Darnall ’s Chance
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Calendar of Events Januar y – De ce mber 2018
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Calendar of Events January– December, 2017
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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 porttown of Upper Marlborough, Maryland. In 1747, he married Lettice Lee, daughter of Phillip Lee, the progenitor of the Maryland branch of 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 brick burial vault, ornamental and vegetable gardens, an orchard, and livestock. The household included 32 enslaved African Lettice Lee, 1726–1776 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.
Portrait of Lettice Lee on loan from the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, VA.
Darnall ’s Chance
Lunchtime Lawn Concerts Wednesday, May 9 & June 6, 12 noon–1:30 pm STOP BY DARNALL’S CHANCE on your lunch break and listen to some of the area’s top jazz and blues musicians! Bring your own brown bag lunch or picnic basket. Some picnic tables will be on-site, but you are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. FREE MAY 9: Brian Cunningham Project JUNE 6: Memphis Gold Blues and the Scrap Iron Blues Band with special guest, Anthony ‘Swamp Dog’ Clark
Brian Cunningham
Anthony ‘Swamp Dog’ Clark
Program sponsored, in part, from a grant from the Maryland Humanities Council.
Blue Star Museum Tours Fridays & Sundays, June 1–September 2, 12 noon–4 pm FREE Admission to Active Duty Military Personnel & their families DARNALL’S CHANCE HOUSE MUSEUM, in conjunction with the Blue Star Museum Program, is offering free tours to active duty U.S. military personnel (including members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps) and up to five family members. Just present your military ID. FREE
Darnall ’s Chance JANUARY–DECEMBER 2017 C ALENDAR OF EVENTS
Saturday, February 17, 1 pm, 2 pm, & 3 pm
Savor the Flavor: Tour & Tasting This winter, history is a little sweeter at Darnall’s Chance Museum! Take a guided tour with our costumed interpreters of our 18th century house and then learn some interesting facts about why chocolate was so popular in Colonial America. Visitors will get to taste hot chocolate and chocolate tea made from authentic 1750s recipes. Advance registration highly recom- mended, but walk-ins welcome. Fee: $8/person and includes house tour, a cup of hot chocolate and chocolate tea, as well as other delectable sweets.
Saturday, February 24, 2 pm
Highland Tea Attention lads and lassies! Spend a cozy winter afternoon at Darnall’s Chance Museum and celebrate the museum’s Scottish roots by partaking in a traditional Scottish tea. Wear plaid and be entered into a drawing for Scottish-themed door prizes. Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $32
Saturdays, March 3, 10 & April 7, 14, 10:30 am-12 noon
Liberty Girls: An American Girl Book Club Our Liberty Girls book club is back in 2018 with American Girl Caroline! This year, members will read about the adventures of Caroline Abbott, a girl living during the War of 1812. At each meeting, members will participate in a book discussion with a Prince George’s County librarian, do a period activity or craft, and enjoy light refreshments. Sign up now; space is limited. $30 membership fee covers the book discussions, activities, refreshments, and a NEW 2018 Liberty Girls t-shirt. For girls ages 7-13.
* Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
Saturday, March 17, 7-9 pm
Colonial Tavern Dinner Be our guest as we recreate a mid-18th century tavern dinner in Upper Marlborough. Enjoy colonial food and spirits. Following dinner, listen to or join in with Ship’s Company as they sing sea chanties and tavern songs of the period. Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $35; Non-Resident $45
Easter Monday, April 2
Barnyard Eggstravaganza Search for Easter eggs in a barnyard-themed egg hunt. This family-friendly event also includes games, a petting zoo, and spring crafts for the kids (while supplies last). Bring your own basket. No reservations needed. Time and fee to be announced.
Saturday, May 5, 12 noon-4 pm
Girl Scout Day at the Museum Brownies and Juniors can earn four fun patches all in one day! This year’s activities include block printing, family genealogy, birdhouse building, and bird feeder art. Space is limited. Reservations and payment required in advance. Rain date is Sunday, May 6. Fee: $20/scout includes all patches; leaders and chaperons are FREE.
Sunday, May 13, 12 noon-4 pm
Free Mother’s Day Tours Complimentary tours of the museum to mothers and grandmothers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. Children have the opportunity to make a Mother’s Day card for their mother. No reservation necessary; FREE.
Sunday, June 17, 12 noon, 1 pm & 2 pm
Dad’s Day Challenge Celebrate Father’s Day colonial-style! Bring the entire family and help dad learn how to be a proper 18th century gentleman. Try hands-on activities highlighting different colonial trades, 18th century entertainment, colonial cooking, and more! No reservation necessary; FREE.
Saturday, July 14, 6-8 pm
National Ice Cream Month: Ice Cream Social Commemorate National Ice Cream Day at Darnall’s Chance and make yourself a sundae to honor ice cream’s colonial roots. Enjoy ice cream and music, participate in lawn games, and more! Program co-sponsored by the Town of Upper Marlboro. No reservation necessary. FREE while supplies last.
Wednesdays & Thursdays, July 25-August 16, 11 am -2 pm
I SPY Kids learn real 18th century spying techniques during a hands-on interactive spy mission for General George Washington. Find out how the Continental Army successfully outwitted the British with ruses and other tricks to win American Independence! Program for children ages 6-12 who can read and write. No reservation required. 30-45 minute activity— drop in any time between 11 am and 2 pm. Groups of 7 or more must call in advance to schedule a special appointment. FREE
Saturday, October 20, 7-8:30 pm
The Great Jack O’ Lantern Campfire Bask in the warmth of a fall campfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy popcorn and hot cider. Listen to haunted Halloween tales, see a dazzling display of hand-carved illuminated jack o’ lanterns, and more! Rain date is Sunday, October 21 at 6 pm. No reservation required. Fee: $5/person (cash only); children 4 & under are FREE.
Friday-Sunday, November 23-25 & 30 Friday-Sunday, December 1-2 & 7-9, 12 noon-5 pm
19th 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 for the Viewer’s Choice Competition. If you are interested in entering the contest, please contact the museum for further details. The deadline to enter the contest is November 9, 2018. Groups of 10 or more are welcome by appointment. Fee: $1/person (cash only)
Saturday, December 15, 2 pm
Hansel & Gretel Tea Party Visit Darnall’s Chance when it is decorated like a gingerbread house. Listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel, enjoy tea and dessert, and participate in a holiday craft activity. Registration fee required for all attendees— children and adults. Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance. Age limit: 5 years and up. Fee: Resident $17; Non-Resident $22
DARNALL’S CHANCE HOUSE MUSEUM 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
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Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD
Tours by appointment: Tuesday –Thursday, 10 am– 4 pm Walk-in tours welcome: Friday & Sunday, 12 noon– 3:15 pm Tour Admission/Fees: Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children $2 Gift Shop Open: During Museum hours Information: 301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544
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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. PPC-PR-NHRD 2/18
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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.
national Gold Medal winner for excellence in parks and recreation management. Eligible agencies must be CAPRA accredited, meeting more than 160 standards. Prince George’s County has the best parks and recreation agency in the country!