Riversdale Historical Society Annual Membership n $20 Student n $100 Portico Society
n $35 Individual n $250 CB's Circle
n $60 Household n $500 Rosalie's Circle
name n address
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VISA/MasterCard accepted. Please make checks payable to Riversdale Historical Society and mail to: Treasurer, Riversdale Historical Society, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD 20737. Contributions are tax deductible. www.riversdale.org
The Riversdale Historical Society The Riversdale Historical Society is the volunteer support organization for the museum. The society raises funds for restoration and interpretive projects, trains docents who conduct tours, and operates the Museum Shop. Your membership in the society ensures that this historic site will continue to be a source of pride.
From the Garden to the Kitchen: Seasonal Selections Using produce from the garden and orchard, the Riversdale Kitchen Guild members cook over an open hearth in the Dependency kitchen. Selections are inspired by the traditional seasonal cycles of a 19th century farm. Drop by to watch them work from noon to 3:30 pm on selected Sundays: February 28, March 13, April 3, April 17, May 8, May 22, June 5, and June 19. GARDEN TOURS are also scheduled at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm on these dates—FREE with paid admission.
Volunteer Opportunities Immerse yourself in history! As volunteers, you’ll dive right into the behind-the-scenes action as you share the story of Riversdale. No experience is necessary—we’ll provide training. Docents lead guided tours of the museum. Education docents assist with school and Scout programs. Or you can work in the garden or museum shop or join the Kitchen Guild cooking in the Dependency.
PAID
Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD
First Class Mail U. S. Postage
, a National Historic Landmark, was begun by Henri Joseph Stier, a wealthy immigrant from Antwerp, in 1801. After his return to Europe, his daughter, Rosalie, and her husband, George Calvert, made it their home. Mrs. Calvert’s correspondence tells the story of this family and their elegant house, a story that is an integral part of the history of Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland, and the nation. Today, this historic house museum of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission offers regular tours and special programs throughout the year. Henri Stier was custodian of a collection of fine European paintings, and he left them in Mrs. Calvert’s care until requesting their return in 1816. Before they shipped them back to Antwerp, the Calverts opened their house for people to view them. From April to October, you can see reproductions of 16 of Some of the Finest Paintings Ever in America. There were many people to feed at Riversdale. In February, see how African Americans cooked and ate as you visit The Plummers’ Kitchen. In 1803, Mrs. Calvert had a cook who would “easily learn what he doesn’t know.” Learn what YOU need to know to become one of our cooking volunteers at our Kitchen Guild Open House in March. Also in March, come and learn more about local food traditions at A Taste of Maryland. The Kitchen Guild continues to prepare produce grown in our garden for Seasonal Selections on selected Sundays through the spring and summer. Jane Austen was a contemporary of Mrs. Calvert. In March, Austen Film and Fashion will showcase Austen’s novel Emma. Come and join us for merriment at our lively Tavern Night in April. Enjoy more live music, beginning with free indoor Chamber Concerts. Summer’s Jazz on the Lawn series kicks off in June with a celebration of the Lord Baltimore Country Club, a “convenient and exclusive resort” established at Riversdale in 1914. This is an election year. In April, send your children to spend a Hands-on History Day learning about Senators Hiram Johnson, Thaddeus and Hattie Caraway, and other “political animals” who lived at Riversdale in the 20th century. In May, remember the lives of the Plummers and other families at our African American Family Day. Despite the distance separating her from them, Mrs. Calvert was always her parents’ “affectionate daughter.” Bring your parents or other special adults in your life for FREE Mother’s Day and Father’s Day tours.
E-MAIL Riversdale@pgparks.com / WEB: history.pgparks.com ppc-pr nhrd 1/16
INFORMATION: 301-864-0420 / TTY 301-699-2544 / FAX 301-927-3498
the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports
assortment of books, gifts, and toys.
THE RIVERSDALE MUSEUM SHOP, open during tour hours, features a distinctive
GROUP TOURS for 10 or more any time by appointment. Riversdale is available for special events and meetings of no more than 75 people.
the Visitor Center every half hour, and the last tour begins at 3:15. Fees: $5/adults, $4/seniors (age 60 & up) & group tours for 10 or more, $2/ages 5– 18 and students with valid ID, FREE/ages 4 & under.
TOURS AND FEES: Year round, Friday and Sunday, 12:15– 3:15 pm. Tours begin at
OFFICE/VISITOR CENTER HOURS: Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Continue approximately 3 miles. Turn right on MD Route 410, East-West Highway. Proceed 1/2 mile and follow brown Riversdale signs.
DIRECTIONS: Take I-95/495 to Exit 23, Route 201, Kenilworth Avenue, South.
Route 410, between Kenilworth Ave. and U.S. Route 1, about 1-1/2 miles south of the University of Maryland–College Park.
LOCATION: 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park, Maryland, 2 blocks south of MD
Greetings from
4811 Riverdale Road Riverdale Park, MD 20737
CALENDAR OF EVENTS January – June 2016
January– june 2016 Calendar of EVENTS Saturday, February 27 Teacher Open House & Workshop
10 am
Staff from local museums invite you to see what we have to offer! Enjoy workshops, learn about education programs, brush up on tips for primary source and object based learning, and participate in handson demos. Tours and refreshments provided. Registration required by February 23. FREE for teachers with School ID and students in education training programs.
Sunday, February 28 The Plummers’ Kitchen
12 noon
The Society presents “5 X 5”: Five Musicians–Five Filmmakers–Five Minutes. Five independent filmmakers share their reflections of Sergei Prokofiev’s 1924 Quintet for Oboe, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, and Bass. After the show, mingle with the musicians and enjoy refreshments. FREE
Tuesday, April 26 Hands-On History: Political Animals
10 am
Kids 8–12, spend Primary Election Day off from school diving into the history of the political “zoo”—from elephants to donkeys to moose and more! Participants will enjoy crafts, cooking, and games. Advance payment required by April 19. Fee: Resident* $18; Non-Resident $22
Using the open hearth in the dependency kitchen and produce from the garden, the Riversdale Kitchen Guild cooks up foods typical of the Plummer family and other 19th century African American residents of Riversdale. Fee: $5/adult; $4/senior; $2/ student; FREE/ages 4 & under (includes guided tour of the historic house)
Saturday, April 30 Tavern Night
Saturday, March 5 2:30 pm Tasting the Past: A Taste of Maryland Foodways historian Joyce White shares the history of Maryland’s most iconic food traditions and businesses. Then she treats your taste buds to an assortment of local fare. Advance payment required by February 26. Fee: Resident* $18; Non-Resident $22
Sunday, March 6 2:30 pm Riversdale Chamber Music Society The wind ensemble District 5 performs Gounod’s Petite Symphony. Meet the artists at a reception after the concert. FREE
Saturday, March 12 12 noon – 2 pm Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!: Women's History Month Rosalie Calvert, enslaved & free servants, Senator Hattie Caraway— many women called Riversdale home. We join museums across the country to highlight their lives. For a FREE tour, print required ticket here: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-livemarch-2016/tickets/
Sunday, March 13 3:30 pm Kitchen Guild Open House
8 pm
Join us as we become a 19th century tavern! Guests will enjoy spirited entertainment by the Ship’s Company sailors and dine on tavern-style food and beverages. Fee includes a souvenir glass. Ages 21 & up. Advance payment required by April 25. Fee: Resident* $25; Non-Resident $30
Sunday, May 8 Mother's Day Tours
12:15–3:15 pm
Bring your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, or other special lady for a FREE guided tour of the house. Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
Sunday, May 15 12 noon –3:45 pm African American Family Day Celebrate the Plummers and other families during a day of historic fun with children’s activities and stations on Riversdale’s grounds. Fee: $5/adult; FREE children 12 & under with a paid admission.
Sunday, June 19 Father's Day Tours
12:15–3:15 pm
Bring your father, father-in-law, grandfather, or other special gentleman for a FREE guided tour of the house. Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
Wednesday, June 22 The Lord Baltimore Country Club
Curious about joining our Kitchen Guild? Step into the warmth of the open hearth kitchen and chat with members while sampling an array of seasonal soups from period recipes. FREE; register by March 10.
Saturday, March 19 Austen Fashion and Film
Sunday, April 24 2:30 pm Riversdale Chamber Music Society
1 pm
Jane Austen’s novel Emma celebrates its 200th birthday this year. Enjoy an illustrated costume lecture and light refreshments, and then view a film adaptation of the novel. NOTE: patrons may view the film only at no charge, but reservations are required. Advance payment required by March 11. Fee: Resident* $18; Non-Resident $22 * Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Please note that popular programs where reservations are required may sell out prior to the registration deadline noted.
On Exhibit “Some of the Finest Paintings Ever in America” In the spring of 1816, everyone flocked to Riversdale to see the first blockbuster art exhibit in this country, the Stier-Peeters collection of fine European paintings. From April to October, see 16 reproductions. The exhibit is on view during regular tour hours—special tours may be arranged for groups of 10 or more. Regular tour fees apply. Watch for information on special art-themed events during the exhibit.
6 pm
Kick off our Jazz on the Lawn series with a tribute to the 1914 Lord Baltimore Country Club. Wear your best bib and tucker and your dancing shoes, spread out an elegant picnic, and play lawn games before the concert. You might win a prize! FREE
SAVE THE DATES! Hands-On History Weeks July 11–15 (Ages 8–12) | July 18 –22 (Ages 5–8) Make plans for your children to attend our ever popular hands-on history weeks—look for the theme to be announced in early spring. Registration is available by the day or for the whole week. Call or email for details.
Jazz on the lawn
wednesdays, 7 pm
JUNE 22, JULY 6 & 20, AUGUST 3 & 17 Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy some of the area’s top jazz musicians. NOTE: In case of rain, the concerts move inside. Call for details. The concerts are supported by a grant from the Town of Riverdale Park and the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.