The Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation

Archeology Day at the Monocacy National Battlefield
2024-10-19 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

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.

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.

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.

161st Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy
2025-07-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-13 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.

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.

"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.

Kris Kringle Procession by "Celebrate Frederick"
2025-12-12 18:30 - 20:00 | 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.

30th Annual Park Day
2026-04-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Celebrate 30 Years of Park Day at Monocacy National Battlefield!
Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for the 30th Annual Park Day—a nationwide day of service dedicated to caring for our public lands. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help with hands-on projects that support the preservation and beauty of Monocacy National Battlefield. Tasks may include trail maintenance, landscaping, cleanup, and other meaningful work that makes a lasting impact.
No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and love for history and the outdoors. Come give back, meet fellow park supporters, and be part of a 30-year tradition of stewardship!
Location: meet at the Visitor Center of Monocacy National Battlefield at 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704.
Registration: none.
Information: contact Park Ranger Tracy Evans at 301-662-3515.

National Poppy Day
2026-05-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
May 25th is National Poppy Day, a day rich in meaning for veterans and service members across the United States.
How did the poppy flower come to symbolize the sacrifices of those who served? After the devastation of World War I, bright red poppies bloomed across the battlefields of Europe—most notably in the fields of Flanders. Inspired by the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, the poppy became a powerful emblem of remembrance and hope. In 1920, the American Legion adopted the poppy as its official flower of remembrance, and it has since become a national symbol honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Join the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation at the Monocacy National Battlefield visitor center to learn more about the history and meaning behind this enduring symbol—and receive your free American Legion poppy while supplies last.
Take a moment this National Poppy Day to remember, reflect, and honor the sacrifices made for our freedom.

162nd Commemoration of the Battle of Monocacy
2026-07-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Join us on July 11, 2026, at Monocacy National Battlefield as we commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy, the battle that helped save Washington, D.C. Step back into history with interpretive programs, living history, and opportunities to learn more about the soldiers and civilians impacted by this pivotal Civil War battle.
Be sure to find us under our tent to learn more about the park, its history, and ways you can support our preservation and education efforts.

Battle-Tempered: The Physical and Psychological Consequences of War (Day-long Program)
2026-08-29 08:30 - 17:00 | Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, Maryland
Monocacy National Battlefield, Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Stephen A. Goldman Consulting Services, LLC, Hood College, and Frederick County Libraries have partnered for this unique day-long program. Speakers on military history, noted Civil War panelists and park rangers will focus on the meaning and circumstances of a battle-tempered soldier such as one experienced at the Battle of Monocacy or as a consequence of exposure to hardship, conflict, or struggle from any war. This is a tremendous line-up of activities that is free and open to the public. You can access the details from the website for the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center at //www.seminaryridgemuseum.org/events/battle-tempered.
Registration is required.
Cost: FREE
Location: the program will begin at 8:30 AM at the visitor center of the Monocacy National Battlefield.

Civil War Artillery Demonstration
2026-09-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704, United States
Experience the power and precision of Civil War–era artillery on September 5, 2026, at Monocacy National Battlefield. Watch living historians demonstrate artillery equipment while explaining how these cannons were used during the Battle of Monocacy and throughout the Civil War.
Be sure to find us under our tent to learn more about the park, its history, and ways you can support preservation and education efforts.

Visit Us at "In the Streets"- Celebrate Frederick!
2026-09-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Market Street Frederick, MD, Frederick, MD
Join us on September 12, 2026, at “In the Streets”, sponsored by Celebrate Frederick, and stop by our tent to learn more about who we are and what we do as a local community nonprofit. We’re excited to connect with neighbors, share our mission, and highlight how we support history, education, and preservation right here in our community.
Come say hello, ask questions, and discover ways to get involved—we’d love to meet you!
