Historical Society of Harford County

Walter Holloway, a local expert on the Ma & Pa Railroad will share his stories about the railroad along with some never before seen photos of the “good old days” when the Ma & Pa brought passengers, freight, postal service, a booming economy and great fun to Harford County. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Admission $15. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES – FORT MCHENRY IN WORLD WAR I: THE GREAT GENERAL HOSPITAL STORY Local historian, Brian Reynolds will tell the story of Fort McHenry during the Great War. The Fort played an integral and oft forgotten role in the War, housing wounded and sick military personnel. Come hear this harrowing tale of our young soldiers and the part this facility played in the War effort. 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm. Free for members; $5 for non-members. Call…

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: 2020 AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGY RESOURCES Workshop will focus on genealogy resources specific to those with African American ancestors. 7 pm – 9 pm. Admission $10. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES – THE FOURTH ESTATE: 50 YEARS OF JOURNALISM IN HARFORD Kimber Allan Vought, editor and reporter for The Aegis for more than 50 years, will share his encyclopedic knowledge of the county along with the state of journalism today, based on his first hand knowledge of the news and reporting in Harford County. Much has changed since Vought first covered the beginning of home rule in Harford. The Aegis, once one of Bel Air’s largest employers,…

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: 2020 IRISH GENEALOGY The workshop will provide information on how to trace your Irish ancestry. 7 pm – 9 pm. Admission $10. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

Join us for a tour of the Historical Society’s main building and learn more about the many opportunities to become a volunteer at the Historical Society or at the Hays House Museum. There is something for everyone whether your interests are in history, computer technology, gardening or another area. 10 am – 2 pm. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: GENEALOGY SOFTWARE 2020 Learn about the many software programs available to help locate your ancestors and record your findings. 7 pm – 9 pm. Admission $10. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES – WILLIAM PACA: HARFORD’S NATIVE SON Bonnie Miranda, a representative of the Paca Chapter of the DAR, will share the story of William Paca, a Harford County native, born in Abingdon in 1740. He went on to become a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Maryland representative to both the first and second Continental Congress, Governor of the State of Maryland and a District Court judge. Come learn about his amazing career and his contributions to…

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES – HARFORD’S POETS: RHYME, RHYTHM AND METER Barbara Kreamer will share the stories of the many poets who lived and worked in Harford County, telling its story, its hardships, its aspirations, its tragedies and successes and of its natural beauty. 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm.  Free for members; $5 for non-members. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: FINDING CLUES IN NAMES Learn how names can help in your ancestry search. 7 pm – 9 pm. Admission $10. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.  

Featuring everything from estate items to books, glassware, furniture, toys and more.  Bargains that can’t be beat!  9 am – 3 pm. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: FINDING YOUR ROOTS -  WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Nancy Kroupa will lead a parent and child adventure designed for middle schoolers (must be accompanied by an adult). The program is based on the TV show Finding Your Roots and will introduce participants to the amazing world of genealogy and the science behind it. Space is limited. For more information, call 410-838-7691 or visit www.harfordhistory.org. Time to be determined.

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES – THOMAS HAYS AND HIS NEIGHBORS Christopher Smithson will tell the story of Thomas Hays, owner of the Hays House and one of Bel Air’s founding fathers. Many of us drive past the Hays House regularly but have little knowledge about the family who once lived there and had such a major impact on Bel Air’s development. Come and learn the history of this family and the neighboring properties, people who made such a difference in…

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES – WRITING A MEMOIR, IT’S ALL ABOUT HISTORY: SHARE YOURS WITH THE FUTURE Debbie Jennings, a writer and teacher at Harford Community College, will lead this presentation on writing your memoir. Each of us has a story, whether it is a personal or family tale from the distant past or more recent times or a story about the county itself. These stories are part of our county’s heritage and we hope that some of those attending…

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: USING ACADEMIC RECORDS AND OTHER SCHOOL RELATED RESOURCES Learn how school records can lead you to the stories of your ancestors. 7 pm – 9 pm. Admission $10. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.  

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES – DARLINGTON FIRE COMPANY: A CENTURY OF SERVICE   The fire company formed in 1898. Sam Sauers, Darlington Fire Chief, will share the story of the Darlington Fire Company’s more than a century of service. His presentation includes numerous photos of this quaint and unique village and the amazing battles faced by this volunteer company.12:30 pm – 1:30 pm.  Free for members; $5 for non-members.  Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org

Journey back in time to enjoy the tales of Bel Air’s most curious and mysterious history. Walk the streets lit by lanterns and visit some of the town’s most legendary and haunted sites. A joint production with the Historical Society, Town of Bel Air and LASOS. 4:30 pm social hour, followed by the tour. 5:30 pm walking tour only. $40 social hour and tour; $10 tour only. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

Doug Washburn will introduce his new book on the history of Jarrettsville. The event will include an afternoon tea, the author’s presentation and a book signing. Come learn about this unique village that played such a major role in the county’s story. 2 pm – 4 pm.  Admission $15. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES – BOOK ART: A STORY RISES FROM THE PAGES Josi Harvey Porter will be the guest speaker describing the art of creating 3-D sculptures from books. 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm.  Free for members; $5 for non-members.  Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.  

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: 400th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAYFLOWER -  WAS MY ANCESTOR A PILGRIM? Ever wonder if your family member could have been on the Mayflower? Come find the answer at this workshop. 7 pm – 9 pm. Admission $10. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.

Join us as local artists, Sue Niewenhous and Meg Algren, lead the group in developing a holiday themed piece of art. This is a fun night complete with wine and amazing camaraderie and laughs -  a great lead in to the holiday season. 5 pm - 7 pm. Admission $25. Call 410-838-7691 or visit www.HarfordHistory.org.