2009 Schedule of Events
These family events relate the natural and cultural history of the area and give accounts of the men and women whose contributions made Harpers Ferry a significant place in our nation’s heritage. These events are made possible through the efforts of the park staff, NPS volunteers, living history groups, and the Harpers Ferry Historical Association. For more information call 304-535-6029 or visit the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park website.
April 18
A Prelude to History: The Wedding of Virginia Kennedy
10 am - 4 pm. Programs and activities focusing on the arrival of Captain John Cook to Harpers Ferry and his subsequent marriage to Virginia Kennedy. Family & youth activities and a dramatic presentation entitled, “My Conspirator”, the life of Captain John Cook as told by his sister, Kate. Learn more about John Brown's Raid Sesquicentennial »
April 25
Workshop - Elegant Solutions: Animals Replenishing the Kitchen Garden
10 am - 4 pm. Join Master Gardener Carol Anderson to discover how to reap the benefits of kitchen gardening with heirloom vegetables. Registration fee of $20.00 covers instruction and the purchase of heirloom vegetables. To register and for more information, call the living history offices at 304-535-6063. Class is limited to 20
May 9
Music of “Sword of the Spirit”
2 pm. Arsenal Square In observance of John Brown’s 209th birthday, the concert will feature songs based on the story of John Brown, his friends and his supporters. All material written and performed by Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino.
May 16
How Does Your Garden Grow?
2 - 4 pm. Join the living history staff at the park’s paymaster kitchen garden to see “living antique” heirloom vegetables.
May 23-24
Defend and Protect: Arming America’s Soldiers
11 am - 4 pm. Special exhibits, firing demonstrations, and programs highlight the Harpers Ferry Armory, technology, invention and how soldiers used these weapons for national defense and exploration. Visitors are invited to experience the skills necessary to be a musket lock plate armory worker and munitions workers.
May 30
Remembering John Brown
1 pm. Lower Town. The 128th Anniversary of Frederick Douglass’ Storer College Address on John Brown will feature Fred Morsell’s dramatic presentation of this address. Learn more about John Brown's Raid Sesquicentennial »
June 6
National Trails Day
11 am - 4 pm. Join Harpers Ferry Park and partners for our annual National Trails Day event. Take a guided hike and enjoy the breathtaking vistas!
June 13-14
Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862
Bolivar Heights Battlefield Artillery demonstration and program on General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of the 12,500-man Union garrison. Programs at 12 noon, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
June 20-21
Workshop - The Art of the Forge: Blacksmithing in the 19th Century
10 am - 4 pm. Learn the stock and trade of the early town’s craftsmen. Workshop registration is limited to 10 students. Cost of $100.00 covers instruction, coal and metal. To register, contact the living history offices at 304-535-6063.
June 27
8th Annual Don Redman Heritage Concert & Awards
6:00 pm on the grounds of Mather Training Center. Free concert features Phil Woods and Charli Persip with the Howard Burns Quartet.
July 4
America’s Picnic: Celebrating the Glorious Fourth!
11 am - 4 pm. A special living history program on how the 4th was celebrated in America. Traditional hometown band concert with the Wildcat Regiment Band, the Regimental Band of the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
July 5
Workshop - Ices, Creamed Ice, and Custards
2 - 4 pm. 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 11-12
Giving Aid and Comfort: Medical and Relief Work during the Civil War
11 am - 4 pm. The living history volunteers will portray the medical and relief efforts that provided aid and comfort to the thousands of soldiers fighting during the American Civil War.
July 18-19
Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862
Bolivar Heights Battlefield. Artillery demonstration and program on General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of the 12,500-man Union garrison. Programs at 12 noon, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
July 25
Slavery, the Abolitionist Movement and Reflections of Jefferson & Lincoln
1 and 3 pm. An insightful dramatic presentation on the issue of slavery featuring Jim Getty as Abraham Lincoln and Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson. Arsenal Square
August 1-2
I Will Follow Them To the Death: Sheridan’s Soldiers 1864
11 am - 4 pm. Members of the living history group 11th New Jersey will demonstrate union army garrison duties and maintaining military security in a occupied enemy town.
August 8-9
Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862
Bolivar Heights Battlefield. Artillery demonstration and program on General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of the 12,500-man Union garrison. Programs at 12 noon, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
August 15-16
A Summer of Fire: Harpers Ferry 1864
11 am - 4 pm. Living history volunteers of the 42nd 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 23
Niagara Movement Pilgrimage to John Brown's Fort
8:30 - 11 am. Retrace the 1906 footsteps of the men and women of Niagara during this commemorative walk to the site of the John Brown`s Fort in 1906. A 10:00 a.m. memorial service will follow at the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church.
September 6
U. S. Marine Band “Free Country”
U. S. Marine Band “Free Country” will perform on the grounds of Mather Training Center (former Storer campus) on Camp Hill from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Free of charge.
September 12-13
Eyes of the Army: The Cavalry Factor
11 am - 4 pm. Living History volunteers demonstrate cavalry riding, weapons firing, sabre drill and bugling.
September 26
National Public Lands Day
11 am - 4 pm. Guided hikes rated easy to challenging will be offered to Virginius Island, Jefferson’s Rock, C&O Canal, and for the hearty; the Maryland Heights Naval Battery.
October 3
Mr. Lincoln Returns to Harpers Ferry
1 and 3 pm on Hamilton Street. Jim Getty as Abraham Lincoln reflects back on his October 1862 visit to Harpers Ferry.
October 10-11
Workshop - Wet Plate Collodian Photography
Join instructor Todd Harrington to learn the art and mystery of the wet plate collodian photography. Make ambrotypes and tintypes. The course covers instructions, manuals, darkroom, and advice on equipment. All equipment will be provided. Lunch included. Make images of John Brown’s Fort and the Registration is limited to 8 students. Fee: $350.00. Ages 21 and up. To register, call the living history offices at 304-535-6063. Registration closes September 15th.
October 10-11
John Brown’s Legacy & At All Times Ready The US Marines
12 noon - 5 pm. Living History Event that features how the citizens, militia, US troops, and the voters reacted to abolitionist John Brown’s October 1859 raid on the US Armory. Learn more about John Brown's Raid Sesquicentennial »
October 16-18
150th Anniversary Commemoration of John Brown’s Raid
Saturday 10 am - 9 pm and Sunday 10 am - 4 pm. Public events focusing on the 36 hours of John Brown’s Raid 150 years ago. The weekend includes music, drama, scholarship, living history, family & youth activities, and ranger conducted programs. Learn more about John Brown's Raid Sesquicentennial »
October 31 - November 1
Under Fire: The Battle of Harpers Ferry 1862
Bolivar Heights Battlefield 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. Programs at 12 noon, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
November 7-8
Luxury or Necessity? Victorian Preserved Foods
11 am - 4 pm. Join the living history staff and volunteers at Roeder’s Confectionery as they demonstrate the differences between tin can and glass preserved foods.
November 7
Dramatic Debate
“If John Brown did not end the war that ended slavery, he did at least begin the war that ended slavery.” Dramatic debate with Fred Morsell as Frederick Douglass and Jim Getty as Abraham Lincoln. 1 and 3 pm in the Lower Town.
December 5-6
Prospects of Peace: A Soldiers Prayer 1864
Saturday 12 noon - 9 pm and Sunday 11 am - 4 pm. A special program focusing on Yuletide 1864 when Harpers Ferry soldiers attempted to create their own version of Christmas on the battle front. |
