An Upcounty Guide to Heritage Days
Historical sites will host free tours and activities during the 15th annual Montgomery County Heritage Days Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
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Montgomery County Heritage Days, an annual summertime celebration of local history, begins Saturday accross more than three dozen venues countywide. The 15th annual festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, with free events that offer visitors a venture to the county's historic, cultural and natural resources.
On Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to more than 30 open houses and events across the county. Check out this list for events Upcounty. A full list can be found on the Heritage Days website. Here are a few Upcounty events:
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: 18028 Central Park Circle, Boyds
Why: Models of life-sized dairy cows and the King Farm family home; a movie on dairy farming today; exhibit and demonstration of milking equipment and butter-making. Family activities include milking a model cow, live animals presented by 4-H, a puppet show and crafts for children. Saturday only: Balloon Man making hats for children from noon to 2 p.m.; ice cream tasting from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday only: Meet a Montgomery County Farm Family.
The Button Farm Living History Center
When: Saturday only
Where: 16820 Black Rock Road in Germantown
Why: Visit a living history farm depicting 1850’s plantation life. Tour the heirloom garden, Civil War era barn, reconstructed plantation quarters and slave cemetery. Living history re-enactors and interpreters will be on hand providing demonstrations. For more information call 301-916-7090. Photo slide show: Button Farm: Germantown's Antebellum Flashback
Other events:
• Spirit Bottles (1 p.m.)—Washington, D.C., artist Anne Bouie and Marianne Ross of Concerts in the Country will lead this "Make and Take" activity. They will discuss traditions, origins, creation, and uses of libation vessels and spirit bottles, along with memory and ju ju jars.
• “The Black Edison” (2 p.m.)—Author Jonathan Walker will discuss Granville Taylor Woods, the 19th century African-American inventor known as “the black Edison” who held 49 patents. Walker will discuss Woods' life and will sign copies of his new book.
• Frederick Emancipation Association Ribbon (2:30 p.m.)—Historian, archivist and author Larry Moore will discuss and display this rare 19th century artifact. Moore will also be signing copies of his newly published book on "Certificates of Freedom of Frederick County Maryland."
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: 19510 White Ground Road, Boyds
Why: This one-room school, heated only with a pot-bellied stove, served as the only public school for African Americans in the Boyds area from 1895 – 1936. Watch a video, Boyds Negro School: Historic Lives. Learn how to play marbles, make button jewelry and write by dipping a pen into an inkwell. Photo slideshow: Inside Boyds Negro School
When: Saturday only
Where: South Germantown Park, 16200 Schaeffer Road in Boyds
Why: All types of model aircraft will be performing, along with special demonstrations. Souvenirs for children. For more information call 301-717-1980. Video: Model Airplanes Soar in Boyds
When: Saturday only
Where: 9701 Main Street in Damascus (on the grounds of the Library/Senior Center)
Why: Visit this local history museum and learn the art of making apple butter. View the exhibit, “From the Attics of Damascus” to see long-forgotten pieces of our heritage. Special entertainment for children includes old-fashioned games and crafts.
Edwards Ferry and Lockhouse 25
When: Saturday Only
Where: River Road and Edwards Ferry Road, Poolesville
Why: Costumed historians and local residents will guide visitors through the site's history during the Civil War. Music, lockhouse tours and information on hiking, biking and water trails will also be available. For more information call 301-972-3452 or visit sugarloafregionaltrails.org.
