SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS PAST: CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR
2023-12-02 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-12-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-12-09 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-12-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-12-16 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Everyone is invited to join us for a unique Christmas adventure. This is your chance to learn about Christmas in days gone by while wandering through Bel Air’s Winter Wonderland. The Society is pleased to announce its first annual Candlelight Christmas Tour led by docent, Julie Brasch. Participants will enjoy Christmas stories of days gone by, caroling, a small Christmas treat and much more. Tours will begin on Friday, November 24, and run every Friday and Saturday until December 16. The one-and-a-half-hour tour will begin at the Historical Society, 143 N. Main Street in Bel Air at 7 p.m. Along the way, participants will learn about the many holiday traditions that have developed over time and hear unique stories about local traditions. Free parking is available on the Society’s lot located behind the building. Tour groups will be limited to 20 people and pre-registration is required.
Tickets will not be available at the door.

SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS PAST: CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR
2023-12-29 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-12-30 19:00 - 20:30 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Response has been so incredible to this year’s Christmas tours that we have decided to extend them for one more weekend. Everyone is invited to join us for this unique holiday adventure. This is your chance to learn about Christmas and the New Years holidays in days gone by while wandering through Bel Air’s Winter Wonderland.
The Society is pleased to present the Spirits of Christmas Past Candlelight Tour led by docent, Julie Brasch. Participants will enjoy Christmas and New Years stories of days gone by, caroling, a small Christmas treat and much more. Tours will be held on Friday, December 29, and Saturday December 30.
The one-and-a-half-hour tour will begin at the Historical Society, 143 N. Main Street in Bel Air at 7 p.m. Along the way, participants will learn about the many holiday traditions that have developed over time and hear unique stories about local traditions. Free parking is available on the Society’s lot located behind the building. Tour groups will be limited to 20 people and pre-registration is required.
Tickets will not be available at the door.

Genealogy Workshop
2024-01-10 19:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
The Historical Society’s January Genealogy program will focus on Problem Solving Techniques. As anyone who ever tried to delve into their family history knows, there are always research challenges. Mary Schweers, a Society’s genealogist, will lead you through the mysteries of this research, including the brick walls and other issues. You will discover the ways to analyze the situation and determine best research methods to work around these frustrating problems. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, January 10th at 7 pm.

The Maryland Lynching Memorial Project, featuring Will Schwarz
2024-02-06 12:30 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
The Society will celebrate Black History Month with a special presentation by Will Schwarz, President of the Maryland Lynching Memorial project. Mr. Schwarz will describe the purpose and findings of the Memorial Lynching project and detail the stories of three known racial terror lynchings in Harford County – Isaac Moore (1868), Jim Quinn (1869), and Lewis Harris (1900). The soil jars memorializing the victims in Harford County that were collected for the Memorial Project ceremony in 2022 are now on display at the Historical Society.

The Story of the Ma & Pa Railroad, featuring Walt Holloway
2024-02-10 14:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Area residents have long been enamored by the unique rail line that snaked its way through Harford County’s farms and fields delivering products between Pennsylvania and Baltimore. Walt Holloway is the Historical Society’s resident expert on the railroad and will share his numerous photos and stories of the legendary part of County history.

My Ancestor Was A Quaker
2024-03-13 19:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Historical Society Genealogist, Christopher Smithson will share the path to finding the ancestral stories of Harford County Quakers. The Quakers found respite from persecution in Harford County as early as the 1700s and many of its members went on to become a unique part of the county’s history. Come and discover the records of the Friends who went on to establish communities in Harford and learn how to research their stories.

Harford 250 Grand Finale, Celebrating Tomorrow
2024-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 | The Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Join us at the Grand Finale of the Harford 250 celebration. This will be a special event featuring music performances, speakers, unveiling of a commemorative public art mosaic, musical performances, the unveiling of the Harford 250 Time Capsule and more. The event will conclude with a county-wide sounding of bells at noon and an invitation for all county neighborhoods to join in the closing celebration and begin making Harford history now.
Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.
RSVP on the Harford 250 website

Adventures at the Aegis, featuring Todd Holden
2024-04-13 14:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Todd Holden, celebrated photographer, writer, and journalist will share stories of his years as an Aegis reporter and photographer in Harford County. Todd’s memories and photographs of the famous H. Rap Brown trial, the fury of Agnes, the storm that threatened the Conowingo Dam, and the many charming characters along with some of the villains, that he encountered in his career are sure to entertain.

Jazz at the STAR
2024-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | the STAR Centre, 700 Congress Ave, Havre De Grace, MD, 21078, United States
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music as the internationally acclaimed The Jazz Ambassadors of The United States Army Field Band at the STAR Centre stage in Havre De Grace, MD on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM. This special concert is presented as an encore event to conclude the celebration of Harford 250!
Register to let use know you will be attending!
https://starcentremd.com/event/harford-250-presents-jazz-at-the-star/

Salute to Bel Air at 150
2024-04-27 12:00 | The Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Join the Historical Society at the Town of Bel Air’s 150th Anniversary Celebration featuring historical displays tracing Bel Air’s history from its early days as a town of just 42 lots centered around a courthouse, jail and sheriff’s residence to the bustling town we know today. Everyone is welcome, no registration required.

At Home at the Hay's House
2024-04-28 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
On Sunday, April 28 from 1:00 – 3:30 pm the Hays House will be open to visitors — honoring 1874 and the incorporation of Bel Air. Admission is free!
WHAT WOULD SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY LIFE LOOK LIKE IN 1874?

Come see what the fashionable family would be wearing in 1874!
Play some period games.
Enjoy the aromas of hearth cooking and sample a cookie.
Visit the gardens and see what’s happening there.

Genealogy Workshop with Mary Schweers
2024-05-08 19:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Learn how to trace those long-lost relatives, use the computer research programs to make the task easier, and keep track of all of that data. Let our experts help you with your search.

Trivia & Tea with Mom
2024-05-11 14:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Looking for a way to show mom how much you care? Sign up for a special afternoon tea at the Historical Society complete with a true trivia challenge. This promises to be fun for everyone with a combination of fine food, sweet treats and great competition. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to register early.

How to Protect Harford’s History
2024-05-19 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Jacob Bensen, Historic Preservation Planner for Harford County government. In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, Jacob will share “How to Protect Harford’s History.” Jacob will discuss a few of the places protected by the Harford County Historic Landmarks and Districts Program and the tools available to help you save the places that you love in Harford County. Following the presentation, visitors can enjoy the Hays House and gardens.

Come See What We Do in the Garden
2024-05-26 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Governor William Paca Chapter NSDAR has maintained a Pollinator Garden at the Hays for several years. The garden was begun as a Conservation project and is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Recently, the volunteers have adopted the Herb Garden, established by HSHC volunteers years ago. The Pollinator and Herb Garden volunteers invite the public to “Come See What We Do in the Garden”. Volunteers will informally discuss their work in the garden and the value of pollinator gardens and the uses of herbs today.

The Women Who Sewed the Star-Spangled Banner
2024-06-09 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
The Star-Spangled Banner was sewn in Baltimore in 1813 by a women-owned business. Sandi will share the story of Mary Pickersgill, her mother Rebecca and daughter Caroline, her nieces, a free-African American apprentice, and the women of Baltimore who sewed the Star-Spangled Banner. Following the presentation visitors can tour the Hays House.

The B & O Railroad in Aberdeen - A Virtual Presentation with Guest Speaker: Pete Dacey
2024-06-11 12:30 | MD
The historic B & O station in Aberdeen was marked for demolition in 2003. Luckily, a last- minute agreement was made by CSX and the Historical Society of Harford County to save the building. In September 2016, the Aberdeen Room Museum & Archives took over the project to restore the train station. During that time, private contributions and several grants were obtained to fund the project. Then, in June 2020, a new non-profit was officially formed, The Friends of the Aberdeen B&O Train Station, Inc., whose focus is solely the rehabilitation and restoration of the train station. Pete Dacey, the President of this group, will share the story of the train, its impact on Harford County, and the ongoing restoration of this unique structure. Join us for this virtual presentation highlighting the importance of the B & O to Harford’s development and the ongoing restoration of this architecturally significant building.

Harford Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
2024-06-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Maryland Golf and Country Club, 1335 E Macphail Rd, Bel Air, MD, 21015, United States
As part of its Harford 250 Sestercentennial Celebrations, the Historical Society of Harford County, Inc. (HSHC) evaluated the desire of the community to develop the Harford Sports Hall of Fame. A committee was assembled of sports reporters, former high school athletic directors, local historians, athletes, coaches and more, who evaluated a stellar list of nominees from 23 high schools and those who made an impact in Harford County and beyond. An initial list was developed of 90-plus athletes, coaches and administrators that contained Olympians, World Champions, world record holders, professional and collegiate athletes, coaches and more. In August 2023, 50 incredibly accomplished individuals from this list were honored at the HSHC Harford 250’s Night at the Ballpark at Ripken Stadium.
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Maryland Golf and Country Clubs, HSHC will formally induct the first class of athletes, coaches and administrators into the Harford Sports Hall of Fame!
Timeline

5PM-6PM: VIP cocktail hour for Inductees and their plus one, Sponsors, Board of Trustees, and sports committee members.
6:00PM: Entire Maryland Room open to all the guests. Tables with seating for 8.
6:30PM: Guests take their seats for dinner.
7:00PM: Dinner Buffet to open.
7:30PM: Video of all inductees to start once every table has been to buffet.
8:15PM: Inductees to be given award and thank you speech.
9:00PM: Event Concludes

List of Inductees

Abby Gustaitis – Olympic Rugby Team Captain
Ally Carey – D1 Lacrosse All American and World Team Member
Bill Brown – NCAA track champion – posthumous
Dick Slutzky – AD/Coach Aberdeen
Fran Mathews – AD/Coach N. Harford
Irv Pankey – NFL
Kimmie Meissner – World Champion Skater
Mike Atkin – Jui Jitsu Champion

Nominate an Athlete
Sponsorships

Presenting and Dinner Sponsor – 8 tickets and VIP hour: $5000
Beverage Sponsor – 4 tickets and VIP hour: $2000
Awards Sponsor – 2 tickets and VIP hour: $1000 SOLD
Video Sponsor – 2 tickets and VIP hour: $500
Friends of the Historical Society – VIP hour plus 1: $250
Advertising Spaces Available: $125 – $500

Purchase Sponsorship

Open House at the Hays House
2024-06-23 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Graces is not a game we play every day, but games like Hopscotch are more familiar! Come be surprised by how people entertained themselves 200 years ago!

Patriotic Games and Crafts at the Hays House
2024-07-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Enjoy the games and crafts of early America. Make a patriotic craft project.

Open House at the Hays House
2024-07-28 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Investigate the Herbs in the Herb Garden. What were their uses in Early America?

Early American Education
2024-08-11 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Get ready to go back to school—in 1815!! How would the school year be different than today? This program will explore what school was like in the period from 1788 – mid 1800s.

Black Churches in Harford, featuring Reggie Bishop/Virtual Event
2024-08-13 12:30 | Online Event
Join us for a virtual presentation by guest speaker, Reggie Bishop on Tuesday, August 13 at 12:30 pm to learn about the central role that the church has played in African American life in Harford County since the 1800s. Harford’s Black Churches provided much more that religious instruction. They were the center of the community, offering services and support for generations. We encourage you to take this opportunity to learn about the rich history of Harford’s churches from a renowned speaker and historian. The program is free.

Open House at the Hays House
2024-08-25 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
What do you know about the Hays House? Who owned it? Who lived in it? Where was it originally located? How was it moved? What are the plans for the future? Add your thoughts for the programs that you’d like to see offered.

Bush Declaration Kick Off: Life in Harford County in 1774-1775
2024-09-08 13:00 - 15:30 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
September 1774. The “shot heard round the world” would be fired in just seven months and the American Revolution would begin. What was the buzz in Harford County? Visit the Hays House as people go about their normal routine and share what they are learning about the coming revolution.
