Maryland in the War of 1812 - A Living History Event

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area in Garrett County, Maryland and Garrett Lakes Arts Festival present a Star Spangled 200 sponsored event, Maryland in the War of 1812 - A Living History Event on May 17 from 5 pm – 8 pm and May 18 from 10 am – 5 pm at the Garrett County Fairgrounds located in McHenry, Maryland. This event is free and open to the public.

This family-friendly living history event will include on-site War of 1812 speakers and re-enactors, period music performed by musicians & singers in period garb and displays & education information. Guests will learn about the Battle of Baltimore and the Star Spangled Banner, hear music of the time, take part in period children’s games and a model tent camp; join a Junior Militia Drill, make period crafts and learn what everyday life was like for Marylanders of the early 19^th century. Food will be available for purchase Friday and Saturday provided by the Northern Garrett Rescue Squad. 

Many of the presenters have been arranged through the Maryland Humanities Council including: Vince Vaise, Battle of Baltimore and the Birth of the Anthem, Christopher George: Terror on the Chesapeake & David Hildebrand’s Music of the War of 1812 in America.

The event will also feature the following Living History Activities and Presentations: 

v  Aisquith’s Sharp Shooters, 1^st Maryland Rifle Battalion Maryland Militia

v  Mathew Dodd: Songs and Stories of Old Sailing Days

v  FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 1629 in cooperation with Garrett County Schools: Privateering during the War of 1812, from a STEM perspective

v  Garrett County during the War of 1812

v  US Navy History and Heritage Command: History of the Sea service of the United States during the War of 1812

v  Activities & Crafts

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area has worked with Garrett County schools to bring local 8^th grade students to this event at an exclusive time during the day on Friday. In addition, materials were purchased for the students to create War of 1812 quilts to display in the Garrett County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall during the event.  

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is an official partner of the Star Spangled 200 and was awarded a grant to present this project in Garrett County.  This event has been financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. Event Sponsors also include Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations. 

For more information about this event, including a detailed schedule of activities by day, please go online to www.visitdeepcreek.com or call 301.387.4386.