Civil War Events 

CIVIL WAR EVENTS 

Upcoming and ongoing commemorations and events marking the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War in Maryland are reaching a crescendo.

Check out our Calendar of Events for a full selection of Civil War events.

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 

Living-history encampment
June 8-9, 2013
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, join us and watch a Civil War reenactment by The 138th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Co. B, who will demonstrate the life and duties of Union soldiers during the war
B&O Railroad Museum
Ellicott City, Howard County 
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Antietam Early American Banjo Gathering
June 21-23, 2013
The Antietam Early Banjo Gathering (also known as the Early American Banjo Conference) is the premier event for enthusiasts and scholars of the 19th century banjo music and culture. The conference, held at the Pry House Field Hospital Museum on the Antietam National Battlefield, raises awareness of the early banjo’s significance in the development of American popular music. It also underscores music’s importance in the lives of Civil War soldiers.
Pry House Field Hospital Museum
Keedysville, Washington County
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Emmitsburg Heritage Days
June 28-30, 2013
A weekend filled event of history, fun, and hometown entertainment for the town folks of Emmitsburg and Visitors alike.
Frederick County
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Corbit’s Charge
June 28-30, 2013
Three days (6/28-6/30) packed with special events. Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Corbit's Charge in Westminster, MD and subsequent Union and Confederate troop movements through nearby Union Mills in the days immediately leading up to the decisive Battle of Gettysburg.The Union Mills Homestead
Westminster, Carroll County
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The Civil War Comes to Rockville Heritage Days
June 29, 2013
On the 150th anniversary of Conf. Gen. JEB Stuart's raid on Rockville, family-friendly programs at the Beall-Dawson House, Red Brick Courthouse, and Rockville Town Square; musical performances by Washington Revels. Part of Heritage Montgomery's Heritage Days Weekend. FREE!Montgomery County
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150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg
July 1-4, 2013
Speeches, remembrances, honors and more are taking place through the anniversary days. For the complete schedule and locations, visit the 150th Anniversary Park Events page.
Gettysburg National Battlefield
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150th Anniversary of Battle of Hagerstown Walking Tours
July 6, 2013
Meet in front of 16 Public Square; Three tour times 12 noon, 3pm, 6pm. This 90-100 minute tour throughout downtown Hagerstown chronologically follows how the evnts of one of the largest urban cavalry battles of the Civil War unfolded in the city. Bring water to drink!
Hagerstown
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"Antietam Salute to Independence Celebration,"
July 6, 2013
Join the Maryland Symphony Orchestra for a special Independence Day commemoration. The two-hour concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks display immediately following the concert.
Antietam National Battlefield
Sharspburg
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Retreat through Williamsport
July 12 – 14, 2013
commemorates the 150th anniversary of the events that took place in and around the Williamsport, Maryland area during the Confederate Army’s retreat and the Federal pursuit following the Gettysburg Battlefield from July 4-14, 1863. The purpose of this 150th Civil War event is to educate, entertain, and memorialize the retreat Gettysburg Campaign and the Williamsport area.
Springfield Farm and the C&O Canal Cushwa Basin
Williamsport
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Civil War Encampment
July 13-14, 2013
Activities include living history reenactments, and demonstrations on the grounds, a church service, military exercises, flag signaling, and battles at 2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Rose Hill Manor Park
Frederick.
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Civil War Encampment and Living History
July 20- July 21, 2013
Formation and weapons inspections, tactical drills, lectures, and battle. Tours of the historic Shriver Homestead and Grist Mill. Gift shop and stoneground flours from the Mill.
Union Mills
Westminster
More info...

Battle of Funkstown Re-enactment
July 20 – 21
Civil War re-enactment with food, kids' events, live period music and craft vendors. 
Funkstown Town Park
More info... 

Children's Experience Weekend
July 20-  21, 2013
11am-5pm. Children and their families can visit the Pry House to participate in programs designed just for them. Families can try Civil War era toys and games, practice writing with dip ink pens, and make authentic crafts to take home. There is no extra fee for this program, but a donation of $3 is suggested when visiting the museum. 
Pry House Field Hospital Museum
Keedysville
More info...

Living history, camps and weapons firing demonstrations
July 27 – 28, 2013
Antietam National Battlefield
Sharpsburg
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Aftermath of Gettysburg — Fort McHenry 1863
August 3-4, 2013
Come to Fort McHenry on August 3 & 4 Fort McHenry to take part in one of the largest Civil War commemorative events in Baltimore. Following the Battle of Gettysburg, thousands of wounded, Confederate prisoners, and Union soldiers descended on Baltimore. This event marks the 150th anniversary when the war came home.

Visitors will gain a greater insight into how the war affected the home front through living history demonstrations featuring a Civil War surgeon examining patients, Confederate “prisoners” being marched into the fort, Union soldiers garrisoning the fort, stirring fife and drum music, cannon-firing demonstrations and special activities for children and young adults. For the entire weekend Fort McHenry will be surrounded by white tents and reinforcements.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Baltimore
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United States Colored Troops – Recruitment Station
August 3-4, 2013
Monocacy National Battlefield
Frederick
More info...

"The U.S. Army Signal Corps: The Civil War and Today,"
August 3-4, 2013
Pry House Field Hospital Museum
Keedysville
More info...

Preparing and Dispensing Civil War Prescriptions.
Aug 10, 2013
Dr. Hawegawa will use images and antique medical devices to illustrate his talk on the preparing and dispensing Civil War medicines. 45 min lecture with demo of CW pill making, Q&A, and book signing. 
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Frederick
More info...

Civil War Encampment:  3rd Maryland Infantry
August 10 – 11, 2013
Gathland State Park
Burkittsville
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The Battle of Gettysburg Revisited
August  17, 2013
Surratt House Museum
Clinton
More info...

Civil War Walking Tour
July 20, August 17, September 21 and October 19,  2013
Annapolis
More info...

Thunder on the Mountain
August 17-18, 2013
Learn about Civil War artillery and the important role it played in the Battle of South Mountain.
 Fox’s Gap
Boonsboro
More info...
 
"John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Bus Tour"
September 7 & 14 & 21 & 28, 2013
Narrated bus tour on the trail of President Lincoln's assassin; advance reservations required.
Surratt House Museum
Clinton
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The Civil War at Sea
Sep 18, 2013
Acclaimed naval historian Craig L. Symonds presents a masterful history of the Civil War navies--both Union and Confederate--and places them within the broader context of the emerging industrial age. Illuminates a little-discussed and greatly undervalued aspect of America’s national conflict. 
Sotterley Plantation
Hollywood
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Fort Frederick in the Civil War
October 5 – 6, 2013
To commemorate Fort Frederick’s role in the American Civil War, reenactors will assemble for a weekend of living history demonstrations and tactics demonstrations. Hours are 10 am to 3 pm.
Fort Frederick State Park
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Battlefield Hikes
October 19, 2013
Guided hikes highlighting the tactics and troop movements that transpired in those areas on July 9, 1864.
Monocacy National Battlefield
Frederick
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Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination, 25th Anniversary
December 7, 2013
23,000 luminaries are placed on the battlefield to represent each soldier who was killed, wounded, missing, or captured during the battle on Sept. 17, 1862.
Antietam National Battlefield
Sharpsburg
More info...

The Legend of Civil War Santa
December 14, 2013
Join us as Civil War Santa delights us with tales from the ages and tour the historic house as we decorate for the season.
Surratt House Museum
Clinton
More info... 
 

ONGOING EVENTS

Saturday Free Civil War Cinema
Through July 2013
Discover movies about the Civil War that you never knew existed and revisit your old favorites by attending Saturday Free Civil War Cinema at the Museum!
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
Washington County
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"Valley of the Shadow" Art Exhibit
Through July 28, 2013
Take a step back in time as we relate the stories of the men who valiantly fought, the women & children on the home front and the art, music, and literature that rallied a country divided. Special programs.
Hagerstown
Washington County
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By Train: 150th Anniversary Civil War Exhibit
Through May 1, 2015
The Civil War was the first major conflict where railroads played a prominent role, and the B&O was the major line that straddled a divided country. Between April 19, 1861 (The Baltimore Riot of 1861) and April 21, 1865 (Lincoln’s funeral train leaving Baltimore for Illinois), the B&O stood as witness and participant in the greatest conflict the United States has ever faced. The story that the B&O Railroad Museum can tell better than any other organization on earth is the story of how railroads and railroaders shaped the course of American history during at pivotal moments of the conflict.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
Baltimore City
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Divided Voices, Maryland in the Civil War
Through May 6, 2015
The impact of the war on the people of Maryland will be told in personal terms in “Divided Voices: Maryland in the Civil War.” The largest Civil War exhibit in the museum’s 167-year history will occupy over 5,000 square feet and tell the story of a tragedy in three acts: the romantic war, the real war and the long reunion.
Maryland Historical Society Museum
Baltimore City
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Civil War Trains Exhibit
Through December 2015
The importance of railroads during the Civil War was significant. Moving troops and supplies by rail was far better than by foot and wagons on muddy, unpaved roads.

The United States Military Railroad was created and operated during the war years 1861–1865. Railroads were used to carry coal, artillery, horses, mules, cattle, troops and baggage.
Discovery Station Museum
Hagerstown
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Baltimore
Civil War 150 is a collection of events and exhibitions that mark the 150-year anniversary of the start of that turbulent era.
More info...