Program Date: Thursday, August 20th
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.
What inspired the creation of "America's Best Idea?" As we approach the anniversary of the National Park Service's founding, discover how the Organic Act of 1916 established the National Park Service and its enduring mission to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Explore the people, ideas, and events that led to the birth of a system dedicated to preserving the nation's most treasured landscapes and historic places.
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, September 25th
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—autumn 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: Saturday, October 3rd
Program Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Lower Town, Harpers Ferry
Step back in time and experience the magic of Civil War-era photography with John and Christine Milleker! Witness the creation of Wet Plate Collodion tintypes – a rare opportunity to see firsthand how these stunning, vintage images were crafted over 150 years ago.
The Millekers, experts in nearly every photographic process throughout history, will share fascinating insights that offer a deep understanding of the chemistry and techniques that evolved to make photography a reality by the start of the war. Discover how these techniques brought moments of history to life and revolutionized the way we capture memories.
In addition to live demonstrations of this intricate process, you can sit for a tintype portrait of yourself or your family for a fee – a timeless heirloom to be cherished for generations. Don't miss this unique chance to create something truly special!
Traditional Quarter Plate (3.25x4.25") Cost: $60.00
Traditional Half Plate (4.25x5.5") Cost: $80.00
Program Date: Sunday, October 4th
Program Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Lower Town, Harpers Ferry
Step back in time and experience the magic of Civil War-era photography with John and Christine Milleker! Witness the creation of Wet Plate Collodion tintypes – a rare opportunity to see firsthand how these stunning, vintage images were crafted over 150 years ago.
The Millekers, experts in nearly every photographic process throughout history, will share fascinating insights that offer a deep understanding of the chemistry and techniques that evolved to make photography a reality by the start of the war. Discover how these techniques brought moments of history to life and revolutionized the way we capture memories.
In addition to live demonstrations of this intricate process, you can sit for a tintype portrait of yourself or your family for a fee – a timeless heirloom to be cherished for generations. Don't miss this unique chance to create something truly special!
Traditional Quarter Plate (3.25x4.25") Cost: $60.00
Traditional Half Plate (4.25x5.5") Cost: $80.00
Program Date: Friday, October 9th
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: Saturday, October 10th
Program Time: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Maryland Heights Trail
Maryland Heights rises steep and rugged above Harpers Ferry, its cliffs layered with Civil War history. During the war, the strategic value of this high ground could not be overstated. Whoever held Maryland Heights controlled the town below—and the fate of the surrounding region.
In 1862, during a visit to Harpers Ferry, Abraham Lincoln set out to inspect federal troops on the mountainous terrain of Maryland Heights rising above the town, where a stone fort would soon be constructed, but wasn’t able to make it all the way up…can you? We’ll pass three Union gun sites and beautiful overlooks before reaching the fort at the top of Maryland Heights. Along the way, we’ll see bald eagle nests and other native and exotic species.
Come prepared with proper footwear, plenty of water, and a lunch or snack to eat at the top. This hike is 7+ miles, rated Difficult to Strenuous, has a 1000ft elevation gain, and steep walking on dirt roads and trails. Meet at the Point in Lower Town, Harpers Ferry.
This guided hike has a $10.00 program fee. Registration is required to secure a spot for this program.
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: 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.
