The Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation

Kris Kringle Procession by "Celebrate Frederick"
2025-12-12 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Frederick
Let’s ring in the magic of the holiday season with the 40th annual Kris Kringle Procession on Friday, December 12, 2025. The procession starts at the corner of East Patrick and South Caroll Streets, heads west on Patrick Street, turns right onto N. Market Street, and then turns left onto W. Second Street ending at Baker Park.
The theme of the year’s event is to be determined.

"In the Streets" Festival by "Celebrate Frederick"
2025-09-13 11:00 - 17:00 | Market Street Frederick, MD, Frederick, MD
Here’s your chance to meet and mingle with Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation board members at “In the Streets”, Frederick’s showcasing of its local non-profit organizations. Let us tell you about our mission and how you can become involved. Get a free copy of our newsletter, The Dispatch, to learn about our events programming and co-partnership with the Monocacy National Battlefield. Look for a special activity under our tent.

Artillery Day at Monocacy National Battlefield
2025-08-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
The sound and fury of the artillery will shake the ground on the Monocacy National Battlefield with canon demonstrations. Different types of canons will be fired throughout the day at the visitor center.
You can experience the acoustic and the concussive differences at the point of firing (visitor center) from a downwind position of 1.5 miles at the Gambrill Mill (Tour Stop #4) by planning your day around two firings.
Stop by our tent and meet the directors of the Foundation out front of the visitor center. Get a free copy of our newsletter, The Dispatch, or an American Battlefield Trust map of the battle.

161st Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy
2025-07-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join Park Rangers from the Monocacy National Battlefield and members from the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation as we commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Battle with special ranger programs, and military and civilian living history encampments and exhibits. Gain an understanding of historic small arms (infantry) and light field artillery by attending firing demonstrations throughout the day.
Onsite ASL interpreting will be available.

Park Day and Earth Day at Monocacy National Battlefield
2025-04-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
What better way to give back to your community than to preserve and improve the natural and cultural resources of the Monocacy National Battlefield (MONO), your national park, right here in Frederick, Maryland?
This special volunteer event, sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust, allows you to engage in a hands-on effort to assist the park in maintenance and clean-up projects on the grounds of MONO. The staff of MONO, volunteers, and members of the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation will come together in the ongoing work to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of MONO.
This event requires registration to ensure we have enough supplies like tools, gloves, and water on hand. Contact MONO to register by asking for Tracy Evans @301-662-3515.
Dress for outdoor work is recommended with sturdy, water-proof shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring insect repellant.

Dr. Paula Reed: the architectural history of the Worthington House- Monocacy National Battlefield
2025-04-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Worthington House, Tour Stop #2
The Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation is honored to sponsor Dr. Paula Reed as our guide and speaker for an architectural tour of the historic Worthington House located at Tour Stop #2 on the Monocacy National Battlefield. Dr. Reed is a nationally recognized historic preservation consultant and architectural/cultural historian. She will share insights from her research on the architecture of the Worthington House property. The Worthington House will be open for limited viewing.
Dress for the weather as appropriate on the day of the event.

Kris Kringle Procession- Celebrate Frederick
2024-12-13 18:30 - 20:00 | MD
Let’s ring in the magic of the holiday season with the 39th annual Kris Kringle Procession on Friday, December 13, 2024, starting at 6:30 PM. This year’s theme of “Holiday Traditions” will be recreated by the members of the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation dressed in period clothing from the time of the Civil War that includes Union Army uniforms and the patriotic, American flag-themed, Christmas attire featured in the famed Civil War illustrator’s Thomas Nast’s January 1863 cover of Harper’s Weekly.
The procession starts at the corner of East Patrick and South Carroll Streets, heads west on Patrick Street, turns left, and continues west on Second Street, crosses Bentz Street and concludes at the Baker Park Band Shell with the procession closing ceremonies.

Archeology Day at the Monocacy National Battlefield
2024-10-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland
The Monocacy National Battlefield is celebrating International Archeology Day with an active dig that is open to the public between the hours of 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The archeological story of the park is varied, covering native peoples, early settlers, the enslaved, the battle, and the life of its inhabitants from the 20th Century. Interpretation of the layers of history can be experienced by hands-on participation in the dig and through the interpretation of artifacts from the park’s collection.
Join park staff and members of the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation on the battlefield outside of the visitor center for an engaging day of activities.

”In the Streets” Festival by Celebrate Frederick
2024-09-14 11:00 - 17:00 | Market Street Frederick, MD, Frederick, MD
Get to meet and mingle with foundation board members at “In the Streets”, Frederick’s showcasing of its local, non-profit organizations. Listen to the story about our mission. Get a free copy of our news letter, The Dispatch. We will tell you about our events programing and co-partnership with the National Park Service’s Monocacy National Battlefield. Look for a special activity at our table under our tent.

Artillery Day at the Monocacy National Battlefield
2024-09-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
The sound and fury of the artillery will shake the ground of Monocacy National Battlefield with cannon fire demonstrations. Different types of cannons will be fired throughout the day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm at the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitors Center.
You can experience the acoustic and the concussive differences at the point of firing (Visitors Center) from the downwind position of 1.5 miles (Gambrill Mill) by planning your day around two firings.
Stop by our tent to meet the directors of the foundation out front of the Visitors Center. Get a free copy of our newsletter, The Dispatch. Sign up to join our mailing list. We need you and a small donation goes a long way.

Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy- Day 3
2024-07-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland
The third day in a three-day lineup of events for the commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Monocay concludes on Sunday with an expanded list of activities to choose from throughout the day. There will be a Civil War medical field hospital throughout the event at the visitor center with continuous programming. Also featured will be musicians playing historic, period pieces under the cool shade of the big tent.
Stop by our tent to meet the directors of the foundation out front of the Visitors Center. Get a free copy of our newsletter, The Dispatch. Sign up to join our mailing list. We need you and a small donation goes a long way.

8 am Jug Bridge Hike – Meeting at Maryland National Guard Readiness Center: 8501 Old National Pike, Frederick, MD 21701

11 am Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm

12 pm Artillery Demonstration at Visitors Center

1 pm Fort Stevens Talk at Visitors Center

2 pm Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm

3 pm Artillery Demonstration at Visitors Center

4 pm Retreat From Battle Hike at Gambrill Mill

Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy- Day 2
2024-07-06 09:00 - 17:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland
The second day in a three-day lineup of events for the commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Monocay continues on Saturday with an expanded list of activities to choose from throughout the day. There will be a Civil War medical field hospital throughout the event at the visitor center with continuous programming. Also featured will be musicians playing historic, period pieces under the cool shade of the big tent.
Stop by our tent to meet the directors of the foundation out front of the Visitors Center. Get a free copy of our newsletter, The Dispatch. Sign up to join our mailing list. We need you and a small donation goes a long way.

9 am Worthington / Thomas Farm Hikes

11 am Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm

12 pm Artillery Demonstration at Visitors Center

1 pm Fort Stevens Talk at Visitors Center

2 pm Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm

3 pm Artillery Demonstration at Visitors Center

4 pm Best Farm to 14th New Jersey Monument Hike

Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy- Day 1
2024-07-05 10:00 - 20:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland
The first day in a three-day lineup of events for the commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the Battle starts Friday with a list of activities to choose from throughout the day.
Start with a guided tour of the Monocacy National Battlefield. Two ranger-led caravan tours will begin at 10 AM and 1:30 PM from the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitors Center. Each tour lasts from 1-1.5 hours.
That evening, Monocacy National Battlefield rangers will lead a panel of historians in a discussion about the Battle of Monocacy, and its impact on Confederate General Jubal Early’s campaign on Washington as well as the civilians of Maryland along with its state politics. Distinguished panelists include Dr. James Broomall (Director of the George Tyler Moore Center for Study of the Civil War), Gail Stephens (former MNB volunteer-in-park and author of “Shadow of Shiloh”), Ryan Quint (ranger at Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania National Military Park and author of “Determined to Stand and Fight”), and Dr. Jennifer M. Murray, Department of History, Oklahoma State University.
The event starts at 7 PM and is located at Frederick City Hall in downtown Frederick.

160th Battle Anniversary Bus Tour: From Monocacy to Fort Stevens (REGISTER NOW!)
2024-06-29 08:30 - 17:00 | MD
The Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation (MNBF) is pleased to sponsor a historical bus tour of the battles that saved Washington of 1864 as a prelude to the 160th Anniversaries of the Battle of Monocacy (July 9, 1864) and the Battle of Fort Stevens (July 10-11, 1864). Our tour guides are: Ranger Matthew Borders of the Monocacy National Battlefield; Gary Thompson, President of the Alliance for Preservation of Civil War Defenses of Washington; and Charles W. Mitchell, historian and author of Maryland Voices of the Civil War (winner of the Founders Award from the American Civil War Museum) and editor (with Jean H. Baker) of The Civil War in Maryland Reconsidered. Mitchell is a member of the board of the foundation.
Board a tour bus at the Frederick Visitors Center and join us as we trace the steps of Jubal Early’s Maryland campaign starting at Monocacy Junction (Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederic, MD) and on to Fort Stevens (Washington, D.C.) with stops in between at Urbana, Rockville, and Silver Spring.
Schedule: 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM (8:15 AM check-in at the Frederick Visitors Center).
Tour tickets are $95 per person. Space is limited. Purchase your tickets via the MNBF website at https://monocacynbfoundation.org/donate/.
REGISTER NOW! Go to our donate page. Make a one-time donation under the “$ custom amount” window in the amount of the $95 registration fee. Click the “write us a comment” box to enter “bus tour” under the comment screen. It’s that easy!
Contact us by email at monocacynbf@outlook.com for details.

Meet the author: Dr. Emilie Amt
2024-06-22 13:00 - 14:30 | National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD, 21701, United States
In honor of Juneteenth, Dr. Emilie Amt will be our special guest speaker.
Dr. Amt is an award-winning writer on the African American history of western Maryland whose most recent book is Black Antietam: African Americans and the Civil War in Sharpsburg. In this talk, she will explore the Civil War experiences of African Americans, both enslaved and free, civilian and military, in Frederick and Washington Counties. She will focus on lesser-known stories and wartime experiences that have not been much covered by historians
Her book will be available for purchase and signing after the program.
Admission to the speaker event is free. A regular admission fee is required to visit the Museum.
Please consider donating to the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation.

Park Day 2024 at the Monocacy National Battlefield
2024-04-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
The American Battlefield Trust’s 28th annual Park Day event on April 6, 2024, is one way that you can help to sustain our public lands.
This all-volunteer event allows you to participate with the staff of the Monocacy National Battlefield and the board members of the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation in cleanup projects around the Park. What better way to give back to your community than to preserve and improve the natural and cultural resources of this national park right here in Frederick, Maryland?
This event requires registration to ensure we have enough supplies like tools, gloves, and water on hand. Contact Monocacy National Battlefield to register by asking for Tracy Evans @ 301-662-3515.
Dress for outdoor work is recommended with sturdy, water-proof shoes, long-sleeved shirts/tops, and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent.

Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy- Day 2
2024-03-09 08:00 - 17:00 | MD
9am Worthington / Thomas Farm Hikes

11am Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm

12pm Artillery Demonstration at Visitors Center

1pm Fort Stevens Talk at Visitors Center

2pm Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm

3pm Artillery Demonstration at Visitors Center

4pm Best Farm to 14th New Jersey Monument Hike

“Then Came the Tug of War” Fighting at Monocacy’s Jug Bridge by Ryan Quint
2024-03-02 11:00 - 15:00 | Jug Bridge Monument Park, Frederick, Maryland, 21701, United States
Join the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation as we sponsor National Park Ranger, Ryan Quint, for our first “First Saturday Hike” of the year at the Jug Bridge Monument Park here in Frederick on March 2, 2024 from 11-12 and 2-3. Ranger Quint will speak about the two sides who fought for the bridge in the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864 under the command of Maj. Gen. Robert Rodes (CSA) and Brigadier Gen. Erastus B. Tyler (Federal). Ranger Quint is the author of “Determined to Stand and Fight: The Battle of Monocacy.”
This event is free. Dress for the weather as appropriate.

“First Saturday Hike” with Dr. Paula Reed at the Best Farm
2023-12-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland
The Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation is honored to sponsor Dr. Paula Reed as our guide and speaker for the final program in our First Saturday Hike series of 2023. Dr. Reed is a well-regarded professional Historic Preservation Consultant and Architectural/Cultural Historian. She will share insights from her own research on the architecture of the Historic Best Farm properties located on the Monocacy National Battlefield. The Best House (Tour Stop 1) will be open for limited viewing.

Meet the Author: Dr. Stephen Goldman
2023-10-07 14:00 - 15:30 | C. Burr Artz Library, 110 East Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland, 21701
The Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation (MNBF) is proud to host our speaker presentation with Dr. Stephen Goldman. Dr. Goldman is well known in the Civil War community having spoken on numerous occasions at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and recently at the 159th Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy on the Monocacy National Battlefield. His presentation is entitled “All the Elements of Sublimity and Terror: Veterans and the Psychological Impact of War”, which follows aspects of his newest book “One More War to Fight: Union Veterans’ Battle for Equality through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the Lost Cause.”
Copies of Dr. Goldman’s book will be available for purchase on-site at $30.00 (cash or check made payable to the MNBF) along with a book signing after his presentation.
You can look forward to light refreshments as well.

Artillery Living History Demonstration
2023-08-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Just how loud were those big guns during the Civil War? Come find out as living history volunteers and park rangers demonstrate the firing of Civil War-era artillery while explaining the life of an artillerist. There will also be military and civilian living history encampments.

159th Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy Commemoration Weekend
2023-07-09 10:00 - 15:00, 2023-07-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join Park Rangers from the Monocacy National Battlefield and members of the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation as we commemorate the 159th anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy with special ranger programs, along with military and civilian living history encampments and exhibits. Gain an understanding of historic small arms and light field artillery by attending firing demonstrations throughout the day.

159th Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy Commemoration Weekend (Caravan Tour)
2023-07-07 13:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Transport yourself back in time to the day of the Battle of Monocacy as a Park Ranger of the Monocacy National Battlefield provides an in-depth caravan tour of the battlefield. This 5-stop driving tour covers the battle chronologically. Walk in the footsteps of those who fought valiantly to safeguard their homes and country. No registration is required.

Frederick Pride Day 2023
2023-06-24 11:00 - 18:00 | Caroll Creek Park, Caroll Creek Park, Frederick, MD, 21701, United States
Come on out for the 10th pride celebration here in downtown Frederick, MD. Join us and Park Rangers from the Monocacy National Battlefield to show your LGBTQ+ Pride and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Were there LG soldiers and commanders who fought in the Civil War? Come to our table and find out!

Juneteenth: From Enslaved to Emancipation
2023-06-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Best Farm (Tour Stop #1), 5106 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Slavery was legal in Maryland until November 1, 1864, when voters passed a new Maryland Constitution. Walk through history and learn about the enslaved people who lived and worked on the historic properties that make up Monocacy National Battlefield, as well as the U. S. Colored Troops who enlisted at Monocacy Junction. A 1-mile hike will be guided by Park Rangers at the Monocacy National Battlefield. Hiking shoes, sun and/or insect repellent as well as drinking water are recommended for this program.

Frederick County 275th Anniversary Celebration
2023-06-10 15:00 - 20:00 | Utica District Park Frederick, MD, Frederick, MD
Join members of the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation in the celebration of Frederick County’s 275th (dodranstricentennial) anniversary in Utica District Park. We will provide you with a historical overview of the people who occupied the land under what is now held by the National Park Service and is known as the Monocacy National Battlefield. The story includes the activities and events that have shaped the County of Frederick into what it is today. Find us at our table under the first pavilion near the farm house. Free family activities are included with a visit.

First Saturday Hike: History of the B&O Railroad at Monocacy
2023-05-06 11:00 - 15:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland
Join volunteers from the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation for a free guided hike (30-45 min) to learn about the history of the B&O RR and its impacts on the development of the Frederick Valley with special emphasis on the Civil War period. Meet your guides at 11:00 AM at the Junction Trail (trailhead, Monocacy National Battlefield Visitors Center) or 1:00 PM at the Gambrill Mill Trail (trailhead, Tour Stop 4). Event is rain or shine. Plan accordingly.

Earth Day & Park Day
2023-04-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
This special volunteer event, sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust, allows you to engage in a hands-on effort to help complete maintenance and clean-up projects on the grounds of the Monocacy National Battlefield. National Park Service staff, park volunteers, and members of the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation will join you in our ongoing work to preserve, protect and enhance the natural resources of our park. Outdoor garden/work shoes, sun and/or insect repellent as well as drinking water are recommended for this program.
