2014 Darnalls Chance House Museum

Darnall ’s Chance

H o u s e

M u s e u m

Calendar of Events Ja nua r y – De ce mbe r, 20 14

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Portrait of Lettice Lee on loan from the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, VA.

ARNALL’S CHANCE

was built between 1741 and 1742 for James Wardrop, a Scottish immigrant who amassed a fortune as a merchant and entrepreneur in the bustling 18th century port-town of Upper Marlborough, Maryland. In 1747, he married Lettice Lee, daughter of Phillip Lee, the progenitor of the Maryland branch of Lettice Lee, 1726–1776 the illustrious Lee family of Virginia.

The Wardrops’ fifteen-room Georgian mansion was the mainstay of a dwelling complex that included eight brick outbuildings, a rare brick burial vault, ornamental and vegetable gardens, an orchard and livestock. The household included 32 enslaved African Americans who worked in the house, outbuildings, gardens and Mr. Wardrop’s store.

Following Wardrop’s death in 1760, Lettice Lee married medical pioneer Dr. Adam Thomson and later Revolutionary War patriot Colonel Joseph Sim. Lettice Lee died on April 3, 1776.

The house was remodeled in 1857, which produced such a drastic change that the home’s 18th century heritage was forgotten.

In 1986, the history of the house was rediscovered; it was saved from demolition and restored to its original appearance.

Museum tours highlight the similarities and differences between Lettice Lee’s life and the lives of other 18th century women.

In addition, the Museum offers special events, exhibits and programs.

Celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812

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arnall’s Chance is one of 300 historic sites in Maryland that has a connection to the War of 1812. In 1812, Darnall’s Chance was owned by a wealthy Upper Marlboro merchant named John Hodges — the only American known to be tried for treason during the war! His tale was one of heroism, terror, ultimatums, hostages, and harrowing midnight rides. The events that led to his trial were dramatic and his court case influenced how U.S. treason law is interpreted today.

As a part of Maryland’s Star-Spangled 200 celebration, Darnall’s Chance is featuring an exhibit that highlights our unique connection to the war and how it shaped and defined our young nation.

Hodges’ Chance: Treason and the War of 1812 Exhibit Every Friday & Sunday, 12 noon – 4 pm John Hodges, a wealthy Upper Marlboro merchant who lived at Darnall’s Chance in the early 19th century, was charged with High Treason by the United States in 1815. Come to Darnall’s Chance and learn about the circumstances of his arrest and his subsequent trial. No reservations necessary. FREE with museum admission.

Darnall ’s Chance JANUARY–DECEMBER 2014 C ALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday, February 7, 14 & 28

1 & 3 pm

Enslaved Women of Darnall’s Chance Tours Join us for a tour that focuses on the African American women who lived at Darnall’s Chance with a special emphasis on the Bentley Family of Upper Marlborough. Tours begin promptly at 1 pm and 3 pm. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your tour time. Reservations are required for groups of 7 or more. Appropriate for ages 10 & up. FREE

Saturday, February 22

2 pm

Highland Tea Celebrate Darnall’s Chance’s Scottish heritage and partake in a cozy winter afternoon tea. Enjoy the tastes and sounds of Scotland. Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance.

Fee: Resident $22; Non-Resident $27

Saturday, March 15

7 – 9 pm

Colonial Tavern Dinner Be our guest as we recreate the atmosphere and flavor of a mid-18th century tavern dinner in Upper Marlborough. Enjoy colonial food and spirits. Following dinner, listen to Ship’s Company sing sea chanties and tavern songs of the period.

Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance.

Fee: Resident $40; Non-Resident $48

Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s & Montgomery Counties.

Saturday, April 5

2 pm

Tartan Day Tea Celebrate National Tartan Day at Darnall’s Chance.

Enjoy traditional Scottish tea fare. Enter a drawing to win Scottish-themed door prizes by wearing your clan’s best tartan! Not Scottish? No problem — just wear plaid to be eligible. Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $22; Non-Resident $28

Saturday, April 26 TBA

Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage—Prince George’s County Darnall’s Chance will be one of the stops on this year’s Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage (MHGP) annual tour.

MHGP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of architecturally significant properties in the state of Maryland. Ticket sales begin on March 1. Advance tickets are $30 each. For tickets and information, visit mhdgp.org or call 410-821-6933.

Sunday, May 11

12 noon – 4 pm

Free Mother’s Day Tours Complimentary tours of the museum for mothers and grandmothers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservations necessary. FREE

Saturday, May 24

8 am – 5 pm

War of 1812: British Invasion of Prince George’s County Bus & Boat Tour War of 1812 scholar Dr. Ralph Eshelman will be our ride-along guide as we travel via bus and boat (weather permitting) along the routes and waterways the British traveled through the County in August of 1814. Bus departs from and returns to Darnall’s Chance.

Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance.

Fee: $75/person

Saturday, June 14

9 am – 1 pm

Reenactor Yard Sale Darnall’s Chance is hosting the 3rd Annual Reenactor Yard Sale. The event is for people wanting to sell gently used period items and those who want to buy period items to enhance their first-person interpretations.

If you are interested in selling items, please call the museum for more details. FREE to the general public

Sunday, June 15

12 noon – 4 pm

Free Father’s Day Tours Complimentary tours of the museum for fathers and grandfathers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservations necessary. FREE

Saturday, September 27

7– 9 pm

Colonial Tavern Dinner Be our guest as we recreate the atmosphere and flavor of a mid-18th century tavern dinner in Upper Marlborough. Enjoy colonial food and spirits. Following dinner, listen to Ship’s Company sing sea chanties and tavern songs of the period.

Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $40; Non-Resident $48

Saturday, October 11

8 am – 5 pm

War of 1812: British Invasion of Prince George’s County Bus & Boat Tour War of 1812 scholar Dr. Ralph Eshelman will be our ride-along guide as we travel via bus and boat (weather permitting) along the routes and waterways the British traveled through the County in August of 1814. Bus departs from and returns to Darnall’s Chance.

Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance.

Fee: $75/person

Saturday, October 25

7 – 8:30 pm

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Campfire Come see a dazzling display of over fifty hand-carved illuminated jack o’ lanterns on the grounds of Darnall’s Chance House Museum!

Bask in the warmth of a fall campfire, roast marshmallows, and listen to haunted Halloween tales. Kids can win a prize on a hunt for glowing jack o’ lanterns, and everyone can enjoy popcorn, marshmallows, and hot cider. Guests may bring their own chocolate bars and graham crackers if they want to make s’mores.

Rain date is Sunday, October 26 at 6 pm. No reservations required.

Fee: $4/person (cash only); children 4 & under are FREE

Friday –Sunday, November 28 – 30, December 5–7 & December 12 –14

12 noon – 5 pm

15th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show For a sweet treat, come and view an amazing display of edible gingerbread houses. No nibbling allowed! Visitors will have the opportunity to vote in the Viewer’s Choice Award Competition. If you are interested in entering the contest, please contact the museum for further details. The deadline to enter the contest is November 14, 2014.

No reservations necessary. Fee: $1/person (cash only); children 4 & under are FREE

Saturday, December 20

2 pm

Hansel & Gretel Tea Party Visit Darnall’s Chance when it is decorated like a gingerbread house to listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel and enjoy tea and dessert.

Registration fee required for all attendees — children and adults.

Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Ages 5 & up; Fee: Resident $17; Non-Resident $20

DARNALL’S CHANCE HOUSE MUSEUM

14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

DIRECTIONS: From the Capital Beltway (I-95), take Exit 11A, Pennsylvania Avenue, South (Route 4). Follow Route 4 seven miles and exit at Upper Marlboro.

At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Water Street. Go through the first light (Main Street). Proceed past the County Administration Building (right) and School House Pond (left). Darnall’s Chance is the first driveway on the left after School House Pond.

Tours by appointment: Tuesday–Thursday, 10 am– 4 pm Walk-in tours welcome: Friday & Sunday, 12 noon– 4 pm Tour Admission/Fees: Adults $3, Seniors $2, Children $1 Gift Shop Open: During Museum hours Information: 301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544

The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports 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.

Darnall’s Chance is owned and operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Natural and Historical Resources Division. PPC-PR-NHRD 3/14