will follow at the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church.
August 23-24
Miners and Sappers: The U.S. Engineer Corps
Visitors are invited to try their skill at using a civil war map and compass to traverse the town that was held by a Dixon Miles’ Union garrison and assemble Chevaux- DeFrise defenses made by the engineers against cavalry attacks. Workshop from 3-4 p.m.
August 23-24
Cartographer, Engineers, and Builders to WAR!
Learn how to make Civil War era light sensitive paper used to make military maps. Workshop is limited to 10. Cost is $5.00 per person. Call the living history offices at 304-535-6063 for registration information.
September 6
U. S. Marine Band “Free Country”
The band will perform on the grounds of Mather Training Center (former Storer College campus) on Camp Hill from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
September 20-21
The Eyes of the Army: The Cavalry Factor
Living History volunteers will demonstrate cavalry riding, weapons firing, sabre drill, and bugling.
September 27
National Public Lands Day
October 4
Mr. Lincoln Returns to Harpers Ferry
1:00 and 3:00 p.m. – Mr. Lincoln Returns to Harpers Ferry with Jim Getty as Abraham Lincoln (Lower Town).
October 11
Election Day 1860
Living History Event Join the park staff and volunteers for this event that places the visitor in the time period after John Brown’s execution on December 2nd, 1859 and the November Presidential election. The visitor steps into a town under martial law and living in fear of future attacks or slave insurrection. Military and civilian living history volunteers and staff will provide numerous reactions of the town’s former inhabitants.
October 12
At All Times Ready: The U.S. Marines
Join the members of the U.S. Historic Marine Company at the Engine House where they captured Abolitionist John Brown and his raiders.
October 18-19
Family Life 1860 in Harpers Ferry: The Frederick Roeder Story
Help the Living History staff and volunteers, crush, shred, and squeeze apple cider for Roeder’s Tavern while hearing about the family’s life and times. Cider making demonstration will be presented at the Tavern.
October 25-26
Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862
Visitors are invited to witness the power of Confederate artillery that sealed the fate of the federal soldiers. Members of the living history groups Baltimore Light Artillery, Fredericksburg Light Artillery, and the Liberty Rifles will portray Confederate artillery soldiers and conduct the demonstrations. 149th New York Vol. infantry will provide a Union encampment with firing demonstrations and drill. Their military camp will be open for visitation on the Bolivar Heights Battlefield. Programs at 12, 2 and 3 p.m.
November 1-2
Luxury or Necessity: Victorian Preserved Foods
Join the living history staff and volunteers at Roeder’s Confectionery as they demonstrate the differences between tin can and glass preserved foods. Visitors are invited to examine Victorian food preservation methods and containers.
December 6-7
Prospects of Peace: A Soldier’s Prayer
This special program focuses on Yuletide 1864 when Harpers Ferry soldiers attempted to create their own version of Christmas on the battle front. Programs and activities will feature local citizens and soldiers preparing for the Yuletide, a Civil War style Santa Claus dispersing presents to the soldiers, a Victorian Cotillion, Yuletide confections, and special guided walking tours. |
