Concert: Music from the Life and Tour of Lafayette – David & Ginger Hildebrand
2025-07-27 16:00 (America/New_York) | Havre de Grace Opera House, 121 N. Union Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD, United States
Join the Historic Havre de Grace Foundation, the Historical Society of Harford County, and the Cultural Arts Board for The Concert: Music from the Life and Tour of Lafayette. Musicians and music historians David and Ginger Hildebrand have chosen pieces from period sources to create a historical music program to commemorate the anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Selections will be played on period instruments that may be new to many in the audience. Tickets are $25. Tickets and more information are available at www.hdgoperahouse.org

This performance is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. MSAC.org; http://culturalartsboard.org

A Hero's Welcome in Havre de Grace
2025-07-29 16:00 - 21:30 | Concord Point Park, 352 Commerce St, Havre De Grace, MD, 21078, United States
Two hundred years ago, Revolutionary War hero General Lafayette made a farewell tour of the Colonies, stopping on July 29 in Cecil and Harford counties where he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds of grateful Americans. Two hundred years later, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Lafayette will return in full uniform for a celebratory reenactment of his historic visit. The exciting day will begin at noon with Lafayette’s arrival at Port Deposit Town Square in Cecil County and end with a BANG – evening fireworks at Havre de Grace’s Concord Point Park in Harford County.
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Hutchins Park
After mingling with the citizens of Cecil County, Lafayette will board a boat as he did in 1825 and cross the Susquehanna River to Frank Hutchins Park in Havre de Grace. Upon his arrival, he will be greeted by a cheering crowd, young girls bringing him posies, local dignitaries, and his brother Masons. Accompanied by a Revolutionary War color guard with fife and drum, Lafayette will then proceed to Graw Alley at Harmer’s Town Art Center.
4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Graw Alley at Harmer’s Town Art Center
A welcoming ceremony at Graw Alley will kick off the festivities, as local dignitaries welcome Lafayette and he accepts their greetings. Following the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Lafayette, enjoy offerings from local food trucks, participate in games and crafts presented by various organizations, and visit local vendors. Live music will enhance the festivities. At 6:00 p.m. Lafayette will share his memories of previous visits to Harford County and express his appreciation for the welcome he received on his farewell tour.
7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Concord Point Park
Lafayette will lead the crowd from Graw Alley to Concord Point Park for a concert followed by fireworks. Family-friendly activities will also be on site
Bed & Breakfast Packages

Paranormal Night at the Hays House
2025-08-09 19:00 - 2025-08-10 02:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Ever wanted to experience a real-life ghost hunt? Research so far confirms that spirits are roaming the Hays House. You are invited to join Above and Below Paranormal Investigation’s team of professional paranormal investigators on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, from 7 pm to 2 am. Be a part of the search.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age. The event will be limited to 10 guests. Light refreshments will be available. Participants may bring their own investigation devices, but they must be cleared by the Paranormal Investigation Leader. Please note that tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
Note: Participants must bring identification to the event. No alcohol, drugs, weapons, spark or flame producing items or Quija Boards will be permitted.
SOLD OUT

Open House at the Museum
2025-08-10 13:00, 2025-09-28 13:00, 2025-11-23 13:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Visit the Hays House, the Historical Society’s Living History Museum. Tour the site with Society docents as they recreate the social and cultural aspects of daily life of rural gentry in the formative days of our county.
Free, donations appreciated

Revolutionary Harford: The Battle of Bunker Hill
2025-08-24 13:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
The Continental Congress sent an Olive Branch petition to King George III, but then, the Battle of Bunker Hill happened. Citizens have been nervously waiting for a response – and now they have one! Learn about the Battle of Bunker Hill and its aftermath. Revisit life in Harford in 1775. Free event. Donations appreciated.

The Last Raid, Author Event & Book Signing with Tom Guercio and Diana Guercio Prentice
2025-09-09 12:30 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Step back to the Bel Air of the 1930s and 1940s with authors Thomas Guercio and Diana Guercio Prentice. Learn about the days of the Bel Air Race Track, the “Graw,” boxing at the Armory, poker at the Argonne, and gambling at “The Hole.” These good old days included bookmaking, moonshine, and so much more.
The Guercios tell their father’s story through the reminiscences of George Van Bibber, a friend of the authors’ father. Sam Guercio, an Italian immigrant, settled in Bel Air in 1932. Several of his family members were already residents and local business owners. If you are of a certain age, you may remember visiting Sam’s Barbershop, the family’s Shoe Repair shop on Burns Alley, Guercio’s Grocery Store, or perhaps Sam & Gorrell’s bookmaking parlor in Fallston. Books will be available for purchase.

Revolutionary Harford! Constitution Day Program
2025-09-14 13:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
As part of the Historical Society’s year-long celebration of Revolutionary Harford, we are partnering with the William Paca Chapter of the DAR to bring the story of the creation of the U.S. Constitution. The presentation will precede Constitution Day, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 17. Learn more about the creation of our constitutional government from the perspective of 1787.
Free, donations appreciated.

Living History Lunch & Show: Sarah Grimke Speaks
2025-09-21 14:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Join us for this year’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2 pm. This very special program will feature a delicious lunch provided by one of Harford’s most noted caterers, an opportunity to browse the ever-expanding museum collection, and the chance to experience a unique living history performance by historical interpreter Christine Potts as she transports us to the world of Sarah Grimke, noted abolitionist and suffragist.
Sarah Grimke Speaks!
When 26-year-old Sarah Moore Grimke boarded a ship from Charleston to Philadelphia in 1819 to accompany her ailing father north, she embarked on a history-making journey that took her from failed Southern belle to pioneering abolitionist and women’s rights activist.
Born into the Southern gentry, Sarah’s abhorrence of slavery and devotion to God led her to convert to Quakerism and settle in Philadelphia, where her charismatic and irrepressible younger sister Angelina Emily Grimke later joined her. After tumultuous years within the Society of Friends, Sarah then followed Angelina north to New York, where the two rose to public prominence and national notoriety by doing the largely unprecedented: daring to speak their minds.
In a time when no “respectable woman” would utter a word of public discourse, the Grimke sisters became among the first women in America to conduct a lecture tour. What began as ladies’ gatherings in private parlors soon grew to packed audiences of men and women held spellbound by the sisters’ calls for immediate abolition of the enslaved and then, perhaps even more controversially, equal rights for women.
In this 50-minute program, Chris Potts tells Sarah’s story in Sarah’s voice, immersing the listener in a compelling vocal performance. With a background in teaching, writing, and performative storytelling, Chris first developed the idea to research the life and interpret the story of Sarah Grimke after leading a discussion on Sue Monk Kidd’s The Invention of Wings in 2019 at the Historical Society of Harford County, where she now serves as Executive Director.
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Women Who Kill: Hattie Stone of Havre de Grace
2025-10-12 13:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Join talented storyteller Amy Rosenkrans as she recounts the story of notorious 1920s serial killer, Hattie Stone, a Havre de Grace resident with a penchant for murder. Learn the story of this nurse, midwife, Sunday School teacher who had a truly sinister secret life.
Free, donations appreciated.

Annual Genealogical Workshop
2025-10-18 10:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Join long time researchers and guest speakers Claudine Adams and Joann Merrill as they describe the genealogical treasures held in the Harford County Courthouse. Following their presentation the speakers and Society genealogists will conduct a research workshop to help attendees find their long-lost ancestors. This is a unique opportunity to have expert assistance in searching the oft times confusing array of files and documents available so close to home.
Register Now $15

Paranormal Night at the Hays House
2025-10-18 19:00 - 2025-10-19 02:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Ever wanted to experience a real-life ghost hunt? Research so far confirms that spirits are roaming the Hays House. You are invited to join Above and Below Paranormal Investigation’s team of professional paranormal investigators on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at 7pm. Be a part of the search.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age. The event will be limited to 10 guests. Light refreshments will be available. Participants may bring their own investigation devices, but they must be cleared by the Paranormal Investigation Leader. Please note that tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
Note: Participants must bring identification to the event. No alcohol, drugs, weapons, spark or flame producing items or Quija Boards will be permitted.
PURCHASE TICKETS

Revolutionary Harford: Life in Harford County in 1775
2025-10-26 13:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Winter is just around the corner! The family needs to prepare! Join people at the Hays House as they work to set aside the summer’s bounty to enjoy in the winter. Stir the kettle as we make apple butter! Listen to their conversation about the events of the times.

Annual Archer Lecture: The Bush Declaration and Its Signers
2025-11-08 14:00 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Before the Declaration of Independence, before the “shot heard round the world”, Harford County declared its support of American independence. Join Sandra Wallis, PhD. as she tells the harrowing story of colonial days and the part local residents played in our nation’s founding.
Register Now $15

Mr. Hays Neighbors
2025-11-09 13:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Thomas Hays, a leading 19th century Bel Air citizen, left a lasting legacy. He was a successful attorney, farmer, real estate speculator, shopkeeper and landlord. He owned 15 of the 42 lots in Bel Air at that time, and more than 4,000 acres throughout the county. Join historian, Christopher Smithson at Mr. Hays’ former home as he relates the story of one of Bel Air’s most influential citizens, his neighbors and life in the early days of the republic.
Free, donations appreciated.

Legacy Planned Giving Seminar
2025-11-14 12:00 - 13:30 | The Historical Society of Harford County, 143 N Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Please RSVP Below.
Event Details:

Learn how Planned Giving can support the causes you care about and create a lasting impact.​
Explore the most effective ways to give now and / or through your estate to build your legacy for the future.
Find out how the right financial plan—including Last Will & Testament, Health Care Directive, Durable Power of Attorney, and Trusts—can help ensure your wishes are carried out.​

The seminar will include practical guidance, real-life examples, and professional insights designed to help clarify your giving options and establish a meaningful legacy.​
Please join us for this special opportunity to meet with financial professionals and connect with others interested in strategic charitable and estate planning.​
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14 2025
NOON-1:30PM
HISTORICAL SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS
143 N MAIN ST. BEL AIR 21014
LUNCH WILL BE SERVED

Spirit of Christmas Past: Candlelight Walking Tour
2025-11-28 06:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-05 06:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-06 06:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-12 06:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-13 06:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-19 06:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-20 06:00 - 19:30 | M&T Bank, 221 S. Main St, Bel Air, 21014
The Society’s annual Candlelight Christmas Tour returns with docent Julie Brasch. Participants will enjoy Christmas stories of days gone by, caroling, delicious treats, and much more. Tours will begin on Friday, November 28, and run every Friday and Saturday until December 26.
Nighttime Walking Tours are weather-dependent. If the outdoor temperature at 6 pm is below 32°F, the event will be moved indoors to the Hays House Museum for a virtual tour and celebration. Tickets are non-refundable unless HSHC cancels the event.
Tours start at the corner of Main and Fulford St., 221 S Main Street at M&T Bank.
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Holiday Experience at the Hays House Museum
2025-11-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
The Society invites you, your children, and grandchildren to visit the Hays House for a special holiday treat. On Saturday, November 29, and Saturday, December 27, the museum will offer young and old alike the opportunity to explore holiday crafts, games, music of days gone by, and photo opportunities. $20/adult, $10/child. Tickets are non-refundable unless HSHC cancels the event.
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Kids' Storytime at the Hays House Museum
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Bring your young ones to the Hays House Museum to enjoy holiday crafts, games, and holiday treats. A local storyteller will share a special holiday selection with attendees, bringing the Christmas spirit to life.
Tickets are nonrefundable unless the Historical Society cancels the program. Tickets are limited. Tickets are nonrefundable unless HSHC cancels the event. Fee $ 7.50.
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Open House at Hays House Museum
2025-12-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Enjoy a nostalgic Sunday afternoon at the Hays House. Step back into Bel Air’s early days as you tour this historic house and enjoy beautiful holiday decorations designed by a local garden club. Relax as local musicians regale you with the sounds of Christmas. A perfect antidote to the holiday rush! As a special treat, the WABAC Consort will join us on Sunday, December 21. Relax as these local musicians time-travel through music performed on period instruments! A perfect antidote to the holiday rush!

The WABAC Consort at Hays House Museum
2025-12-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Hays House, 324 N Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Relax as local musicians time-travel through music performed on period instruments! A perfect antedote to the holiday rush!
