|
|
16-Apr-2007
Announcing the 4th annual Museum Ramble in Washington Counnty
Photo: Near Boonsboro in Washington County, a rugged stone tower was dedicated to the first president by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827. Washington traveled through Western Maryland in his early years as a surveyor. The Appalachian Trail winds through this park and passes the base of the monument.
(Hagerstown, Md.) -- Washington County's fourth annual Museum Ramble is
scheduled for the weekend of May 5-6, 2007. The Ramble, sponsored by the
Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites (WCAMHS)
and the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB),
includes more than fifteen local museums and historic sites. Most of the
participating museums are opening their doors free of charge and many
have special surprises planned for the weekend.
The Museum Ramble is a self-guided tour that will be offered from 1 p.m.
- 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6. Maps and directions to
participating sites, as well as refreshments for participants, will be
available at the Visitor Welcome Center in downtown Hagerstown. The
WCAMHS and the CVB, along with the design expertise of Icon Graphics,
have put together a brochure and map specifically for this year's
Ramble. The guide and map can be viewed online at
http://www.marylandmemories.org/ramble.
The printed guide is available
at the Visitor Welcome Center, and at various CVB members.
"No matter what your interests are -- fine arts, rural heritage,
American history, black history, religion, geology, or trains -- you're
sure to enjoy a ramble through this year's selection of Washington
County museums," says Museum Association President Bill Knode. "We
welcome visitors and residents to take a trip through our county and see
some of our wonderful museums. Start the day with refreshments at the
downtown Hagerstown Visitor Center and look for surprises at all the
museums along the way!"
According to the Convention and Visitors Bureau President Tom Riford,
"Our county has an extremely rich history to tell, and visitors and
residents alike love the Museum Ramble every year!"
Of Maryland's 300-plus museums, more than 10 percent are located in
Washington County. The Museum Ramble makes the most of this by welcoming
residents and visitors to the county's museums, many of which are
private and typically open by appointment only.
The museums and sites participating in the Museum Ramble, and planning
special activities, are:
Boonsborough Museum of History. (301-432-6969) 113 North Main Street,
Boonsboro. Come see a special display of what many call Washington
County's most eclectic collection! See a new exhibit "Trench Art and
Wartime Souvenirs."
Bowman House and Boonsboro Historical Society. (301-432-8410) 323 North
Main Street, Boonsboro. The Bowman House, built by Jacob Powles, is
typical of log houses built in Western Maryland during the first half of
the nineteenth century. In 1868 John Bowman purchased the log house and
established the Boonsboro Pottery. His kiln was located about 75 feet to
the rear of the building.
Christian Heritage Museum. (877-313-9002) 14111 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Hagerstown. A privately owned collection of historic Bibles, books,
manuscripts, sermon notes, and documents of Christian history, gathered
for the past 25 years in order to preserve, protect, educate, motivate,
and inspire others to live for Christ.
Discovery Station and Hagerstown Aviation Museum. (301-790-0076) 101
West Washington Street, Hagerstown. This hands-on learning museum
includes exhibits that promote science, technology and local history
through displays and programs that are both educational and
entertaining. Included is Hagerstown's Aviation Museum, exhibits from
Maryland's Science Center, and more! Great for families! This year's
event is "Fly" in a flight simulator. Refreshments will be served.
Fort Frederick State Park. (301-842-2155). 18 miles west of Hagerstown,
one mile south of I-70 (Rt 56 exit 12). Come see Maryland's first state
park and enjoy special living history programs!
Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum. (301-739-4665). 300 S. Burhans Blvd (US
11). There are extraordinary things to see, including a trolley built in
1918, torpedoes for railroad tracks, and a special lantern designed to
measure color blindness. See the largest display of working model trains
in the four-state area! Drinks and cookies provided.
Jonathan Hager House and Museum. (301-739-8393). Hagerstown City Park.
Private frontier fort original home of Hagerstown's founder, built over
two separate springs the site houses the original Little Heiskel and a
large collection of 18th Century antiques! Frontier Forts Display.
The Mansion House. (301-797-6813). City Park, Hagerstown. Headquarters
for the Valley Art Association, works displayed from scores of artists,
in a beautiful mansion built in 1846. Paul Rhymer and wife Carolyn will
be exhibiting their paintings and bronze sculptures in the North Gallery
for the month of May.
Miller House and Washington County Historical Society. (301-797-8782).
135 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown. Exhibits include Bell Pottery,
doll/toy collection, historic items from the Revolutionary War, the
Civil War, and the C&O Canal. Antique Taxi Display will be open.
Refreshments will be served.
McMahons Mill Military Museum. (301-223-8778). 7900 Avis Mill Road,
Williamsport. See a real Gatling Gun, Civil War weapons, jewelry from
around the world, and more!
Pry House Field Hospital Museum. (301-695-1864 or 800-564-1864). 18906
Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg. Washington County's newest museum is on
the Antietam National Battlefield. See a special medical display showing
battlefield surgery following the single bloodiest day in American
history.
Smithsburg Historical Society. (301-824-7154) 20 E. Water Street. This
is the newest of Smithsburg's museums located in the former town library
building.
The Train Room . (301-745-6681). 360 South Burhans Blvd, Hagerstown.
Extraordinary collection of nationally renowned Lionel items. Buy one
admission, get one free.
Train 202 Museum. Hagerstown City Park. Train 202 is a steam locomotive
built in 1912 to haul passengers, mail and baggage between Baltimore and
Hagerstown. Retired in 1953, the train was moved to City Park.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. (301-739-5727). Hagerstown City
Park. The Crown Jewel of Washington County. Special exhibits!
Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, (240-313-2839). 7313 Sharpsburg
Pike (MD65), Boonsboro. 7 miles south of I-70 (exit #29). Come see rural
heritage in Washington County! Catoctin Furnace cast iron stove,
Conestoga wagon, Corn sheller, Corncob checkers, and a new exhibit
"Sweet and Sour - The Taste of Spring." There will be an observation
beehive (featuring live bees at work). Enjoy honey refreshments, and
more!
Washington Monument State Park and Museum. (301-791-4767) The Washington
Monument, atop South Mountain near Boonsboro, is the first in the nation
that was completed in honor of U.S. President George Washington. Tour
the small museum, with its fascinating collection.
Williamsport Town Museum. (301-223-5854 or 301-223-7229). 14 Springfield
Lane, Williamsport. Enjoy memorabilia in the lower level of the Historic
Barn at the Springfield Farm. Old time stories, 1800s furniture, and a
special display of "Woodcarvers of Williamsport."
Click Here to Search News
|
 |
