Activities Calendar

The Friends of Monterey Pass offer a wide range of activities throughout the year, both on their own behalf and in collaboration with others.  All these activities are shown below under the headings “Recurring Events” and “Special Events” (the chronological list of activities below the calendar). You can always download the master list of activities for reference at home. The master list and the website will always have the most current list of activities.

Summer 2025 Activities Note:

A great season is being planned for 2025. While the Museum officially opens on April 5th, the park and trails remain open year round. We’re still working on details of many events, but the broad schedule is already firming up. As details for each event are prepared, scroll down to see Recurring Activities and the chronological Special Events below.

We want to thank the thousands of you who are waiting patiently while we assembled all the pieces of the coming year’s activities. Check back periodically where you see material highlighted in red for updates and changes. The latest changes will always be posted here on the website.

We can arrange tours as our members are able to support. We have a 6-passenger golf cart for some of you who may need help getting up the hill, also by arrangement with available members. To contact us with these and other questions, email us at montereypassbattlefield@gmail.com.

We’re making progress fund raising. We’ve made arrangements to purchase the Toll House and several acres of adjoining land where the fiercest part of the Battle of Monterey Pass took place. We’re also making plans to put a barn back on the adjacent property as shown in historical pictures. If you can help, or know of others who share an interest in historical preservation and might want to participate, email us at montereypassbattlefield@gmail.com.

Preserving the historical significance of the park is what we do. To join the Friends or help with contributions, see our “Support for” or “Friends of” Monterey Pass” pages on this website. In the meantime, be well, be safe and enjoy our park.

Recurring Activities:

  • Board Meetings: Meetings of the Friends of Monterey Pass Board are held year round at the Museum on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm.
  • Monterey Pass Park Hours: The park is open to the public from dawn to dusk year round. Evening hour activities can be approved by the Chairman of the Board of Washington Township or his designated representative. The Pavilion must be scheduled through Washington Township. Contact information is located on our “Contact Us” page.
  • Museum Hours for 2025: Monterey Pass Museum will be open each Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, from April 5th to November 9th, 2025. A wide array of artifacts, stories, books and more are available each weekend. A great place to start or stop your exploration of the trails and scenic overlooks in the park.

Special Events (in Chronological Order):

  • Feb 3 – Jun 13:  Book Sale Collections:  Weekdays only.  Want to make space in your attic, garage or storage shed?  Got books, maps, videos or CDs you’d like to share with the world? On any weekday from Feb 3rd to Jun 13th, take your old books to “R. Lee Royer’s” office at 10764 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro PA, during their normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm).  For more information on book drop-offs, or the book sale, call 717-762-5619, or email leeroyerassociates@comcast.net, or montereypassbattlefield@gmail.com.
  • Mar 29, 10am – 12am: Docent Training for the Museum’s 2025 Season  At the beginning of each season, new and old Museum Docents are provided an initial / refresher session at the museum.  They review sales procedures, forms for volunteer help and for donations, new exhibits, opening and closing procedures, 2025 events and future projects in and around the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park.  The Friends are always looking for more docents and other volunteers to help with summer activities. If you are interested, or know of others who enjoy sharing our local history with guests from throughout the nation, contact us at montereypassbattlefield@gmail.com.
  • Apr 5 – Nov 9: Museum is open for 2025 Season (Every Sat & Sun, 10am – 4pm)
  • Apr 12 – 13:  Living History Weekend – Military Encampment and Battle Reenactment.  PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR. Join the War Between the States Society as Union Cavalry Mounted and Dismounted units the 1st WV Cavalry and the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th Michigan Cavalry, face off against Confederate units the 1st MD Cavalry, the 5th AL Infantry, and the 5th, 12th, 20th and 23rd North Carolina Infantry to reenact camp life and the Battle of Monterey Pass. Units will be available late Friday afternoon – Sunday to share camp life, the school of the soldier, and unit histories.  A blacksmith will demonstrate era skills and have items for sale.  Author Joel Moore will have his new new bok and other stories. In addition, the following specific events will occur each day:
    • Battle of Monterey Pass Reenactment
      • Sat      2 – 3pm
      • Sun     1 – 2pm
    • Unit Reviews
      • Sat     10am – 4pm 
      • Sun    10:30am – 3pm
    • Blacksmith
      • Sat     10am-3pm 
      • Sun    10am-2pm
  • May 1 – 16:  Buttonwood Nature Center, Home of the Institute will be hosting 5th Graders from the Waynesboro School District Starting Thursday, May 1st through Friday, May 16th.  Students will enjoy two programs, Monterey Peak Adventures and Civil War: Battle at Monterey Pass.  They will hike to the Monterey Peak observation deck and learn about forest ecology and the geologic features surrounding them. They will also get an overview of the Civil War as well as the battle that took place at midnight along the Mason-Dixon Line in July 1863. Students will tour the museum and experience hands on activities to learn about the everyday lives of the Civil War soldiers.
  • May 8 – 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Garden Talk #1 of 4: Topic TBD by Buttonwood   Civil War Garden at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park, 14325 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro, PA.  Free program. Space will be limited and registration will be required. Stay tuned for more information and register online at buttonwoodnaturecenter.org. Hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center, Home of The Institute in partnership with Monterey Pass Battlefield Park. Website link: not yet available.
  • May 15 – 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Garden Talk #2 of 4: Topic TBD by Buttonwood   Civil War Garden at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park, 14325 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro, PA.  Free program. Space will be limited and registration will be required. Stay tuned for more information and register online at buttonwoodnaturecenter.org. Hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center, Home of The Institute in partnership with Monterey Pass Battlefield Park. Website link: not yet available.
  • May 17 – 18:  Living History Weekend at the Battlefield Park – Join us for Artillery and Infantry demonstrations by the 2nd Maryland Artillery (Baltimore Light Artillery) and the 110th Pennsylvania Co H.  Also featuring “Civil War Historical Impressions” Doug Decker portraying Fed Surgeon Dr Brinton who will discuss field medicine.  All strive to re-create the best impressions of Civil War life possible based on research and documentation.  In addition, learn about Civil War uniforms and paint a soldier you can keep.  Supplies limited, so please register in advance with John Welker at johnwelker117@gmail.com. The schedule includes:
  • Infantry Reenactments:
    • Daily 9:30am & 1pm
  • Artillery Demos:
    • Daily: 10am & 1:30pm   
  • Medical Displays: Daily
  • Camp Life Open to Visit:
    • Sat      9:30am – 5pm          
    • Sun     9:30am – 2pm
  • Bring the Past to Life with Paint:
    • Sat at Noon
  • May 17 – 18 :  Also this weekend, Resident Battlefield Guide John Galie Walking Tours in the Park.   PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR. A thoroughly enjoyable and easy walk along the trails and roads used by retreating Confederate and pursuing Union forces. (Sat – 11am & 2pm, Sun – 11am)
  • May 22 – 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Garden Talk #3 of 4: Topic TBD by Buttonwood   Civil War Garden at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park, 14325 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro, PA.  Free program. Space will be limited and registration will be required. Stay tuned for more information and register online at buttonwoodnaturecenter.org. Hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center, Home of The Institute in partnership with Monterey Pass Battlefield Park. Website link: not yet available.
  • May 29 – 6:30 – 7:30 pm:  Garden Talk #4 of 4: Topic TBD by Buttonwood  Civil War Garden at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park, 14325 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro, PA.  Free program. Space will be limited and registration will be required.  Stay tuned for more information and register online at buttonwoodnaturecenter.org. Hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center, Home of The Institute in partnership with Monterey Pass Battlefield Park. Website link: not yet available
  • Jun 9: One day only, Resident Battlefield Guide John Galie Walking Tours in the Park.  PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR. A thoroughly enjoyable and easy walk along the trails and roads used by retreating Confederate and pursuing Union forces. (Sunday only – 11am)
  • Jun 29, (1 – 4 pm):  Music in the Park – Bobby D and the Truck Stop Burritos – PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR. Bobby D. and the Truckstop Burritos are Bobby Miller, Greg Johnson, David Repass, and Ragan Potts.   A local favorite, known for their special brand of honky tonk country and rock, fans and newcomers can expect a lively, fun show. For more on Bobby D, click here.  Food and beverages provided by Antietam Dairy. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and / or blankets as this is an outdoor event.  
  • Jul 4 – 6: Museum Open for the Full 4th of July Weekend: By popular demand, the museum will extend its normal schedule to cover the full 4th of July weekend.
  • Jul 12, 1 – 4 pm:  Music in the Park – Mountain Air. PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR. Spend a lovely afternoon at the park as Mountain Air, featuring Lisa Donohoe on mandolin and Bobbi Smith on guitar, lend their vocal harmony to a fabulous blend of eras and genres.  Beverages and snacks provided by Girls Scout (GSHPA) Troop 80186.  Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and / or blankets and umbrellas as this is an outdoor event. 
  • Jul 19:  Blue Ridge Summit (BRS) Library Iced Cream Social and Book Sale (9am – 2pm) – at the BRS library.  The Iced Cream Social is a 48 Year tradition of the BRS library held the 3rd Saturday of July.  It helps to raise funds for the Building Board and includes a book sale, food, vendors music and children’s games.   The Friends of Monterey Pass are proud to lend support.  For more on this event, email brsmtnboard@gmail.com.     
  • Jul 26:  One day only, Resident Battlefield Guide John Galie Walking Tours in the Park.  PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR. A thoroughly enjoyable and easy walk along the trails and roads used by retreating Confederate and pursuing Union forces. (Sunday only – 11am)
  • Aug 9 – 10:  Living History Weekend – PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR. Each Living History Weekend is unique, featuring men, and sometimes ladies, who have studied the lives and activities of the people who fought and lived through the Civil War.  We’ve had people this summer representing infantry, cavalry, and artillery, sharpshooters, doctors, blacksmiths, wives and camp followers.  This weekend’s history features members of present day units who reenact the lives and culture of people engaged in the civil war.  More than a show, it’s an opportunity to ask these people about their civil war lives and families, their units, capabilities and leadership, and their training as civil war soldiers.  Join us for a stimulating and educational day with people engaged in bringing the Civil War to life for you.
    • Post Unit Colors
      • Sat & Sun      8am
    • Unit Drills / Rifle Firing Demonstrations
      • Sat & Sun      11-12am & 2-3pm 
    • Camp Life / School of the Soldier
      • Sat & Sun      10am-4pm
  • Aug 16: Civil War Relics Day (10 am – 4 pm): Relics are tangible links to events hundreds or thousands of years ago.  Collections of relics help us more fully understand those events by their locations, dating condition, and where they are found along lines of human development.  For all collectors, Civil War Relics Day is an open invitation to share your artifacts and relics of the Civil War with friends and neighbors at the Museum.  For more information, contact Steve Tanner at (717) 762-4903, or email tannersteve76@yahoo.com.
  • Aug 16:  One day only, Resident Battlefield Guide John Galie Walking Tours in the Park.  PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR.A thoroughly enjoyable and easy walk along the trails and roads used by retreating Confederate and pursuing Union forces. (Sunday only – 11am) Unavoidably cancelled
  • Aug 23, 1 – 4 pm:  Music in the Park – FrankCo Penn – PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR.The BrewGrass Chronicle says “FrankCo Penn is short for Franklin County, Pennsylvania. It’s . . . the geo-center for the band, all of whom live in the county or a short dash away. . . . It’s a bunch of the region’s top pickers, guys who play in other bands, getting together socially, just them, their instruments, and perhaps some refreshments. Or at least it was until a few months ago when they played out together for the first time.”  Come see for yourself.  For more on FrankCo Penn, click here.  Beverages and snacks provided by Antietam Diary. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and / or blankets as this is an outdoor event. Check out what you missed at the following links.
  • Sep 13 – 14:  Living History Weekend at the Battlefield Park – PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR.
  • Sep 13 – 14 :  Also this weekend, Resident Battlefield Guide John Galie Walking Tours in the Park.   PLACE HOLDER FROM A SIMILAR EVENT LAST YEAR.A thoroughly enjoyable and easy walk along the trails and roads used by retreating Confederate and pursuing Union forces. (Sat – 11am & 2pm, Sun – 11am)
  • Nov 9th – Last day of the 2025 Season: The Museum will be open for the last time this year from 10 am – 4 pm.

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