A staff genealogy researcher will be onsite for one-on-one genealogy consultations. From beginner to expert, our genealogist can help you out! The kinship Family Heritage Research Center is the only dedicated genealogy center in Washington County and is a “go-to” spot to learn more about the rich history of the area’s founding, industrial roots, and family ties. Consultations are Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are geared for a full range of research experience. If you are a kinship member, your consultation is free. Walk-ins are welcomed, and you may pay at the door. Call 301-797-8782 or email info@washcohistory.org for more information about our genealogical services.

Our October Cemetery tours are back! Join us for a unique walking tour of Rose Hill Cemetery on October 21, 27 and November 4 at 7:00 PM.  Cemetery Director, Colleen Rafferty, will share spine-chilling stories of unsolved mysteries, front-page tragedies, and other untimely deaths of those buried at Rose Hill.  Tours will last from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and we will gather inside the cemetery's front gate. As parking is limited, it's best to park on Potomac Street.  Please note that only 50 tickets are available for each date, so register early if you're interested. This is an event you won't want to miss!

A staff genealogy researcher will be onsite for one-on-one genealogy consultations. From beginner to expert, our genealogist can help you out! The kinship Family Heritage Research Center is the only dedicated genealogy center in Washington County and is a “go-to” spot to learn more about the rich history of the area’s founding, industrial roots, and family ties. Consultations are Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are geared for a full range of research experience. If you are a kinship member, your consultation is free. Walk-ins are welcomed, and you may pay at the door. Call 301-797-8782 or email info@washcohistory.org for more information about our genealogical services.

A staff genealogy researcher will be onsite for one-on-one genealogy consultations. From beginner to expert, our genealogist can help you out! The kinship Family Heritage Research Center is the only dedicated genealogy center in Washington County and is a “go-to” spot to learn more about the rich history of the area’s founding, industrial roots, and family ties. Consultations are Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are geared for a full range of research experience. If you are a kinship member, your consultation is free. Walk-ins are welcomed, and you may pay at the door. Call 301-797-8782 or email info@washcohistory.org for more information about our genealogical services.

Are you interested in decorating your home for the holidays in a festive colonial or early Federal period style? If so, this is the Culture & Cocktails for you! On Friday, November 10, join Master Gardener Denny Warrenfeltz of Roostervane Gardens as he shares festive holiday and winter decorating demonstrations of the late 18th century, including techniques to spruce up your hearth and home. This month’s cocktail is the Wassail, the name meaning "be in good health,"and is made from hot mulled cider. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d' oeuvres will be served! Culture & Cocktails 2023 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation of Williamsport, MD.

A staff genealogy researcher will be onsite for one-on-one genealogy consultations. From beginner to expert, our genealogist can help you out! The kinship Family Heritage Research Center is the only dedicated genealogy center in Washington County and is a “go-to” spot to learn more about the rich history of the area’s founding, industrial roots, and family ties. Consultations are Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are geared for a full range of research experience. If you are a kinship member, your consultation is free. Walk-ins are welcomed, and you may pay at the door. Call 301-797-8782 or email info@washcohistory.org for more information about our genealogical services.

A staff genealogy researcher will be onsite for one-on-one genealogy consultations. From beginner to expert, our genealogist can help you out! The kinship Family Heritage Research Center is the only dedicated genealogy center in Washington County and is a “go-to” spot to learn more about the rich history of the area’s founding, industrial roots, and family ties. Consultations are Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are geared for a full range of research experience. If you are a kinship member, your consultation is free. Walk-ins are welcomed, and you may pay at the door. Call 301-797-8782 or email info@washcohistory.org for more information about our genealogical services.

A staff genealogy researcher will be onsite for one-on-one genealogy consultations. From beginner to expert, our genealogist can help you out! The kinship Family Heritage Research Center is the only dedicated genealogy center in Washington County and is a “go-to” spot to learn more about the rich history of the area’s founding, industrial roots, and family ties. Consultations are Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are geared for a full range of research experience. If you are a kinship member, your consultation is free. Walk-ins are welcomed, and you may pay at the door. Call 301-797-8782 or email info@washcohistory.org for more information about our genealogical services.

Did you know that one of Washington County's earliest notorious murders was committed by a young sheriff of Hagerstown? Learn all about it in this exciting true crime tale of murder most foul!  On Friday, December 8, join WCHS Curator and Programs Manager Abigail Koontz as she shares a true crime tale from 1828, when Hagerstown’s sheriff, George Swearingen, became a murderer. This month’s cocktail is the Bloody Poinsettia, a refreshing and sparkling (and dare we say bloody good) drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d' oeuvres will be served! Culture & Cocktails 2023 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation of Williamsport, MD.

A staff genealogy researcher will be onsite for one-on-one genealogy consultations. From beginner to expert, our genealogist can help you out! The kinship Family Heritage Research Center is the only dedicated genealogy center in Washington County and is a “go-to” spot to learn more about the rich history of the area’s founding, industrial roots, and family ties. Consultations are Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are geared for a full range of research experience. If you are a kinship member, your consultation is free. Walk-ins are welcomed, and you may pay at the door. Call 301-797-8782 or email info@washcohistory.org for more information about our genealogical services.

From an archaeological site, the subject of a museum exhibit, and a documentary--the Jonathan Street Cabin has had much-deserved buzz over the last several years. On Friday, January 12, join Senior Archaeologist Aaron Levinthal from the Maryland Department of Transportation as he explores the fascinating discoveries uncovered during the archaeological excavation at the historic Jonathan Street cabin. This month’s cocktail is the Cabin Fever, a bourbon forward drink sure to give you all those warm cabin feels. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d'oeuvres will be served! Culture & Cocktails 2024 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation. $15 – $20

A staff genealogy researcher will be onsite for one-on-one genealogy consultations. From beginner to expert, our genealogist can help you out! The kinship Family Heritage Research Center is the only dedicated genealogy center in Washington County and is a “go-to” spot to learn more about the rich history of the area’s founding, industrial roots, and family ties. Consultations are Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and are geared for a full range of research experience. If you are a kinship member, your consultation is free. Walk-ins are welcomed, and you may pay at the door. Call 301-797-8782 or email info@washcohistory.org for more information about our genealogical services.

Do you know where Fort Ritchie is? On Friday, February 9, Director and Curator of the Fort Ritchie History Museum Katy Self shares the history of the Fort as a Maryland National Guard post, World War II POW camp, and today’s history museum; learn about the many lives of the sight. This month’s cocktail is the Lucius Beebe’s Stork Club Manhattan, a 1946 recipe for this classic drink. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d'oeuvres will be served! Culture & Cocktails 2024 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation.

On March 22 at 6:00 PM, JoAnn Peterson of Frostburg, MD, a professional actor of stage and film, will be doing a first-person portrayal of Shirley Temple Black titled “From Child Star to Diplomat” at the Miller House. As a child star, Shirley Temple was the top box office draw from 1935-1938 in the world. She grew up to become a diplomat, author, and loving mother. The presentation is in the Chautauqua-style format, beginning with a monologue which JoAnn wrote based on extensive research using primary and secondary sources, articles, books, films, and interviews, followed by Q&A of Shirley, and then a Q&A of JoAnn after she breaks character. The earrings and blouse worn by JoAnn during her portrayal actually belonged to Shirley. The blouse was worn at her first reception in Prague as Ambassador to Czechoslovakia. JoAnn owns and will display Shirley’s iconic ensemble worn when she received the Screen Actor’s Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award, purchased from Shirley’s estate. This is very appropriate since JoAnn’s portrayal is a tribute to the achievements of Shirley Temple Black’s whole life, not just her years as a child star. Doing first person portrayals combines JoAnn’s love of acting and history. Her research…

Each flag of the Civil War has a story to tell, and at this month's Culture & Cocktails you'll get to hear the meaning behind some! On Friday, September 13, join WCHS Board Member and Civil War Reenactor Sandy Andrews as he shares highlights from his handmade collection of flags. This month’s drink is the Brandy Sangaree, a classic cocktail dating from the early 1700s and enjoyed during the Civil War. Doors open at 5:30 PM and light hors d'oeuvres will be served! Culture & Cocktails 2024 has been made possible by the generous support of the James and Mary Schurz Foundation.