Tolson's Chapel Open House

Tolson’s Chapel and School, located at 111 High Street in Sharpsburg, was a center of the town’s African American community in the wake of the Civil War. Built as a chapel in 1866, the small building would also become a school the following year and would serve in that ......More

Tolson’s Chapel and School, located at 111 High Street in Sharpsburg, was a center of the town’s African American community in the wake of the Civil War. Built as a chapel in 1866, the small building would also become a school the following year and would serve in that capacity until the turn of the century. The Chapel represents the quest for local African Americans to forge meaningful freedom in the wake of the Emancipaiton Proclamation, which was issued as a direct result of the United States victory in the Battle of Antietam. The Chapel will be open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and docents will be available to share the story of the building and those who attended services and lessons there. 

Burnside Bridge Hike

Come out and join a park ranger for a hike that will explore the attack and defense of the Burnside Bridge.  The Lower Bridge, after the battle known as the Bunrside Bridge, is one of the most recongnized landmarks of the Civil War.  Meet the ranger at Tour Stop 8, Burn......More

Come out and join a park ranger for a hike that will explore the attack and defense of the Burnside Bridge.  The Lower Bridge, after the battle known as the Bunrside Bridge, is one of the most recongnized landmarks of the Civil War.  Meet the ranger at Tour Stop 8, Burnside Bridge, for the 2 hour, 2 mile hike.  We will go rain or shine so please bring proper clothing and footware for this program

Meet at the parking lot for Tour Stop 8, Burnside Bridge.

Grand Army of the Republic Encampment

Living history volunteers portraying members of the Grand Army of the Republic veterans’ organization will discuss the group and its role in the memory of the Civil War with a focus on veterans’ reunions at Antietam. The encampment will be located behind the Dunker Chur......More

Living history volunteers portraying members of the Grand Army of the Republic veterans’ organization will discuss the group and its role in the memory of the Civil War with a focus on veterans’ reunions at Antietam. The encampment will be located behind the Dunker Church and will be open for visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm both days.

Memorial Day Commemoration Program

Antietam National Battlefield will present a Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 27, 2024, starting at 11:00 a.m. at Antietam National Cemetery. The cemetery is located on Rt. 34, just east of Sharpsburg, MD.

Antietam National Cemetery

Tolson's Chapel Open House

Tolson’s Chapel and School, located at 111 High Street in Sharpsburg, was a center of the town’s African American community in the wake of the Civil War. Built as a chapel in 1866, the small building would also become a school the following year and would serve in that ......More

Tolson’s Chapel and School, located at 111 High Street in Sharpsburg, was a center of the town’s African American community in the wake of the Civil War. Built as a chapel in 1866, the small building would also become a school the following year and would serve in that capacity until the turn of the century. The Chapel represents the quest for local African Americans to forge meaningful freedom in the wake of the Emancipaiton Proclamation, which was issued as a direct result of the United States victory in the Battle of Antietam. The Chapel will be open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and docents will be available to share the story of the building and those who attended services and lessons there. 

Celebrating Juneteenth

10:00 AM: “The Fire of Slavery and Freedom:” Antietam and EmancipationJoin a park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield to learn about the connection between the Battle of Antietam and emancipation. This program will last about 30 minutes and meet in the visitor cente......More

10:00 AM: “The Fire of Slavery and Freedom:” Antietam and EmancipationJoin a park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield to learn about the connection between the Battle of Antietam and emancipation. This program will last about 30 minutes and meet in the visitor center orientation room.11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Tolson’s Chapel and Juneteenth: The Details and DedicationJoin members of the Friends of Tolson’s Chapel to learn about the origins of Juneteeth, the establishment of Tolson’s Chapel, the use of the Chapel as a Freedman’s Bureau School during Reconstruction, and the role of the Chapel among Sharpsburg’s African American community.

Artillery Firing Demonstration

Living history volunteers portraying members of Battery B, 4th US will present artillery firing demonstrations near the New York State Monument at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Historic Weapons Demonstrations

Confederate living history volunteers will present historic weapons firing demonstrations near the New York State Monument at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.