CALENDAR OF EVENTS August – December 2014
, 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. The War of 1812 Bicentennial commemoration continues this summer with explosions of fun for everyone! In August, with a battle on the horizon, British and American troops maneuvered towards the town of Bladensburg. On Friday evening, come meet the British soldiers (or “John Bulls”) while enjoying music, dancing, and barbeque at the John Bull Roast. The next day, follow the action down to Bladensburg Waterfront Park for the Undaunted Festival with a tactical battle demonstration, historic craftspeople and vendors, music, food, and fireworks! Mrs. Calvert and her father took great pride in the gardens. In September, parents and children are invited to Kids in the Kitchen for hands-on experience in the garden and kitchen harvesting, preparing, and eating historically-inspired dishes. At our seasonal Tasting the Past, sample infusions made with herbs from the garden. Bring your grandparents to enjoy the beauty of the house and gardens for a FREE Grandparents’ Day Tour. Everyone can enjoy a FREE tour with a special ticket on Smithsonian Museum Day. What treasures are hiding in your home? Mrs. Calvert excitedly wrote, “we just unpacked the trunks…we have scarcely had time to admire it all!” Bring an admired item or two to our Out of the Attic Appraisal Fair in September. Mrs. Calvert acted as schoolmistress for her children and in the fall, we welcome homeschoolers and their families to two Homeschool Days. The Calvert sons learned about the classical world of ancient Rome, and Roman Legio XX comes for a Classical Afternoon in October. On All Saints’ Day, meet up with a cast of dubious characters on a lantern-lit tour at A Gothick Evening. In 1803, Mrs. Calvert “had the honor of winning the prize of costume” at a social event. Wear your Regency finery at An Afternoon of Austen Fashion in November. Start off the holiday season with Breakfast with Sint Niklaas, where children meet the saintly bishop responsible for filling their stockings. As the year winds to a close, spend the evening with the Calverts by Candlelight. The Twelfth Night Ball, where guests dance the night away, concludes the holiday merriment in January 2015.
§
Riversdale Historical Society Annual Membership n
n $500 Steward n $250 Patron $100 Sustainer n $50 Supporter n $25 General
name n address
a
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.
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.
THE RIVERSDALE KITCHEN GUILD PRESENTs
From the Garden to Seasonal Selections
the
Kitchen:
Using produce from the garden and orchard, Guild members demonstrate foodways in the Dependency kitchen. Selections are inspired by the seasonal cycles of a 19th century farm. Drop by to watch them work from 12 noon to 3:30 pm on selected Sundays. July 13, 26 (special Saturday!) & 27; August 10 & 31; September 14 & 28; October 12 & 26; November 9
Volunteer Opportunities Immerse yourself in history! As one of our 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.
Au gu s t – de c e m b e r 2 0 1 4 C a le n da r of E V E N TS
WAR OF 1812
Undaunted Week
Two years after the U.S. declared war on Great Britain, the conflict became local. Join us for this week-long commemoration of the Battle of Bladensburg Bicentennial.
Tuesday, August 19
7 pm
Francis Scott Key, A Life
Key, the author of “The Star Spangled Banner,” was also at Bladensburg. Marc Leepson talks about his new biography of the lawyer and poet. Books will be available for sale. FREE
Friday, August 22 6:30 pm
John Bull Roast
Spend the evening meeting the troops on their way to Bladensburg and enjoy barbecue, live music, and dancing. Advance payment required by August 19. Fee: Resident* $20; Non-Resident $24
Saturday, August 23
12 noon
Undaunted Festival
Follow the action to Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Visit the historic village, buy treats from DC’s food trucks, and watch the tactical battle demonstration. At 5 pm, shift into festival mode with live music and dance performances, ending with the U.S. Navy Commodores and a fireworks extravaganza. FREE. NO PARKING ON SITE—catch a shuttle from satellite parking. Call for details. * Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s & Montgomery Counties. Please note that popular programs where reservations are required may sell out prior to the registration deadline noted.
Saturday, September 6
1:30 pm
Kids in the Kitchen
Parents, bring your children to this hands-on afternoon. Harvest produce from our garden, then prepare and eat it! Advance payment required by August 29; capacity is limited. Ages 6 & up (Please, no more than 2 children with an adult.); Fee: Resident* $10; Non-Resident $12
Sunday, September 7
12:15 - 3:15 pm
Grandparents’ Day Tours Bring your grandparents or other special senior guests for a FREE guided tour. Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
Saturday, September 13
10 am
Out of the Attic Appraisal Fair
Bring up to 4 items for evaluation by Weschler’s, appraisers and auctioneers. Substitute photos for large items. (Please no antiquities, books, foreign coins, stamps, or toys.) This program benefits the Riversdale Historical Society. Reservations required by September 8. Fee: $10 per item for RHS Members; $15 for Non-Members
Saturday, September 20
2 pm
Tasting the Past: Herbal Infusions
Using herbs to flavor your own vinegar has a long history. Spend the afternoon with the Kitchen Guild as you sample popular blends from the 19th century and learn how to make your own at home. Reservations required by September 12. Fee: Resident* $10; Non-Resident $12
Saturday, September 27
1-3 pm
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!
Riversdale is joining museums across the country with FREE tours hosted by Smithsonian Media. Find out more and print your required ticket here: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/
Sundays, September 28 & October 26
2:30 pm
The Riversdale Chamber Music Society
On selected Sundays, enjoy chamber music performed by University of Maryland faculty and students, and area military musicians. FREE
Tuesday, September 30
10 am
Historic Homeschoolers
The Calvert children were homeschooled, too! Blast into the past and experience what life was like for children 200 years ago with crafts, games, lessons, and more! Drop-off program for ages 6-12. Advance payment required by September 22; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $18; Non-Resident $22
Sunday, October 12
12 noon
A Classical Afternoon
Early 19th century America was greatly influenced by the classical world. Celebrate ancient Rome as you meet Roman Legio XX. Regular tour fees include all activities.
Tuesday, October 14
10 am
Homeschool Family Day
Riversdale invites homeschoolers and their families for a day of hands-on learning with open hearth cooking, interactive tours, and more! Advance payment required by October 6; capacity is limited. Fee: $8/child; FREE/adult chaperones
Saturday, November 1
A Gothick Evening: Saints & Sinners
7 pm
Do spirits really walk abroad on All Saints’ Day? Dress for the weather and hear about 19th century saints and sinners on a lantern-lit tour of the grounds. Advance payment required by October 24; capacity is limited. Ages 12 & up. Fee: Resident* $10; Non-Resident $12
Saturday, November 15
1:30 pm
An Afternoon of Austen Fashion
Come dressed in your Regency finery and enjoy two illustrated lectures by costume historians. Then YOU will be a model in our “flash” fashion show! End the afternoon with light refreshments. Advance payment required by November 1. Fee: Resident* $20; Non-Resident $24
Saturday, December 6
9 am & 11 am
Breakfast with Sint Niklaas
Sint Niklaas, the Flemish forerunner of our Santa Claus, is making his annual visit! Children and parents enjoy a Belgian-inspired breakfast, meet Sint Niklaas, and receive a gift. Children ages 3 –10 ONLY. Advance payment required by November 16; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $10/child, $7/adult; Non-Resident $12/child, $9/adult. Sorry, we can’t accommodate walk-ins.
Saturday, December 27
6 pm
The Calverts by Candlelight
Spend a festive evening at the candlelit museum as the Calverts welcome guests for tours, refreshments, live music, and children’s activities. Fee: $5/adult; FREE children 12 & under accompanied by an adult
Saturday, January 17, 2015
7:30 pm
Twelfth Night Ball
Bring the holiday season to a close at our Regency-style ball and supper. Black tie or period attire encouraged. Advance payment required by January 4; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $40; Non-Resident $48
4811 Riverdale Road Riverdale Park, MD 20737
Greetings from LOCATION: 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park, Maryland, 2 blocks south of MD
Route 410, between Kenilworth Ave. and U.S. Route 1, about 1-1/2 miles south of the University of Maryland–College Park.
DIRECTIONS: Take I-95/495 to Exit 23, Route 201, Kenilworth Avenue, South.
Continue approximately 3 miles. Turn right on MD Route 410, East-West Highway. Proceed 1/2 mile and follow brown Riversdale signs.
OFFICE/VISITOR CENTER HOURS: Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pm TOURS AND FEES: Year round, Friday and Sunday, 12:15– 3:15 pm. Tours begin at
the Visitor Center every half hour, and the last tour begins at 3:15. Fees: $3/adults, $2/seniors (age 60 & up) & group tours for 10 or more, $1/ages 5– 18 and students with valid ID, FREE/ages 4 & under.
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 RIVERSDALE MUSEUM SHOP, open during tour hours, features a distinctive
assortment of books, gifts, and toys.
ACCOMMODATIONS: 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.
INFORMATION: 301-864-0420 / TTY 301-699-2544 / FAX 301-927-3498
E-MAIL Riversdale@pgparks.com / WEB: history.pgparks.com ppc-pr nhrd 8/14