A map can tell you much more than how to get from point A to point B, they can show you firsthand how mapmakers over hundreds of years charted a changing landscape and a changing society. Get hands-on with maps from the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s historic collection, presented by Benjamin Egerman, and see how they can show us about everything from colonization and the Revolutionary War to industrialization and westward expansion, the Black experience, the World Wars and beyond!
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.
History & Genealogy
Are you curious about the origins of Smith Island Cake, crab soup, and Maryland fried chicken? We will explore a historical collection of MD Cookbooks, and search for early examples of your favorite Maryland recipes. We will also discuss blogs about the history of cooking, digital collections of historic cookbooks, and other online resources. Whether you are searching for that elusive recipe or you’re just interested in local history, this program is perfect to learn about the history of Maryland cooking.
Dr. Richard Bell will discuss his most recent book exploring the full breadth and depth of America’s founding event. The American Revolution was not only the colonies’ triumphant liberation from the rule of an overbearing England; it was also a cataclysm that pulled in participants from around the globe and threw the entire world order into chaos. Bell widens the lens of the “War of Independence” manifesting itself as a sprawling struggle that upended the lives of millions of people on every continent and fundamentally transformed the way the world works, disrupting trade, restructuring penal systems, stirring famine, and creating the first global refugee crisis.
Dr. Richard Bell is a professor of history at the University of Maryland, a Research Fellow at the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Abolition and Resistance at Yale University and a Resident Fellow of the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress. He will have copies of his most recent book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World, for purchase.
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.
Collecting is a popular and fascinating hobby. In this presentation we’ll look at aspects of collecting that anyone new to the field will want to know, including a bit about the history of collecting in the U.S., some useful basic terminology, common types of evaluation for antiques and collectible items, and criteria that are commonly used to assess their value. We’ll also talk about collecting tips from the experts and find out about valuable resources for your collecting education, both online and through the collections of the State Library Resource Center.
In light of America’s 250th anniversary, Curious Iguana is excited to welcome historian and author Derek Baxter to Frederick on Wednesday, July 22 from 6:00-7:00 pm to speak about his new book, The Forgotten World War.
Focusing on the broader impacts of the American Revolution, Derek invites readers to consider how this infamous war spanned beyond American soil across the globe.
Following his talk, Derek will answer questions and sign books. Copies of The Forgotten World War will be available for purchase at the event.
For accessibility requests, email events@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
A celebration of local archeology sponsored by the Frederick City Planning Department, co-sponsored by the FCPL Maryland Room and Plamondon Hospitality Partners. This year's presenters will highlight the the work of the Archaeological Conservancy and also the excavations, past and present, at the Birely Tannery, now the site of the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center.
Kelley Berliner, Eastern Regional Director for the Archeological Conservancy, will be discussing her work supporting the preservation and protection of significant archeological sites. For the past 45 years The Archaeological Conservancy has been the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to the permanent preservation of archaeological sites across the country. These sites are protected through fee-simple ownership or easements and are maintained as permanent open-space research preserves that are open to professional archaeologists and for educational purposes. The sites contained in these preserves range in diversity from the some of the earliest known Paleoindian sites to 20th-century industrial complexes. This talk will highlight the Conservancy's efforts.
Sean Coughlin, Archeological Project Manager for R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, will provide an overview of both past and recent excavations at the Birely Tannery. The presentation will focus on how the site changed through time and how those changes are or are not reflected in historical maps and some of the more interesting finds from the most recent excavations.
Follow in the footsteps of kids from American history! Plant a victory garden, play historic games, create advocacy posters, and experience so much more in this interactive adventure! Bring your favorite doll, stuffie, or toy as your travel companion! Toys will be provided for use.
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.
Genealogy’s popularity has increased significantly over the past several years, with new devotees gaining an introduction through shows like Genealogy Roadshow, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Finding Your Roots. Are you interested in joining this ever-growing community of researchers? Join us as we talk about the first steps you should consider taking to begin researching your ancestors, look at resources you can use—both online and in print, and discuss institutions you should consider planning to visit.
Whether you’re still thinking about diving into family history research, or you want to sharpen your skills, this program is for you.
Join us for a star-spangled celebration! Enjoy stories, songs and crafts just right for Fourth of July fun.
The American women who moved to Paris in the early part of the 20th century traveled there to change their lives, but they also changed the world. Among them were artists, writers, entertainers, and even rich society women who all had one thing in common: they sought freedom from traditional female roles and wanted to express themselves without society’s restraints. In doing so, they found fame and fortune and are still impacting our world today. Learn the complex and fascinating stories of Gertrude Stein, Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, among many others. Learn how history shaped their lives and how they, in turn, shaped history.
This program is intended for adults.
The American women who moved to Paris in the early part of the 20th century traveled there to change their lives, but they also changed the world. Among them were artists, writers, entertainers, and even rich society women who all had one thing in common: they sought freedom from traditional female roles and wanted to express themselves without society’s restraints. In doing so, they found fame and fortune and are still impacting our world today. Learn the complex and fascinating stories of Gertrude Stein, Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, among many others. Learn how history shaped their lives and how they, in turn, shaped history.
The American women who moved to Paris in the early part of the 20th century traveled there to change their lives, but they also changed the world. Among them were artists, writers, entertainers, and even rich society women who all had one thing in common: they sought freedom from traditional female roles and wanted to express themselves without society’s restraints. In doing so, they found fame and fortune and are still impacting our world today. Learn the complex and fascinating stories of Gertrude Stein, Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, among many others. Learn how history shaped their lives and how they, in turn, shaped history.
Join us for a viewing and lively discussion of the classic film Sunset Boulevard led by Richard Fulton, local film professor. Sunset Boulevard is the story of a struggling Hollywood scriptwriter Joe Gillis, who meets a former Silent Movie Queen, Norma Desmond. Norma is interested in a return to the screen and hires Joe to help her write a script which will help her achieve this. Joe thinks this could be his golden ticket. Or, is it?
Sunset Boulevard is written and directed by Billy Wilder and considered by movie critics as one of the best films made about Hollywood. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Join Joe Ginorio from the Frederick County Genealogical Society to learn about genealogy resources and research tips for discovering your family history.
Join us for an early celebration of America’s 250th! Learn about the kind of pens the founding fathers used and how fountain pens and handwriting have evolved over time! Write your own letter to the 1776 Continental Congress!
Ages 11 and up
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.
Join Jody from Heritage Frederick to learn about Frederick County's role in the American Civil War. This presentation will include pictures and information that will be featured in Heritage Frederick's 2026 exhibit.
Before the C&O Canal, before the B&O Railroad, between 1785 and 1828 over 200,000 tons of freight, mostly grain, was shipped down the Potomac River to Georgetown and out to a hungry world. This was the accomplishment of George Washington’s Potomac Company, established in 1785 to “get the rocks out of the way” and allow for in-river navigation of the Potomac River.
This lecture will allow you to see the Potomac River system through the eyes of our first President. It will review the technologies used to “open up” the Potomac revealing the successes and failures of the project.
Our speaker is Paul Kreingold the Conservation Director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Virginia Master Naturalist and author of Potomac Marble: The History of the Search for the Ideal Stone.
July 1, 2026 is the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The bloodiest day in the British Army's history. The Somme offensive, however, was a diversion meant to relieve pressure on the French city of Verdun. There, the Germans had begun an offensive in Feb 1916 to bleed the French Army white.
1916 was a turning point in WWI. Belligerents on the Western Front began long, horrific battles of attrition. While much has been written about the impact of this bloody year on the fighting men, the consequences of "total war" on the civilian populations have been less studied. Historian Scott Hileman will give an overview of Verdun and the Somme before we see footage of the fighting in "Apocalypse WWI Part 03: Hell" (2016). Microbiologist Mark Chee will discuss how the incredible strains of the Great War exacerbated the eventual impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic.
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.
Join us to learn the history of the Egyptian pyramids, how they were built, their symbolism in ancient Egyptian religion, and a chronology of their construction through Egypt’s history.
RESCHEDULED: Join local historian, writer, and vice president of the Myersville-Wolfsville Area Historical Society Ann Longmore-Etheridge in an encore presentation of "George Blessing: Hero of Highland." Learn about local farmer and respected elder George Blessing, his courage in resisting the Confederates, and his rise to local fame in the wake of the Civil War.
Join us for a forum discussing end of life decisions. Professionals Tina Workman and Leslie Strongwater will discuss legacy projects and explaining the benefits of utilizing end of life doulas. There will also be a vendor expo of community resources and organizations to help plan your final wishes.
Join Christopher J. Sniezek for a presentation on the life and legacy of Mary Young Pickersgill, seamstress who created the flag which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. The world knows of Betsy Ross, but Mary's work both as a seamstress and social philanthropist in Baltimore has a longstanding, under-known legacy on our national story. A young widow in the city, Mary bucked the traditions of her times and foraged her own path creating a better life not only for herself, but for those in her care.
Christopher J. Sniezek is a dedicated museum professional and public historian whose work brings under-told narratives of American history to wide audiences. With a Master of Arts in History from Mississippi State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Gettysburg College, Chris currently serves as Executive Director of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House & Museum, helping guide strategic growth through modernized programming, digital storytelling, and expanded school and community partnerships. A seasoned nonprofit leader, Chris has chaired the Rose Hill Manor Children’s Museum Council as President overseeing bylaws revisions, financial oversight, and restoration projects.
When did Marylanders start taking vacations? Where did they go? How did they get there? Using postcards, steamboat & train schedules, resort brochures, and photographs, this program explores how Marylanders from diverse racial and social backgrounds began to take breaks from work routines. Join Lisa Greenhouse from the Enoch Pratt Free Library in learning the social mores that shaped vacations for Marylanders.
Ever wonder how much a medieval longsword weighs? 10 lbs? 20lbs? What if you were given the chance to master the majestic weapon that has long dominated the fantasy world? Get a sneak peek into the world of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Join us for a demonstration of the basics of wielding a longsword, along with glimpses into the strategic techniques that defined its use. Regardless of whether you're a history buff, a fantasy fan, or a martial arts enthusiast, this will be a memorable experience.
FCPL was recently selected as one of 50 libraries across the country to participate in TED Democracy. As a satellite location, FCPL will livestream the day-long TED event at New Spire Arts Stages in downtown Frederick. Attendees will be able to hear speakers as they discuss thought-provoking and educational experiences respecting individual views and honoring the spirit of dialogue established nearly 250 years ago. After the event, a panel discussion of local Frederick historians and thought leaders will engage the audience in a meaningful dialogue.
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.
The Shoulders We Stand On documents the efforts to achieve the right of women to vote in Maryland and the United States. The program shows the teamwork, strategy, and some of the conflicts within the movement to gain popular support for voter rights. The relevance of the suffragists’ efforts and the right to vote—for both women and men—to today will be explored using the unique artifacts and photographs from Pratt Library Special Collections Woman Suffrage Collection.
Join Middletown Branch Librarians at the Middletown 50+ Community Center for trivia inspired by the 250th anniversary of our nation.
Middletown 50+ Community Center is located at:101 Prospect StreetMiddletown, MD 21769
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.
Join Middletown Branch Librarians at the Middletown 50+ Community Center for trivia inspired by the 250th anniversary of our nation.
Join Middletown Branch Librarians at the Middletown 50+ Community Center for trivia inspired by retro American culture.
Learn about Robert Seldon Duncanson (1821 - 1872), an African American painter known for his landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, then create your very own still life.
Bring the past to life by making a diorama of animals that lived millions of years ago.
During World War 2 many people in the United States were encouraged to grow their own vegetables. Learn the history of this practice and start growing your own delicious plants!
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.
Join us for an evening of World War II era cartoons, comics and magazines, and learn how American superheroes, cartoon soldiers, and even Dr. Seuss joined the fight.
Join the Myersville-Wolfsville Area Historical Society to learn how local voting initiatives and the decisions of Myersville residents have shaped our community since its incorporation in 1904.
This program supports By the People: Civic Engagement for All, an FCPL initiative to foster civic knowledge and participation in the Frederick County community.