"Washington County on The Road" Planned for April 8
This year's "Washington County On The Road" is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8. It is a day-long training session for front-line tourism staffers, sponsored by the CVB. The purpose of "Washington County On The Road" is to familiarize local management and employees with the parks and attractions in Hagerstown-Washington County. The free tour is an annual event sponsored by the CVB, and is open to CVB members. For more information contact Betsy De Vore at 301-791-3246.
Downtown Hagerstown Visitor Welcome Center Undergoes Renovation
The CVB is proud to announce that phase one of the renovation is nearing completion at its downtown Visitor Welcome Center located at 6 North Potomac Street. The new space is fully operational and is awaiting some final touches. The CVB opened the Visitor Welcome Center in 2000 and this is the first time changes have been made to the space. Renovations include a new visitor-friendly reception desk, new paint, carpeting, and fixtures. The redesigned space offers more efficient storage for the large amount of printed material the CVB makes available to visitors and travelers. The interior walls will feature large Washington County images. One of the biggest aesthetic changes in the Visitor Welcome Center is its front windows. In the past the windows featured striking displays, either seasonal or based on area events. The large window spaces have been cleared so visitors can see directly into the welcome center.
The Visitor Welcome Center is operated by the CVB, and located in space rented from the City of Hagerstown. The CVB is funding the entire renovation project. The second phase of the renovation will involve new displays and additional rack space. The plan is to incorporate interactive technology to provide visitors with the information and tools they need to make choices about dining, lodging, exploring, and sightseeing in Washington County.
The renovation project is being coordinated by CVB Director of Operations Jolene Thomas; members of the CVB Board of Directors including Julie Rohm, General Manager of the Valley Mall, and Kevin Moriarty, Director of the Washington County Arts Council; and CVB President Tom Riford.
Civil War Enthusiasts Find Themselves Prepared for Battle
Several
Civil War battlefields in the area are among the most threatened
by development and other dangers, according to a report released
Wednesday by the Civil War Preservation Trust. The Antietam National
Battlefield and the Monocacy National Battlefield are among the
top 10, which places them in the "endangered" category. The South Mountain Battlefield is among the next 15, listed as "at-risk." Antietam is threatened by a proposed 30-foot cellular tower that would be visible from all the battlefield's most famous vantage points, according to the report. Public hearings on the sight lines from battlefields could take place later this year.
Preservation Maryland Conference Coming to Hagerstown May 29-30
Maryland's 2008 Preservation and Revitalization Conference will be held from May 29-30 at the University System of Maryland in historic downtown Hagerstown. The CVB is a major sponsor of the conference. This year's conference will offer a diverse selection of educational sessions that address current preservation topics. It promises to provide an exciting program emphasizing practical tools and lessons that can be carried back to home communities.
The Preservation and Revitalization Conference begins Thursday, May 29 with a plenary session followed by a reception at Hagerstown's historic Maryland Theatre. The Maryland Historical Trust Awards and Reception will be held the evening of Friday, May 30. Extraordinary preservation leaders throughout the state will be honored. Mr. Edward McMahon, Senior Fellow on Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy at the Urban Land Institute will be the keynote speaker.
Preservation Maryland is hosting the statewide conference with major support from the Maryland Historic Trust and local companies and organizations interested in highlighting their community. Participants include preservation advocates, architects, developers, museum and tourism officials, and representatives from government agencies and local organizations from all across Maryland.
The locations for the annual Preservation Maryland conferences rotate around the state. The event has never been held in historic downtown Hagerstown before. All participants will receive welcome packets courtesy of the Hagerstown-Washington County CVB. Special hotel rates are being coordinated by the CVB for out of town visitors. Additionally, the conference attendees are encouraged to spend the weekend in Hagerstown, enjoy the annual Western Maryland Blues Fest (set for May 30 - June 1), and visit local attractions.
CVB's Riford Attends "Taste of Maryland" Reception, and Meets with Legislators
More than 250 hospitality industry professionals were in attendance at the "Taste of Maryland" on January 21st, and communicated that tourism is part of the solution in resolving Maryland's fiscal health. The legislators were treated to delicious food from more than 25 restaurants across the state.
The annual legislative reception was held at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, and the CVB's Tom Riford attended, representing both the Maryland Tourism Council Board of Directors and the Maryland Destination Marketing Association.
The proposed Maryland State Budget has a significant impact on the tourism industry. Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley introduced the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget with what is generally looked upon as overall positive news for the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts.
Tourism Officials Tour Downtown Hagerstown
Tourism directors, arts council leaders and downtown development officials from Maryland's five westernmost counties - Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett and Washington - met at The Potomac Bead Co. in January to experience firsthand the success that a downtown business can enjoy.
The event, known as "Tourism, the Arts & Downtown Development," was created so arts and city officials could gather to network and exchange ideas to improve downtown development. Although the Eastern Shore had a similar event last year, Thursday marked the first meeting in Western Maryland.
Besides visiting The Potomac Bead Co., where participants spent about 90 minutes crafting bead necklaces and bracelets, city officials took their guests on a tour of downtown. Among the places they visited were The Maryland Theatre, the Gourmet Goat and Duffy's on Potomac. Eventually, the event is to be held quarterly, with each of the five counties alternating as hosts, he said.
US Senator Byrd Secures Funding to Help Western Maryland Rail Trail Expansion from Washington County to Paw Paw Bends; CVB, NPS, and DNR Work Together on Expansion Planning
Byrd Gets Funding for Extension of Western Md. Rail Trail
 Senator
Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., has secured funding to help turn the
abandoned Western Maryland Railway into a new tourist opportunity
in Morgan County. In legislation that recently became law, Senator
Byrd included $980,000 to fund the conversion of the old railway
through the Paw Paw Bends into a hiking and biking trail.
The National Park Service has worked with the community to study various alternatives for the abandoned railway. A strong consensus has emerged in support of converting the right-of-way, currently owned by the park service, into a trail that connects with the C&O Canal path and the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
 The C&O Canal Trust was founded last year to operate as a private fund-raising arm for the C&O
Canal National Historical Park. Founded by Matthew Logan, the former
president of the Potomac Conservancy, the group has raised a quarter
million dollars thus far. The first significant undertaking of
the C&O Trust will be the Canal Pride Days, a month-long program of volunteer projects and activities that kicks off on April 19. Over one hundred projects from tree planting, to painting structures, fixing boat ramps and debris and brush cleanup will involve schools, businesses and neighborhood groups.
To learn more about the organization, its volunteer opportunities, or to find out how to donate to the C&O Trust visit the Trust's Web site at http://www.canaltrust.org.
CVB and Heritage Area Offer Assistance to Rebuild Historic Boone Hotel
A fire on Friday February 22nd left only the stone walls of the Boone Hotel standing, but best-selling romance novelist Nora Roberts and her husband, Bruce Wilder, say they still plan to open an inn on the site in downtown Boonsboro.
The state heritage area is offering funding assistance and help to rebuild and the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau has also offered aid.
Roberts and Wilder are members of the organization and help attract visitors to Boonsboro and Washington County with the Turn The Page Bookstore.
The State Fire Marshall's office has said that destruction was caused when workers renovating the Boone Hotel accidentally knocked over a liquid-propane tank, which caused the explosion and fire.
Doleman Black Heritage Museum Gaining Support
A Hagerstown family working to establish a black heritage museum has received $30,000 in state and city funds to obtain an expert assessment of their vast collection of African-American artifacts and memorabilia.
Marguerite Doleman, who died in 2000 at age 79, collected thousands of items including slave bills of sale, quilts made by former slaves, obituaries of local African-American residents and material documenting the Civil Rights movement. Marguerite Doleman ran an African-American museum in her home on North Locust Street. After she died, family members and friends established the Doleman Black Heritage Museum in hopes of moving the collection from the crammed house into a building with more exhibit space.
The City of Hagerstown recently matched a $15,000 grant the group had received from the Maryland Heritage Area Authority to hire an expert to assess the collection. Doleman said expertise is needed to keep some of the older items, such as clothing, documents and quilts, from deteriorating.
The collection includes a "Jocko" statue, or black lawn jockey. Although some consider such statues racist because they portray servants with sometimes exaggerated facial features, Doleman said his mother favored a story that the figures honor an African-American child who held a lantern on the bank of the Delaware River so Gen. George Washington's troops could find their way back after attacking a Hessian force in New Jersey.
Region to Commemorate Brown's Raid in 2009
 Four
states and four counties have begun preparations to commemorate
the 2009 sesquicentennial anniversary of abolitionist John
Brown's raid on the arsenal at Harpers Ferry. The John Brown 150th Anniversary Quad-State Committee, comprised of various historians and officials from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, will coordinate a range of commemoration events to ensure that the schedules of the individual county committees do not conflict. Officials responsible for organizing the commemorations say that events will likely include, but are not limited to re-enactments, dramatic productions, art exhibits, academic lectures, special tours and much more.
On the evening of Oct. 16, 1859, Brown led a group of abolitionists on a six-mile march from the Kennedy Farm in Washington County, Md., across the railroad bridge into Harpers Ferry and seized control of the town in order to steal weapons from the old federal armory so they could be used in the cause against slavery. But because a passing train reached Frederick, Md., a telegram notifying the army of the attack enabled soldiers to respond before Brown could accomplish his goal. He was later hanged in Charles Town for his attack.
New Center for Visual Arts to Open in Downtown Hagerstown
A working center for visual arts with more than thirty new artist's studios will be open for business within weeks in downtown Hagerstown, according to the project's developer, Mike Deming of Demcore Development. The studios—which will be available for lease—are located on the upper storey's of the former Schindle-Rohrer building on South Potomac Street. The studio project is being done in collaboration with the Washington County Arts Council.
The studios are designed with basic amenities such as heat and light. Running water is available in a common area. A separate set of studios will be equipped for pottery-making with shared kilns and materials storage. The individual studios will range in size from 100 to 200 square feet. Monthly rental fees will start at about $200. Reservations for the studios are being accepted now. For information, call 301-745-3633.
Smart Company Magazine Debuts in Frederick and Washington Counties
 Bringing a new and energetic perspective to covering business news in Frederick and Washington counties, Smart Company Magazine: The Business Voice for Frederick & Washington
Counties has launched its premiere issue. Smart Company Magazine
is a monthly, business-to-business publication that aims
to provide an instructive, engaging and even entertaining
perspective on local business topics and issues.
Readers of Smart Company Magazine can enjoy articles about the latest business news and trends, with a particular focus on how these changes affect local businesses. The magazine will also highlight informative "how to" stories on improving business operations, news about the latest business happenings in the community, interviews with local newsmakers, and much more.
Leading the Smart Company Magazine team are Co-Publishers Harby Tran and Kate Rader, and Managing Editor Guy Fletcher, an award-winning journalist and public relations professional who has lived and worked in the region for the past two decades.
Fifteen thousand copies of Smart Company Magazine will be distributed monthly by mail to thousands of area businesses and will also be available at select locations. To register for a free subscription, please go to www.smartcompanymag.com.
CVB Helping With Restoration Project for Train 202 Museum's Locomotive
 City
staff are proceeding with the cosmetic restoration of Steam
Locomotive 202 at City Park. About $10,000 of the project's
estimated $12,000 cost will be paid for with funds from the
estate of John Long, according to city documents. The remaining
$2,000 will be provided by the Hagerstown-Washington County
Convention and Visitors Bureau. If everything goes as planned,
the project will be completed by early May. Locomotive 202
was built in 1912 and was donated to the city more than 50
years ago by the Western Maryland Railway.
Antietam National Battlefield Park and Catoctin Mountain Park Report Increases in Visitation for 2007
The National Park Service (NPS) recently released its visitation statistics for 2007. Service-wide, 360 reporting units in the National Park system experienced an average increase in visitation of 1.1 percent. Two local parks, Antietam National Battlefield and Catoctin Mountain Park, reported a much more significant increase in visitation.
 Visitors who stopped in at Antietam's Visitor Center, and paid the park's entry
fee, numbered 282,676 in 2006. In 2007 there were 337,569 visitors, an increase
of 19.4 percent, or nearly 55,000 more people. The park typically attracts more
visitors during years which are major anniversary years, including the most recent
145th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. September 2007 marked the 145th
anniversary of the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam. A wide variety of
special programs were held at the battlefield to commemorate the anniversary,
the town of Sharpsburg observed Heritage Day, the September Storm reenactment
was held nearby in Boonsboro, and the South Mountain Battlefield State Park held
special programs.
According to NPS statistics, Catoctin Mountain Park, which is partially located in the northeast corner of Washington County, had an increase of 12.2-percent, from 526,898 in 2006 to 591,191 in 2007 (or an increase of 64,293 visitors). Most of the park is located in neighboring Frederick County, and surrounds forest land and Camp David.
The C&O Canal National Historical Park experienced a slight decrease in visitation for 2007. The C&O Canal's visitation went down by 7.5 percent (to 2.8-million visitors in 2007. With slightly more than 800 acres located in Washington County, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park had a 6.6 percent decrease in visitation (to almost 250,000 visitors in 2007). Planning has already begun for events and activities surrounding the 150th Anniversary of John Brown's Raid. The 1859 attack on Harpers Ferry is said to be the spark that began the Civil War.
Washington County Rural Heritage Museum Announces New Hours
The
Washington County Rural Heritage Museum has announced
that the Museum will now be open every Saturday
and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM year round. The
Rural Heritage Museum is ALWAYS open by appointment
by calling 240-313-2839 to schedule an individual
or group tour. The Museum also has a convenient
meeting facility that can hold up to 60 people
so a group or organization can meet at the Rural
Heritage Museum.
C&O Canal Among Nation's Best Cycling
Though not typically prone to top ten lists, Adventure Cyclist took the plunge with "Ten Top Touring Areas" to inspire cyclists of all experience levels to get out and ride for their next vacation. With high fuel prices, concerns about climate change, and a desire for more adventurous, authentic travel experiences, more and more people are traveling by bicycle. Now, Adventure Cyclist magazine is making it easier than ever to find the best places to ride.
 From the well known (Blue Ridge Parkway) to the undiscovered (Yukon's Canol Road), these top bike travel areas were selected for their spectacular scenery and abundance of world-class cycling opportunities. Offering general descriptions of weeklong rides and a list of key contacts for each area, the "Ten
Top Touring Areas" feature is an invaluable planning aid for bicycle adventure hounds everywhere.
Featured in the January 2008 edition of Adventure Cyclist, the full article can be downloaded as a PDF here: www.adventurecycling.org/tentoptours.
The range of featured rides, like bicycle travel itself, is deliciously diverse. Road cyclists have a seaside joyride down the California coast and the quad-busting challenges of New Hampshire's White Mountains. For mountain bikers, there is the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Montana section of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Beginners can head for the flat and history-rich pathways of the C&O Canal Towpath, while experts can test themselves on the mountains and tunnels of the Blue Ridge Parkway. These are mouth-watering rides from every corner of the continent described by area experts and illustrated with spectacular images from some of cycling's top photographers.
History Blooms in Clear Spring
The historic and lovingly restored 1831 brick residence just outside Clear Spring known as Plumb Grove is the property and the pride and joy of the Clear Spring District Historical Association. The dedicated gardeners not only plant, cultivate and harvest a vegetable and fruit garden in front of the home, they also have planted an array of heritage roses around the estate in the past few years.
Some of the seeds are from Monticello and some have been traded with others who also save seeds. Rhubarb and asparagus are grown in the garden, as well as elderberries, currants, moon and stars watermelons, arugula, a variety of herbs, scarlet runner beans and a French lettuce collection. There also are heirloom tomatoes in the garden.
Mary "Peachie" Haines specializes in the roses. A longtime gardener, Haines always had planted hybrid tea roses. Through her reading and her association with the Rev. Doug Seidel, who has given rose presentations at Williamsburg and Monticello, Haines has become a heritage rose buff. There are about 35 varieties of heritage roses at Plumb Grove, and more and more people are saving cuttings for the estate.
National Eye Institute Donates VISION Exhibit to Discovery Station at Hagerstown
 After
14 years and 33 stops at science museums throughout
the United States, the National Eye Institute's
VISION traveling exhibit has reached its final
destination. For the past 16 months, the exhibit
has been on display at Discovery Station at Hagerstown
in Hagerstown, Maryland. The exhibit had been on
loan, and now, thanks to the NEI, VISION is now
a permanent part of the museum's collection.
The 2,000-square-foot exhibit features hands-on activities that demonstrate complex concepts in simple terms, making it accessible and fun for people of all ages. VISION teaches museum visitors how the eye focuses light, how we perceive motion and color and how the brain processes visual information. The exhibit extends learning opportunities through 10 interactive components that demonstrate optical illusions, allow visitors to see tiny blood vessels in the retina and demonstrate the range of our vision.
CVB Member National Museum of Civil War Medicine Announces New Funding
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine (NMCWM) is pleased to announce the receipt of grants from two first-time funders: the Middendorf Foundation ($10,000), and the Tawani Foundation ($5000). The NMCWM has stepped up efforts to seek out new funding sources as it prepares for the 150th anniversary of the war between the states, which is expected to generate as much as a 25% increase in visitation to Civil War sites. The commemoration will begin in 2009 with the anniversary of John Brown's raid, and end in the spring of 2015. The National Park Service, many state and local park authorities and numerous museums of this nation are now preparing a celebration of the sesquicentennial.
In anticipation of increased visitation and programming demands, and in order to attract tourists traveling to the area to visit Harpers Ferry, Gettysburg, Monocacy National Battlefield and Antietam Battlefield, the Museum is undertaking a comprehensive makeover. The improvements include upgrades to the audio and video equipment, new interpretive panels, interactive video touch screen kiosks, and the opening of a new gallery.
The Middendorf Foundation of Baltimore funds primarily in Maryland, and supports education, cultural institutions, and historic preservation. The Tawani Foundation is located in Chicago and has a Historical Preservation of Military Heritage program to which the Museum applied.
Suns, HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Continue Scholarship Program
 HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a leader in advanced IT Systems Integration, will once again team up with the Hagerstown Suns to provide area high school students whose parents have served overseas in the armed forces the opportunity to apply for the "Son or Daughter of a Serviceman Overseas Scholarship Fund."
As part of the Suns' "Serviceman Overseas" promotion, HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. will donate $5 into the scholarship fund for each run the Suns score during the 2008 season. To qualify as a potential candidate for the scholarship, an applicant must meet several standards: attend a public or private high school in Washington, Jefferson, or Berkeley County, maintain 3.0 G.P.A and have a parent who has served or is serving overseas in any branch of the United States Armed Forces or Active Reserves. Eligible students should submit a three-page essay on why they are deserving of the award along with SAT scores, transcript of grades and three non-family member recommendations on why they are worthy of the award. Applications are available by contacting the Suns front office. The recipient will be honored during an on-field presentation prior to a Suns game.
Winners Announced for Annual Photography Competition at Museum of Fine Arts
 Judging
for the 75th Annual Cumberland Valley Photographic
Salon was held January 11, 2008. The jurors for
this year's exhibition were Frank Goodyear, assistant curator of photographs at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC and Corinne Diop, professor of art at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Entrants competed for awards in the categories of landscape/architecture, still
life, portrait, figure, abstract, and digital effects in black and white and
color. Of 267 entries, 61 prints and 2 slides were accepted.
Catergory |
Winner |
BEST
OF SHOW |
Hali
Taylor of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, for
a black and white portrait titled Jona and
Seth. |
BEST
PHOTOGRAPH BY A WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENT |
Audra
Haddock Martenot of Hagerstown, Maryland for
a color portrait titled Piercing. |
FUJI
COLOR PROCESSING, INC. BEST DIGITAL EFFECTS
IN COLOR |
Dan
Mangan of Fairfield, Pennsylvania for Aquatic
Study IV. |
REGINALD
HOLLADAY BEST SLIDE AWARD |
Martin
Casey of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for Park
Guell #1. |
LANDSCAPE
AND ARCHITECTURE, COLOR |
First
prize - Brian McEntire of Frederick, Maryland
for Roaring Ferris Wheel.
Second prize - Marshall Dupuie of Frederick, Maryland
for Tea Room: Melk Abbey.
Third prize - Donna Reeves of Falling Waters, West
Virginia for Haunted House. |
STILL
LIFE, COLOR |
First
Prize - Paul Saberin of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
for Patterns.
Second Prize - Joseph Poole of Hanover, Pennsylvania
for Sun Worshipper.
Third Prize - Nanette Hatzes of Fairfield, Pennsylvania
for Brysonia #1. |
PORTRAIT,
COLOR |
First
Prize - Annette Garthwaite of Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania for Robbie.
Second Prize - Don C. Johnson of Gaithersburg, Maryland for Flamingo Profile.
Third Prize - Audra Haddock Martenot of Hagerstown, Maryland for Piercing. |
FIGURE,
COLOR |
First Prize - Charles M. Armstrong of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania for Tandem. |
ABSTRACT, COLOR |
First Prize- Jack Kramer of Frederick, Maryland for Reflection of Pines. |
DIGITAL EFFECTS, COLOR |
First Prize - Dan Mangan of Fairfield, Pennsylvania for Aquatic Study IV. |
LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURE, BLACK AND WHITE |
First Prize - Michelle Marsili of New Market, Maryland for Waiting
Second Prize - Sterling "Rip" Smith of Martinsburg, West Virginia for Curved Corridor.
Third Prize - Lee Permenter of New Market, Maryland for Convergence. |
STILL LIFE, BLACK AND WHITE |
First Prize - Sterling "Rip" Smith of Martinsburg, West Virginia for Majestic Old #734. |
PORTRAIT, BLACK AND WHITE |
First Prize - Hali Taylor of Shepherdstown, West Virginia for Jona and Seth.
Second Prize - Meredith Brining of Martinsburg, West Virginia for Mrs. Davis.
Third Prize - Martin Heavner of Ijamsville, Maryland for Gelati Delight. |
LANDSCAPE AND ARCHITECTURE, SLIDES |
First Prize - Casey Martin of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for Park Guell #1. |
STILL LIFE, SLIDES |
First Prize - Donna Reeves of Falling Waters, West Virginia for Silver Tube. |
Welcome
New Members
The
CVB is proud to have more than 250 members!
Antietam IronWorks : Rich in History and Creating a Bright Future
Antietam Ironworks provides catering, meeting facilities, and event services. This cleverly restored building situated on the banks of the Antietam Creek entices the visitor with historic lure and a picturesque setting.
On April 26 Stonecrest Farms of Sharpsburg, Md, will hold at beef tasting at Antietam Iron Works. Stonecrest Farms pride themselves with raising corn-fed beef that never receive growth hormones or steroid injections. The event begins at 5 p.m. with appetizers featuring fresh asparagus wrapped in beef, miniature goat cheese cakes, and a side by side beef taste comparison. At 6 p.m. Dr. Scott Barao, Executive Director of the Maryland Cattlemen's Association, will discuss the benefits of buying local beef raised without the use of growth hormones or steroids. Guests are encouraged to join in on an open discussion. Dinner will be served from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring meatballs stuffed with mozzarella cheese, a sampling of Stonecrest Beef to include London broil, marinated beef kabobs & NY Strips, and wine from Deep Creek Cellars. Reservations are recommended because seating is limited. Tickets cost $50 in advance or $60 at the door. On-site purchases or orders for Stonecrest beef can be made during the evening for a special one-time offer.
Beginning May 4, Antietam Ironworks will offer Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu will vary from week to week but will offer items such as smoked salmon, fresh steamed shrimp bagels, pastries, in season fruit, farm fresh eggs, bacon, sausage, and chipped beef gravy on biscuits, whole-wheat blueberry waffles, French toast, roasted potatoes, pork tenderloin, and chicken breast. A complimentary Mimosa fountain will be available as well as a variety of beverages and desserts. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Outdoor dining will be available when the weather permits and seating is limited. For reservations call 301-432-2250. Brunch will be offered every Sunday through October 26.
The history of Antietam Iron Works goes way back in Maryland history. Situated on Antietam Creek near its juncture with the Potomac River, the land was part of a large parcel deeded to Israel Friend by Indians in 1727. Iron manufacturing began in this area in 1765 when Joseph Chapline, Sharpsburg's founder, then owner of the land around the mouth of Antietam Creek, joined with Samuel Beall Jr., David Ross and Richard Henderson to build the first furnace and forge at this site. The Hughes brothers, Daniel and Samuel, gained control of this ironworks just before the Revolutionary War and manufactured pig iron there. After the start of war, they manufactured cannon for the Continental Army.
In 1831, a nail factory was set up, followed by a second charcoal furnace. In 1857, this furnace produced 1,465 tons of iron in one 20-week period. Subsequent additions included a sawmill, a forge with six heating fires and a 21-ton hammer, a rolling mill which produced plates, rods, nail stock and bar iron, and a merchant grist mill - all powered by Antietam Creek. The main part of Antietam Iron Works lay on the north side of the road. Its dam stood at a small hump in the road, holding back a 63-acre lake which fueled the millrace that ran along Harpers Ferry Road.
The 18th-century industrial complex is much reduced in size. The most easterly structure on the three-plus acre property is one of the furnaces. Next to it is a small story-and-a-half brick house, its front wall broken away and leaning forward. Beside that is a two-and-a-half story, two-part brick building, standing on tall stone foundation walls. This brick building has three bays with a one-and-a-half story brick wing, once used as a store, attached to its west end. The old store at Antietam Iron Works has taken on a new life where a dilapidated complex of buildings once sat on the south side of Harpers Ferry Road near the four-arch stone Antietam Iron Works Bridge.
Former Maryland Poet Linda Pastan to Visit Washington  County
Free Library
In
celebration of National Poetry Month, the Washington
County Free Library in partnership with the Washington
County Museum of Fine Arts is pleased to present "A Reading and Conversation with Poet Linda Pastan." Pastan will read her poetry at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts on Saturday, April 5th at 1:00 P.M. A reception will follow the reading.
Maryland Poet Laureate from 1991 to 1995, Pastan has won a Ruth Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award for her work, among other honors. Her most recent book is Queen of a Rainy Country.
Pastan, as well as three other Maryland laureates, is visiting Maryland public library systems this spring as part of the Maryland Center for the Book's (MCFB) program Poetry's Here @ Your Maryland Library. A program of the Maryland Humanities Council, MCFB promotes books, reading, libraries, Maryland writers, and the state's literary heritage.
20th Annual National Pike Festival and Wagon Train Set for May 16-18
This
year marks Washington County's 20th year of participation in the National Pike Festival and organizers are already working hard to plan this year's
celebration. The festival begins Friday, May 16,
and continues through Sunday, May 18. Several counties
in Pennsylvania and Ohio have special events during
the festival, Washington County is singularly well-known
as the Maryland county which celebrates the 300-mile
route. And this year National Pike Festival organizers
are looking to area residents to contribute to the
festival by conducting old fashioned activities in
towns that the wagon train passes through.
The National Pike Festival begins on Friday evening
at the historic Plumb Grove Mansion in Clear Spring.
The wagon train encampment is open to the public. On
Saturday the wagon train travels east on State Route
40 from Clear Spring to the Ag Implement Center on
Wilson Boulevard. It makes several stops along the
way at Wilson's Store, Wilson's Bridge, and Huyett's Crossroads. The wagon train passes through the square of Hagerstown and the Hagerstown City Park. On Sunday, the wagon train makes its way along Alternate State Route 40 with stops at Ravenwood Lutheran Village and the Boonsboro Auction Square Complex. The final destination is Boonsboro's
Shafer Memorial Park.
Hagerstown Suns Announce 2008 Season
 The Hagerstown Suns have announced the game times for the team's
upcoming 2008 season. The season opener occurs at
Delmarva on April 3rd. The first home game of the
season will be against the Lake County Captains on
Friday, April 11th at 6:35 p.m. Following the game
will be the first Friday Night Fireworks show of
2008.
Again this season, the Suns will play a 140-game schedule, with 70 games at home and 70 on the road. Game times Monday through Saturday are slated for 6:35 p.m. for the first half of the season and 7:05 p.m. for the second half of the season, which begins on June 23rd. Sunday game times have been moved to 2:05 p.m. this season to accommodate fans.
The 2008 promotional schedule will be released in the coming weeks. Ticket packages are now on sale and include the Pick 5 Plan which features five VIP tickets, a Suns T-shirt and cap, and a ticket to Six Flags for only $45.
For more information on the 2008 season, or to inquire about Suns ticket packages and sponsorships, contact the Suns at 301.791.6266 or info@hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns, a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are owned by Mandalay Baseball Properties of Los Angeles, California.
Washington County Arts Council Announces Summer Art Camp
The WCAC is now accepting enrollments for the popular children's Summer Art Camp at Doub's Woods in Hagerstown. This high-quality, intensive, multidisciplinary Art Camp is produced in conjunction with the Washington County Recreation and Parks Department. During the coming Summer, participants will enjoy art-filled days at the Arts Pavilion in beautiful Doub's Woods. Children will receive instruction in drawing, painting, sculpting, movement, music and drama (plus some fun crafts!) from outstanding artists and professional teachers. Our low teacher/student ratio is designed to ensure that each child has the best possible—and most enjoyable—educational experience.
Full day Art Camp is intended for elementary school level children, ages 6 to 12. Morning half-day sessions are designed specially for kindergartners, ages 5-6.
Snacks and cool water will be provided; however, students enrolled in the full-day program must bring a packed lunch (nonperishable) each day.
Details about schedules and enrollment fees are on the enrollment form available,
here.
Discovery Station Announces Saturday Plus April Programs
 Saturday Plus! at Discovery Station 101 W. Washington Street
Scheduled Programs
(Programs are subject to change)
April 5 – Alan Hedges, "Fossils In Washington County"
April 12 – Colleen Middour, "Creating Whimsical Note Cards"
April 19 – Robert Peters, "The Reptile Man"
April 26 – Dave Kaplan, "The Butterfly Man" – "The Wonders of Nature"
Demonstration-learning lectures are presented on designated Saturdays of each month on a pre-announced topic. Two presentations at 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated in the program listing. Saturday Plus programs are free with full-access paid museum admission or annual membership. Tour the museum before and after the 1:00 p.m. program or before the 2:30 p.m. program. Saturday museum hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mark Your Calendars Now for These 2008 Washington County Events!
April 24th - 27th
The 14th annual Fort Frederick Market Fair takes place at the huge "Gibraltar on the Potomac" and features 18th century artisans and craftspeople amidst a 1730-1790 encampment. For more information call the state park at 301-842-2155. Fort Frederick was the largest British colonial stone fort built and has been beautifully restored. For more information see www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/fortfrederick.html.
May 3rd and 4th
Take the Annual Museum Ramble! Washington County has more than 35 museums and historical sites with collections. Enjoy self-guided tours of various Washington County museums, with special events offered at each location. See www.marylandmemories.com for more information.
May 16th - 18th
The 20th annual National Pike Festival is a Washington County tradition! See a living history re-enactment with a historical wagon train! Horses and mules travel through the county, pulling covered wagons. There are special festivals along the route from Clear Spring, through Hagerstown, and ending at Boonsboro. To find our more, visit www.nationalpikefestival.org.
May 30th - June 1st
The amazing Western Maryland Blues Fest takes place in Downtown Hagerstown. This year's huge blues concert music festival features some of the best jazz and blues musicians from across the country. The Western Maryland Blues Fest serves up an annual community celebration centered around one of America's most enduring musical forms: the blues. Set amidst raw-boned guitar riffs and emotionally charged vocals, the Blues Fest represents a unique "home-grown" partnership between public and private companies and organizations. Annually hosted by the City of Hagerstown, the Western Maryland Blues Fest has mushroomed into a critically acclaimed blues event in the mid-Atlantic region. For the schedule and more information, see www.blues-fest.org.
June 15th - June 22nd
The Miss Maryland Pageant and Miss Maryland Outstanding Teen Pageant will be held at the historic Maryland Theatre. Meet and cheer on some of the most talented young women in Maryland, as they strive to win a place in history. See www.missmd.info.
Around
Washington County Tourism |
Military Reunion Planners to Visit Hagerstown May 5-8
The CVB is hosting a Reunion Friendly Network (RFN) Conference and Familiarization Tour (CON-FAM) in Hagerstown, May 5-8, 2008. The conference will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton. Up to 25 reunion military reunion planners and their spouses will attend the two-day event. The CVB and the Maryland Office of Tourism will be exhibiting at the conference. During the FAM tour participants will visit local attractions that have military significance and sites of interest for their spouses. They will enjoy a performance at the Washington County Playhouse as well as dinner at the Old South Mountain Inn. Several area hotels assisted on the planning committee for the CON-FAM, including the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Comfort Suites, Four Points by Sheraton, Hampton Inn – Maugansville, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Homewood Suites, and SpringHill Suites by Marriott.
CVB's Betsy De Vore Attends ABA Show
 The
Hagerstown-Washington County CVB's Director of Sales Betsy De Vore
joined with members of the state's Office of Tourism, and personally
met with more than 30 bus-tour operators at the American Bus Association's
(ABA) Marketplace in Virginia Beach.
Maryland's Office of Tourism participated in more than 90 meetings with operators during the event. The important sales and trade show took place earlier in February. Networking activity at the annual ABA event makes it a highly regarded occasion in the group travel industry. Approximately 3,000 people attended the week-long show.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotel Holds Grand Opening
 A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at The Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotel in Hagerstown on Tuesday, Jan. 22. The CVB's Tom Riford was MC of the grand opening event. Business and community leaders were joined by elected officials, and presentations were made by City of Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II and Washington County Commissioners President John Barr.
The multi-million dollar five-story hotel is located just off Railway Lane, at 1650 Pullman Lane, near Outback Steakhouse. It is owned by Bowman 2000, LLC and managed by Bowman Hospitality & Convenience Inc. The upscale hotel is designed for guests who stay for five or more nights, but is also perfect for short stays and families who need to feel more at home while they are traveling.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton has 102-suites (most are large and spacious two-room suites, some are three-room suites), full kitchens, executive business center and complimentary high-speed Internet access. The hotel offers a daily breakfast and also a daily light meal. Amenities include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi suites, lounges, outdoor basketball court, workout rooms and a small store. The meeting space in the hotel can accommodate groups of up to 100 or more. Francine Donachie is the general manager of the new Homewood Suites by Hilton.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotel in Hagerstown was selected by the corporate
office as the site for upcoming television and print advertising. Filming for
the national TV commercials and print ads was to take place in March.
CVB Hosts German FAM Tour
The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau recently welcomed Gisela and Ulrich Thuemer, of Berlin, Germany, and Diane Molner, the Executive Director of MIMA, to Washington County. The Familiarization Tour included a tour of Antietam National Battlefield, the Maryland Theatre, shopping, attractions, and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. CVB Sales Director Betsy De Vore provided the guided tour. A luncheon was hosted by the CVB at Duffy's Restaurant on Potomac Street.
Maryland International Marketing Associates, a group that partners with the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, helped plan the familiarization tour. MIMA works with tourism organizations throughout Maryland to promote the state as a destination for international travelers. This is Washington County's second foreign visit organized by MIMA. In December, a delegation from Scandinavian countries visited Maryland, and spent a day touring Washington County. The delegation included travel agents and tour operators.
9th Annual "Farming for Profit and Stewardship" Conference Held in Hagerstown
The Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture held its 2008 "Farming for Profit and Stewardship" Conference January 18 and 19 at the Sheraton Four Points in Hagerstown. This was the ninth year for the conference, which brought together many outstanding farmers in sustainable agriculture as well as nationally known researchers. More than 200 people attended the annual conference.
On
The Road With Betsy DeVore
Maryland Motor Coach Association Marketplace
Baltimore, MD
March 30 & 31, 2008
Pennsylvania Bus
Harrisburg, PA
April 1 & 2, 2008
MD Society of Association Executives Trade Show
Annapolis, MD
April 25, 2008
(also attending will be representatives from the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, the Plaza Hotel, and SpringHill Suites by Marriott)
Group Leaders of America
Providence, RI
April 30, 2008
 Extra! Extra!
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