Heritage Days Festival Weekend in Montgomery County, Maryland

Montgomery County, Maryland is home to some of our nation’s earliest history and traditions dating back to the times of the Civil War and the War of 1812.  To celebrate its rich history, Montgomery County holds a free county-wide festival called Heritage Days each year during the last weekend in June to help educate local and traveling visitors about the culture of the land.  This year’s Heritage Days Weekend takes place during June 28^th to 29^th, just minutes from Washington, DC.  With so many activities, venues, and historical sites to explore for people of all ages, the festival is a great weekend getaway for family and friends this summer.  Some highlights that you and the family will definitely want to check out during your weekend stay include:

• The Farming History Cluster at Button Farm Living History Center: Visitors can experience the Button Farm’s heirloom garden, heritage breed animals, newly restored 19th-century buildings and slave cemetery.  The farm depicts 1850s plantation life in Maryland and also offers historical demonstrations, a petting farm, and Underground Railroad passport activities for visitors of all ages.

• The African-American and Quaker History Cluster at Sandy Spring Slave Museum: At the Sandy Spring Museum, visitors can see a cross-sectioned model of a slave clipper ship, a slave log cabin, as well as art and artifacts in the Great Hall. During Heritage Days Weekend, there will be an African American Communities in Montgomery County video shown at noon, 2 and 3pm, along with a presentation from storyteller Baba Jamal Koram at 1pm.

• The Historic Technology Path at National Capital Trolley Museum: Enjoy guide-led tours of the Street Car Hall then watch the Street Cars Go to the Movies video.  Afterwards, you and the family can see a model of the Rock Creek Railway and visit interactive exhibits, “The Trolley by Golly” and “Promoting Transit”.

• Local Gem at Clara Barton National Historic Site: Visitors can enjoy guided house tours on the hour to experience the home of the founder of the American Red Cross and the Civil War’s “Angel of the Battlefield”, who rode alongside the Union Army giving aid to wounded soldiers.

For more information about Heritage Days and other activities in Montgomery County, Maryland, please visit here.