Events and Programs
Throughout the year, the Hager House sponsors a variety of activities and special events focusing on aspects of eighteenth and nineteenth century life.

The weekly and annual events are informative and fun for the whole family. Photo by Mike Watson

February 11 - “Love Letters”
Love is in the air and in print. Enjoy a brief lesson on beautiful love letters written through the ages. Learn how love has been shared over the Ages. Slideshow & Lecture 7 p.m. Free

March 11 - “Women of the Hager House”
Elizabeth Hager was not the only First Lady of the Hager House! Come learn about the numerous women who resided within the walls of Hager’s Fancy. Slideshow & Lecture 7 p.m. Free

March. 30 - April 3 - German Easter
A look at Germany’s Easter customs and traditions. Regular hours & Admission

April 6
Opening Day of the Hager House. Regular hours and historical tours resume.

April 17 - Signs of Spring
Enjoy the nature side to the Hager House and Grounds. Take a walk through time; examine the historical significance of nature as Hager would have seen it and compare it to what is available in modern times. Walking Lecture & Hands on Activity 1 p.m. Reservations requested no later than Friday April 15 FREE *

April 24 - “Behind the Scenes @ the Hager House”
Children’s Program - Children ages 6 to 12 will get a unique opportunity to experience the Hager House from a hands – on perspective. As part of the program learn about the clothing and toys in Hager’s Time. Program available Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Admission cost: $2 per child. Adults $2 with paying child. Registration required by April 15 *

May 1-2 - “Museum Ramble”
This special weekend will feature a no admission open house along with a fun scavenger hunt for the family to complete as they walk through the Hager House and Museum. Also on site will be a French and Indian War encampment with re-enactors in period dress. Eastern Woodlands Native American Dancers will perform Saturday at 1 p.m. Times for the Event: Sat. 10-4, Sunday 1-5 *

May 15
The National Pike Festival Wagon Train is scheduled to stop in City Park at 2 p.m. Free pony rides on the Hager House grounds while you wait for the wagon train 1:30 - 3:30 pm.

June 5 Renaissance Festival
The Highland Forde Barony’s annual Middle Ages Festival, with mock fighting, merchants and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to view festival, nominal admission to Hager House. *

June 17 - “You’ve Got To Be Joking: Clothing of the 18th & 19th Centuries”
Do stays sound uncomfortable to you? Is it called a chemise or shift on a man? Petticoats went where? Come learn about fashion of the 18th & 19th centuries if these questions were intriguing. Lecture, Modeling & Slideshow Free. 7pm

June 19 - Cancelled - “A Woman’s Day”
"A Woman's Day" scheduled for June 19 at 1 p.m. has been cancelled.
For more information call 301-739-8398.

July 15 - “Launched into Eternity”
Learn about Hagerstown's and our neighboring states infamous criminals of the 18th and 19th century and the sensational reporting of their demises. Lecture & Slideshow Free 7 p.m.

August 19 - “Recreation Frontier Style”
Come learn about the history of having fun in Hagerstown in the 18th & 19th centuries. Lecture & Slideshow Free 7 p.m.

August 21- “Colonial Family Fun Day”
Come participate in our annual Colonial Games for families. Learn about the pastimes of families on the frontier and compete against other families in a fun filled field day. Registration required. Please call by Friday August 13 to confirm your space. Entry fee $5 per family (1-2 adults + children; includes tour + activities). 1:00 pm -4:00 pm. Weather Permitting.*

September 18-19 - “Autumn Arts Festival”
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Formerly Jonathan Hager Craft Days) Come join us in our fourth year with Appalachian-style music, 50+ craft vendors, food and Hager House tours. Events throughout City Park. Free admission to festival. Reduced admission to the Hager House.*

Download:( PDF)
Craft Person Application
Food Vendor Application

September 30 - “Grim Reapings”
Learn about Early American burial customs and superstitions. Lecture and Slideshow 7 p.m. Free.

October 2 - “Oktoberfest: Hager House Style”
A children’s twist on traditional customs celebrated in Germany. Children’s crafts and activities plus a tour of the Hager House. 1 p.m. Reservation required by September 24. Minimal fee: $5.00 (1 - 2 adults plus children)

October 8, 9 - “Haunted Hager House”
Is the home of Hagerstown’s founder haunted? Come and see! 15, 16, & 31 Reservations are required. Tours offered at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. each evening. $3.00 each.

October 28 - “Witchcraft”
The witchcraft hysteria was not just limited to Salem! Learn about witches in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Lecture & Slideshow 7 p.m. Free.

November 13 - “Fall Family Days”
Come join us this weekend for tours of the Hager House, a fun scavenger hunt, and colonial games and craft making. Reduced family admission- $5. Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with games and craft making continually offered 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Reservations are required by November 5.

November 18 - “City Park: The Beginnings”
The City Park hasn’t always been a beautiful location to bring your family and friends to. Come learn about what was here before City Park began; an area changed from a swamp and wilderness through the Industrial Age to the depression era and into modern times. Lecture and slideshow 7 p.m. Free.

November 30 - “German Christmas”
Come and learn about German Christmas customs, traditions and superstitions in a December 30 holiday decorated atmosphere. Regular hours & Admissions. Closed: Christmas Day

December 3 - Holiday Tree Lighting in City Park
Come see the tree in the center of the lake lit for the Holiday Season. Free open house of the Hager House as well as light refreshments provided in the Hager House Museum.7 p.m. Call for details.

December 9 “Christ Kindel, Klausbauf, and Knecht Ruprecht”
Much of today’s American Christmas traditions stem from German culture and traditions. Come learn where Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, Christmas decorations and even particular gifts all have their roots in German customs. Lecture and Slideshow 7 p.m. Free

Ongoing events:
Freaky Fridays! - Is the home of Hagerstown’s founder haunted? Come and discover for yourself if this historic home is indeed haunted! Candlelit tours of the Hager House and stories of its haunting. Reservations are required. Tours times depend on sunset. Please call for details. One tour each evening. $3.00 each person. Dates: May 7 (8PM) July 9 (9PM) Sept. 10 (9PM) & Nov. 5 (7PM)

All events are subject to change.
Please call ahead to confirm. (301) 739-8393 Email: hagerhouse@hagerstownmd.org

Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday-Wednesday by appointment.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and November 23 – November 28 to prepare for Christmas. Closed January, February & March

Admission: Adults - $3.00, Senior citizens - $2.00 and children ages 6 to 12 - $1.00.
(*) Denotes guides in 18th century period dress


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