If you love history and are looking for an outing weekend of June 27-28, come out for the 267h Annual Heritage Days Weekend. This countywide festival offers programs, activities, and tours appealing to visitors of all ages and interests. With over 34 free events all around Montgomery County, Heritage Days Weekend is the perfect time to explore local history, culture, and nature. Sites are open from noon to 4pm unless otherwise indicated.
In addition to Civil War and agricultural history, the stories of local railroads and trolleys, African American communities, life along the C&O Canal, astronomy, and much more are featured. Heritage Days also highlights local arts & culture as well as outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking, and walking tours. Many venues offer musical entertainment, activities and crafts for children, and refreshments.
Learn about the County's African American history from tours at Sugarland with St Paul's Community Church and Cemetery, Boyd's Negro School, and Button Farm Living History Center. Explore the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in North Bethesda featuring the remarkable story of Josiah Henson's life as he journeyed from slavery to freedom.
In Poolesville, discover the history of this late 1700s National Register historic town. Take a guided tour of the Pennyfield Lockhouse #22. Explore the Seneca Store, the oldest continuously running general store in Montgomery County. B-CC Izaak Walton League will open access to the Poolesville site to promote its conservation message with family activities like fishing, archeology, colonial living, archery, bird watching, wildlife and insect displays, and food and soft drinks. Stop in at the Historic Medley District's Seneca Schoolhouse on River Road, then head to the center of Poolesville to the John Poole House to see this early general store, then cross the street to the Old Town Hall Bank Museum and Exhibit Hall to explore its collection of period artifacts. Plan to stay in town for lunch at any of the fine local restaurants.
Enjoy Heritage Days Weekend and explore fascinating sites that help make Montgomery County great!
You will find the open attractions in our area listed in the Up County West:
See the historic Poole House Museum, Poolesville's oldest building, and then head across the street to the Old Bank Museum and its collection of Civil War artifacts, and to West Willard Road for live music on Riverworks Art Center's outdoor stage. After a stop at Seneca Schoolhouse on River Road, continue to the C&O Canal National Historical Park for a tour of Edwards Ferry Lockhouse 25. Explore the area's African American history with music and genealogy at St. Paul Community Church and Museum and hands-on activities at Button Farm Living History Center. Nearby is the Izaak Walton League of America's Conservation Farm, which joins with McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area and Seneca Creek State Park to provide uninterrupted wildlife habitat and trails.