Hays-Heighe House

Unless otherwise noted, all events and programs are held in the Hays-Heighe House and require a reservation. We cannot guarantee seating for walk-in attendees. The Hays-Heighe House is wheelchair accessible. Guests who require other arrangements should contact Linda Anthony at 443-412-2539 at least two weeks prior to the event they plan to attend. The Hays-Heighe House follows all weather and/or emergency-related opening & closing decisions of Harford Community College.

Blending modern with historic, the Hays-Heighe House connects the past to the present, and the future.

Come for an exhibit or an event, stay for the architecture! The rooms encourage more familiarity and intimacy than a lecture hall, and the fine historical structure provides more gravitas than a classroom. Peer up the old staircase, find the half-moon windows, and count the fireplaces. Imagine life a century ago, when the house became headquarters for a thoroughbred horse breeding and training operation, or two centuries ago, when a large family-and the enslaved people they held—lived and worked here. The architecture and the way people lived in it are part of Harford County’s history and culture, and we welcome you to experience it.

We offer a variety of events each semester to complement our current exhibit. Program types often include teas, living history portrayals, book discussions, debates, musical performances. We also hold lectures on a wide range of topics, including art, history, ethics, literature, technology, medicine, the environment, political movements, and journalism. These events are all free, unless otherwise noted.

Pre-registration required for all events.

Homespun: Piecing It Together

As autumn brings cooler weather, our thoughts turn naturally to the ABCs—Afghans, bedcovers, and comforters, that is! We’re shifting our exhibition from one examining revolutionary era fabric production to one exploring the American – and regional – history of quilts and other blankets.

Enjoy beautiful examples on loan from the Historical Society of Harford County and from local private collections as well. See the textiles in situ – in the Hays-Heighe House, a historic home constructed in 1808 – as objects of domestic utility as well as beauty.

Learn about changing tools and techniques, and discover the thriving quilting scene in our area. During this 250th anniversary of our country’s birth, consider the occasions large and small that we historically have commemorated through the community creation of quilts.

ON VIEW TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026 THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2027

“Homespun: Piecing It Together”

Tuesday, November 10 | 11 AM - 3 PM
Curator Walks at 12:30 PM & 2 PM

As autumn brings cooler weather, our thoughts turn naturally to the ABCs—afghans, bedcovers, and comforters, that is! We’re shifting our exhibition from one examining revolutionary era fabric production to one exploring the American – and regional – history of quilts and other blankets.

Enjoy beautiful examples on loan from the Historical Society of Harford County and from local private collections as well. See the textiles in situ – in the Hays-Heighe House, a historic home constructed in 1808 – as objects of domestic utility as well as beauty.

Learn about changing tools and techniques, and discover the thriving quilting scene in our area. During this 250th anniversary of our country’s birth, consider the occasions large and small that we historically have commemorated through the community creation of quilts.

Wednesday, November 11 | 11 AM – 12:30 PM

Led by Debbie LaMar

Yo-yos – gathered rosettes of fabric – were a popular sewing project in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. They are a great way to use up fabric scraps, and since they’re small and hand sewn, you can work on them on-the-go! Finished yo-yos can be used to embellish quilts, or sewn together to become a quilt themselves. Give it a try with sewing instructor and long-time quilter Debbie LaMar.

Wednesday, November 18 | 12:30 PM– 2 PM

Cost: $25

The primary purpose of quilting bees has always been communal work, but in our collective imagination—and literature!—their role as festive neighborly events has always been nearly as important. Come to our tea and enjoy the social side of “bees,” no sewing required! Swap gossip, exchange recipes, share a textile-related story, and chat about how we learned the skills we have and how we pass them down.

Thursday, November 19 | 11 AM – 12:30 PM

Led by Andrea Staschak

In applique quilting sewing, you sew smaller fabric shapes onto larger sections of fabric. Curvy shapes can be easier to produce with applique. This technique was especially popular in the second half of the 19th century, and is used to produce that regional specialty, Baltimore album quilts. Give it a try with sewing instructor and long-time quilter Andrea Staschak.

Friday, November 20 | 12:30 PM – 2 PM

Cost: $25

The primary purpose of quilting bees has always been communal work, but in our collective imagination—and literature!—their role as festive neighborly events has always been nearly as important. Come to our tea and enjoy the social side of “bees,” no sewing required! Swap gossip, exchange recipes, share a textile-related story, and chat about how we learned the skills we have and how we pass them down.

Wednesday, December 2 | 1 – 2:30 PM

Nana’s crazy quilt, a woven rag rug, a crocheted baby blanket, an embroidered needle case…we all have our own treasured textiles. Bring yours – or just the memory of it! – and share its story with us. Light refreshments served.

Thursday, December 3, | 12 – 1:30 PM

Led by Debbie LaMar

Save those old vintage quilts for creative re-use! Less worn sections of “cutter quilts” and beat-up quilts from second-hand shops can have new life as a wide variety of household decor. Make your own seasonal decoration with sewing instructor and long-time quilter Debbie LaMar.

Thursday, December 10 | 11 AM – 12:30 PM

Led by Andrea Staschak

English paper piecing, an early 18th century patchwork technique, helps to add precision to edges and corners. It can be especially useful for triangles, diamonds, and hexagons. It also makes a great portable hand-sewing project! Come try it out with sewing instructor and long-time quilter Andrea Staschak, and make your own holiday ornament.

Tuesday, December 15 | 12 PM – 4 PM

Wednesday, December 16 | 12 PM – 4 PM

Come work on those thoughtful hand-made gifts in good company! Bring your own project or try something new with us, and work in a festive atmosphere with other crafters. All are welcome – knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, quilters, sewists, and more. Crafting supplies and light refreshments will be on hand.