Latest news with #ConococheagueInstitute
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Revolutionary War-era camp gives a unique summer experience for Hagerstown kids
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) — School is out, and many families are focused on fun summer activities. Here in the Hagerstown area that can mean spending time on a farm, reliving early American history. The Conococheague Institute, named after a creek in the Potomac River tributary, recreates life on a Revolutionary War-era farm for young campers. Thousands brave heat for night 2 of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour Matthew Wedd is executive director of the Institute and runs the summer camping program. 'A lot of kids may never have seen apples growing on trees,' Wedd explains. 'But by getting up close with animals in a tangible way we can make history come alive for them.' Hagerstown fourth-grader, Grace, enjoys the seasonal change of scenery. 'I like to be outdoors,' says Grace. 'There's a lot of space. Our yard is pretty big but I like to be at parks and stuff.' Sixth-grader James says he likes '…the animals and being outdoors with all this space, and I've made a few friends along the way.' And eighth-grader Noelle explains what she enjoys is 'All the history and historical things that they have here, the fun and games and everything.' Ask the Institute's Wedd said that what makes the summer camping experience here so special is 'What the kids will remember after visiting here is 'I did that! I drew water from a well! I started a fire! I pet a goat!'' While the kids spend their weekends at home, the Conocheague Institute welcomes the public to its Revolutionary-era homestead on Saturdays and Sundays. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Conococheague Institute relives life on the frontier in western Maryland
HAGERSTOWN, Md. () — For those who indulge in the rich history of western Maryland, the Conococheague Institute is a special resource to relive the Colonial era and roots of nationhood. The Institute's Pennsylvania homestead just over the Maryland state line takes visitors back with exhibits about 18th-century pioneers. 'We are an open-air living history museum,' Matthew Wedd, executive director of the institute, said. 'We serve about 6,000 students per year as they learn about colonial life on the frontier.' Asian American Center of Frederick hosts Lunar New Year community celebration Visitors of all ages, including students, K through 12, tour the Rock Hill Farm, drawing from inner-city neighborhoods and suburban communities. 'We service a lot of students who maybe never have seen a goat or a sheep up close,' Kori Taber with the Institute said. 'For them, it's really something new and they are super excited to go home and tell their family and friends about their experience here.' Family life from the time is a focus of the frontier homestead. 'We explore the woman's role on the farmstead,' Taber said. 'They were an integral part of taking care of family and helping with the animals was one of their main roles.' With the nation about to reach a historic milestone, the Conococheague Institute captures those post-colonial years. 'The Revolutionary Homestead is a five-year commitment to focus on the 18th century, specifically on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution,' Wedd said. Berkeley Springs to host annual International Water Tasting Festival The Conocoheague Institute offers free programs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the year. More information can be found . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
