EXHIBITS

Now through August 31 – Exhibit: Loudoun County Civil War Artifacts collected by John Creamer. The exhibit features more than 300 artifacts collected by local resident John Creamer. Items include belt buckles, rifles, artillery, and currency, most of which have been found throughout Leesburg and Loudoun County. A number of the items are associated with the Battle of Ball’s Bluff. “A lot of the items were found on constructions sites,” Creamer said, referencing Potomac Crossing and the property behind the old Walmart, located off Edwards Ferry Road. “I have enjoyed the fact that it was recovered and people can see it. Had it not been recovered it would have been gone forever.”  The exhibit may be seen by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m.  Please call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or fill out an Appointment Request Form online. Thomas Balch Library, 208 W Market St., Leesburg, Virginia 20176.


LECTURES, SEMINARS, TOURS & OTHER EVENTS:

Tues., Aug. 3, at 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. – Lovettsville Town Hall and Museum Grand Opening. As part of National Night Out, the new Town Hall Complex will hold a grand opening, with a ribbon-cutting at 6:00 p.m. The Museum will be open from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m.

Wed., Aug. 4, at 7:00 p.m. – Civil War Lecture Series: “The Insolence of Epaulets.” Local historian and Antietam Battlefield Guide Steven R. Stotelmyer will present his Summer Lecture Series talk “The Insolence of Epaulets”. For more information about Joe and his talk visit: https://jacob-rohrbach-inn.com/blog/2021/06/steve-stotelmyer-the-insolence-of-epaulets/ Jacob Rohrbach Inn, Inc ., 138W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD 21782. Website or call 301-432-5079.

Thurs., Aug. 5, at 10 a.m – Virtual Class: Intermediate Genealogy Research Techniques.  Norah Schneider, Library Genealogy Associate at Thomas Balch Library, will teach a virtual class on intermediate genealogy research techniques. The two-hour class will move past basic genealogical research and explore research methods, record types, and genealogical sources for those who have already started researching their family history. Pre-registration is required for this event. Please call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or register online.

Sat., Aug. 7, at 11:00 a.m. – "Just Passing Through:" A Traveler's Guide to Civil War Frederick. Frederick had a population of 8,000 residents on the eve of the Civil War. Over the next four years, hundreds of thousands of soldiers, surgeons, and patients passed through this border town. This First Saturday walking tour will discuss the sights, sounds, and tastes recorded by people from across the nation who visited Frederick for the first time during the Civil War. The walking tour is limited to 15 participants, and we request that you practice social distancing. Masks are no longer required if vaccinated. Tickets are $15 and include admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in addition to the walking tour. Tickets are free for Museum members, but you must still reserve your spot. Reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Click here to buy your ticket today. National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701. Website or call 301-695-1864.

Wed., Aug. 11, at 6:00 p.m. – Harpers Ferry Civil War Round Table: The Civil War History of Williamsport, MD. Steve French will present on Williamsport and Lee’s Retreat from Gettysburg. On the evening of July 3 and the early hours of July 4, 1863, Robert E. Lee put plans in motion to begin his army’s post-Gettysburg retreat back to Virginia, via Light’s Ford at Williamsport and a pontoon bridge at nearby Falling Waters. Later, unable to cross the Potomac due to high water and the Union cavalry’s destruction of the pontoon bridge, the general put his forces in strong defensive position while waiting a week for the river to recede and the construction of a new bridge. Mr. French’s talk will examine the role that the town of Williamsport played in Lee’s retreat. There is no charge for this tour, but reservations are required. Email ccraig@laurellodge.com or call 304-433-1260 to save your space. Meet at River Bottom Park, along the Potomac River at West Salisbury Street, Williamsport, Maryland.

Friday, Aug. 13, at 6:00 p.m. – “Culture & Cocktails: Spotlight on the C&O Canal.” Join Mary Rubin for an exploration into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal! Also called the "Grand Old Ditch,” the 184 mile C&O Canal operated from 1831 until 1924. After the event, Mary will be on hand to sign copies of her book, Images of America: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (Maryland). For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Register here. Miller House Museum, 135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD 21740. Website or call 301-797-8782.

Sun., Aug. 15, at 11:00 a.m. – Walking Tour of the C&O Canal. This time, we’re going to explore the Four Locks! Built between 1836 and 1839, unlike other canal towns, Four Locks developed into a town after the canal came through. Named for the four locks that make up this quarter-mile section of the C&O Canal, over 30 buildings once stood in Four Locks, including residences, warehouses, stores, a post office, and a one-room schoolhouse. During this tour, you’ll learn about Four Locks explosive history, and have the opportunity to tour the interior of Lockhouse 49! Cost is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Register here. Four Locks, 11122 4 Locks Road, Clear Spring, MD 21772. Website or call 301-797-8782.

Sun., Aug. 15 at 2:00 p.m. – Conversations in History: Loudoun Unionists. Join historians Travis Shaw, Tracy Gillespie, and Wynne Saffer as they explore the trials and tribulations of unionists living in the Piedmont during the Civil War, as well as their motivations and impact on the heritage area during America’s bloodiest conflict. Tickets are available at the door. For more information call (540) 687-6681. This program is made possible in partnership with NOVA Parks. Mount Zion Historical Park, 40309 John Mosby Highway, Aldie, Virginia. $10 Adults / $5 Students Recommended Donation.

Sat. & Sun., Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 at select times – Twilight's Last Gleaming - Artillery in the Battle of South Mountain. Discover the significance of Crampton’s Gap and Brownsville Pass during the Battle of South Mountain and the important role artillery played in the attack and defense of the mountain. Cannon firing demonstrations are presented both days at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. For more info or questions about the event contact Ranger Steve Robertson at steve.robertson@maryland.gov. South Mountain State Battlefield, Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldstown Rd., Jefferson, MD 21755. Website or call 301-432-8065.

Sun., Aug. 22, at 2:00 p.m. – George Marshall: Leesburg's Global Citizen. Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, President of The American Cross and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate George C. Marshall made an incredible impact not only on his country but on his community in the Piedmont. Sponsored by the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area, in partnership with the George C. Marshall International Center, join Dr. Brown Morton, Professor of Historic Preservation at the University of Mary Washington, Steve Price, VPHA Chair Emeritus and former president of the GCMIC, and Rachel Thompson, lead historian at the George C. Marshall International Center as they discuss Marshall’s life in the Piedmont, the restoration of his home at Dodona Manor, and the community’s role in honoring Marshall’s legacy. Dodonna Manor, 217 Edwards Ferry Road Northeast, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176. $40 VPHA or George C. Marshall International Center Members / $50 Non-Members / $20 Students

Wed., Aug. 25, at 7:00 p.m. – Civil War Lecture Series: “Roads to Gettysburg.” Local historian and Antietam Battlefield Guide John W. Schildt will present his talk “Road to Gettysburg”. For more information about John and his talk visit: https://jacob-rohrbach-inn.com/blog/2021/06/john-schildt-roads-to-gettysburg/ Jacob Rohrbach Inn, Inc ., 138W Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD 21782. Website or call 301-432-5079.

Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 – World Canals Conference, Hagerstown. Join us in Hagerstown, Maryland August 30-September 2 as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with canal enthusiasts from around the world. Construction on the C&O Canal began 1828. It operated until 1924 and became a national park in 1971. Today the C&O it is the longest intact 19th century canal in the United States at 184 miles. Hagerstown’s historic Maryland Theatre will host the conference. Registration includes options for full conference and partial day access to the conference. Standard Registration ends July 31, 2021. Late registration ends August 15. For more information, contact: info@wcc2021.org.