Date: February 14, 2015
Contact: Tracy Evans, 301-662-3515
March 28: 17th Annual Park Day Cleanup
Help preserve your battlefield and the environment! Participate in this annual cleanup sponsored by the Civil War Trust and Monocacy National Battlefield. YOU can make a difference by volunteering.
April 9 & 11: Bells across the Land and Bell & History Day
Monocacy National Battlefield will participate in "Bells across the Land: A Nation Remembers Appomattox" on Thursday, April 9, 2015 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the surrender of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. On Saturday, April 11, 2015 Monocacy NB will join with other members of the Frederick County Historic Sites Consortium to open the spring tourism season with programs emphasizing Frederick, Maryland's unique contributions to local and national history. Through a special temporary exhibit and program at Monocacy NB, we will follow the route of the train that carried President Lincoln on his final journey home 150 years ago.
April 18 - 26: National Park Week
Throughout the week you can participate in a "Find Your Park" activity as the National Park Service kicks off our centennial celebration. On Saturday, April 25, children of all ages can play the same games children played 150 years ago.The day will conclude with a night sky program.
April 18: The Final Shots of the War
Special programs will focus on two pivotal events of 1865. The first will look at how the people of Maryland reacted to, and were affected by, President Lincoln's assassination. The second will examine how the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House was not the end of the Civil War. Both programs will be presented the Thomas House. Registration begins March 18 –call 301-662-3515.
May 23 - 25: Last Full Measure of Devotion
Monocacy National Battlefield will host a memorial flag display in honor of the casualties at the Battle of Monocacy. Special programs will focus on the history of Memorial Day. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25,visitors are encouraged to participate in a National Moment of Remembrance.
June 13: Trial of the Lincoln Conspirators
Join our volunteer (and retired lawyer) as he discusses General Lew Wallace's role in the Military Commission that tried the Lincoln conspirators. As the only lawyer on the Commission, Wallace was tasked with deciphering the legal facts of the trial through a military lens to determine their fates. This program will be presented at the Thomas House. Registration begins May 13 –call 301-662-3515.
July 11 - 12: 151st Battle of Monocacy Commemoration
Monocacy National Battlefield will commemorate the event with living history encampments and demonstrations including artillery, infantry and cavalry. Special activities include hikes, programs,and a musical concert held at various locations throughout the battlefield.
August 8 - 9: If These Walls Could Talk
Historic houses, period music, and an exhibit of artifacts found through archeological digs will round out a weekend full of learning more about the historic architecture found at Monocacy National Battlefield and the people who lived here.
August 25: Happy 99th Birthday National Park Service
The National Park Service was established by Congress on August 25, 1916 to care for one of America's best ideas, the National Park system. There are over 400 National Park areas in all fifty states, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Five of these National Parks are located in Frederick County, Maryland. As we approach the Park Service's centennial, come learn more about these special places and people who have dedicated their lives to caring for the parks. Join us for birthday cake.
September 12 - 13: The 27th Indiana and Lee's Lost Orders
On September 13, 1862, soldiers of the 27th Indiana found an envelope containing a copy of Special Orders 191. This find was a game changer in the 1862 Maryland Campaign and led to many myths surrounding the Orders post-war. Living history volunteers will bring this event to life through programs and firing demonstrations. There will also be a special exhibit and program on the Special Orders 191. Registration for the program at the Thomas House begins August 12 –call 301-662-3515.
September 26: National Public Lands Day
Make a difference in your national park by helping with a service project on National Public Lands Day. This is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands for America's enjoyment. Join us and make a difference by volunteering.
October 3: Lew Wallace,Benito Juarez, and the Republican Cause in Mexico
Immediately after the Civil War, the US and Mexico's legitimate president, Benito Juarez, joined together to eject French puppet emperor Maximillian and his foreign army from Mexican soil. Lew Wallace biographer Gail Stephens will discuss this little-known episode in US-Mexican relations and Wallace's role in it at the Frederick Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. Registration begins September 3 –call 301-662-3515.
October 24: Battlefield Hikes (9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.)
National Park Service rangers will conduct three hikes in different areas of the battlefield to highlight tactics and troop movements that shaped the July 9, 1864 battle. Each hike covers a distance of less than two miles and will last approximately two hours. Meet at the visitor center.
November 7: The Trial of Henry Wirz, Commandant of Andersonville Prison
Confederate Captain Henry Wirz commanded one of the most infamous prisons in American history.Some historians believe his 1865 trial, presided over by Lew Wallace, marked the true end of the Civil War. Lew Wallace biographer Gail Stephens will discuss this controversial trial at 1;00 p.m. at the Frederick Visitor Center. Registration begins October 7 –call 301-662-3515.
All programs are free to the public. For more information, please visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/mono, see us on Facebook, or call the visitor center at 301-662-3515. The visitor center is located at 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704. Operating hours are daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm.
