Past
Freedom Shrine Document Series
History and Ancestral Resources
The Civil War and American Art
Carroll County Times Archive
Civil War History
Local History

Present
Examining Contemporary Issues
The Presidents Club - Video | Review
American Icon - Video | Review

Future
Positioning for the Future
Inspiration to Invest in the Future

About the Initiative

Celebrating America fosters a greater sense and understanding of America's history and Carroll County's important role in that history by joining forces with private and public institutions around the county. For more information about the initiative, visit Carroll County's Celebrating America web site.

Celebrating America Reading Selections

In partnership with Carroll County's Celebrating America initiative, each quarter CCPL will recommend titles for a community read. Our current picks are March by Geraldine Brooks, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and Iron Thunder by Avi. Join our Celebrating America online book discussions on Goodreads!

Programs at the Library

The Confederates Are Coming…Again!
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Saturday May 25, 2013
Mount Airy Branch Library
11:00 AM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For All Ages
The dashing Confederate Cavalier, J.E.B. Stuart, is returning to Carroll County to relive his exploits of Corbit’s Charge and the historic northern invasion of 1863. Nearly 150 years ago, Captain Corbit and his outnumbered men – 90 against 5000 – exemplified ultimate bravery in the face of terrible odds. General Stuart, portrayed by storyteller David Shuey, and his warhorse Skylark will make their appearance at the Mount Airy Branch to regale us with their exploits. Children 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. A Celebrating America program. This program is sponsored in part by a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council. The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or who has a complaint should contact Gina Valentine, The Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, 410.386.3800, 1.888.302.8978, MD Relay 7-1-1/1.800.735.2258 or email gvalentine@ccg.carr.org as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.

The Confederates Are Coming…Again!
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Saturday May 25, 2013
Eldersburg Branch Library
2:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 6 - Adults
The dashing Confederate Cavalier, J.E.B. Stuart, is returning to Carroll County to relive his exploits of Corbit’s Charge and the historic northern invasion of 1863. Nearly 150 years ago, Captain Corbit and his outnumbered men – 90 against 5000 – exemplified ultimate bravery in the face of terrible odds. General Stuart, portrayed by storyteller David Shuey, and his warhorse Skylark will make their appearance at the Eldersburg Branch to regale us with their exploits. A Celebrating America program. This program is sponsored in part by a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council. The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or who has a complaint should contact Gina Valentine, The Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, 410.386.3800, 1.888.302.8978, MD Relay 7-1-1/1.800.735.2258 or email gvalentine@ccg.carr.org as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas: The Black Influence on the Civil War
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Saturday June 15, 2013
Westminster Branch Library
1:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 12 - Adults
The Civil War was a tumultuous time in our nation’s history, particularly for African Americans. Join local historian Mike Eckard as he discusses the black experience during the time. Subjects will include the abolitionist movement and the Emancipation Proclamation. Mr. Eckard will also discuss the influence of black leaders such as Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Tubman on Abraham Lincoln and the war effort. Mr. Eckard’s presentation will include a display of Civil War-related artifacts. A Celebrating America program.

The Life and Mysterious Death of John Wilkes Booth
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Saturday June 15, 2013
Eldersburg Branch Library
1:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For All Ages
America has been fascinated with Lincoln’s assassin since 1865. Historians and authors continue to generate new books, documentaries, and feature films that speculate about Booth and his motives. What drove him to this mad act? Did he actually escape the grip of Union soldiers and live until the 20th century as some believe? Learn about Booth’s family, his life before April 14, 1865, his fateful plot, and the mysteries and conspiracies surrounding his death. See photos of Booth – alive AND dead! Children 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. A Celebrating America program.

Dig Up Your Ancestors Online!
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Saturday June 15, 2013
Finksburg Branch Library
2:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For Adults
Join Eileen A. Souza of Old Bones Genealogy as she leads us through the ins and outs of using online genealogical tools, such as Google and Ancestry.com, to gather information about ancestors. She will also provide specific techniques that will optimize your Ancestry.com and Google searches. A Celebrating America program.

My Family Storytime
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Monday June 17, 2013
Finksburg Branch Library
1:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 3 - 7
Registration for this event begins 6/3/2013.
There are all types of families. Come to the Finksburg Branch for a special storytime celebrating many different kinds of families from around the world. Make your very own family tree and learn about tools the library has to help you find out about your ancestors. Bring some family pictures if you would like to cut them up for your family tree. Children age 3 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Only kids need to register. A Celebrating America program.

Return to the Civil War with Kent Courtney
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Monday June 17, 2013
Eldersburg Branch Library
7:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 11 - Adults
Join Kent Courtney, frequently seen on The History Channel, as he delights us with Civil War history and songs. His music, costuming, instruments, and stories are utilized to ensure that attendees of his performances will feel like they are watching a live version of The History Channel. He is also the author of Returning to the Civil War, Grand Reenactments of an Anguished Time, and a nationally recognized authority on the Civil War. Kent Courtney is currently appearing in The History Channel’s Stealing Lincoln’s Body. Refreshments will be served. A Celebrating America program.

The Ghosts of Gettysburg College
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Monday June 24, 2013
Taneytown Branch Library
7:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For Adults
Join Charley Dittrich, an alumnus of Gettysburg College, who will share some of the local ghost stories associated with the historical and haunted college. A Celebrating America program.

Heritage Tree Walk & Talk: Trees of Downtown Westminster
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Thursday June 27, 2013
Westminster Branch Library
6:30 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 12 - Adults
Come explore tree life on and around Willis Street, starting at City Hall in Westminster. Steve Allgeier, Horticulture Consultant for the University of Maryland Extension, Carroll County, will lead the walk. The traveling discussion will focus on interesting trees found throughout the Willis Street area and will highlight various attributes including potential liabilities, concerns, and general care of the trees found on the walk. Rain date 7/2/13. A Celebrating America program.

Music of Early Maryland
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Thursday June 27, 2013
Mount Airy Branch Library
7:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For All Ages
Join Dr. David Hildebrand at the Mount Airy Branch as he plays a variety of songs from Maryland's early days. Types of music range from instrumental dance music to ballads and patriotic songs to military marches. Children 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. A Celebrating America program. This program is sponsored in part by a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council. The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or who has a complaint should contact Gina Valentine, The Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, 410.386.3800, 1.888.302.8978, MD Relay 7-1-1/1.800.735.2258 or email gvalentine@ccg.carr.org as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.

The Battle of West Frederick
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Monday July 1, 2013
Westminster Branch Library
7:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 12 - Adults
Join author Joseph Collins as he talks about how his genealogical research brought to life this little-known/long-forgotten Civil War battle. His book, The Battle of West Frederick, July 7, 1864: Prelude to Battle of Monocacy, details what took place in the farm fields west of Frederick City two days before the Battle of Monocacy. While concentrating on the military activities during this time period, the book takes time to discuss the ransoms of three Maryland communities by the invading Confederates - namely Frederick, Hagerstown, and Middletown. A Celebrating America program.

Music of the Civil War Era
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Wednesday July 3, 2013
Westminster Branch Library
7:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For All Ages
At the outset of the Civil War, the hopes and aspirations of both North and South were echoed in music full of pride, determination, confidence, and even arrogance. As the horrors of war unfolded, the music turned more towards thoughts of home, peace, and the end of conflict. Join Dr. David Hildebrand for a musical survey full of familiar tunes, with the fascinating stories behind them. Dr. Hildebrand will perform and sing musical selections of the time, accompanied by guitar, banjo, flute, and piano. Children 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. This program is made possible with funds from the Maryland Humanities Council. A Celebrating America program.

Movies @ Your Library: National Treasure
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Friday July 5, 2013
Eldersburg Branch Library
10:00 AM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 9 - Adults
Benjamin Franklin Gates comes from a long line of archaeologists who are searching for a secret stash of treasures hidden by Jefferson, Washington, and Franklin. Gates has determined that the clue may lie on the back of the original Declaration of Independence. He plots to steal it to find this missing treasure but he must also battle the FBI who have been tipped off to the hunt in this intelligent action adventure. Rated PG. Refreshments will be served. A Celebrating America program.

Celebrate America with Mr. Penny
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Saturday July 6, 2013
Eldersburg Branch Library
1:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 6 - 11
Party with us to celebrate America’s 237th Birthday. We will play games, make crafts, and have the opportunity to meet and have your picture taken with Mr. Penny. The author of Mr. Penny and the Dragon of Domeville: The Story of Us, Lucile McConnell, will have her book available for sale and
signing. Refreshments will be served. A Celebrating America program.

Quick Quilt, How America Was Built
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Tuesday July 9, 2013
Finksburg Branch Library
1:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 8 - 17
Registration for this event begins 6/25/2013.
Create your own block of America! Design and paint a fabric block that will be used to make a quilt celebrating our country. The
completed quilt will be displayed in the Finksburg Branch and later donated to Project Linus. All supplies will be provided. A Celebrating America program.

Archaeology: Learning from the Past
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Tuesday July 9, 2013
Taneytown Branch Library
2:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 6 - Adults
Learn about the treasures that lie beneath our feet. See artifacts from Maryland's past - from early pioneer days to before the Native Americans. Presented by Steven Israel. A Celebrating America program.

Civil War Medicine, Battlefield Surgery, and Deadly Diseases
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Thursday July 11, 2013
North Carroll Branch Library
7:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 13 - Adults
Kyle Wichtendahl, of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, will discuss the importance of medicine in the American Civil War. Topics will include battlefield surgery, why disease was deadlier than shot and shell, and medical advances that were made during the Civil War that continue to save lives today. Mr. Wichtendahl will be dressed as a Union assistant surgeon and will have reproduction medical instruments and other artifacts to see and touch. A Celebrating America program.

Rebel Heels and Northern Scum: Maryland's Role in the Civil War
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Saturday July 13, 2013
Finksburg Branch Library
11:00 AM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For All Ages
Registration for this event begins 6/29/2013.
Did you know that the first bloodshed of the Civil War occurred in Baltimore? After this auspicious beginning, many other critical events of the war took place in Maryland. This program, presented by Hagerstown Community College professor Thomas G. Clemens, will highlight how our state played a pivotal role in our nation's most tragic conflict. Children 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. This program is made possible with funds from the Maryland Humanities Council. A Celebrating America program. All attendees need to register.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - A Living History Presentation
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Saturday July 27, 2013
Eldersburg Branch Library
2:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 11 - Adults
This summer marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream speech. In honor of this significant event, Bill Grimmette, a living history interpreter, will tell the stories and the history up to and including the dramatic issues that lead Dr. King to the podium on August 28, 1963. Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream Speech is a Freedom Shrine Document. A Celebrating America program.

Action, Adventure, & AMERICA: National Treasure
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Monday July 29, 2013
Finksburg Branch Library
2:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 10 - Adults
Tag along with Archaeologist/treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates for action, adventure, and an array of American artifacts in the National Treasure movies. Fun, excitement and American history make a great summer combo! Refreshments will be served. A Celebrating America program.

Archaeology: Learning from the Past
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Wednesday July 31, 2013
Westminster Branch Library
2:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 8 - 14
Learn about the treasures that lie beneath our feet. See artifacts from Maryland’s past, from early pioneer days to before the Native Americans. Presented by Steven Israel. A Celebrating America program.

Action, Adventure, & AMERICA: National Treasure: Book of Secrets
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Friday August 2, 2013
Finksburg Branch Library
2:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 10 - Adults
Tag along with Archaeologist/treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates for action, adventure, and an array of American artifacts in the National Treasure movies. Fun, excitement and American history make a great summer combo! Refreshments will be served. A Celebrating America program.

Archaeology: Learning from the Past
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Monday August 5, 2013
North Carroll Branch Library
1:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages 6 - Adults
Learn about the treasures that lie beneath our feet. See artifacts from Maryland's past - from early pioneer days to before the Native Americans. Presented by Steven Israel. A Celebrating America Program.

Dig Into Your Roots
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Tuesday August 13, 2013
Taneytown Branch Library
7:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For Adults
Discover your ancestors! Basic genealogy research steps will be covered as well as an overview of national, regional, and local resources including useful Internet sites. Presented by Debra Hoffman of Hoffman Genealogical Services. A Celebrating America program.

Movie and Dessert: Lincoln
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Saturday August 17, 2013
Mount Airy Branch Library
1:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For Adults
Join us at the Mount Airy Branch for a showing of the award-winning movie, Lincoln, starring Daniel Day
Lewis and directed by Steven Spielberg. Refreshments will be served. A Celebrating America program.

Old Line Statesmen Barbershop Chorus
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Saturday August 17, 2013
Eldersburg Branch Library
2:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For ages Birth - Adults
Join us for an afternoon of music provided by the Old Line Statesmen Barbershop Chorus! This amazing afternoon of a capella tunes is a wonderful way to celebrate the Eldersburg Branch Library's 30th Birthday and the joys of summer! A Celebrating America program.

Researching Your Civil War Soldier
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Monday August 19, 2013
North Carroll Branch Library
7:00 PM - Add to Outlook calendar  |  Add to Google calendar
For Adults
Resources for researching your Civil War soldier will be covered, whether he was Blue or Gray. To
illustrate, two case studies will be presented from Carroll County soldiers; one Union and one
Confederate. Presented by Debra A. Hoffman of the Carroll County Genealogical Society. A Celebrating America program.