Program Date: Thursday, October 15th
Program Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

On the 167th anniversary of John Brown’s “Harpers Ferry Invasion,” this tour brings to life the landscape of a dramatic event in the Harpers Ferry story. Add lesser-known trails and perspectives to the well-known headlines of this pivotal event in American history.

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 2-mile hike will cover Lower Town Harpers Ferry, Virginius and Halls islands, with uneven steps and tripping hazards. Participants should meet at the Benches on the Green across from the Park Bookshop.

This guided hike has a $10.00 program fee. Registration is required to secure a spot for this program.

Program Date: Thursday, October 15th
Program Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Alstadts Ale House

Explore the rich stories of our historic town and gain a deeper appreciation of Harpers Ferry’s place in the nation’s story during our History on Tap series. Step into the warm, inviting ambience of Alstadts Ale House and immerse yourself in engaging discussions on a range of fascinating history.

Come to a unique evening with author and Certified Guide Jim Silvia as we take a look into some of the entries in his new book Minute by Minute. We will view the John Brown Raid from the inside of some of the town’s taverns and see what was happening during the Raid from the perspective of townspeople and militia who were in town while the event was going on. Learn about Foulke’s Tavern and the Gault House Saloon and how they each contributed to the events of October 16 – 18, 1859. 

Come for the history and stay for the camaraderie, with delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of beer and wine available for purchase. Seating is limited, so registration is recommended, and tables may be shared with fellow attendees.

Program Date: Friday, October 16th
Program Time: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Location: Various Locations Including the Kennedy Farm, the C&O Canal Towpath, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

“We will proceed to the Ferry.” With these words, abolitionist John Brown launched an attack on the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry—an event that helped ignite the Civil War. Follow in the footsteps of Brown’s small “Provisional Army” during this solemn five-mile walk from his headquarters in Washington County, Maryland, to Harpers Ferry. This rarely offered experience invites participants to consider how acts of moral conviction have influenced the nation’s course across generations. In addition to the processional walk led by retired park Chief Historian Dennis Frye, this event includes shuttle service to Brown’s headquarters at the Kennedy Farm, presentations, music, and an authentic period meal.

Registration is required for this event due to limited space.

Please note that this rain-or-shine event includes elevation changes and walking on road and gravel surfaces.

Walk Length and Difficulty: Approx. Five (5) Miles | Rated MODERATE to STRENUOUS, with elevation changes and walking on road and gravel surfaces.

Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Co-sponsored by the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, with support from the Shepherd University Civil War Center, Washington County, Maryland Sheriff’s Office, Washington County EMS, Washington County Engineering Department, and Washington County Highway Department.

Program Date: Sunday, October 18th
Program Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Arsenal Square, Lower Town

Join us for the release of our latest publication, The Raid Minute by Minute by Jim Silvia.

Including author talks by Louis DeCaro Jr., John Brown: A Reference Guide to His Life and Works (Bloomsbury, 2026), and Ed Maliskas, Finding Liberty: The Hidden Treasure of John Brown’s Farm (Hamilton Run Press, 2026). All three authors will be available for book signings.

Registration is encouraged.

Program Date: Friday, October 23rd
Program Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Harpers Ferry Train Station

Irish immigrant Joseph Barry could be called the Forrest Gump of 19th-century Harpers Ferry. In his book The Strange Story of Harpers Ferry, first published in 1903, he gives first-person accounts of John Brown’s Raid, the Civil War, and historic floods. This lantern tour will relay some of his most colorful, tragic, and strange tales.

Led by Cathy Baldau, executive director of the Harpers Ferry Park Association, this EASY-rated hike offers an engaging journey through history. The route includes uneven sidewalks, grassy areas, and paths. Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge to the tour; in her previous position as publications specialist, she edited and managed production of eight books on the history of Harpers Ferry.

Participants should park and meet at the Train Station. Please allow extra time to find parking, as the Train Station lot may fill up quickly—October evenings are especially busy in Harpers Ferry. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or lantern to light your way!

This guided hike has a $10.00 program fee. Registration is required to secure a spot for this program.

Program Date: Friday, October 30th
Program Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Harpers Ferry Train Station

Irish immigrant Joseph Barry could be called the Forrest Gump of 19th-century Harpers Ferry. In his book The Strange Story of Harpers Ferry, first published in 1903, he gives first-person accounts of John Brown’s Raid, the Civil War, and historic floods. This lantern tour will relay some of his most colorful, tragic, and strange tales.

Led by Cathy Baldau, executive director of the Harpers Ferry Park Association, this EASY-rated hike offers an engaging journey through history. The route includes uneven sidewalks, grassy areas, and paths. Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge to the tour; in her previous position as publications specialist, she edited and managed production of eight books on the history of Harpers Ferry.

Participants should park and meet at the Train Station. Please allow extra time to find parking, as the Train Station lot may fill up quickly—October evenings are especially busy in Harpers Ferry. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or lantern to light your way!

This guided hike has a $10.00 program fee. Registration is required to secure a spot for this program.

Program Date: Thursday, November 19th
Program Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Alstadts Ale House

Explore the rich stories of our historic town and gain a deeper appreciation of Harpers Ferry’s place in the nation’s story during our History on Tap series. Step into the warm, inviting ambience of Alstadts Ale House and immerse yourself in engaging discussions on a range of fascinating history.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, native peoples traversed and occupied what is now West Virginia for more than ten thousand years. Indigenous groups such as the Shawnee, Susquehannock, Haudenosaunee, and Delaware forged trade networks throughout the Potomac and Shenandoah River valleys, and relied on the land for sustenance. Join HFPA volunteer and park ranger Kathryn Christopher as she introduces us to the Mid-Atlantic region prior to European settlement and describes how the dynamic landscape of Harpers Ferry provided for Native Americans until conflict ultimately pushed them out in the 18th century.

Come for the history and stay for the camaraderie, with delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of beer and wine available for purchase. Seating is limited, so registration is recommended, and tables may be shared with fellow attendees.