This bundle series of 4 different (1.3 mile) walking tours of historic Mount Olivet Cemetery features stops at the final resting spots of outstanding and interesting Frederick citizens. Four distinct themed tours: Frederick in the 1700s/1800s; Frederick in the 1900s-Present; Frederick Black History; and Frederick in the Civil War. These courses can also be taken ala-carte as well, see individual listings for the tour of your interest ($20/each). Participants will also learn the story of how this historic "garden cemetery" came to be in 1854, and its role up to present. Length: 2 hours and this collection of 4 different tours will meet Saturday mornings from 9-11:00am on either the first or second Saturday from April 11 - July 11th. Apr 11 (Civil War), May 2 (Frederick 1700s-1800s), June 6 (Black History), July 11(Frederick 1900s-Present). 

(We will meet at the WWI Gazebo in the middle of Areas T, U & S. Park on the lanes radiating out from the gazebo. Turn left after entering Mount Olivet's fromt gate and parallel Stadium Drive as the white Gazebo will eventually appear to your right under the US Flag)

​In observance of the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution, we bring you this course that documents Frederick County citizens and their contributions toward independence. Not only will we look at local leaders such as Thomas Johnson, Jr., Charles Carroll of Carrollton and John Hanson, but citizen soldiers such as Capt. Peter Mantz, Sgt. Lawrence Everhart and other "patriots" will be discussed. In addition, further exploration will include the 1765 Stamp Act Repudiation, the role of the Catoctin Furnace, building the Frederick "Hessian" Barracks, and the 1781 Tory-Spy Conspiracy.

4-part course on consecutive Tuesday evenings 6-8pm with 4th class consisting of a Revolutionary War-themed Twilight Walking Tour of historic Mount Olivet Cemetery.

This 1.3 mile evening walking tour of historic Mount Olivet Cemetery features stops at the final resting places of outstanding and interesting citizens of the 1900s-present such as Joseph D. Baker, Ammon Cramer, Claire McCardell and Harry Lebherz among several others, and will have participants traversing the newer part of the cemetery. Length: 2 hours. NOTE: Walk-ups welcome without prior registration.

(We will meet at the WWI Gazebo in the middle of Areas T, U & S. Park on the lanes radiating out from the gazebo. Turn left after entering front gate of cemetery and proceed on driveway that parallels Stadium Drive. Look for the white gazebo which will eventually appear to your right underneath a US flag.)

The roots of Frederick's annual county fair run deep! They go back to the early 19th century when a cattle show was held near the Jug Bridge over the Monocacy River, just east of Frederick City. A few decades later, a new home was found on the grounds of the Hessian Barracks, but that would eventually give way to the present site on the east side of town (along East Patrick Street). The largest county fair in the state has an incredible history including amusements, marketing gimmicks, stellar entertainment programming and notable guests to go with its given mission of exhibiting farm animals and agricultural implements. Learn more about this unique story in this multi-part lecture class which will include a cemetery walking tour of individuals connected to fair lore.

"Shoot if you must, this old grey head, but spare your country's flag" she said. These immortal words were allegedly spoken by 95 year-old Frederick resident Barbara Fritchie to Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson in early September, 1862 during the American Civil War. Whether it really happened or not is still debated. However, one thing is for sure, a poem about the incident by John Greenleaf Whittier of Massachusetts put Frederick (and our famed "clustered spires") on the map. Learn more about the life of this lady, why the poem was written and Chris will share his in-depth research into the Frederick resident who may have been the "real Barbara." 

Note that this is an online class that will run over the Zoom video conferencing platform. All you need is internet connection to a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. You will receive a link and login instructions prior to the class.

The American Idol/pop-icon songwriter of the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key had a storied law career that began in Frederick led to working as the District Attorney for the nation's capital. He is best know for writing the Star-Spangled Banner in the fall of 1814 in Baltimore Harbor.

(NOTE: This is an ala carte, singular offering, part one only of the four-part bundled series entitled Legends of Frederick. Others include classes on Thomas Johnson, Jr., Barbara Fritchie and Jacob Engelbrecht. For a combo price break on all of these sessions, register under the special offering for all four classes at a cost of $80.)

This class will be held at the Woodlands of Urbana Clubhouse.

You've heard their names, and may know parts of their life stories. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about four individuals who certainly shaped Frederick history as we know it. All were born in the 1700s and lived through the War of 1812, while having important familial ties to the American Revolution. Thomas Johnson, Jr. was a lawyer, statesman and Revolutionary War hero with a most impressive resume. Francis Scott Key and Barbara Fritchie have songs/poems written about them in connection with the American flag being attacked by an enemy. Jacob Engelbrecht, a tailor and former Frederick mayor, kept a diary of Frederick events (and strong personal opinions) from 1819-1878 (the year of his death). All four of these individuals walked the streets of Frederick, were fiercely patriotic and are today buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery. (NOTE: This course will be held at the Woodlands of Urbana Clubhouse)

This is a lecture class which will include PowerPoint, video, and special artifacts.

NOTE: Ala-carte registration opportunities are offered for each of the classes within this 4-part course. (Price break for bundle of all 4 when purchased together.) Please register using the individual registration links for ala-carte offerings.

Class 1: Francis Scott Key Monday, Oct 5 ($25)

Class 3: Jacob Engelbrecht Monday, May 12 ($25)

Class 4: Barbara Fritchie Monday, Oct 19 ($25)

Class 1: Thomas Johnson, Jr. Monday, Oct 26 ($25)

The son of a German mercenary soldier captured during the American Revolution, Jacob Engelbrecht was a tailor by trade, but is better known for his amazing diary. From 1819, up through his death in 1878, Engelbrecht chronicled everday life in Frederick and often offered his outspoken views on politics and religion. His surviving journal entries offer insight on town happenings ranging from special events and accidents to weddings and deaths of townspeople. It has been published into bound volumes and serves as a key resource for Frederick research.

(NOTE: This is an ala carte, singular offering, part two only of the four-part bundled series entitled Legends of Frederick. Others include classes on Thomas Johnson, Jr., Francis Scott Key, and Barbara Fritchie. For a combo price break on all of these sessions, register under the special offering for all four classes at a cost of $80.)

This class will be held at the Woodlands of Urbana Clubhouse.