Getting Here
The entrance to the farm park is located on Muncaster Road, marked by a brown wooden sign. To reach the historic buildings, turn right onto the gravel road at the first junction. Parking is available in the grass field in front of the farmhouse, accessible through an opening in the wooden fence on the right. Please avoid parking near the historic buildings, as it can disrupt the visitor experience.
Parking: Visitor parking is located in the grass field on the right in front of the farmhouse. The field entrance is an opening in the wood fence.
Please do not park on the gravel as it is for authorized vehicles only.
Special Events and Programs
Sensory Saturdays – The Farm Park is partnering with Program Access to offer an inclusive experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Each month, the program will feature a different theme, welcoming people of all abilities. A variety of alternative seating, fidget tools, and other sensory-friendly materials will be provided to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for everyone.
Little Farmer Storytime – This program is designed for young visitors, ages 5 and under, accompanied by parents, grandparents, guardians, and loved ones. Held twice a month in the morning—on the first Friday and last Saturday—this program provides a cozy environment where children can sit and relax while enjoying a farm-themed story read aloud.
Homeschool History – Twice a month on Thursdays, the Farm Park offers a 2-hour educational program designed for homeschoolers. The lessons cover a variety of topics related to daily life on a farm from the 18th to 20th centuries, including activities such as laundry, cooking, planting, harvesting, husbandry, games, holidays, and more. These hands-on, interactive lessons offer an engaging and educational experience for students of all ages.
Harvest Festival – First Saturday in October, held rain or shine. There are numerous vendors, living history demonstrations, crafts, activities and a whole lot more fun for the whole family.
Trunk or Treat – Join us at the Farm Park for a spooktacular Trunk or Treat event this Halloween! Bring the whole family for a fun, safe, and festive experience as you stroll through a collection of creatively decorated trunks and collect delicious treats. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed up and ready to make some unforgettable memories! This event is perfect for all ages and promises a thrilling time for kids, parents, and everyone in between.
We have a wonderful volunteer support group, Friends of the Farm Park, who puts on events at the Agricultural History Farm Park which include
- Gas & Steam Engine Show: held every April
- Montgomery County Heritage Days: held every June
- Bluegrass on the Farm: held every September
- Blacksmiths & Friends Traditional Arts Show: held every November
To learn more about their events or the organization visit Friends of the Farm Park
The Historic Buildings and Sights
The Bank Barn: The farm park’s original bank barn, built in 1895, is a historic example of the barns commonly found in Montgomery County at the turn of the century. It was used by farmers to milk dairy cattle, house draft animals in the basement, store hay, and thresh grain, making it a vital asset on the farm. The barn is open to visitors during special events and specific programs, offering a unique opportunity to explore this piece of history.
Magruder-Bussard Farmstead: The Magruder-Bussard farmhouse offers a captivating glimpse into early 20th-century farm life. Serving as the heart of the farm, the house was central to family life, where children were born, laundry was washed, meals were prepared, and many other daily activities took place. Several additions to the house reflect its growth as the family expanded. While the farmhouse is currently undergoing renovations, the kitchen is open for tours during special events, providing visitors with a closer look at this important part of farm history.
Historic Outbuildings: Visitors can explore a variety of historic outbuildings, each offering insight into the workings of a turn-of-the-century farm. These include a granary, maintenance shed, equipment shed, water tank house, corn crib, woodshed, smokehouse, chicken coop, broody house, carriage shed, hay barracks, and the iconic privy. Each structure played a vital role in the daily operations of the farm, and together, they help bring the past to life, showcasing the essential tasks and traditions that supported farm life at the time.
Newmantown: Although the sign at the entrance reads “Newman Building,” no buildings from the original settlement remain on the property today. The Park encompasses a 39-acre section on the western edge of the farm, which was once home to a kinship-based African American community established in 1879. Albert and Mary Newman acquired part of the “Cook’s Inheritance,” where they built a house and several outbuildings. Over the years, two of their sons also constructed homes on the land—Morton in 1885 and Fenton in 1914. Sadly, none of the original houses or structures are still standing.
The Orchard: Orchards were typical of many turn-of-the-century farms. Fruits were picked, canned and consumed throughout the year by the farm family, and the fruit was sold at markets for additional income. In 2006, 24 apple trees were planted at the farm, and five different species of apples now grow successfully.
The Activity Center
The Activity Center is home to the University of Maryland Extension, the Office of Agriculture, and the Montgomery Soil Conservation District. In addition to these offices, the center features a spacious recreational area that hosts a variety of educational and entertainment events. Public restrooms and drinking water are available during regular operating hours. The UMDE Master Gardeners – Demonstration Garden and the National Capital Dahlia Society Garden are accessible from here.
To reach the Activity Center, follow the paved entrance road all the way to the parking lots at the end, which are available for public use.
