History Comes Alive at the 2026 Summer Harvest Festival

Photo by Jenna Gelow Designs

The Summer Harvest Festival is bringing more than food, music and family fun to Romney this year. Throughout the weekend, visitors will also have the opportunity to step into the past through Civil War reenactments, historic presentations, trench tours, an antique quilt show and special America 250 commemorations.

From Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, history enthusiasts of all ages can explore several events designed to celebrate and preserve the stories that shaped Romney, Hampshire County and West Virginia.

Friday Evening Civil War Trench Tours

Historic programming begins Friday evening with tours of the Civil War trenches led by Fort Mill Ridge.

Friday, July 31

5:00–7:00 PM

Visitors can explore one of the area’s significant historic sites while learning more about Romney’s role during the Civil War. Fort Mill Ridge will also host a Road Trip Movie at 8:30 PM Friday evening.

Civil War Reenactors at WVSDB

On Saturday, Civil War reenactors will be set up on the grounds of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Festival guests are invited to visit the encampment, speak with reenactors and experience a glimpse of daily life during the Civil War era. The reenactors will also participate in a march down Main Street and a musket demonstration at 11:30 AM.

The encampment will return Sunday from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, giving visitors another opportunity to stop by, ask questions and learn directly from the reenactors.

Saturday Historical Speaker Series at Taggart Hall

Several special presentations will be held at Taggart Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Images of America: West Virginia in the Civil War

1:00–2:00 PM

Civil War speaker Richard Wolfe will present Images of America: West Virginia in the Civil War. This program will explore the people, places and events connected to West Virginia during the conflict.

Civil War-Era Surgeries and Medicines

2:00–2:45 PM

Dr. Robert VanDerveer will present a talk about medical care during the Civil War, including the surgeries, medicines and treatment methods used during the era.

Women Spies of the Confederacy

3:00–3:45 PM

Kaitlyn McCreery will lead a talk and demonstration focused on women who served as spies for the Confederacy, highlighting the often-overlooked roles women played during the war.

Sunday Civil War Presentation

Historical programming continues Sunday at Taggart Hall with Civil War speaker Steve French.

Sunday, August 212:30–1:30 PM

French will present a program on Major Edward H. McDonald titled:

“Fightin’ Rebel from Romney”

This local history presentation will explore the life and story of a figure closely connected to Romney’s Civil War past.

Antique Quilt Show

History can also be found in the craftsmanship and textiles preserved across generations.

The Antique Quilt Show will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 316 E. Main Street in Romney.

Friday, July 31 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Visitors can enjoy a beautiful display of antique quilts and traditional handiwork while exploring another piece of the region’s cultural heritage.

America 250 Commemorations

The festival will also mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States with two special events on Saturday.

America 250 Opening Ceremony

Saturday, August 110:00–11:30 AM

Main Stage on High Street

The ceremony will include the National Anthem performed by saxophonist Mark Summers, followed by music from Joe Crites.

Liberty Tree Dedication

Saturday, August 1 at 12:00 PM

WVSDB Campus

The Sons of the American Revolution will hold a special Liberty Tree Dedication in recognition of America 250.

Experience Romney’s History During Festival Weekend

Whether you are a dedicated history enthusiast, a local resident interested in learning more about your community or a family looking for an educational festival experience, this year’s historic programming offers several opportunities to connect with the past.

Plan time during the Summer Harvest Festival to tour the trenches, meet Civil War reenactors, hear from knowledgeable speakers, admire antique quilts and take part in the America 250 commemorations.

The 2026 Summer Harvest Festival takes place Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2 in Romney, West Virginia.