"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.

​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.

NOTE: This is an online course which will run over the Zoom video-conferencing platform. All that is needed is a computer (desktop/laptop/tablet) or smartphone with internet access. This 4-part course will meet on consecutive Monday evenings 6-8pm with the 4th class consisting of a Candlelight Revolutionary War-themed Walking Tour of historic Mount Olivet Cemetery for those that can make it. (Meet at the Key Memorial Chapel for Tour).