Bush Cavalcade – Passport Tour Locations

Numerous sites throughout Harford County are connected to the Bush Declaration and its signers. The tours are open to everyone as part of the Bush Cavalcade program. Participants will learn about the site and county history. Cavalcade sites will feature live performances, tours, and some will include games from colonial times. Sites include the following locations:

• The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD
• The Bush Hotel,4014 Philadelphia Rd, Philadelphia Rd, Abingdon, MD
• Churchville Presbyterian Cemetery, 2844 Churchville Rd, Churchville, MD
• St. George’s at Spesutia Cemetery, Perryman Rd. (MD 159), Perryman, MD
• Sophia’s Dairy, 4602 Pulaski Highway, Belcamp, MD
• Edgely Grove, 864 Smith Lane, Fallston, MD
• Hays House Museum, 324 Kenmore Avenue, Bel Air, MD

The original Bush Declaration will be on view at the Historical Society, offering a rare opportunity to see this historical document on display. The Bush Hotel is now a doctor’s office. Docents will provide information about the town of Bush and its significance to Maryland’s history. Docents at the two church cemeteries, Churchville and Spesutia, will talk about the history and significance of the churches and the signers buried there. Sophia’s Dairy is a private home in Belcamp built by Aquila Hall, the chairman of the Harford Committee. Visit the property to learn more about Auila Hall and this beautiful home. Edgeley Grove is the home of signer Samuel Calwell. This site will feature games for children, stories about the county’s historic preservation programs, and the tale of the signer who built this property. Finally, the Hays House will welcome visitors on Saturday and Sunday, March 22^nd  and 23^rd. Sunday hours are from noon to 4 pm. A militia encampment will be set up on the grounds, and visitors can explore how local citizens formed militia units to prepare for possible conflict. On Sunday, period interpreters will also be in the house discussing the impact of the Bush Declaration and their concerns for the future. Bring your stamped passports at the day’s last stop on Saturday or to the Hays House on Sunday and redeem them for a certificate and Junior Historian badge.

These events are free; no registration is required.