Links

Arts and Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County
The Arts and Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County Cultural Links Page will put you in touch immediately with the richness and variety of the cultural like of the county.
Antietam Museum Store
Welcome to the on-line Antietam Museum Store. We are operated by the Western Maryland Interpretive Association (WMIA), a not-for-profit cooperating association of Antietam and Monocacy National Battlefields. WMIA offers a wide variety of publications, maps, and theme-related merchandise to enhance your understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of the battles of Antietam and Monocacy. All purchases benefit interpretive, educational, and visitor service programs at both sites.
Antietam National Battlefield
The Bloodiest One Day Battle in American History - 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg, ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s first invasion into the North and led to Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Antietam National Battlefield is located in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Open Daily. Entrance Fee. Phone (301) 432-5124
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. It is a unit of the National Park Service and is protected in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The A.T. is a hiking trail, enjoyed by an estimated 4 million people each year. It is within a day's drive of 2/3rds of the U.S. population. People of all ages and abilities enjoy short walks, day hikes, and long-distance backpacking journeys. It offers a variety of opportunities for viewing spectacular scenery, for exploring, for adventure, for exercise, for nature study, and for renewal.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is the volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and management of the A.T. and its associated lands - a 250,000 acre greenway from Katahdin, Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia providing primitive outdoor-recreation and educational opportunities for Trail visitors. ATC headquarters is located an Washington Street in Harpers Ferry, WV.
C & O Canal Association
Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas was one of the few people at the time who realized the historical, cultural, geological and botanical significance of the C&O Canal. He challenged opinion-shapers of his day to walk the length of the 184 mile C&O with him and decide for themselves if it should be destroyed. They took the walk in 1954 and then joined him in the effort to save the canal. That effort resulted in the formation of the C&O Canal Association, and, 17 years later, in the passage of legislation that created the C&O Canal National Historic Park, now one of the major areas in the National Park System. In the mid 1970's, the canal and towpath were dedicated to Justice Douglas to honor him for his singular contribution to the nation's park system. The C&O Canal Association works to protect, preserve and promote the assets of the C&O Canal Historical Park. The C&O Canal Association is a citizens’ association concerned with the conservation of the natural and historical environment of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River Basin. The Association supports the National Park Service in its efforts to preserve and promote the 184-mile towpath and the open spaces within the C&O Canal NHP. Membership is open to all.
C & O Canal Trust
The C&O Canal Trust is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to work in partnership with the National Park Service to protect, restore, and promote the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The Trust seeks to ensure that the park’s natural, historical, and recreational potential is fully realized. The C&O Canal Trust believes that bold thinking and fresh ideas are needed if the canal is going to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Given the unique characteristics of the park, the Trust will achieve its mission is by aggressively pursuing the following goals: reestablishing and preserving the continuity of the towpath; creating locally-appropriate destinations throughout the park by; rehabilitating historic structures, including locks, re-watering select sections of the canal, providing and accommodating passenger boat access, expanding recreational access and amenities; developing and delivering high quality educational, interpretive, and volunteer programs; restoring the ecological health of the park; and building a broad constituency to be a voice for the park for years to come.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Today’s superhighway construction, sprawling towns, and fast inland transport make it hard to appreciate what impact the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal had on isolated rural and village folk from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, in the mid-1800s. Penetrating 185 miles inland, the C & O Canal was one of the Nation’s most ambitious industrial experiments of the time. The National Park Service operates visitor centers at Georgetown, Great Falls, Brunswick, Williamsport, Hancock, and Cumberland. For more information call 301.739.4200.
Civil War Preservation Trust
The Civil War Preservation Trust is America's largest non-profit organization (501-C3) devoted to the preservation of our nation's endangered Civil War battlefields. The Trust also promotes educational programs and heritage tourism initiatives to inform the public of the war's history and the fundamental conflicts that sparked it. The Civil War Preservation Trust has worked to save more than 25,000 acres of battlefield land in 19 different states. In addition to preserving Civil War battlefield land, CWPT conducts programs designed to inform the public about the events and consequences of the Civil War, foster an understanding of the need for preservation, and create a personal connection to the past.
Friends of Happy Retreat
Happy Retreat is the home built by Charles Washington, founder of Charles Town, West Virginia, and President George Washington’s youngest brother. Located on the edge of historic Charles Town, the property includes the 18th Century mansion, a stone and brick kitchen/storehouse, an old octagonal wooden school house and 12 acres of woods and lawns.

Located in the rapidly growing Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia – just 55 miles northwest of Washington D.C. - the property is vulnerable to development. Its owners are interested in selling the historic estate and wish to ensure that Happy Retreat be preserved in its entirety for the enjoyment of future generations.

Recognizing the threat to this historic property, a group of local preservation-minded citizens has formed the Friends of Happy Retreat, Inc. (FOHR), a non-profit organization dedicated to acquiring, preserving and utilizing the property for public benefit. A purchase option has been signed by the current owners and FOHR which should allow us sufficient time to raise the funds necessary to acquire the property.
Harpers Ferry Historical Association
The Harpers Ferry Historical Association is one of 65 cooperating associations serving the National Park Service. Established in 1971, this not-for-profit association has provided over $1 million to enhance the interpretive and education programs of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the National Park Service.

The association has helped fund park public education programs, living history events, Artists-in-Residence, media for curriculum-based learning, publications, and visitor information assistance. These donations enhance the visitor experience at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is like stepping into the past. Stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike trails and battlefields. There's a wide variety of experiences for visitors of all ages, so come and discover Harpers Ferry. Open daily. Entrance fee. 304.535.6029
Harpers Ferry Town Foundation
The Harpers Ferry Historic Town Foundation is a non-profit organization focusing on preservation and beautification of the Town of Harpers Ferry - “A Town that inspires citizens and visitors with its history, beauty, and hospitality.” Preservation of a 19th Century village in the 21st Century takes vision, cooperation, hard work and substantial financial resources. The Foundation works in concert with local government, the National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, individuals and corporate partners to accomplish its goals.
Heart of the Civil War
Welcome to the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA) in Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland. HCWHA is a certified Maryland Heritage Area, and a partner in the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. With one foot in the north, and one foot in the south, the story of the Civil War, its causes, battles, heroes and villains...its very meaning can be told nowhere better than in this part of Maryland.

HCWHA is ideally positioned to serve as your "base camp" for driving the popular Civil War Trails and visiting the battlefields and sites of Antietam, Gettysburg, Monocacy, South Mountain, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. This is an exciting time as we look ahead to the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War starting in 2009 with events commemorating the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, including aspects of the incident that occurred in Maryland. Start planning your visits now - request a travel packet that will include all you need to experience "the heart of it all" in Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties.
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce works to provide services and programs for businesses of any size in Jefferson County. Phone (304) 725-2055
John Brown Raid
Four states and four counties have begun preparations to commemorate the 2009 Sesquicentennial Anniversary of abolitionist John Brown's raid on the arsenal at Harpers Ferry. The John Brown 150th Anniversary Quad-State Committee, comprised of various historians and officials from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, are planning and coordinating a range of commemoration events. Officials responsible for organizing the commemorations say that events will include re-enactments, dramatic productions, art exhibits, academic lectures, special tours and much more
Journey Through Hallowed Ground
In this National Heritage Area, there are more than 10,000 Listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including 9 presidents’ homes, 20 historic Main Street communities, 13 National Parks, and hundreds of African and Native American historical sites. Sites from the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, plus dozens of scenic roads, rivers and breathtaking landscapes, too! The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising national awareness of the unparalleled history in the region, which generally follows the Old Carolina Road (Rt. 15/231) from Gettysburg, through Maryland, to Monticello in Albemarle County, VA. From its communities, farms, businesses and heritage sites, we have an opportunity to celebrate and preserve this vital fabric of America which stands today in the historic, scenic and natural beauty of this region. Phone (540) 882-4929
Harpers Ferry KOA
Harpers Ferry KOA Campground in West Virginia is the perfect place for Washington, D.C., camping and Harpers Ferry National Park camping. Located in a quiet, wooded setting in historical Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the Harpers Ferry KOA campground offers a variety of activities for the adventurous vacationer and Civil War enthusiast. It's a perfect base camp for Washington DC sightseeing and major Civil War battlefields visits. Or spend your camping vacation enjoying the scenic wonders while biking the C&O Canal, hiking the Appalachian Trail or rafting on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. They are all near the Harpers Ferry KOA Campground. Open all year for kampers to enjoy our rustic kamping kabins, rv sites or to pitch a tent next to an authentic Civil War Trench. Phone 1-304-535-6895
National Park Foundation
The mission of the National Park Foundation is to strengthen the enduring connection between the American people and their national parks. The Foundation accomplishes its mission by making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and establishing special funds that enhance the national parks. Working closely with the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation makes grants that establish and enrich the connection that our children, our communities and all Americans have with their national parks. The National Park Foundation is the only organization engaged in national grant making to support parks through programs and projects that meet the priorities and critical needs across our National Park System. Phone (202) 354-6460
National Park Trust
NPT’s mission is to provide important recreational and educational parkland opportunities for current and future generations. As we spend more time indoors and as successive generations grow up with less of a connection to nature we need to build greater awareness and appreciation for the importance of our country’s public lands and parks.

Our vision is that “everyone will have an American park experience”. To achieve this we seek to champion the acquisition and preservation of critical national, state and local parklands and to build a greater awareness through education -- focusing on our youth, especially those that are underserved and at-risk.
National Parks and Conservation Association
The mission of the NPCA is to protect and enhance America’s National Parks for present and future generations. The NCPA does this through restoring our National Parks, assessing park health, improving park management, and engaging park supporters. Phone 202.223.6722
NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, also known as the Rivers & Trails Program or RTCA, is the community assistance arm of the National Park Service. RTCA staff provides technical assistance to communities so they can conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways. Phone 202-354-6900
Potomac National Heritage Trail
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a partnership to develop a network of locally-managed trails in a corridor between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. As of autumn 2008, 830 miles of existing and planned trails have been recognized as segments of the National Scenic Trail.
Shepherd University
Shepherd University is a state-supported institution within the West Virginia system of higher education. From its beginnings over 130 years ago, the University has evolved into a comprehensive center of higher learning, serving a number of related, yet distinct roles: The University offers baccalaureate degrees in a wide range of fields, encompassing the liberal arts, business administration, teacher education, the social and natural sciences, and other career-oriented areas.

The University provides credit courses for individuals that may not be seeking a specific degree, but who seek to broaden and update their knowledge in either familiar or new fields of intellectual endeavor.

For the northern Shenandoah Valley region as a whole, the University is a center for noncredit continuing education, public service, and convenient citizen access to extensive programs in art, music, theater, athletics, and other areas of public interest. Shepherd University has a responsibility to extend its resources beyond the campus, bringing higher education closer to those who seek it. Phone 304-876-5000
Shepherdstown Visitor Center
Historic Shepherdstown, the oldest town in the state of West Virginia, nestled in the lower Shenandoah Valley - is only 90 minutes from the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan areas but miles away from the stress and rushed lifestyle of the city. Stroll along German Street, filled with more than a dozen fine dining and casual restaurants, unique locally-owned shops offering everything from baby clothes to local arts and crafts, and an independent movie theater. You're sure to find the perfect spot to stay, eat and shop here - all uniquely Shepherdstown.
The Kennedy Farmhouse
Dr. Robert F. Kennedy purchased the 194 acres of land & cottage from Antietam Iron Works in 1852. Soon after, he had the current one story-high stone foundation built and raised the one-room cottage onto it, then added a larger, two-story wing to the northeast. Kennedy died seven years later, and his farm was empty. John Brown, at the time calling himself Isaac Smith, rented the place for $35 in gold from the trustee of Kennedy's estate. He lived there while gathering troops & training his men for the abortive raid on Harpers Ferry. The Federal Government has deemed the house a National Historic Landmark- the government way of saying that this house played a significant role in the history of the United States. The old farmhouse has been completely restored with the use of federal, state and philanthropic funds under the direction of the Maryland Historical Trust at Annapolis, Maryland.
US Marine Corps Historical Company
Founded by Marine Corps veterans and historians, the USMCHC's mission goes beyond the presentation of statistics or museum displays of "artifacts", to highlight the most important commodity of the Corps, its people. We bring to the American public a definitive look at the Marine Corps throughout its history. Borrowing an educational technique first developed by the National Park Service called "living history" as one of their many educational tools, the USMCHC endeavors to take history from behind glass and put a human face on it. Their attitude is history presented "by people, to people, about people". The USMCHC goes to great lengths to maintain the high standards first set by the Marines of past eras. This pride in their work stems from a desire to honor fellow Marines of the past, and accurately pass that heritage on to Americans of today.
Virginia Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the American CW
The General Assembly of Virginia created the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission in 2006 (HB 1440) to prepare for and commemorate the sesquicentennial of Virginia's participation in the American Civil War. Phone (804) 786-3591
WV Department of Tourism
Enjoy the Cultural Heritage of West Virginia - From Civil War reenactments to Appalachian music and craft festivals, travel West Virginia and enjoy some of the wonderful experiences that bring rich history to life. Phone 1-800-225-5982
WV Civil War Sites
WV Civil War Sites - Falling Waters
The Falling Waters Battlefield is north of Martinsburg WV, in Berkeley County. The Civil War Preservation Trust has placed Falling Waters, also known as Hoke’s Run, on their annual list of America’s Most Endangered Battlefields, “History Under Siege”, for the second year in a row. The Association is working to raise awareness of the battle by interpreting the battlefield.
WV Civil War Sites - Laurel Hill
WV Civil War Sites - Shepherdstown
The Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association Inc. (SBPA) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to preserving the site of the Civil War battle at Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The battle fought here on September 19 and 20, 1862, brought to an end the Army of Northern Virginia's Maryland Campaign and was a significant factor in General Robert E. Lee's decision to retreat farther into the Shenandoah Valley. The battle is of significant historical value to our nation and a valuable West Virginia Landmark. The Association intends for the site to be preserved as a park dedicated to educating the general public of its historical significance.
Washington Heritage Trail
A world of enchantment awaits you along the Washington Heritage Trail, in West Virginia’s scenic Eastern Panhandle.

Discover places where George Washington slept…the nation’s first warm springs spa…and a notorious female confederate spy.

Here, five 18th century towns and surrounding wilderness continue to be a favorite destination for family getaways and romantic weekends.

Come to visit, to play, or to stay. It’s all waiting for you to savor, just a short trip by car or grain from Washington, D.C. Baltimore, MD and Pittsburgh, PA.