Heritage Days Festival Begins Saturday

The 15th annual Montgomery County Heritage Days festival takes place this weekend, with free events that offer visitors historic, cultural and nature adventure opportunities.

On Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to more than 30 open houses and events across the county. Check out this list for events near Potomac and Bethesda. A full list of events can be found on the Heritage Days website here.

Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo
Why: Visitors will experience a musical performance on Saturday by the 229th Army Old Line Brass Quintet at 1 p.m. On Sunday, the Washington Revels Heritage Voices and Roustabout Band will perform period music at 1 p.m. Visitors will also meet historical persona Ana Maria Weems, a young girl who escaped slavery on the Underground Railroad. For more information call 301-634-2222 or visit GlenEchoPark.org.

Clara Barton National Historic Site
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo
Why: Clara Barton -- the founder of the American Red Cross, nicknamed "Angel of the Battlefield" -- spend the last 15 years of her life at this historic, Victorian-style house. For more information call 301-320-1410 or visit NPS.gov/clba

Uncle Tom's Cabin (Josiah Henson Special Park)
When: Sunday only
Where: 11420 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda
Why: Visitors will be guided around the Riley farm, where Reverend Josiah Henson was enslaved for 35 years. Henson inspired the classic nobel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Visitors will also get the chance to explore an archaeological dig and make a set of marbles to take home. For more information on tour start times and locations call 301-650-4373 or visit historyintheparks.org.

Blockhouse Point Civil War Experience
When: Saturday only
Where: 15000 River Road, Potomac
Why: Walk the path of Civil War Union soldiers and visit the remains of an 1862 blockhouse used to guard the Potomac River crossing from Confederate troops. Visitors will be guided on an easy to moderate two-mile long hike. For more information on start times and locations call 301-650-4347 or visit historyintheparks.org.

Edwards Ferry and Lockhouse 25
When: Saturday Only
Where: River Road and Edwards Ferry Road, Poolesville
Why: Costumed historians and local residents will guide visitors through the site's history during the Civil War. Music, lockhouse tours and information on hiking, biking and water trails will also be available. For more information call 301-972-3452 or visit sugarloafregionaltrails.org.