Celebrating Brookeville’s History

Local dignitaries, residents, business owners and community leaders will gather on July 22 at 3 p.m. to officially dedicate and celebrate the Town of Brookeville as part of the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.

The event, set to take place at the Brookeville Academy at 5 High Street in Brookeville, will include brief remarks from Congressman John Sarbanes; Sandy Heiler, Brookeville Commission on the War of 1812 Bicentennial; Abbi Wicklein-Bayne, National Park Service and other local dignitaries. It will also include the “unveiling” of the sign, followed by light refreshments in the Academy, featuring tastings of the new Brookeville Capital Hard Cider presented by Distillery Lane Ciderworks.

“Brookeville served as the nation’s capital in a day of great uncertainty for our republic,” said Congressman John Sarbanes, author of the law that created the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. “As we mark the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, the Star Spangled Banner Trail brings to life historic events that unfolded in our own backyard and changed the course of history. It tells the story of Maryland’s critical role in the ‘second war of independence’ and how the United States’ victory set the stage for the spread of democracy around the world.”
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail was established by Congress in 2008 and is one of nineteen national historic trails administered by the National Park Service and one of thirty trails in the National Trails System. The trail encompasses 560 miles on land and over sea and tells the dynamic story of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake region as it connects historic sites in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. The addition of the Brookeville Sign is part of a strategic plan to mark the trail, provide more interpretive information and enhance the trail for visitor enjoyment.

“The National Park Service is pleased to have Brookeville as a partner site along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail,” said Superintendent Charles Hunt. “Residents here, including Caleb and Henrietta Bentley, provided a refuge for the President and safeguarded important national documents during a dangerous and vulnerable time.”

The National Park Service will be among the many partners participating in the Brookeville War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration activities set to take place August 30 & 31 in the town. The weekend-long event will include living historians who will re-enact the roles of scientists, engineers, tradesmen, physicians, craftsmen, and teachers who lived in Brookville in 1814; period demonstrations such as soap making, weaving, furniture making, blacksmithing, musical instrument making, storytelling, and cooking; traditional musical performances; food and drinks including the Brookeville Capital Hard Cider and Brookeville Capital Ale; games and activities for families and children; various souvenirs and much more.

About Brookeville War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration
Tourists and Marylanders alike can relive that significant time when the town commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial with an exciting weekend-long event set to take place on Saturday, August 30 from 10 am- 7 pm, and on Sunday August 31 from 12 noon- 6 pm in and around the historic town of Brookeville. The entire weekend-long event is free, open to the public and will allow attendees to experience life in 1814, witness the arrival of President Madison, accompanied by a mounted Presidential Guard, and watch costumed living history demonstrations throughout the weekend, with a traditional Quaker supper on Saturday evening. In addition, there will be special tours, technology exhibits, children’s activities, a military encampment, craft demonstrations, period food and libations, shopping, and so much more! For more information, call 240-205-2387 or log onto www.uscapitalforaday.org.

About Star-Spangled National Historic Trail
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a 560-mile land and water route that tells the story of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay region. It connects historic sites in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia and commemorates the events leading up to the Battle for Baltimore, the aftermath of which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem. The trail traces American and British troop movements, introduces visitors to communities affected by the war, and highlights the Chesapeake region’s distinctive landscapes and waterways.

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