Program Date: Wednesday, June 4th
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: The Green
Program Fee: $10 per session, or all six sessions for a discounted rate of $30. Participants will also receive a 10% discount on the featured book.
Registration Encouraged
Calling all young explorers and book lovers! This summer, embark on an adventure filled with fun, learning, and imagination as you discover the rich history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Through captivating stories, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions, kids will connect with historical themes, meet fascinating figures, and experience the magic of a national park like never before. Along the way, they’ll foster a love of reading and develop a deeper understanding of the past.
Get ready to meet Victoria, a mischievous little kitty with a nose for adventure! Follow her on an adventurous day around Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. What fun and surprises await as Victoria turns this national park into her playground? There’s only one way to find out — join us and be part of the story!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer experience. Sign up today for a summer full of fun, learning, and discovery—where history comes alive and the spirit of adventure is just around the corner.
Program Date: Saturday, June 7th
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: The Armory Canal Trail
Registration Required | $10.00 Program Fee
Bring your furry friend and join us for a scenic, guided hike along the Potomac River! We’ll start on the Armory Canal Trail, where we'll explore the remains of Dam 3, a fascinating piece of history. As we make our way back to the Lower Town, you’ll learn about the BARK Ranger program, designed to keep our parks safe and enjoyable for pets and visitors alike. At the end of the hike, your dog can even become an official BARK Ranger!
Be sure to bring a leash, waste bags, water, proper footwear, and any other essentials for a safe and comfortable hike. This hike is ideal for dogs that enjoy being around other dogs and people.
Led by volunteer Dave Cahan, a seasoned hiker who’s familiar with Harpers Ferry's 20 miles of trails, this 3.5-mile hike is rated EASY, with gentle, flat walking on dirt and grass paths.
Participants should meet on Potomac Street, across from the Harpers Ferry Train Station, near Isabella’s Pizza in the caboose. We can’t wait to explore the beauty of the Potomac River with you and your four-legged friend!
Program Date: Wednesday, June 11th
Program Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: St. Peter's Cemetery
This event is free and open to the public, and registration will open in May 2025.
Please join Harpers Ferry Civil War Round Table and the Harpers Ferry Park Association for a guided tour of historic graves at St. Peter’s Cemetery at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Meet at the Cemetery Gate – the end of Jefferson Street, Bolivar.
Starting with Irish railroad and canal builders in the 1830s, a sizeable Catholic population settled in the towns of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar. St. Peter’s Church was the center of that community, and St. Peter’s Cemetery was where they buried their dead. Many of those interred there during the Civil War era, civilian and military, had interesting stories. We will make our way to the graves of some of these individuals and hear their stories from HFPA Certified Guides and members of the Round Table.
Parking is very limited near the cemetery, and you will learn of parking options at the time of reservation. Although walking distances are limited, the cemetery is hilly, and participants must be ready to walk and stand for the duration of the tour. There is no dinner associated with this program.
Program Date: Wednesday, June 18th
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: The Green
Program Fee: $10 per session, or all six sessions for a discounted rate of $30. Participants will also receive a 10% discount on the featured book.
Registration Encouraged
Calling all young explorers and book lovers! This summer, embark on an adventure filled with fun, learning, and imagination as you discover the rich history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Through captivating stories, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions, kids will connect with historical themes, meet fascinating figures, and experience the magic of a national park like never before. Along the way, they’ll foster a love of reading and develop a deeper understanding of the past.
Explore the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the enslaved individuals in the South. Known by many names, including Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day, Juneteenth is a powerful chapter in American history. We'll reflect on its significance, honor the journey toward freedom, and explore its enduring impact.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer experience. Sign up today for a summer full of fun, learning, and discovery—where history comes alive and the spirit of adventure is just around the corner.
Program Date: Thursday, June 19th
Program Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Alstadts Ale House
Limited Seating – Registration Encouraged
Explore the rich stories of Harpers Ferry during our History on Tap series. Step into the inviting ambiance of Alstadts Ale House and immerse yourself in engaging discussions on a range of fascinating history.
Next to John Brown himself, perhaps the most recognizable and evocative image of John Brown’s October 1859 raid in Harpers Ferry is the haunting portrait of raider Dangerfield Newby. This talk follows Newby from his childhood in Virginia and his life in Ohio, his death at Harpers Ferry, his legacy in popular culture, and how the Newby family continued Dangerfield’s fight for freedom after his death.
Jon-Erik Gilot has worked in the field of public history for more than 15 years and is active in numerous historical organizations. A contributing historian at the popular Emerging Civil War blog since 2018, his work has been published in books, journals, and magazines. His first book for the Emerging Civil War Series, John Brown’s Raid, was recently published by Savas Beatie Publishing. Jon-Erik earned a degree in History from Bethany College and Master of Library & Information Science from Kent State University. Today, he serves as Curator at the Captain Thomas Espy Grand Army of the Republic Post in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, and works as an archivist and records manager in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Enjoy delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of beer and wine available for purchase. Come for the history, stay for the camaraderie, and leave with a deeper appreciation of Harpers Ferry’s place in the nation's story.
Program Date: Wednesday, July 2nd
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: The Green
Program Fee: $10 per session, or all six sessions for a discounted rate of $30. Participants will also receive a 10% discount on the featured book.
Registration Encouraged
Calling all young explorers and book lovers! This summer, embark on an adventure filled with fun, learning, and imagination as you discover the rich history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Through captivating stories, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions, kids will connect with historical themes, meet fascinating figures, and experience the magic of a national park like never before. Along the way, they’ll foster a love of reading and develop a deeper understanding of the past.
For decades, as monarch butterflies swooped through North America like clockwork, people from Canada, the United States, and Mexico shared a common question: Where do they go? This mystery was solved only when communities worked together as a team. Today, there’s a new monarch mystery—one that we all must work together to solve. Kids will explore this fascinating story, learning about the power of teamwork, conservation, and the wonders of the natural world.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer experience. Sign up today for a summer full of fun, learning, and discovery—where history comes alive and the spirit of adventure is just around the corner.
Program Date: Sunday, July 6th
Program Time: 11:00 AM
Location: The Point
Registration Will Open in Late Spring | $10.00 Program Fee
Join us for an engaging guided hike at Harpers Ferry to discover and sample wineberries!
Led by volunteer Dave Cahan, a seasoned hiker who’s familiar with Harpers Ferry's 20 miles of trails, this hike will introduce you to the delicious wineberry and teach you how to identify them throughout the park and beyond. Dave is well-acquainted with both the historic and natural features of the area, making this an informative and enjoyable experience for all. Participants should meet at the Point.
**This hike is dependent on the seasonal fruit yield. Subject to cancellation.
Program Date: Saturday, July 12th
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Camp Hill
Registration Encouraged | $10.00 Program Fee
As the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry expanded, the demand for housing for workers grew—but real estate in Lower Town was limited. The solution? Building up the hill! Join Certified Park Guide Mike Vidmar as he shares some of that story. Don't miss this walking tour of historic Armory Houses, including a stop at the Odd Fellows Lodge, where Civil War-era graffiti can be viewed—where past and present come together for a memorable experience!
This walking tour is approximately 1-mile and rated MODERATE. Participants should meet at the Storer College Gates.
Program Date: Wednesday, July 16th
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: The Green
Program Fee: $10 per session, or all six sessions for a discounted rate of $30. Participants will also receive a 10% discount on the featured book.
Registration Encouraged
Calling all young explorers and book lovers! This summer, embark on an adventure filled with fun, learning, and imagination as you discover the rich history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Through captivating stories, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions, kids will connect with historical themes, meet fascinating figures, and experience the magic of a national park like never before. Along the way, they’ll foster a love of reading and develop a deeper understanding of the past.
What can smell like bubble gum, glow neon green at night, be poisonous and yet still eaten by humans, and even help create rain? The answer is mushrooms! Join us as we explore the wonderful, mysterious, and sometimes bizarre world of mushrooms.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer experience. Sign up today for a summer full of fun, learning, and discovery—where history comes alive and the spirit of adventure is just around the corner.
Program Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: The Green
Program Fee: $10 per session, or all six sessions for a discounted rate of $30. Participants will also receive a 10% discount on the featured book.
Registration Encouraged
Calling all young explorers and book lovers! This summer, embark on an adventure filled with fun, learning, and imagination as you discover the rich history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Through captivating stories, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions, kids will connect with historical themes, meet fascinating figures, and experience the magic of a national park like never before. Along the way, they’ll foster a love of reading and develop a deeper understanding of the past.
Explore the Appalachian Trail, America's most iconic long-distance hiking path! Stretching over 2,000 miles through the scenic, wild, and culturally rich lands of the Appalachian Mountains, the trail offers a journey through forests, valleys, and breathtaking landscapes. In 1948, after a remarkable journey of five million steps across fourteen states for over two thousand miles, a brave hiker became the first to complete the entire Appalachian Trail in one continuous trek. Come learn about this amazing journey, the wonders of the trail, and the spirit of adventure that drives hikers to take on this incredible challenge!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer experience. Sign up today for a summer full of fun, learning, and discovery—where history comes alive and the spirit of adventure is just around the corner.
Program Date: Saturday, August 9th
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Lower Town Harpers Ferry
Registration Required | $10.00 Program Fee
The site for this tour may be familiar to Park visitors, but the content is rarely covered. Discover how a historian interprets the geology of Harpers Ferry and how bedrock made history and made history possible.
Our guide David Fox served as an interpretive park ranger at Harpers Ferry for 30 years, retiring in 2018. He is interested in everything the park has to offer but especially John Brown’s raid, African American history, and the intersection of natural and cultural history.
This two-block walking tour of Lower Town is rated EASY. Participants should meet at the benches on The Green, across from the Park Bookshop.
Program Date: Wednesday, August 13th
Program Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: The Green
Program Fee: $10 per session, or all six sessions for a discounted rate of $30. Participants will also receive a 10% discount on the featured book.
Registration Encouraged
Calling all young explorers and book lovers! This summer, embark on an adventure filled with fun, learning, and imagination as you discover the rich history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Through captivating stories, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions, kids will connect with historical themes, meet fascinating figures, and experience the magic of a national park like never before. Along the way, they’ll foster a love of reading and develop a deeper understanding of the past.
Beaver dams, bird nests, spider webs―the animal kingdom is filled with expert builders that construct spectacular homes. Discover facts about the innovative birds, bugs, mammals, and more that build nature’s most astonishing homes. Join us as we learn about nature’s amazing animal architects and become more familiar with animals and the natural world!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer experience. Sign up today for a summer full of fun, learning, and discovery—where history comes alive and the spirit of adventure is just around the corner.
Program Date: Thursday, August 21st
Program Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Alstadts Ale House
Limited Seating – Registration Encouraged
Explore the rich stories of Harpers Ferry during our History on Tap series. Step into the inviting ambiance of Alstadts Ale House and immerse yourself in engaging discussions on a range of fascinating history.
Step back into the 19th century and discover how Harpers Ferry played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. During this engaging program, we’ll explore the timeline of major weapon models manufactured here and learn how the technological advances pioneered by the arms industry in 19th-century America became a driving force behind the “American System” of manufacture. Join us and uncover the fascinating intersection of history, technology, and industry that helped shape the nation's path to progress.
Enjoy delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of beer and wine available for purchase. Come for the history, stay for the camaraderie, and leave with a deeper appreciation of Harpers Ferry’s place in the nation's story.
Program Date: Thursday, September 18th
Program Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Alstadts Ale House
Limited Seating – Registration Encouraged
Explore the rich stories of Harpers Ferry during our History on Tap series. Step into the inviting ambiance of Alstadts Ale House and immerse yourself in engaging discussions on a range of fascinating history.
In the fall of 1870, a massive flood engulfed parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. What began near Charlottesville as welcome rain at the end of a drought-plagued summer quickly turned into a downpour as it moved west and then north through the Shenandoah Valley. The impact was immense in terms of destruction, casualties, and depth of water. Join public historian and author of The Great Virginia Flood of 1870 Paula Green as she details not only the flood but also the process of recovery in an era before modern relief programs.
Enjoy delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of beer and wine available for purchase. Come for the history, stay for the camaraderie, and leave with a deeper appreciation of Harpers Ferry’s place in the nation's story.
Program Date: Saturday, September 20th
Program Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: The Point
Registration Required | $10.00 Program Fee
Join us in finding and sampling some Pawpaws at Harpers Ferry. This hike will introduce you to the Paw Paw and enable you to find them elsewhere in the park and beyond.
Led by volunteer Dave Cahan, a seasoned hiker who’s familiar with Harpers Ferry's 20 miles of trails, this 2-mile hike is rated EASY to MODERATE, with a 100 ft elevation gain with areas of uneven rocky and muddy footing. Long pants are recommended due to poison ivy in the area. Participants should meet at the Point in Lower Town, Harpers Ferry.
