Once a year, Frederick County’s numerous historic sites and museums provide visitors with a living reminder of this area's splendid past. While this year's Museums by Candlelight event will look a little different, there are still many opportunities to discover the areas rich history and culture. Visit this page to enjoy a variety of virtual programming from Frederick's museums and historic sites. As always, this remains a free event.
Check back for details about the 2021 event which will take place December 11.
African American Resources Cultural Heritage Society of Frederick County
“Until the story of the hunt is told by the Lion, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter." - African Proverb. View plans for the new history and cultural center and hear about the exciting community activities held in Frederick County.
Celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12 with one of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s most historic artifacts, one of the first of its kind in the Northeast United States.
Hagerstown and Frederick Railway Historic Society
Few today remember Frederick's trolleys, fewer realize that they meant much more to the region than simple streetcar service.
Rose Hill Manor Park and Museums
Discover what the holidays were like in 1918. Learn about the holiday for soldiers occupying France at the end of World War I and a little about the Reynolds sisters who were the proprietors of Rose Hill during the era.
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society
Explore the tradition of belsnickling through the eyes of an eight-year-old; his memories will transport you back to a Catoctin Furnace Christmas during the Great Depression.
One of the oldest congregations in Frederick, Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, officially became a church the same year that Frederick officially became a city (1745). ERUCC's Trinity Chapel and its Trinity Chimes are beloved by members and visitors alike. We hope you enjoy this video about our Chimes and visit us in person for next year's events.
Frederick County Public Libraries
Rita Gerlach, author of romantic historical fiction, talks about her love of writing, her process of research, and her newest book "Mercy's Refuge" that takes place in 1620.
Local actor and playwright Reiner Prochaska has written and produced a video, "Peace and Prosperity in a New World: The Brunners' Journey to Maryland", which depicts the Brunner family migration to American and their early days in Maryland.
Middletown Valley Historical Society
Visit the "Smithfield House" 1730 - The oldest dwelling in Middletown, MD.
Join volunteer researcher Liz Richards to discover how holiday traditions had developed around the time of the Civil War.
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
John Lustrea takes us on a brief tour of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, highlighting some of the coolest objects we have on display.
Tour the arts center and learn the past of this historic building which was used as a whiskey rectifying house and a steam-powered flour mill.
Enjoy this virtual tour of the first floor of the Steiner House. Visit next year's in-person event when the home will be beautifully decorated for the holidays.
National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
A Christmas Box arrives to the young ladies of St. Joseph's Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. Sending delicacies and treats to family and friends was an early 19th century tradition.
Click here to learn about Hood College winter traditions, past and present! Established in 1893, Hood College has been an integral part of the Frederick Community for decades, especially during the winter holiday season.
Through a series of interviews with leaders of some of Frederick's cultural organizations and other special guests, we come together to highlight and celebrate the different cultural traditions taking place this time of year. This project coincides with Heritage Frederick's "We The People" exhibit, that will debut at the museum in 2021.