CALENDAR OF EVENTS August – December 2019
M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
, 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. Rosalie Stier and George Calvert were married in 1799. We host an exhibit, “Your Presence is Requested,” through November, that features seven generations of weddings of the Calvert family and a few other notables. There will be special related programs through the fall. Charles Benedict Calvert bought a large set of porcelain when he married. In September, hear a lecture on The History of Tucker Porcelain. The exhibit includes many pieces of Calvert family memorabilia. Later in September, bring your own memorabilia to create a Wedding Collage. Music is an integral part of weddings, and the Riversdale Chamber Music Society presents a concert of Wedding Favorites in November. Finally, hear some wedding stories with a twist during our Gothick Evening: ‘Til Death Do Us Part. In August 1814, Mrs. Calvert wrote, “We have been in a state of continual alarm” as the Battle of Bladensburg raged a few miles away. Join War of 1812 troops as they drill on the grounds. Daughter Caroline Calvert had fond memories of her Stier grandparents. In September, make memories with your grandparents by treating them to a FREE tour on Grandparents Day. Everyone can have a FREE tour courtesy of Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live. In October, Ceylon Mitchell joins the Chamber Music Society to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Flute Chamber Music of the Afro-Latin Diaspora. In 1808, Mrs. Calvert wrote that autumn “is the loveliest season in America.” In October, celebrate autumn and Mrs. Calvert’s Belgian heritage at our Belgian Fall Fest. Begin the winter holiday season with Breakfast with Sint Niklaas, who visits children in Belgium on his feast day. Continue the merriment and see Calverts by Candlelight and bring the season to a close at our annual Twelfth Night Ball.
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
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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 Come see Kitchen Guild volunteers cooking over the open hearth using freshly harvested produce and take a stroll through the garden. FREE with paid admission. Sundays: August 11, September 8, 22; October 6, 20; November 10.
Volunteer Opportunities
Immerse yourself in history! As one of the volunteers, you’ll dive right into the behindthe-scenes action as you share the story of Riversdale. No experience is necessary—we’ll provide training. Docents lead guided tours of the museum. You can join the Kitchen Guild cooking in the Dependency, or work in the garden or museum shop.
COVER PHOTO: KRISTI JAMRISKO
Au g u s t – de c e m b e r 2 0 1 9 C a le n da r of E V E N TS
Saturday, August 24
12 noon – 4 pm
Battle of Bladensburg Encampment
The encampment returns with a bang this year as War of 1812 troops ready the cannon and prepare for battle. Step back into 1814 with an afternoon of hands-on demos, children’s activities, tours, and more! Snacks available for purchase. FREE admission to grounds; $3 fee for house tours
Sunday, September 8
12:15–3:15 pm
Grandparents Day
Treat your grandparents to a FREE tour on their special day. Limited to one FREE tour per paid admission
Sunday, September 8
2:30 pm
The Brief and Glorious History of Tucker Porcelain
Through gifts of Calvert descendants, Riversdale has one of the finest collections of Tucker porcelain in the United States. Alexandra Kirtley, decorative arts curator at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, will tell the story of the William Ellis Tucker China Manufactory in Philadelphia. Admission included in tour fee.
TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS: Visit pgparksdirect.com and
search on RM. Or call us at 301-864-0420. * 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.
Saturday, September 14
10 am
Cycling Through History: The Calverts and the Anacostia River Back by popular demand, this casual guided bike tour begins with a quick look at the mansion, and then stops at significant historic markers and Anacostia River vistas. The Cycling Through History series is in partnership with Maryland Milestones. Advance payment required by September 11. Fee: $6
Saturday, September 21
11 am –1 pm
SmithsonianMagazine Museum Day Live!
Riversdale is joining museums across the country to open its doors for FREE during this annual event. Find out more and print the required ticket here: smithsonianmag.com/museumday/
Sunday, September 22
1:30 pm
Collage Workshop
Create a collage of your wedding memories with mixed media artist Susan Farrer. Bring your photos, invitations, and other ephemera and turn them into artwork on canvas. Additional supplies provided by the instructor. Advance payment required by September 16. Fee: $25; includes tour of the house (arrive by 12:15 for tour)
Sunday, October 6
2:30–3:30 pm
Riversdale Chamber Music Society
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Ceylon Mitchell presents “Flute Chamber Music of the Afro-Latin Diaspora,” which demonstrates the unique development of Western-European classical flute music in Latin America. Enjoy a reception with the musicians after the performance. FREE
Saturday, October 12
12 Noon–4 pm
Belgian Fall Fest
Celebrate fall the Belgian way! In partnership with the Embassy of Belgium, experience Belgian culture, food, drink, crafts, and music during Mrs. Calvert’s favorite season. FREE; Food tickets: $5; Beverage tickets: $1
Sunday, November 3
2:30–3:30 pm
Riversdale Chamber Music Society
In conjunction with the wedding exhibit, the Riversdale Chamber Music Society presents a concert featuring popular wedding songs during different periods in history. Mingle with the musicians during a post-concert reception. FREE
Saturday, November 9
7 pm
Gothick Evening: ‘Til Death Do Us Part
The course of true love does not always run smooth. Take a tour through the house with stops along the way to hear stories of love and marriage with a twist and drink a toast to the lovers. For ages 21 & up. Advance registration required by November 1. Fee: $15
Sunday, November 17
1:30 pm
The Sweetest Taboo: Marriage and Cohabitation Among Maryland’s Enslaved Communities
Maya Davis of the Maryland State Archives will present her talk, focusing on the cohabitation practices and policies relating to enslaved men and women in Maryland. It will also highlight the laws relating to marriage that impacted the enslaved. FREE
TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS: Visit pgparksdirect.com and
search on RM. Or call us at 301-864-0420.
Saturday, December 7
9 & 11 am
Breakfast with Sint Niklaas
Join the kindly bishop as he makes his annual visit to Riversdale! He brings festive traditions like a Belgianinspired breakfast and gifts for children. Children ages 3-10. Advance payment requiredby November 26; sorry no walk-ins. Resident*: $12 child; $8 adult; Non-Resident: $15 child; $10 adult
Saturday, December 28
6 –9 pm
Riversdale by Candlelight
Residents from Riversdale’s past welcome guests to the candlelit museum for tours, refreshments, music, and children’s activities. Fee: $5 adult; FREE children 12 & under with a paid admission
On Exhibit Exhibits are on view during regular open hours. Regular tour fees apply. Tours for groups of 10 or more may be arranged at any time by appointment.
Through November 17
“Your Presence is Requested:” Calvert Weddings
Rosalie Stier married George Calvert at her family’s home in Annapolis in 1799. Beginning with their wedding, we highlight the weddings of succeeding generations of Calverts (and some other notables) in scenes throughout the house. Precious family keepsakes help to illustrate these stories. Dress courtesy of the Shippensburg Fashion
Saturday, January 11, 2020
7:30 pm
Twelfth Night Ball
Cap off the holiday season in festive style at our Regency ball and supper. Period attire is admired but not required; black tie also welcome. Register early; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $50; Non-Resident $65
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TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS: Visit pgparksdirect.com and
search on RM. Or call us at 301-864-0420.
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: $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.
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 7/18 @ pgparks; @pgparkshistory @ pgparks @ pgparksandrec