The Best Almanac Reference Books 2025

1. Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack

The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack was established in 1797, making it the second oldest almanac in the United States. It was the creation of colonial printer John Gruber and his partner and son-in-law Daniel May. His almanac has been published continuously for 224 years and is the ONLY almanac that is still published today by direct descendants of its founder.The Almanack became an integral part of everyday Early American life. For decades (centuries!) hence, it has been THE primary source for agricultural, meteorological and astronomical information vital to an agrarian community's survival. The highly accurate weather forecasts (made over 16 months in advance) were first derived using centuries-old methods but over the years, the method has been advanced, incorporating newer, more reliable techniques. And it still contains favorite folk remedies, useful hints and tips for everyday living, and other forms of traditional community wisdoms. Millions of copies have been sold and it has been said that the The Almanack has made Hagerstown widely-known throughout the U.S. and has given Maryland an ‘epicenter’ of farming and agricultural life.