Activities
18th Century Encampment - Location: Main Street at the Christ Reformed Church Green Space.
British General Edward Braddock with his Lt. Col George
Washington passed through Middletown on their fateful
march to Fort Duquesne during the French & Indian War in
1755.
Go back in time to learn about life during this period. Make
candles, learn about flint and steel making and visit with a
Seneca Indian in camp. The South Mountain Sutlers will be
demonstrating soap making, wool dying and discussing a
variety of topics relevant to 18th century living.
Heritage Parade - Time: 10:00 AM – Location: Main Street
The Middletown Heritage Day Parade kicks off the Festival with the Frederick County Honor Guard leading the  parade down Main Street to Willow Street . With great dance groups, floats, marching bands and local organizations, the parade is always a highlight of the day. Ending the parade this year will be the Golden Gears Car Club. The Grand Marshal for our 26th annual parade is Mr. Steven Nalborczyk. Mr . Nalborczyk is a member of the Middletown Valley Fire Department where he is a member of the Board of Directors and drives the ambulance. Starting with the fire department in 1964, he has served countless hours. Mr. Nalborczyk and his wife both along with their three sons continue to be active members of the Middletown Valley Fire Department. The Ladies Auxiliary will follow directly behind Mr. Nalborczyk followed honorably by the entire Middletown Valley Fire Department.
Main Street Memories
New this year, the Heritage Committee introduces “Main Street Memories.” Do you ever wonder what these buildings, that are our homes, shops, and favorite places to grab a bite, used to look like?
Today, as you walk through the town, you will notice pictures of the old homes, churches, and buildings as they once were, before they were taken by time and changed a bit.
You will get a peek into the past, and see them as they were.
When they still smelled of fresh paint, and the trees were still saplings.
Some of them have changed quite a lot.
Doors have been removed.
Windows have been added, and stately porches have been built on,
But what still remains, is the spirit of these grand old building, and homes.
The same spirit that remains still in Middletown , a sense of pride and community…our heritage.
Zion Lutheran Church - Civil War Medical Hospital
Founded by German immigrants, the Middletown Zion Lutheran Church is rich in history dating back to it's founding
in 1740. The current structure dedicated in 1860 was
designated as a general hospital by the U.S. Army in the
aftermath of the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In
the church sanctuary visit a civil war hospital and learn about
some of the medical practices and challenges during this
time period.
A demonstration of a Civil War field hospital presented by
Zion Lutheran Church and the Civil War Medicine Museum.
 Lamar Center Tours
The Lamar Center at 200 West Main Street in Middletown
was the surgical center and sanitarium of Dr.Austin Lamar
in the early 1900’s. This property was acquired by CMHL in
1998.In addition to acquiring the building, CMHL also
acquired all of Dr. Lamar’s medical records and surgical
equipment. CMHLrestored the building, the surgical suite
and recovery room, and has the center open for tours
throughout the day.
Also at the Lamar Center the Central Maryland Heritage
League will be presenting their campaign to  save the stained
glass windows at the Dahlgren Chapel on South Mountain.
Learn about the process of creating stained glass from
renowned artist Sharon Rowland and join in the campaign to
save the windows of the chapel!
Signal Corps - Time: 1:00 and 3:00, Location:
Christ Reformed Green Space and
Zion Lutheran Church
During the Civil War, Middletown became a strategic location
for some of the first organized military signaling in history. In
the days before and after the Battle of South Mountain,
Major Albert J. Myers, later known as the father of modern
military communications, had his headquarters in
Middletown where he coordinated the signaling and
communications during the battle of Antietam using the
Church Steeples of Middletown. Members from U.S. Dept. of
WVA Signal Corps will be recreating these communications
and demonstrating signaling techniques throughout the day.
Participate by having your message sent or join in and learn
to use the flags to send your own message.
Civil War Encampment Location: Christ Reformed Church Green Space
Visit a Civil War soldier's camp with re-enactors portraying Union soldiers from the 1st Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade. This unit was organized at Frederick, Maryland August 15, 1861 and fought in the battles of Gettysburg, New Market, and Monocacy. Everyday activities of the common soldier's life will be on display including soldier's rations, personal items, uniforms, weapons, and gear. Manual of arms drills and musket firing demonstrations will take place at 12;30, 2:00 & 3:30.
Historical Stories on Stage:
Nancy Crouse - Come hear about the real Barbara Fritchie, Middletown’s own Nancy Crouse. Nancy or Nannie as she was known throughout
town, was not only beautiful but brave and bold as she stood
up to Captain Motter of the Confederate army. The 1860’s were
a time of turmoil and unrest in our country and our own valley
was no exception. Don’t miss the tale of the brave Union girl— Nancy Crouse!
Roller Girls of Braddock -
Many wealthy Washingtonians fled the city to vacation in lush,
cool Braddock Heights around the turn of the 20th century.
Braddock Heights was a popular destination that provided
many unique attractions, including a dance hall, theater, giant sliding board, and the merry-go-round, which cost a mere 10
cents. Braddock was also the home of a popular roller rink that
was lost to a fire in 1998. Come hear about all of the excitement
of the Heights….presented by our own Roller Girls of Braddock!
Heritage Booth - Located in the center of Main Street, the Heritage Booth has information about charming Middletown. We can answer questions you may have about the Heritage Festival, as well as our upcoming town events. Come by the Heritage Booth to pick up an entry form for the Heritage Hunt, a Festival tradition enjoyed by young and old alike. Great merchandise will also be available for sale -- mugs, shirts and other Middletown keepsakes to remember the day! Don't forget to order your Middletown Christmas in the Valley Ornament while you're at the booth.
Heritage Children's Crafts - Time: Begins at Noon, Location: State Farm Parking Lot behind 17 W. Main Street
Our children's crafts are free of charge and a great way for children to connect with their heritage!
• Decorate a straw farm hat
• Put together a jointed Victorian Lady or skeleton, and make it dance
• Place stickers of firemen, fire engines, etc. in a model of the Middletown VFC Firehouse.
• Change ordinary leaves into colorful autumn leaves
• Make a book of Past, Present, and Future houses and the inside and see how they have changed
• Decorate a recycled soup can with Earth foam stickers to turn it into a “green” pencil holder
• Create a shadow box of Middletown scenes
• Make a tree’s leaves appear and disappear by making a Thaumatrope
Middletown Heritage Hunt - "Doorways to History" Time: Entries must be returned by 4:00pm,
Find the doors pictured in our “Heritage Hunt”, and you could win a prize! Pick up an entry form at the Heritage Festival Booth located in front of Town Hall. As you travel through the festival area, look for our pictured doors on your entry form.
Tell us the address at which each of the photos was taken and return the completed form. All complete and correct entries will be entered into a drawing for prizes.
Entries must be returned to the Heritage Festival Booth by 4:00 pm to be included in the drawing.
1st Prize - $75
2nd Prize - $50
3rd Prize - $25
South Mountain Sutlers- Visit with the South Mountain Sulters who will be demonstrating soap making, wool dying and discussing a variety of topics relivant to 18th century living.
The South Mountain Sutlers will be located in front of 308 West Main St. See soap and candle making,
learn about fur trading and trapping, see wool dying and spinning, see apple butter and apple sauce making and herb drying.
Historial Society House Tour-Visit the Middletown Historical Society and tour their 18th century home and
garden. Hearth cooking will be demonstrated by local period cooking expert Sally Waltz.. The Historical Society is located at 305 West Main Street. Also, look for the Historical Society's booth within the festival area.
Bladesmith and Knife Making - 13 West Main Street. The Moran Foundation demonstrates the art of knife making.
Visit the Middletown Fire Department Auxiliary Breakfast on Heritage Morning for their Annual
All You Can Eat Breakfast. From 7 am to 10 am.
Heritage Car Show -TBA
Middletown Library Book Sale - Located in the Memorial Hall Building on West Main which was built in dedication to Middletown's veterans from World War I. The sale begins at 7:00am for all those early birds and ends at 6:00pm. The library will also be selling books on Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 pm.
Christ Reformed Church Quilt Raffle and Booth - Located in the Christ Reformed Green Space. While looking at their
beautiful handmade baskets don't forget to get your raffle ticket for a chance to win a
handmade quilt that is a heirloom keepsake.
READ MORE about the history of Middletown.
Entertainment
Exhibitors and Artists
Food Vendors
Festival Maps
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