The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Visitor Center plaza.

Visitor Center plaza

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Early Republic Seed Saving: A Revolutionary Idea

Discover how seed saving helped the young American republic grow productive kitchen gardens nationwide.Purchase living heirloom seedlings and seeds through the Harpers Ferry Park Association to jump-start a heritage garden at home.

Arsenal Square, in historic Lower Town.

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Visitor Center plaza.

Visitor Center plaza

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Defend and Protect: Arming the American Soldier

For 250 years, American innovation has shaped global industry. One of those innovations—interchangeable parts manufacturing—began in Harpers Ferry. Discover an array of weapons and technology produced at America’s second U.S. Armory and Arsenal, spanning the 1790s to 18......More

For 250 years, American innovation has shaped global industry. One of those innovations—interchangeable parts manufacturing—began in Harpers Ferry. Discover an array of weapons and technology produced at America’s second U.S. Armory and Arsenal, spanning the 1790s to 1861. Learn how these innovations influenced both the United States and the world beyond its borders. Please note: This event includes the firing of historic weapons. Prepare children and pets for loud noises. 11-4:00: Visit the tent on Arsenal Square to speak to living history volunteers and see historic weapons from the Harpers Ferry Armory on display. 11:00: Forging Change: The Industrial Revolution and Harpers Ferry Armory. Discover Harpers Ferry’s pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. Join expert Troy Cool to explore the timeline of major weapon models manufactured here and learn how the technological advances pioneered by the arms industry in 19th-century America became a driving force behind the “American System” of manufacture. Uncover the fascinating intersection of history, technology, and industry that helped shape the nation’s path to progress. Allies for Freedom room, 2nd floor of the John Brown Museum.12:30: The Arsenal's Global Impact. Once the weapons were made, where did they actually go? Harpers Ferry goes global as we  follow the paths taken by the weapons. Arsenal Square.2:00: Historic Weapons Firing Demonstration. Once the weapons were made, how did they actually work? Join a ranger on a historic  weapons demonstration as we explore how the weapons worked changed over time, and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of these weapons in use. Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.  

Throughout historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Visitor Center plaza.

Visitor Center plaza

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

John Brown and Frederick Douglass: A Legacy of Freedom

Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the United States has made strides toward fulfilling its promise of liberty and equality—yet ending slavery required extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Two abolitionists, united by mutual respect and a shared goal,......More

Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the United States has made strides toward fulfilling its promise of liberty and equality—yet ending slavery required extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Two abolitionists, united by mutual respect and a shared goal, took different paths in their efforts to end slavery in America. Discover the history and significance of Harpers Ferry to John Brown and Frederick Douglass in this day-long event. The highlight is a dramatic recreation of the speech Douglass gave at Storer College in 1881 about Brown by author, performance poet, and historian Nathan M. Richardson. Ranger- and volunteer-led programs will precede and follow the performance.  11:00: John Brown's Raid ranger-guided program. Historic Lower Town.12:00: John Brown Monuments and Mythology. Monuments are an enduring way to tell this country’s history. How does a monument’s purpose impact how that history is told? Harpers Ferry NHP has three monuments related to John Brown’s attack on the US Armory. Discover how each monument tells the story. Meets on the Green, historic Lower Town.1:00-2:00, 3:00-5:00: Harpers Ferry Park Association book sales. Mather Training Center, first floor.1:00-2:00, 3:00-5:00: Storer College Room Open House. Dedicated in 1992, the Storer College Room highlights various aspects of student life on the historic campus. The room features a portion of the original school library, photographs of past administrators, and is decorated in the school’s colors. Storer College Room, Mather Training Center.2:00-3:00: Frederick Douglass' Speech reenactment. In this creative program, author, performance poet, and Frederick Douglass historian Nathan M. Richardson will bring Douglass’ 1881 speech about John Brown to life from the very spot where Douglass stood. Mather Training Center lawn.3:30-4:30: The Power of Place: Lockwood House. Ranger-led program on the grounds of historic Lockwood House.Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.   

Throughout the park. See description for more details.

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Visitor Center plaza.

Visitor Center plaza

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.