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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join Middletown Branch Librarians at the Middletown 50+ Community Center for trivia inspired by retro American culture.
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 the 250th anniversary of our nation.
Middletown 50+ Community Center is located at:
101 Prospect Street
Middletown, MD 21769
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.