Upcoming Events

Annual Events

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Camp David, the Presidential Retreat, is located in the Catoctin Mountains of Frederick County, near Thurmont. Camp David became the official Presidential Retreat in 1942, when President Franklin Roosevelt approved the site which he named Shangri-La. Among the important historical events that have occurred here were the 1979 meetings that resulted in the Camp David Accords.

Listed below are some of the annual events that the Historical Society of Frederick County hosts and/or participates in throughout the year. For a complete list of events, please visit our calendar page. Events are subject to change.

Treasured Heirloom Event

What’s in YOUR attic? Find out at the Historical Society’s annual Treasured Heirloom Event, our own spin on the Antiques Roadshow format. Begun in 1999, the event is the region’s biggest and best antiques and collectibles evaluation event. Gather up your family keepsakes, cherished collectibles, and that odd looking doo-hikey you found in your attic and have them examined by our panel of experts, who will offer information and verbal estimations of value. The event is one the most important fundraisers of the year and great fun for all who participate. Check the spring calendar for date, time, and location. For a look at last year’s event click here.

Bell & History Days

The Historical Society joins with the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium to kick-off the museum season during the Bell & History Day event, typically held the first Saturday of April. Tours, new exhibits, and activities are offered at the Museum of Frederick County History and the Roger Brooke Taney House, which reopens for the season on this day. For day and times and to find out what’s being featured this year, visit the April calendar.

Swing in the Garden

The Historical Society invites everyone to the summer’s “swingingest” party! The Swing in the Garden event features live swing and jazz music from the Roaring 20s to the Fabulous 50s, delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, cash bar, and big fun in the Historical Society’s beautiful Heritage Garden. The annual fundraiser is held the last Saturday of July and tickets go on sale in June. For details, check out the July calendar on the Events page.

Old Time Ice Cream Social

The Historical Society’s annual Ice Cream Social in August is a popular summer tradition. The free event is our way of saying “thanks” to the community for its support throughout the year and “welcome” to new residents and visitors. Root beer floats, Dusty Road sundaes, and other sweet treats are served up in the Historical Society’s Heritage Garden, and music, special exhibits, and crafts and activities for kids are offered. Admission, ice cream and refreshments, and activities are absolutely free! Check out the August calendar for date and time.

Museums by Candlelight

Sponsored by the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium, the annual Museums by Candlelight event is hosted by museums and historic sites throughout Frederick County. The Historical Society’s Museum of Frederick County History features a special holiday theme and the Roger Brooke Taney House offers special tours and a peek into Christmas traditions of the early 19th century. Themes, activities, and offerings change from year to year. Admission is free. For what’s in store this year, visit the December calendar.

Museum Programs

The Museum of Frederick County History and Roger B. Taney House offer a number of activities in addition to guided tours and changing exhibitions, including: preservation workshops, historic downtown Frederick walking tours, garden talks, docent training, history symposia, hands-on workshops, and living history demonstrations.

Research Center Programs

The Frederick County Archives & Research Center offers several educational opportunities throughout the year including open house days, family history research seminars and symposia, genealogy classes, and more.

Student & Educator Programs

The Historical Society is committed to its partnership with local schools and to serving students in the community. Programs for students and teachers include: Second Grade Walking Tour of Downtown Frederick, "Into a New Era" High School Walking Tour, annual essay, poster, and art contests, summer history camp, preschool storytimes, and more.

Other Activities

The Historical Society also offers many other fun, educational activities throughout the year, including an annual lecture series, bus trip to various historical sites, luncheons, member events, volunteer get-togethers, and more.