PROGRAMS; (Open to public)
     The Society holds regular dinner meetings, lectures, tours, open houses, classes, and other programs on the heritage of Harford County. Please call for reservations, 410-734-6894.

• Gift Shop is Open! Headquarters, It is open during regular hours of the Society, Call Lena Caron to help at 410-838-7691.
• Hays Open House,  The Hays House is open every Sunday, 1 to 4 PM and others days by appointment. Call 410-838-7691. $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for students and seniors. Children under 4 years old & Historical Society of Harford County members are free. Maps & Directions
• Archives and Research Library Open, 10 AM - 2 PM, Fourth Saturday of every month for the rest of the year, for other times see below, Headquarters. $4.00 fee for nonmembers.
• 3rd Annual All Hallows Eve, Story Telling, Cider and Cookies, Hays House, October 26, 2003, 1-4 pm, admission , Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Greens Sale and Hometown Gift Booth, Hometown Christmas in the Bel Air Armory, Friday to Sunday, November 28, 29, & 30, 2003. Call 410-838-7691 for times.
• Dropoff of Gingerbread House for Contest, November 29, 2003, 10 AM to 2 PM, Call 410-838-7691 for details. Click on Printable Gingerbread House Form (HTML ) or Gingerbread House Form (Image)
• Open House at the Headquarters, Decorated for Christmas, Sunday, December 7, 2003, 1 to 3 PM, Call 410-838-7691.
• Decorated for Christmas, Hays Open House, Sundays, December 7, 14, and 21, 2003, 1 to 4 PM, Call 410-838-7691. $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for students and seniors. Children under 4 years old & Historical Society of Harford County members are free.
• Fourth Annual Christmas Concert and Tea, We welcome you to begin what is sure to become a holiday tradition by gathering with us to enjoy a gorgeous candlelight concert performed by the talented musicians of Musica Antiqua exclusively on authentic eighteenth and nineteenth century instuments. This rare delicacy of the music of early America will be followed by a treat for the palate as we invite you to join us for a festive tea party served in the British tradition to make your exquisite holiday celebration truly exceptional.
  Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Bel Air, December 14, 2003, at 4 PM, Tickets are $15.00 each. To order send check payable to Historical Society of Harford County. Mail to: Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main St., P.O. Box 366, Bel Air, MD 21014. For additional details, click for "pdf" format or call 410-838-7691.
• Decorated for Christmas, Hays Open House, Sundays, December 7, 14, and 21, 2003, 1 to 4 PM, Call 410-838-7691. $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for students and seniors. Children under 4 years old & Historical Society of Harford County members are free.
• Gingerbread House Contest, Judging at 3 PM at Hays House, December 21, 2003, For details see November 29 above.
• Mid-Winter Tales: a Concert of Storytelling by the Chesapeake Story Tellers Guild, Hays House, 3-4 PM, January 11, 2004.
• Spring Dinner Meeting, Subject & Speaker to be Determined, Churchville Presbyterian Church, April 23, 2004, 6:30 PM, reservations required, Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• 5th Annual Colonial Encampment, Hays House, April 16-18, 2004 (April 16th and 17th 9am-6pm, April 18th 9am-3pm), for details click for HTML format, for "pdf" format or call 410-838-7691.
• Spring Tea, Hays House, May 23, 2004, reservations required, Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Historical Fashion Show, Hays House, June 6, 2004, 2 pm, admission, Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Spring Rummage Sale, Headquarters, June 12, 2004, 9 am to 3 pm, Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Open House and Independence Day Celebration, Hays House, July 4, 2004, Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Ice Cream Social, Hays House 1-4 pm, August 8, 2004, Call 410-838-7691 for admission and details. You'll get to enjoy 18th century music and song, and a variety of living history demonstrations. The day's events feature hearth cooking, scrimshaw artistry, basket weaving, and spinning, along with fiddle and dulcimer tunes, and a flute and vocals performance by Sara and Lauren (not background music, a real performance!). Pam Williams from the Belair Mansion in Bowie is going to try her hand at making jam in our kitchen and preserving it the 18th century way with brandy paper, Christopher Gaines will demonstrate his incredible scrimshaw artistry, and of course we are also showing basket weaving and wool spinning. There will be ice cream and kids' games. The gift shop will be open. See Photos of Ice Cream Social, 2004
• Wine Tasting and Gourmet Light Fare, Headquarters, September 10, 2004, 7 pm, Call 410-838-7691 for admission and details. Wine Tasting Flyer
• Harvest Day, Hays House, Sunday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 18th Century Cooking, Craft, and History Demonstrations! Enjoy Music and Song by Local Artists! Click for details HTML or PDF. Call 410-838-7691 for admission and additional details.
• Fall Annual Meeting, Speakers: Rhonda Deeg and Jack Patchin, Topic: Taliesin, Frank Loyd Wright's Estate in Wisconsin, Emory United Methodist Church, Street, September 24, 2004, 7 pm, Call 410-838-7691 for admission and details.
• Archer Lecture, Elkridge Harford Hunt Club, Monkton, October 24, 2004, 2:30 pm, Call 410-838-7691 for admission and details.
• 4th Annual All Hallows Eve, Hays House, October 24, 2004, 1-4 pm, Call 410-838-7691 for admission and details.
• Open House, Hays House, December 5, 2004, 1-4 pm, Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Fifth Annual Christmas Concert and Tea, We welcome you to begin what is sure to become a holiday tradition by gathering with us to enjoy a gorgeous candlelight concert performed by the talented musicians of Musica Antiqua exclusively on authentic eighteenth and nineteenth century instuments. This rare delicacy of the music of early America will be followed by a treat for the palate as we invite you to join us for a festive tea party served in the British tradition to make your exquisite holiday celebration truly exceptional.
  Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Bel Air, December 12, 2004, at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 each. Send check payable to The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc. Mail to: Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main St., P.O. Box 366, Bel Air, MD 21014. For additional details, call 410-838-7691or e-mail concert@hayshouse.org.
• Gingerbread House Contest, December 19, 2004, Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Winter Tales Storytelling, Hays House, February 13, 2005, 2-4 pm, Join the Chesapeake Storytellers Guild for an afternoon of wintry tales for all ages, Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors.
• Images of Bel Air, (Bill Bates will talk about his book, Images of America, Bel Air, photos of Bel Air will be displayed), Location: Society Headquarters, February 27, 2005, 2:30 pm, A variety of desserts, coffee, tea, and hot cider. Admission $7.50 each person, reservations required.
• Colonial Concert by the Hearth, Hays House, March 6, 2005, 2-4 pm, Shake off the chill by the warm glowing hearth with beautiful period music, Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors.
• 6th Annual Colonial Encampment, Hays House, April 15 & 16, 2005, 9am-6pm, April 17, 2005, 9am-3pm, Experience life as it was from 1760-1840, Reenactors from all over will camp at the Hays House grounds, bobbin lace, candle making, spinning, blacksmithing, basketry, fur traders, period clothing, period cooking, music, storytelling, lead ball ammunition, powder horn making, mock militia battles, longhunters, sutlers. Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors. Photographs of Colonial Encampments
• Spring Dinner Meeting, Subject: Franklin B. Voss -- Painter of Sporting Subjects, Speaker: Authur J. Liese, Location: First Presbyterian Church, Bel Air, April 15, 2005, 6:30 pm. Reservations required, Hawaiian chicken dinner, $17.50.
• Garden Party, Hays House, May 8, 2005, 1-4 pm, A delightful afternoon garden party with a seasonal herb theme, Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors.    Details of Garden Party (PDF)  
• Historic Fashion Display, Hays House, Sundays, 1-4 pm, Items from the textile archives will be displayed through May 29, 2005, Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors. Three centuries of clothing and accessories from the Historical Society of Harford Co. collection will be displayed.
• Rummage Sale, Headquarters, May 21, 2005, 9 am - 3 pm.
• Bus Trip to National Cathedral, May 24, 2005, A light brunch will be served en route. Tour of Cathedral will begin at 1:30 pm focusing on "Women in Glass and Stone." At 3 pm tea will be served in the observatory atop St. Paul's Tower overlooking the city. $75 per person paid inadvance. Reservations required by May 10th.
• Chrysanthemum Festival, Celebrations and demonstrations to rejoice in the dawning of the Autumn season,, Hays House, September 11, 2005, 1-4 pm, Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors. Details in pdf format.
• American Brutus, Speaker: Michael Kaufman, Subject: John Wilkes Booth: Great Actor, Charming Man, and Cunning Monster, Fall Annual Meeting, Ham Dinner, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Abingdon, September 23, 2005, 6:30 pm, $15 each, Reservations required by September 9th. Call 410-734-6894 for admission and details.
• 2nd Annual Wine Tasting, Gourmet Light Fare, and Music, Headquarters, September 30, 2005, 7-10 pm, $35 singles and $65 for couples. Call 410-838-7691 for reservations.
• All Hallow's Eve, Hays House, October 23, 2005, 1-4 pm, Storytelling, activities and a costume contest for goblins of all ages, Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors.
• Speaker: David R. Craig, (County Executive and Author), Subject: Book titled "Greetings from Havre de Grace," 20th Dr. George W. Archer Memorial Lecture and Dessert, Churchville Presbyterian Church, Route 22, Churchville, October 23, 2005, 2:30 pm,Tickets $7.50, Call 410-734-6894 for admission and details. Reservations after October 15.
• American Indians Exhibition, Hays House, November 13, 2005, 1-4 pm, Celebrate the history of the Great American Plains Indians with an exhibition and lifestyle interpretation including an authentic plains indian tipi, prehistory archeology, beadwork clothing Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors. more details
• Book Fair, Barnes & Noble, Bel Air, November 25, 26, & 27, 2005, for benefit of Hays House Museum, Flyer with more details
• Holiday Decorations Demonstration , Lena Caron will demonstrate basics of combining and preserving fresh greens, wreath forms, making and decorating wreaths, swags and garlands, bow making and setting a holiday table. Thursday, December 1, 2005, 10 am, at Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Routes 23 & 24, Forest Hill, $20 paid in advance. Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Christmas Open House & Greens Sale , December 10, 2005, 9:30 am to 3 pm, Headquarters, Fresh wreaths, swags, table arrangements, magnolia, fresh cut greens and holiday baked specialties will be for sale. Have refreshments and visit the gift shop. Admission is free. Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• 6th Annual Colonial Candlelight Christmas Concert and Tea, Enjoy a gorgeous candlelight concert performed on authentic period instruments followed by a festive tea party served in the British tradition, December 11, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Main Street and Broadway, Bel Air, Tickets are $15.00 each. Send check payable to The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc. Mail to: Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main St., P.O. Box 366, Bel Air, MD 21014. For additional details, call 410-838-7691or e-mail concert@hayshouse.org.
• Hosanna School will host a celebration February 10 at 6 p.m. at Richlin Ballroom in Edgewood, featuring a dinner and Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, as the keynote speaker. The event will be held to celebrate the completion of the restoration of the historic Hosanna School, 2424 Castleton Road in Darlington, being used as a living history museum and meeting center, and February as Black History Month. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased by calling 410-939-5368 or 410-272-0697.
• Winter Dessert Meeting, Subject: Bald Friar Petroglyphs -- Past, Present, and Future, Speaker: Dr. Charles Hall, Location: Historical Society Headquarters, Bel Air, February 26, 2006, 2:30 pm. Reservations required, Desserts and drinks, $7.50.
• Colonial Concert by the Hearth, March 5, 2006, Hays House, 1-4 pm, Colonial Concert beginning at 2 p.m. Listen to beautiful period music performed by "Ladies Two" at the fireside. Lauren Brown, vocals, and Sara Meagher, flute and vocals. Tour the house to see With This Ring wedding fashion display. Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors.
• Charlie Zahm and Friends Celtic Concert, St. Mary Magdalen Mission Center at 1716 Churchville Road in Bel Air, March 18, 2006, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Just on the heels of St. Patrick's Day, we're hosting a first-ever fundraiser concert for the Hays House Museum! Charlie Zahm is a seasoned festival and concert performer of Celtic, maritime, and traditional American music. As one reviewer says, "Listening to him sing Scottish and Irish music is like a deep draught of a thick, heady stout, rich in taste and body." He's a regular performer at Longwood Gardens, the annual Potomac Celtic Festival, the Arsenal at Olde New Castle, and many other venues. We hope to pack the house for his first Harford County concert! Fiddler Tad Marks and percussionist Mark Sullivan will join Charlie for this special night of Celtic music that is being co-sponsored by Clark Turner Companies ( www.clarkturnercompanies.com). To learn more about Charlie Zahm and hear some of his music, visit www.charliezahm.com. Tickets are only $10 each in advance and can be reserved by going to a PDF form with photos and details, calling Maryanna Skowronski at The Society Headquarters at 410-838-7691, calling Susan K. Wooden at 410-515-2465, or by sending an e-mail to swooden@towson.edu. A silent auction will be held and refreshments will be sold.
• Spring Meeting and High Tea, Subject: History of Bel Air Academy and Board of Education Headquarters, Speaker: Sally Kunkel Filkins, April 9, 2006, 2:30 pm, Headquarters, Admission $12. Send reservations by March 25.
• Afternoon of Tea and Jewelry, Subject: History of Jewelry, Smyth Jewelers experts Kathy Owings and Allysa Leverback will discuss antique and vintage jewelry with examples. You are invited to bring your treasures for indentification. No appraisals please. An elegant tea is included. May 5, 2006, 1 to 3 pm, Headquarters, Admission $20 by advance reservations.
• Garden Party, May 14, 2006, 1-4 pm, Hays House, A springtime treat for everyone! Spend a delightful afternoon wandering the grounds of Hays House. Listen to music, play 18th century games on the lawn, and tour the With This Ring wedding exhibit. Refreshments and a selection of spring flowering plants will be offered for sale. This is a rain or shine event. Weather permitting, most activities will be held on the lawn. Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors.
• Hillwood Museum and Gardens Tour, June 1, 2006 departure 8:30 am from front of Society Headquaters, 143 N. Main Street, Bel Air. Founded by Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress of the Post Cereal empire, Hillwood Museum and Gardens is one of Americans premier estate museums. Hillwood features the most comprehensive collection of imperial Russian fine and decorative arts outside Russia, and an impressive assemblage of eighteenth century French works of art. The docent guided tour of the Mansion starts promptly at 11:30 and will be followed by luncheon in the Hillwood Cafe at 1:15 pm. Approximately one half of the twenty-five acre estate contains pleasure gardens, various "rooms" with historical or horticultural themes, and the Greenhouse contains an impressive collection of exotic orchids. There will be ample time to visit the gardens and museum shop before our 4:00 pm departure. A charge of $75.00 includes coach bus, guided mansion tour, cafe luncheon, and self-guided garden tour. Mail reservation and checks to the Society Headquarters before May 10, 2006. Inquiries: 410-838-7691. Luncheon choice: Albacore Tuna Sandwich or Smoked Turkey Wrap.
• Civil War Era Day, June 18, 2006, 1-4 pm, Hays House, Several members of the Victorian Dance Ensemble will be in the Hays House parlor to talk about the lifestyle and domestic activities of the Civil War era, and Union and Confederate soldiers will be on hand outdoors to talk about camp life and military matters. Visitors can tour the popular With This Ring wedding exhibit. Light refreshments will be for sale, and the gift shop will be open. The Hays House volunteers encourage visitors who have period attire to feel free to wear their garb to this special event. Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors.
• Grand Opening of With This Ring - Wedding Dress Exhibit, February 12, 2006 through July, 1-4 pm, Hays House, Grand Opening of With This Ring exhibit of historic wedding dresses, gowns, and fashion accessories. With This Ring showcases historic and vintage wedding attire dating from the 1800s through 1970. Many of the items on display have been carefully chosen from the Historical Society's archives and others are on loan from private collections. With This Ring follows the success of the award-winning Fashion & Finery exhibit of historic clothing held at the Hays House in 2005. Every room in the Hays House Museum will feature an engaging display of wedding fashions that span two centuries., Admission $3 adults, $2 students and seniors.
• Independence Day, July 4, 2006, 9am -12 pm, Hays House, As a participant in the annual Bel Air Independence Day celebration, the Hays House Museum is open to the public for free tours and activities. Docents in period attire will guide visitors on a tour of the Hays House, the oldest house in Bel Air. The day's activities include our annual American history costume contest, and a concert performed by Catherine Street Consort. Costume judging will take place at 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome to participate! Admission free.
• Ice Cream Social, August 6, 2006, 1-4 pm, Hays House, Enjoy an ice cream treat that is included with admission! Watch Living History interpreters demonstrate a variety of traditional crafts and trades, listen to our strolling musicians, play 18th century games on the lawn, buy old-fashioned cookies and lemonade, and tour the oldest house in Bel Air. This is a rain or shine event. Weather permitting, most activities will take place on the lawn. Admission: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors.
• Chrysanthemum Festival, September 10, 2006, Hays House, 1-4 pm, Celebrate autumn and Grandparents' Day with a visit to the Hays House! Take a trip back in time with a tour of the With This Ring wedding exhibit, watch Living History interpreters demonstrate a variety of traditional crafts and trades, and listen to period music. Premium chrysanthemums in gallon pots will be on sale, as well as light refreshments. This is a rain or shine event. Weather permitting, most activities will be held on the lawn. Admission: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors.
• Annual Meeting and Dinner, Subject: Native American Indian Presence in the Region of Northeast Maryland, Pre and Post Contact, Speaker: Richard C. Slutzky, Location: First Presbyterian Church, Bel Air, September 15, 2006, 6:30 pm, $17.00 per person.
• Auction: Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage Items, October 7, 2006, Location: Headquarters, Call 410-838-7691 to arrange drop off of your donation.
• 3rd Annual Wine Tasting, October 13, 2006, 7 pm -10 pm, Location: Headquarters, An evening of wine tasting, gourmet fare and auction, $35.00 per person, Call 410-838-7691 for reservations.
• All Hallow’s Eve Storytelling, October 22, 2006, 1-4 pm, Hays House, Activities, goodies and a costume contest for goblins of all ages, Admission: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors. All Hallow’s Eve Details, PDF
• Archer Memorial Lecture and Dessert, November 5, 2006, 2:30 pm, The Origins of People of Harford County, Speaker: Jon Harlen Livezey Chesapeake Conference Center, Harford Community College, Past Archer Lectures, Mail check for $7.50 by October 21, Deadline for reservations is October 29. Call 410-734-6894 for reservations.
• Great Plains Tipi Exhibition and Archeology Display, November 5, 2006, 1-4 pm, Hays House, Step inside a southern Cheyenne tipi and learn about the traditions and beadwork of the Great American Plains Indians. Watch a tipi being set up and taken down, and practice the ancient art of spear-throwing. In the parlor, examine an exhibit of ancient artifacts and arrowheads collected by members of the Archeology Society of the Northern Chesapeake. Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors. pdf Tipi Poster
• Holiday Decorations Demonstration , Lena Caron will lecture and demonstrate basics of combining and preserving fresh greens, wreath forms, making and decorating wreaths, swags and garlands, bow making and setting a holiday table. November 30, 2006, 9:30 am coffee 10 am demonstration, at Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Routes 23 & 24, (across from Kleins Forest Hill) Forest Hill, $20 paid in advance. Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Holiday Open House and Fraser Fir Greens Sale, December 3, 2006, 1-4 pm, Hays House, See the inspired, natural decorations of the Country Garden Club of Harford County that deck the Hays House halls for the holiday season. Browse our gift shop for Cat's Meow and other unique Christmas gift ideas. Admission free.
• Christmas Open House & Greens Sale, December 9, 2006, 9:30 am to 3 pm, Society Headquarters, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air Fresh wreaths, swags, table arrangements, magnolia, fresh cut greens and holiday baked specialties will be for sale. Have refreshments and visit the gift shop. Admission is free. Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Colonial Candlelight Christmas Concert and Tea, December 10, 2006, 4 pm, --Tea sold out! Concert tickets only may be purchased at the door for $10.00 each. -- Join us for our exquisite annual holiday concert of gorgeous period music performed on period instruments. The concert by Musica Antiqua will be followed by a tea in the British tradition, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 303 N. Main Street, Bel Air, reservations are required, Tickets are $20.00 each. Send check payable to The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc. Mail to: Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air, MD 21014. For additional details or reservations, call 410-838-7691or e-mail concert@hayshouse.org.
• The 2nd Annual Historical Society of Harford County Christmas Party will be held on December 14th at Liriodendron in Bel Air. Invitations with all the complete details will be delivered to you soon!
• Winter Dessert Meeting, Location: Historical Society Headquarters, Bel Air, February 25, 2007, 2:30 pm. Reservations required, desserts and drinks, $7.50.
• Celtic Concert Featuring Charlie Zahm to benefit the Hays House Museum! This special fundraiser concert and Silent Auction will be held at the St. Mary Magdalen Mission Center at 1716 Churchville Road in Bel Air on Saturday, March 3, 2007. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the Silent Auction, and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Charlie Zahm is a seasoned performer of Celtic, maritime, and traditional American music. As one reviewer says, "Listening to him sing Scottish and Irish music is like a deep draught of a thick, heady stout, rich in taste and body." He's a regular performer at Longwood Gardens, the annual Potomac Celtic Festival, the Arsenal at Olde New Castle, and many other venues. Fiddler Tad Marks and percussionist Cheryl Prashker will join Charlie for this special night of Celtic music that is being co-sponsored by Clark Turner Companies ( www.clarkturnercompanies.com). To learn more about Charlie Zahm and hear some of his music, visit www.charliezahm.com. Tickets are only $10 each in advance or $15 at the door. To order tickets, please use the PDF Celtic Concert Ticket Order Form or contact Susan K. Wooden at swooden21009@verizon.net or 410-515-2465. Refreshments will be sold. PDF Ticket Order Form & Concert Details
• Grand Reopening of Hays House Museum after the winter break, March 4, 2007, 1-4 p.m. Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors and students. New Feature! The Hays House Museum is pleased to announce the opening of the new Children’s Hands-on History Room on the second floor of the museum. Families will enjoy this small exhibit room where children can try on outfits similar to clothing that children wore in the last quarter of the 18th century. Hands-on activities allow them to experience some aspects of children’s life of the time period.
• Open Hearth Cooking in the 18th Century, Hays House, March 25, 2007, 1pm-4pm, Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors. Learn about historic food ways as cooks in period attire prepare an 18th century dinner.
• Colonial Encampment, April 13, 14, 15, 2007, Living History Interpreters camp on the grounds of Hays House and Bel Air High School to reenact 18th century public market, domestic lifestyle. THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO NEARBY CONSTRUCTION , Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Joppa and The Old Post Road, Spring-Hearty Tea, Speaker: Bob Magee, Location: Historical Society Headquarters, Bel Air, April 22, 2007, 2:30 pm, Reservations required, 410-734-6894, desserts and drinks, $12.00.
• Children’s Fun Day, Hays House, May 20, 2007, 1 pm - 4 pm, $5 adults, $3 students & seniors, A delightful afternoon of old-fashioned games and activities the whole family will enjoy. Weather permitting, the event will take place outdoors. Lemonade and cookies will be served on the lawn, and the Children’s Hands-on-History room will be open.
• Grandma’s Aprons, an Old-Fashioned Housekeeping Exhibit, Special Feature -- Rummage Sale and Old Fashioned Bake Sale! Besides a unique display of old-fashioned aprons and maybe a house dress or two, Grandma’s Apron features an exhibit and demonstration of housekeeping methods and tools of bygone eras. Plus, we’ve planned an array of unusual outdoor activities for children that will give them a fun hands-on-housekeeping experience. In keeping with the spring housecleaning theme, we’re also holding a rummage sale and a bake sale during Grandma’s Apron. Items will be priced to sell! June 3, 2007, 1 - 4 p.m. Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors and students.
• Spring Bus Tour, Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, (Tour SOLD OUT -- accepting names for waiting list only.), Alexandria, Virginia, Thursday, June 7, 2007, Join us for our tour of Mount Vernon, beloved home of George and Martha Washington from the time of their marriage in 1759 until his death in 1799.  Guests will tour the Mansion House and a dozen outbuildings including slave quarters, kitchen, stables, greenhouse, and four gardens.  Recent additions, The Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center, allow visitors to discover the real George Washington.  The tour price of $75. includes transportation, refreshments en route, admission, a three-course luncheon at The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, and gratuities. Call Glenda Unzelmann, 410-836-8226 for reservation availibility. For further details, form, lunch choices please go to: Bus Tour Details and Form.
• Independence Day, July 4, 2007, 9am -12 pm, Hays House, As a participant in the annual Bel Air Independence Day celebration, the Hays House Museum is open to the public for free tours and activities. Docents in period attire will guide visitors on a tour of the Hays House, the oldest house in Bel Air. The day's activities include our annual American history costume contest, games, and music. Costume judging will take place at 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome to participate! Admission: Free
• Ice Cream Social, August 5, 2007, 1-4 pm, Hays House, Enjoy an ice cream treat that is included with admission! Watch Living History interpreters demonstrate a variety of traditional crafts and trades, listen to our strolling musicians, play 18th century games on the lawn, buy old-fashioned cookies and lemonade, and tour the oldest house in Bel Air. This is a rain or shine event. Weather permitting, most activities will take place on the lawn. Admission: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors.
• Annual Meeting and Dinner, Harford County and the Fugitive Slave, Speaker: James Chrismer, September 21, 2007, at 6:30 pm at the Bayou Restaurant in Havre de Grace, $22 per person in advance, reservations by September 13.
• 4th Annual Wine Tasting, October 12, 2007, 7 pm -10 pm, Location: Headquarters, An evening of wine tasting, gourmet fare and auction, $35.00 per person, Call 410-838-7691 for reservations.
• Early American Farm Day, October 21, 2007, Hays House, 1-4 pm, A special agriculture and animal husbandry event. Weather permitting, most activities will be held on the lawn. Admission: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors; children under 4 are free. Visit the oldest house in Bel Air. Learn how an Angora rabbit’s fur is spun into yarn. See dairy and poultry exhibits. Watch butter churning. Learn about canning and see the tokens used by local canneries to pay for produce. Learn about preserving food for winter. Reminisce about when milk was home-delivered in a glass bottle. And much more! The Hays House Museum is open Sundays from 1 to 4 pm and to groups by appointment. This special event is made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland Council for the Arts through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and Harford County Government.
• Archer Memorial Lecture and Dessert, Speaker: Richard Sherrill, The Rise and Fall of the "Gold Mine Bridge" , November 4, 2007, 2:30 pm, Past Archer Lectures, Headquarters, Deadline for reservations is October 29. Call 410-734-6894 for reservations.
• Native American Exhibit, Celebrate Native American Indian Heritage Month
  Exhibits will include:
  • o Cheyenne tipi
  • o Clothing, beadwork and Native American tools
  • o Lifestyle Interpretation of Plains Indians
  • o Spear-throwing demonstrations
  • o Display by the Archaeology Society of the Northern Chesapeake
  November 11, 2007, 1-4 pm, Hays House, Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors; children under 4 are free. . This special event is made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland Council for the Arts through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and Harford County Government.
• Holiday Open House and Fraser Fir Greens Sale, December 2, 2007, 1-4 pm, Hays House, See the inspired, natural decorations of the Country Garden Club of Harford County that deck the Hays House halls for the holiday season. Browse our gift shop for Cat's Meow and other unique Christmas gift ideas. Admission free.
• Christmas Open House & Greens Sale, December 8, 2007, 10:00 am to 3 pm, Society Headquarters, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air Fresh wreaths, swags, table arrangements, magnolia, fresh cut greens and holiday baked specialties will be for sale. Have refreshments and visit the gift shop. Admission is free. Call 410-838-7691 for details.
• Colonial Candlelight Christmas Concert and Tea with 18th and 19th Century Instruments and Costumes, December 9, 2007, 4:00 p.m. Join us at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 303 N. Main Street in Bel Air, for our 8th annual holiday concert of period music performed by Musica Antiqua. A Tea in the British tradition follows the concert. Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $20.00 each and can be obtained by sending a check payable to The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc., to: Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air, MD 21014. For additional details or reservations, call 410-838-7691 or e-mail concert@hayshouse.org. Musica Antiqua has performed at The Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, Church of the Presidents, Mount Vernon, Maryland State House, and Historic Annapolis, among other notable venues. Their music has been included in several documentaries and has been featured on PBS. Concert only tickets may be purchased at the door for $10.00.
• Christmas Party, December 13, 2007, Members Only
• Winter Dessert Meeting, Harford County Name Game, Speaker: Gary Wasielewski, Location: Historical Society Headquarters, February 24, 2008, 2:30 pm. Reservations required by February 11, desserts and drinks, $8.00
• Grand Reopening of Hays House Museum and Special Exhibit after the winter break, March 2, 2008, 1-4 pm, Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors and students
• Celtic Concert by Cherish the Ladies by the internationally known traditional Irish music sensation. Celebrate an early St. Patrick’s Day at the Amoss Center, Harford Community College, Bel Air, Maryland Thursday, March 6, 2008, 8 pm. Doors open at 7 pm for Silent Auction to benefit Hays House Museum Tickets: Order in person at the ticket office at HCC’s Chesapeake Center or call 410-836-4211. More info, call 410-838-7691. Benefit Concert for the Historical Society of Harford County, its living-history museum Hays House , and Harford Community College’s Hays-Heighe House Restoration Project. Cherish the Ladies Web Site
• Children's Fun Day, Hays House, April 13, 2008, 1-4 pm, Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors. Hands-on History, Hearth Cooking, Children's Games, and Vintage Children's Clothing on display. Kids can help make butter and dried-pea soup (yum! really!), learn to serve tea the way Felicity did in her very own movie, make corn husk dolls, play the same sorts of games that the Hays children played, and experience all the fun of our hands-on-history room. The Hays House is costume-friendly—children and the adults they bring are all welcome to come dressed in the style of their favorite historic period. Our latest antique clothing exhibit is still showcased, so this is a particularly good time for families to visit the Hays House. Everyone will be fascinated to see clothes that children wore more than a hundred years ago. If you need more information, please call 410-515-2465 and leave a message for Susan.
• Spring Meeting and Hearty Tea, Blacksmithing Demonstration , Presenter: Seth Barchowski, May 4, 2008, 2:30 pm, Headquarters, Reservations required by April 19, 2008, $12.00 admission, call (410)734-6894 .
• Auction of Antiques, Collectables, and Ephemera, Richard Travers, Auctioneer, Food will be available, Headquarters May 17, 2008, 10 am, auction preview at 9 am.
• Spring Bus Trip to the White House and Lincoln Cottage at the Soldier's Home, June 5, 2008. If you are interested, call 410-838-7691.
• Independence Day, July 4, 2008, 9 am - 12 pm, Hays House, As a participant in the annual Bel Air Independence Day celebration, the Hays House Museum is open to the public for free tours and activities. Docents in period attire will guide visitors on a tour of the Hays House, the oldest house in Bel Air. The day's activities include our annual American history costume contest and games, All ages are welcome to participate! Music by the Catherine Street Consort, Admission: Free
• Ice Cream Social, Hays House, August 3, 2008, 1-4 pm, Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors. Our annual ice cream party with an 18th century theme
• Defenders' Day, War of 1812, Susan Wooden portrays Matilda O'Neill, A patriotic remembrance of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, the defense of Fort McHenry and Baltimore during the War of 1812. Storyteller Susan Wooden will perform at 2 pm. She will portray Miss Matilda O’Neill, who will speak about her father, John O’Neill, recreating her heroic attempt to obtain his release after his capture by the British during their attack on Havre de Grace in the War of 1812. Visitors will learn about rural Maryland life as it was during America’s early years. Costumed guides will give house tours, and children can play lawn games that were popular in colonial times. Hays House, September 7, 2008, 1-4 pm, Admission $5 adults, $3 students and seniors.
• Grandma’s Aprons, a display and demonstration of Old-Fashioned Housekeeping , Hays House, October 5, 2008, 1-4 pm, Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors and students
• 4th Annual Wine and Cheese Tasting, October 10, 2008, 7-10 pm at Headquarters Canceled
• The Ultimate Antique -- Sophia’s Dairy, Speakers: James and Pat Fielder, Annual Dinner Meeting, Thursday, September 18, 2008, at Maryland Golf and Country Club, Reservations $25.00 before September 11th. /li>
• 23rd Annual Dr. George W. Archer Memorial Lecture, Subject: "Making A Medical Business,", Dr. John Archer and the Medical Men of Harford County in the 18th Century, Speaker: Melissa Grafe, of Johns Hopkins University, November 2, 2008, 2:30 pm, at Headquarters, Free Lecture, Light Refreshments
• Native American Exhibit, November 9, 2008, Hays House, 1-4 pm, Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors and students
• Hays House Museum, Holiday Open House, Free admission! Listen to music by Catherine Street Consort as you tour Bel Air's oldest house, which is richly arrayed in natural Chistmas Decorations, December 7, 2008, Hays House, 1-4 pm.
• Annual Green Sale and Open House, Saturday December 13, 2008 at 9 am to 3 pm at Headquarters, Refreshments, Gift Shop Treasurers, Wreaths, Arrangements, Cut Greens, Bake Sale, and more.
• Colonial Candlelight Christmas Concert and Tea with 18th and 19th Century Instruments and Costumes, December 14, 2008, 4:00 pm. Join us at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 303 N. Main Street in Bel Air, for our annual holiday concert of period music performed by Musica Antiqua. A Tea in the British tradition follows the concert. Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $20.00 for concert and tea and $10.00 for the concert only (Tickets at the door for concert). Tickets can be obtained by sending a check payable to The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc., to: Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air, MD 21014. For additional details or reservations, call 410-592-8693 or 410-838-7691. Musica Antiqua has performed at The Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, Church of the Presidents, Mount Vernon, Maryland State House, and Historic Annapolis, among other notable venues. Their music has been included in several documentaries and has been featured on PBS.
• Volunteer Party, December 18, 2008
• Winter Dessert Meeting, Desegregation of the Public Schools of Harford County, 1950s and 1960s, Speaker: Patrick P. Spicer, Esq., Headquarters, February 22, 2009, 2:30 pm, Cost $8.00, Reservations by February 7, call 410-734-6894.
• Grand Re-opening of Hays House, March 1, 2009, 1 pm-4 pm, $5 adults, $3 Students & Seniors, Special Exhibit! Hays House Museum re-opens after winter closure
• The Art of Hearth Cookery, March 8, 2009, 1 pm-4 pm, $5 adults, $3 Students & Seniors, Hays House Museum, 18th century cookery on the Hays House hearth presented by historic foodways interpreter Pam Williams
• 4th Annual Celtic concert to benefit the Historical Society of Harford County and the Hays-Heighe House Restoration, March 19th, 2009, Harford Community College Amoss Center, Silent Auction to benefit the Hays House opens at 6:30 pm, Concert at 7:30 pm. Performing will be the renowned band from Houston, Texas , Clandestine. With stunning instrumentation, arrangements and vocal pieces, Clandestine brings contemporary Celtic music to the stage. Featuring percussionist and singer Emily Dugas, fiddler Gregory McQueen, piper E.J. Jones and singer, piper, guitarist and cittern player Al Cofrin. A master bagpipe class will also be offered by E.J. Jones. For tickets or to register for the master class call HCC's box office at 443-412-2211 or visit www.harford.edu/cultural. A great way to wind up your St. Patrick's Day celebration! www.clandestineceltic.com
• Grandma’s apron display and hands-on demonstration of old fashioned housekeeping, You can make butter, grind coffee beans, do dishes, and wash laundry the way our grandmothers and great-grandmothers did. There will be a display of aprons and housekeeping equipment. A guest from the 1940s will talk about the rigors of housekeeping during World War II, April 19, 2009, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, $5 adults, $3 Students & Seniors.
• Spring Meeting and Hearty Tea, The Havre de Grace Race Track, The Honorable David R. Craig, Headquarters, April 26, 2009, 2:30 PM
• Herb Planting, May 17, 2009, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, $5 adults, $3 Students & Seniors, An afternoon of herb planting then and now. Learn about the cultivation and use of herbs.
• Gettysburg Bus Trip, May 28, 2009, $75.00, Departure point is Society Headquarters, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Call 410-838-7691 to add your name to the list.
• Independence Day Open House, Free, Special activities, July 4, 2009, Hays House Museum, 9 AM - noon, Music by the Catherine Street Consort.
• Ice Cream Social, August 16, 2009, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, $5 adults, $3 Students & Seniors, Enjoy 18th century activities and George Washington’s favorite dessert at the Hays House Museum on Sunday, August 16, 2009, from 1-4 p.m. This fun event features music by Novus Luna, hands-on history activities, spinning on the Walking Wheel, and a tour of Bel Air’s oldest house. New this year—A British and an American soldier will conduct drills and talk about the rigors of life on campaign during the Revolutionary War. Hands-on fun includes washing laundry in a big tub with antique washboards, learning basic embroidery stitches, and making cornhusk dolls. Children will also enjoy the history room, where everything is meant to be touched. The Ice Cream Social is a rain or shine event. This event is sponsored by The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc., and is made possible by donations from Wegmans and by a grant from the Maryland Council for the Arts through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and Harford County Government.
• Kitchen Garden Herbs, September 20, 2009, Hays House Museum, 1 -4 PM, $5 adults, $3 Students & Seniors, Harvest and use herbs as our ancestors did in early America. Learn culinary, household, and medicinal uses of herbs then and now.
• Annual Meeting, Subject: Thoroughbred Racing in Maryland; Speaker: J. William Boniface, Sr.; Maryland Golf and Country Club; September 24, 2009, 6:45 PM; Dinner reservations of $25 must be mailed by September 12; Club dress code requires no Denim. li>
• Aprons Tied to Memories, Luncheon, Friday, October 9th, 12 noon at Society Headquarters, A fashion show of aprons dating from 1890 to 1980 with historical highlights of the decade in which they were worn. This show will be accompanied by a luncheon of Caeser Salad with Grilled Chicken, rolls, etc. and dessert at $15. per person. For information and reservations call 410-836-8226
• Native American Exhibit, November 8, 2009, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, $5 adults, $3 Students & Seniors, To mark Native American Indian Month, visitors will learn about the life of Native Americans while exploring an eighteen-foot tipi, viewing Native American beadwork, and learning about the life, clothing and customs of the Plains Indians. Musicians will demonstrate Native American flute music on authentic instruments. The Archaeology Society of the Upper Chesapeake will display a diorama and artifacts of pre-historic Maryland. This special event is made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland Council for the Arts through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and Harford County Government.
• 24th Annual Archer Lecture, Walking the Line: A Journey from Past to Present" along the Mason Dixon, November 15, 2009, 2:00 PM, Headquarters, Free Lecture, Telephone or e-mail harchis@msn.com your intention to attend.
• Benefit Book Fair at Barnes and Noble, On Sunday November 29, 2009 Barnes and Noble in Bel Air will sponsor a Book Fair to benefit the Historical Society and Hays House. Save your coupons , get a supply here or from the Historical Society or Hays House to give to your friends and family, and get a head start on your Christmas shopping! For a full week, from Saturday November 29 through Saturday December 5, 2009 the Historical Society and Hays House will get a percentage of all sales when the coupon is presented at checkout in the Bel Air store. This is an easy way to support historic preservation in Harford County. Bring your coupons. and visit our exhibit in the store on Sunday November 29.
• Holiday Open House, December 6, 2009, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, Donations appreciated, The museum is richly arrayed in natural decorations for the holidays.
• Christmas Greens Sale, Refreshments, Gift Shop Treasures, Wreaths, Arrangements, Cut Greens, Bake Sale, and more, December 12, 2009, 9 AM, Headquarters.
• Candlelight Christmas Concert and Tea, Musica Antiqua performing with 18th and 19th century instruments and customes followed by festive and elegant tea in the British tradition, Sunday, December 13, 2009, 4 PM, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 303 N. Main Street in Bel Air, $20 for Concert & Tea, Reservations required and payment in advance, $10 for concert only with tickets sold at door, For reservations 410-592-8693, 410-838-7691, or concert@hayshouse.org.
• Speaker: Velma Maia Thomas, author of "Lest We Forget: The Passage from Africa to Slavery and Emacipation", February 10, 2010, (snow date 2/17/10), Harford Community College, Edgewood Hall Rm. 132, 1:00 & 7:00 PM, Reception/Book signing following, 7:00 PM presentation. Click here for details
• Celtic Concert to benefit the Hays House and the Hays-Heighe House, Charlie Zahm and Friends: Tad Marks and Cheryl Prashker, March 6, 2010 at Harford Community College's Amoss Center, Tickets are available through the HCC box office by calling 443-412-2211 or by visiting www.harford.edu/cultural, Doors open at 6:30 PM for a silent auction, concert starts at 7:30 PM. Visit www.charliezahm.com.
• Bread, the Staff of Life – The Hays House Museum reopens to the smell of fresh-baked bread! Over the past several years we’ve cooked some magnificent meals on the Hays House hearth, but we haven’t tried to produce fresh bread there yet. So, for our grand reopening in 2010, we’re going to make sourdough, whole wheat (with pumpkin!), and traditional white breads. Bring your apron if you want to participate! Visitors will also get a tour of the Hays House, and children can try everything out in our Hands-on-History room. March 7, 2010, 1-4 p.m. Admission is $5 adults, $3 students and seniors.
• Natural History, Winter Dessert Meeting, Charles A. Davis of the Natural History Society of Maryland will be speaking and exhibiting specimens. Sunday, March 14th 2:00 PM at Headquarters, Dessert, tea, and coffee Reservations are required, tentative price is $9 per person.
• Children's Games Day, Postponed due to repairs. Future date to be announced. Enjoy games played by our forefathers, April 18, 2010, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for students and seniors.
• Yard Sale, May 15, 2010, 9 AM, On the Parking Lot of Headquarters Building, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air, MD, books, collectibles, linens, Christmas items, glassware, jewelry, candles, many other items, Proceeds to assist in the ongoing upgrading and maintenance of our headquarters, Please deliver items to headquarters or call 410.838.5456 for pick-ups, Please support this event and donate, but also come and find a treasure to buy!
• Annual Spring Bus Tour, Brandywine Valley, May 27, 2010, Meet at Headquarters at 8 AM, for a light breakfast. Travel to Hagley Museum where the duPont story began. It provides a glimpse of early American industry, the ancestral home and gardens of the duPonts and the picturesque setting along the Brandywine River. Lunch at Mendanhall Inn, an original barn built in 1888, was converted to a restaurant in 1968. Listed as the “premier property of the Brandywine Valley” and a back-to-back Gold Medal Winner. After lunch travel to Nemours Mansion and gardens. The mansion is an excellent example of a modified Louis XVI French Chateau and reflects living on a grand scale in the 20th century. A $39,000,000 renovation completed over 3 years has restored the house and gardens to their original grandeur. The mansion tour is followed by a bus tour of the beautifully landscaped gardens. Board bus and enjoy a leisurely trip home with light refreshments. Arrive at Society about 6:30 PM Call 410.838.5456 for information, lunch choices, and reservations. $85 per person.
• Red, White and Blue Story Time, Flag Day Celebration, Come help celebrate flag day, an event for the whole family with story telling and games for the youngsters, tour the historic 1788 house, learn about US flag, June 13, 2010, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for students and seniors. This special event is made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland Council for the Arts through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and Harford County Government.
• Using Archaeology to Bring Local History to Life, Speaker: Ann Persson, President of the Archaeology Society of Northern Chesapeake, Hearty Tea, June 27, 2010, 2:30 PM, Headquarters, Reservations by June 18, 2010, call 410-734-6894, $15.00.
• Independence Day Open House, Free, Special activities, July 4, 2010, Hays House Museum, 9 AM - noon, Music by the Catherine Street Consort.
• 125th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Dinner Meeting, Former U.S. Senator Joseph Tydings will speak on Oakington and famous political persons who were guests at Oakington. Other county and state officials have been invited. Location: Maryland Golf and Country Clubs, MacPhail Road, Bel Air. Date: September 23, 2010 at 6:30 pm for Hors d'oeuvres and 7 pm for dinner. Menu Choices: New York Strip Steak or Maryland Rockfish with Burre Blanc Sauce, Reservations by September 17. Mail check for $48.00 payable to The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc., 143 N. Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014. Call (410) 838-7691 for details.
• 125th Anniversary Celebration Commemorating the First Meeting of the Society, A brief meeting/program will be held in the ceremonial court room at the Harford County Court House in Bel Air on September 25 at 10 AM. This program will commemorate the first meeting of the Society which was held at the same court house on September 24, 1885. Following the program, light refreshments will be served at Society headquarters, 143 N. Main St. in Bel Air. All are welcome. Reservations required. Call 410.838.7691
• The Annual George Archer Lecture, Historic Kiplin Hall, English Home of George Calvert, 1st Lord Baltimore, Speakers: Albert J. A. Young, Esquire and Jack S. Griswold, lecture preceded by Hearty English tea, lecture and meeting, October 10, 2010, 2:30 PM, Headquarters, reservations by October 6, $15.00 for tea, lecture alone is free, Call (410) 838-7691 or Click here for details.
• Native American Exhibit, Celebrate Native American Month with a display of Native American clothing, culture and beadwork, Exhibit by the Archaeological Society of the Northern Chesapeake, November 14, 2010, Hays House, 1 - 4 PM, Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors and students.
• Holiday Open House, December 5, 2010, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, Donations appreciated, The museum is richly arrayed in natural decorations for the holidays, Music by the Catherine Street Consort.
• Christmas Greens Sale and Open House Saturday, December 11, 2010, Headquarters 9 AM to 3 PM, Wreaths, arrangements, swags, cut greens include boxwood, pine and magnolia; Gift shop open for sale of local books, unique items; Bake sale and refreshments.
• Candlelight Christmas Concert , Musica Antiqua performing with 18th and 19th century instruments and costumes, Sunday, December 12, 2010, 4 PM, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 303 N. Main Street in Bel Air, $10 for Concert, Tickets sold at door, For reservations 410-592-8693, 410-838-7691, or concert@hayshouse.org.
• Doll House Show at Headquarters opening November 2 and running through December 22. Many museum quality houses will be on display. Hours will be during the Society’s regular daily hours of operation Tuesday through Thursday and weekend hours of Fridays 5-8 PM, Saturdays from 11 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays noon to 4 PM. On December 22 and 23 the Society will close at noon. The Society will be closed on December 24 until it reopens on January 4, 2011 with regular hours. Admission will be charged. All funds to benefit the Society. Call (410) 838-7691 for details
• A Night Out at the Library , Meet Author of Jarrettsville, CORNELLA NIXON, April 15, 2011. for details click here
•    The History of the Canning Industry in Harford County, Speakers: Carole Deran and Bernie Bodt, the event will take place Sunday, June 12th, 2011 beginning at 2:30 PM at the Historical Society Headquarters, 143 North Main Street, Bel Air (the Old Post Office Building). Dessert will be provided and a display of canning artifacts and memorabilia will be featured. Reservations are required. For tickets please contact the society at 410-838-7691. The lecture is free of charge, but there will be a $10 charge for the dessert. Also, Reservations for dessert and lecture can be made by mailing a check for $10 to the Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014.
•    The Amateur Jousting Club of Maryland will present a benefit match on July 9th, 2011 on the grounds of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club to raise funds for the Historical Society of Harford County. The Bob Six Memorial Joust will take place beginning at 11:00 AM in the horse show/polo ring of the hunt club's facility at 3405 Pocock Road at the corner of the Jarretsville Pike and next to Ladew Gardens. This is a family day and tailgate picnics are encouraged. There is no seating so please bring blankets or lawn chairs. (Please no pets). Admission is $20 per car.
      This is the first new tournament to be held in Harford County in the past 15 years and will be only the second to be held in the county overall today. Members of the AJC will meet with spectators to explain the sport. A class for amateur riders who have never jousted before will also be held. (call 410-838-7691 for info)
      In August of 1958, it was realized by four very enthusiastic Jousters, that a Club had to be formed to encourage the Amateur Rider. With the fun of Jousting as its major foundation, John Billingslea, Pete Kahl, Bob Six, and Dick Slade, met at the Big Ol’White House in Fallston, Maryland to establish the ideas and plans of what was to become the Amateur Jousting Club of Maryland. The late Bob Six had a life-long connection to the Elkridge-Harford Hunt and the AJC has named the tournament in his memory. Bob Six was was inducted into the Jousting Hall of Fame in the mid 1970s.
      In the past 53 years of its existence, The Amateur Jousting Club has presented well over 650 Jousting Tournaments and Exhibitions throughout the State of Maryland. Over 600 members have joined the organization. Flyer on Jousting Returns to the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club
  
• July 17 – At 2 PM the Harford County Genealogical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air, MD 21014 will host a program entitled “Families Associated with the Railroads of Harford County”, presented by Walter Holloway of the Historical Society of Harford County. Surnames discussed will include Holloway, Jones, Emrine, Smith, McConkey and Cage. Look for more details in the Genealogical society’s July newsletter and on the website at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/-mdhcgs/. Please save the date, mark your calendars and invite friends.
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  Hays House Museum, Historic Quilt Exhibit to run March through October 2011 on Sundays 1-4 p.m.
  
• August 21, 2011 — From 1-4 PM , the Hays House will host an Ice Cream Social and Colonial Living History event. A make-your-own ice cream sundae is free with admission. Enjoy live music by Planxty Plaid. The popular event will feature fun activities for families. A display of antique quilts and guided tours of the house are included in admission. Fee $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors. Free to children 4 and under. The event will be held rain or shine. For details Ice Cream Social 2011
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  Edgar Allan Poe
  
  September 11, 2011 - Quarterly lecture and tea, Baltimore Writer Rafael Alvarez to speak on Edgar Allan Poe. The Summer lecture and tea scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Historical Society Headquarters 143 North Main Street, Bel Air. Mr. Alvarez, president of the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore, is a lifelong Baltimorean. Mr. Alvarez will be speaking on the life and times of Edgar Allan Poe and of the status of Baltimore’s Poe House. A 1976 graduate of Mt. St. Joseph High School, Rafael Alvarez was a City Desk reporter for the Baltimore Sun for 20 years and wrote for the HBO police drama, "The Wire." His books include Hometown Boy, and Storyteller, both of which will be on sale at the event. Guests of the event will be able to view a rarely exhibited piece of Poe family history from the artifact collection of the Historical Society. A dessert tea will accompany the lecture. Reservations for the tea are required in advance. Tickets are $8 per person. Lecture only reservations are free and will be available at the door or in advance. Call 410-838-7691. Please make checks payable to the Historical Society of Harford County, 143 North Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 For biographical information on Mr. Alvarez go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Alvarez
• September 18th – Harford County Genealogical Society Meeting at Bethel Church, Date: 18 September 2011 at 2:00 P.M., Location: Bethel Presbyterian Church, 4135 Norrisville Rd, White Hall, MD 21161. Harford County during the Civil War, 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. Our September program will be a panel discussion dealing with loyalties, prejudices, and families that were torn apart during this time, reflecting on the family divisions that pitted brother-against-brother, father-against-son, and neighbor-against-neighbor. Our panelists will share family memories and stories of community interactions. Some of the oldest surnames in the county will be included in this discussion: Jarrett, Turner, Cairnes, Hope, Taylor, Eggleston, Tipton, McComas, Kirkwood, Kurtz, Henderson, Gross, St. Clair, Amos(s), Ward, Cathcart and Streett. These include slave owners, slave lessees, and employers of freed blacks. Please join us for an afternoon of memories and enlightenment
• September 29, 2011 - Annual Meeting and Election, speaker David R. Craig. The 2011 Annual Meeting and Election will be held on Thursday evening, September 29th at Maryland Golf and Country Clubs. We are pleased to welcome Harford County Executive, David R. Craig as our guest speaker for the evening. Mr. Craig will talk about the significant role that Harford County and its citizens have played in the military support of our country. Please watch your mailboxes for your formal invitation!

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  Officers 2012-2013 Nominated	President: Henry Peden First Vice President: Richard Sherrill Second Vice President: Richard Herbig, Esq. Treasurer: Lesley C. Lookingbill Recording Secretary: Elizabeth H. Lehmann Corresponding Secretary: Page Smart
  Directors 2012-2013 Nominated	Philipp Brundett, Mary Cardwell, Larry Carmichael, Carol Deibel, Adrienne DeRan, Robert Preston, James T. Wollen October 9, 2011 - Archer Lecture, Annual George Archer Lecture, Historic Kiplin Hall, English Home of George Calvert, 1st Lord Baltimore, Speakers: Albert J.A. Young, Esquire, Jack S. Griswold, October 10, 2010, 2:30 P.M., Lecture will be preceded by a Hearty English Tea, Tickets are $15.00 in advance for the tea and lecture, Lecture alone is free, This event will be at: The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc., 143 N. Main St., Bel Air, MD, Checks payable to Historical Society of Harford County, Inc. by Oct. 6th Call 410.838.7691 for further information/reservations Fundraiser, "Friends of Olde," Doll & Teddy Bear Silent Auction, Friday, October 21, 2011, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Lite Fair on Friday evening, Saturday, October 22, 2011, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Headquarters, 143 North Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014, Photos, More Details November 6, 2011, from 1 to 4 p.m. - Hays House Museum in Bel Air, Harford County will mark Native American Heritage Month with special events. Visitors will learn about the life of Native Americans while exploring an eighteen-foot tipi, viewing Native American beadwork, and learning about the life, clothing and customs of the Plains Indians. Musicians will demonstrate Native American flute music on authentic instruments. The Archaeology Society of the Upper Chesapeake will display a diorama and artifacts of pre-historic Maryland. The museum is located at 324 Kenmore Avenue in Bel Air, adjacent to the Bel Air High School. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Children under 4 are free. Parking is free. For further information call 410-838-7691. Operated by volunteers under the auspices of the Historical Society of Harford County, The Hays House Museum is a not-for-profit museum that illustrates the life of rural gentry during the period in which it was built, 1788-1820. This special event is made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland Council for the Arts through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board and Harford County Government. Bel Air Armory    Celebrating Harford Veterans, Harford County citizens have a long history of military service dating to the earliest colonial days. The history of Harford’s involvement is evident in the memorabilia and documents stored at the Historical Society of Harford County. Yet few people ever have a chance to see the collection. On November 10th and 11th of 2011 a celebration is planned to recognize this strong tradition by inviting the public to participate in a two day event at the Bel Air Armory 39-41 N. Main Street in Bel Air. A committee consisting of Historical Society members along with town and county representatives initiated event planning in January for this Veterans Day celebration. The festivities will begin on Thursday, November 10, 2011, 5 PM to 8 PM with a wine and cheese reception at the Armory. Visitors will be treated to the music of Duke Thompson, Maryland Conservatory of Music and be able to preview the Historical Society exhibits.    The exhibits will include uniforms, maps, photographs and memorabilia from each major conflict involving Harford County residents since the American Revolution. Many of these items have never been exhibited to the public. Some items of special interest include a copy of the Bush Declaration, watercolor maps produced by French troops during the Revolution, a preview of exhibit materials developed for next years War of 1812 exhibition, photographs of Aberdeen Proving Grounds and Edgewood Arsenal’s development and much more. As part of our Celebrating Harford Veterans, we have created a website with information about the event and how you can help. A unique part of the Website is an opportunity to post your veterans photo and information about their service. Please visit http://www.celebratingharfordveterans.org and click on the Honor Your Veteran Tab to see how your veteran will be shown. Then follow the information below to submit your information. And of course plan to attend the activities planned for this 3 day event November 10th to 12th.     The major celebration will begin at 10 AM on Friday, November 11, 2011 in front of the Armory. A parade featuring a military band and Color Guard detachments from numerous organizations, as well as the National Guard will initiate the ceremony which will include music, speakers, a reading of "In Flanders Fields" and a National Guard fly over ceremony. Details are still being finalized. Following the parade and ceremonies, a luncheon will be served in the Armory featuring a special guest speaker. The luncheon will be limited to 200 people so anyone interested in attending should sign up early. Tickets are available through the Historical Society, 143 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD. The exhibits will reopen for the general public between 2 PM and 5 PM.    Honor your veteran by submitting a photograph of them in uniform along with their name, town, branch and years of service. Originals will not be returned so please email images to HARCHIS@MSN.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail copies to The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc., 143 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 For more information on Celebrating Harford Veterans The Tow Boats of Havre de Grace, Archer Tea & Lecture, Richard Sherrill, November 13th, 2 PM, Society Headquarters. Cannery Lecture, November 20th, 2 PM, Harford County Genealogical Society, Society Headquarters, One of the more popular topics of Harford County history is its canneries. In 2009, the Historical Society of Harford County undertook a project to map the old landmarks in the area: railroads, schools, canneries general store-post offices, and mills. Our November speaker, Bernie Bodt, took on the cannery project. Bernie will discuss the canning industry in Harford County and when possible, the families whose name was attached to the business. The result of Bernie’s effort was the Harford Canneries” Map available for purchase at the Historical Society of Harford County. December 4, 2011, - Hays House Christmas Open House Christmas Greens Sale and Open House, Stop into the Society on Saturday, December 10th from 9 AM to 3 PM for our annual Christmas Greens Sale and Open House. Society volunteers will have freshly made wreaths, swags, centerpieces and other table arrangements for sale along with freshly cut loose greens. Traditionally, holly, magnolia, boxwood, and a wide variety of evergreen (pine, fir, cedar, etc) are available. The Society will be decorated for Christmas and light refreshments will be served. Our gift shop will also be open for convenient holiday shopping. Great books on Harford history are featured as well as many interesting vintage, antique and hand-crafted items. Donations of greens are always appreciated. If you would like to donate to the cause please call 410-838-7691 to arrange for drop off or for someone to pick up. If you have experience in creating flower arrangements and would like to volunteer please call the same number. This is one of the Society’s larger fundraisers. Please keep it in mind as you decorate for Christmas! December 11, 2011, 4 p.m. - Candlelight Concert with 18th & 19th Century Instruments, Costumes, Followed by A Festive and Elegant Tea Party in the British Tradition, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, See Poster for Details   POWER POINT LECTURE ON HARFORD COUNTY CANNERIES –ARCHEOLOGICAL ASPECTS AND ARTIFACT INTERPRETATION, January 11, 2012, 6:30 P.M. Havre de Grace City Hall. Sponsored by the Archeological Society of Northern Chesapeake (ASNC). Speaker Bernie Bodt. No Charge BRITISH REAR ADMIRAL GEORGE COCKBURN ATTACKS HAVRE DE GRACE – MAY 3, 1813 – NEW FINDINGS, February 8, 2012, 6:30 P.M. Historical Society Headquarters. Sponsored by the Archeological Society of Northern Chesapeake (ASNC). Speaker Christopher George. No Charge Grand Re-Opening! TIMELESS FURNITURE at Home in the Museum, March 11, 2012, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, Preserving our Past Series: Visit the Hays House with furniture restoration expert Arthur Benser as he examines major pieces of antique furniture from the Historical Society’s collection. Admission: $5 adults, $3 Students and Seniors. For details of the event: Examine the timeless furniture at home in Bel Air’s oldest house VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, March 24, 2012 between 11 AM and 1 PM to learn more about volunteering. Volunteer opportunities are as flexible and as varied as your interests. They allow you to work from home, on an ad hoc basis depending on your schedule or to be part of a regularly scheduled committee effort. The Society has a unique volunteer tradition with its volunteers forming the “heart and soul” of the organization. For details Volunteer Opportunities and Volunteer Application Women’s and Children’s MEDICAL CARE in the Quaker Community, April 15, 2012, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, Preserving Our Past Series: Find out about the health issues and “cures” that plagued 18th century women and children from Nancy Webster, a practicing Quaker and history interpreter who has studied 18th century domestic life for more than 40 years. Admission: $5 adults, $3 Students and Seniors SPRING HISTORICAL SOCIETY LECTURE & TEA, Dr. Barry A. Lanman, coauthor On Heroic Wings: Stories of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Ever wondered how our astronauts managed to deal with multiple crises in space; what air battles were like in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Our guest speaker for the Spring Historical Society lecture personally interviewed numerous Distinguished Flying Cross recipients from these conflicts and more, April 29, 2012, 2 pm – 4 pm. Historical Society Headquarters. The first in a series of local history talks. Talk only – No Charge. Tea & Talk $10 per person. 410-838-7691 More information PDF Children’s Games Day and May Day Celebration , May 6, 2012, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, Preserving Our Past Series: An afternoon of fun and games for the whole family. Board games, and weather permitting, outdoor activities enjoyed by our forefathers. Admission: $5 adults, $3 Students and Seniors BUS TRIP, May 14, 2012, This years trip will be to Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, MD. The tour will include an on-bus tour guide, visit to the Museum. $75 per person. 54 seats available. Trip includes, travel to and from the Battlefield, entrance fees, on bus professional guide, lunch and snacks. Send check with lunch choice to Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014. Starbucks and Wegmans have generously agreed to provide coffee and snacks for the trip from Bel Air. We will have water and drinks available on the bus plus a light snack during the tour. Our tour guide, Mr. John Schildt, is one of the most experienced guides from the Battlefield Park. He will conduct the tour on the bus and at stops around the park. Lunch will be a sit down lunch with three choices for entre. We will be eating lunch at the Applause Banquet Room. Choices: Sliced Roast Beef, Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast or Baked Ziti. Please indicate your lunch choice when you send in your reservation and check. Applause Caterers opened their doors in the new Academy Theater Banquet and Conference Center at 58 E. Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD on November 1, 2008. Once an abandoned warehouse, the Tusing Building has been transformed into a beautiful theater, banquet and conference facility. For more information visit Antietam National Battlefield ART EXHIBIT AND WINE & CHEESE EVENING, June 7, 2012, 6:30 pm – 10 pm. Historical Society Headquarters. Exhibit featuring the Society’s recently received gift of the collected artwork of the late Mary Woodward. Evening reception. Admission $15.00. 410-838-7691 YARD SALE, June 16, 2012, Headquarters, 9 AM - 3 PM. Independence Day Open House, July 4, 2012, Hays House Museum, 9 AM -12 PM, Special activities! Period music by the Catherine Street Consort. Admission: Free SUMMER HISTORICAL LECTURE & TEA: Join us on July 21st at 2PM for our second lecture of 2012. The Lecture is Landreth Seed - The oldest Seed Catalog in America and will be at the Headquarters, 143 N. Main Street, Bel Air. The Lecture and tea are $8. This should be a fun and informative lecture especially for those who love both history and gardening. 410-838-7691 On Sunday, September 9, Hays House Museum will celebrate Grandparents’ Day with an event for nature lovers young and old entitled "A Walk on the Wild Side." Wildlife rehabilitator Kathy Woods of the Phoenix Wildlife Center will present an educational program on wildlife rehabilitation and the conservation of wildlife habitat. Ms. Woods has a federal permit to rehabilitate raptors such as hawks, owls and the American bald eagle. Beekeepers from the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association will present a program and demonstration on honeybees, beekeeping and related arts. Bring the grandchildren for a visit with wildlife rehabilitator Kathy Woods and her feathered and scaled critters. Get answers to your wildlife rescue questions. Learn about honeybees from Dennis Hertzog of the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association. The museum is located at 324 Kenmore Avenue in Bel Air, adjacent to the Bel Air High School. Admission, which includes a tour of the 1788 house, is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Children under 4 are free. Parking is free. For further information call 410-838-7691. ANNUAL DINNER & LECTURE, September 20, 2012, The Clarion, Aberdeen, MD, 6:30 pm – 10 pm. Dinner and speaker TBA. Sponsored by The Historical Society of Harford County. Reservations required, 410-838-7691 First Annual Antiquarian and Used BOOK SALE and PIT BEEF sale, October 12, 13 & 14, 2012, Near a thousand of pre-owned vintage and contemporary books in a variety of subject areas. Fri. and Sat. 9 am - 4 pm, Sun. 11 am - 4 pm. Details on Book Sale HSHC Night at MaGerks: The Historical Society of Harford County will be the featured non profit organization at MaGerks on October 17th, 2012. A portion of the proceeds for food purchased in the dinning room will be donated to the Historical society. Please come out for dinner and bring friends and/or family. Parlor Concert featuring Planxty Plaid, October 28, 2012, Hays House Museum, 6 PM, Listen to a concert of Celtic and traditional music in the Hays House parlor by Planxty Plaid—fiddle player JoAnn Appel and guitar player Jim Selway. Light Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. Reservations Required, Call 410-592-8693 or 410-838-7691. Admission: $8.00 MaGerks address is 120 S. Bond Street in Bel Air. The Art of Hearth Cooking, November 11, 2012, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, Preserving Our Past Series, Be an 18th century locavore! Experience the sounds and aromas of seasonal foods prepared at the hearth by Mercy Ingraham, a renowned 18th century culinary expert, history interpreter, and food writer for Early American Life. Admission: $5 adults, $3 Students and Seniors Model Train Show, This exhibit is for all ages, wonderful working train models provided by the Harford Modular Railroad Group will be set up at the Headquarters Building from November 17, 2012 to December 16th. Hours: Friday 4 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday noon to 8:00 PM, Sunday noon to 4:00 PM. Cost: Adults $4; Children $2; 4 years & under free. 410-838-7691 Holiday Open House, December 2, 2012, Hays House Museum, 1 - 4 PM, Visit while the Hays House is richly arrayed in natural decorations for the holidays. Music by the Catherine Street Consort. Admission: Donations appreciated GREENS SALE & OPEN HOUSE, December 8, 2012, 9 am - 3 pm, Headquarters, Live greens, both loose and specially created holiday arrangements. Gift shop. Refreshments. Free Admission. 410-838-7691 Colonial Candlelight Christmas Concert and Tea, Emmanuel Church in Bel Air, December 9 2012, 4 PM, Enjoy an exquisite holiday concert by Musica Antiqua performing on period instruments. Tea in the British tradition follows the concert. Admission: $23.00. Paid reservations required. Call 410-592-8693 or 410-838-7691. McKinney-Graybeal House Tour SUGAR IN HISTORY - LECTURE & TEA NEEDLEWORK EXHIBIT AND TALK March 17th, 2013, Mark your calendar Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club opens its doors. The second in our series of tours of historically significant or interesting buildings and homes in Harford County will take place on Sunday, March 17th at the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM. The clubhouse will be the focus of the day. Designed by prominent New York Architect James O’Connor, the house was built on the foundation of an older structure destroyed by fire. Stop in and see the home of the second oldest recognized foxhunting club in the United States. March 24, 2013, Spring Historical Lecture and Tea, Sugar in History: from Harvested Cane to the Table by Deb Peterson, Culinary Historian, The Historical Society and Hays House jointly sponsor a program at Headquarters. Reservations required. 2-4 pm. April 14, 2013, Schoolgirl Samplers, Needlework Expert Kathleen Franetovich, Hays House Museum, 1-4 pm. $5 Adults, $3 Students and Seniors; Under 4 free. Return to Historical Society of Harford County Return to Contents (Main Menu)