CALENDAR OF EVENTS July – December 2015
, 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. Big news 200 years ago was the Battle of Bladensburg, and American and British War of 1812 troops return to Riversdale in August to commemorate the battle. Mrs. Calvert wrote in 1805, “I amuse myself with sewing.” Join us at a Sewing Circle in July. And she went on, “when I have time, I read.” In August, discover the works of Riversdale’s own writers at our Authors’ Afternoon. Mrs. Calvert also wrote, “music makes me more sociable.” Enjoy FREE contemporary Jazz on the Lawn during the summer, and performances by the Riversdale Chamber Music Society in the fall. Daughter Caroline Calvert had fond memories of her European grandparents. In September, make your own memories by coming for a Grandparents’ Day Tour. Or come on your own for a FREE tour courtesy of Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live! Mrs. Calvert taught her young children at home. In September, spend Home School Family Day learning in the historic house, kitchen, and garden. In October, parents and children are invited to Kids in the Kitchen for a hands-on experience. The Calvert sons learned about ancient Rome, and you can learn from the interpreters of Roman Legion XX at a Classical Afternoon in October. Bring your children back in November for a Hands-on History Day. How did the Calverts and their circle amuse themselves? Ladies and gentlemen, come for an October Saturday of Regency Diversions. Stay on for a Masked Ball in the evening. Mrs. Calvert supervised the religious education of her children. Did she caution against the seven deadly sins? Hear sinful tales at our Gothick Evening. December ushers in the holiday season. Bring your little ones for breakfast with the saintly Sint Niklaas. After Christmas, visit Riversdale by Candlelight to pay a call on Rosalie and Charles Benedict Calvert and Senator Hattie Caraway. Bring the festivities to a close at our Twelfth Night Ball in January.
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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.
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, 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 Seasonal Selections
the
Kitchen:
Using produce from the garden and orchard, Kitchen Guild members cook over the open hearth in the Dependency. Recipes 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 July 12, 26; August 9, 15 (special Saturday!), 23; September 13, 27; October 11, 25; November 8.
NEW THIS SUMMER—Take a guided tour of the garden on selected Sundays at 1:30 or 2:30 pm; FREE with regular admission. Call for details.
Volunteer Opportunities Fall is the perfect time to try something new. Why not volunteer at Riversdale? Dive in and immerse yourself in history! No experience is necessary—we’ll provide training. Docents lead guided tours of the museum. Education docents assist with school programs. Garden docents lead tours of the garden. Or you can work in the garden or shop or join the Kitchen Guild.
j u ly–De ce m ber 201 5 C a lenda r of E V E NTS
Week 1: Monday–Friday, July 13–17 Week 2: Monday–Friday, July 20–24
Hands-on History Weeks
Newsflash! What was making headlines 200 years ago? Find out as you spend the week learning about the news of the day with crafts, activities, games, and more. Advance payment required by July 1. WEEK 1: 10 am–3 pm; Children ages 8–12 Fee: Resident* $30/day or $135 for all 5 days; Non-Resident $36/day or $144 for all 5 days WEEK 2: 10 am–1:30 pm; Children ages 5–8 Fee: Resident* $18/day or $78 for all 5 days; Non-Resident $22/day or $96 for all 5 days
Sunday, July 26
10 am
Sewing Circle
Need to work on Federal/Regency sewing projects for upcoming events? Bring your machine and a bagged lunch for a day of sewing. We will provide tables for cutting and sewing, basic pressing equipment and beverages. Our costume historian will be on hand to help. Advance registration requested. Fee: $5/person
Saturday, August 15
Battle of Bladensburg Encampment The British and American War of 1812 troops are back at Riversdale to prepare for battle. There are children’s activities and live music. The Riversdale Kitchen Guild sells period-inspired refreshments. Scouts, call for details about earning a badge! Admission to grounds is FREE; $2 fee for house tours.
12 noon
Sunday, August 30
2 pm
Authors’ Afternoon
Did you know that Riversdale’s volunteers and staff are published authors? Their works include non-fiction, mysteries, Regency romances, and children’s books. Chat with the authors about their experiences, and then purchase books for them to sign and take a tour of the house. Regular tour fees.
Sunday, September 13
12:15–3:15 pm
Grandparents’ Day Tours
Bring your grandparents (or other senior guests) for a FREE guided tour, and then do a fun activity with them. NOTE: Limited to one FREE tour with each paid admission.
Thursday, September 17
10 am
Home-School Family Day
Riversdale invites home-schoolers, ages 5 & up, and their families to Riversdale for a day of hands-on learning! Join us for open hearth cooking, interactive tours, and more! Advance payment required by September 9; capacity is limited. Fee: $8/child, adult chaperones FREE
Saturday, September 26
12 noon–3 pm
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!
Riversdale is joining museums across the country and opening its doors for FREE tours during this annual event hosted by Smithsonian Media. Find out more and print your required ticket here: smithsonianmag.com/museumday
Saturday, October 3
A Day of Regency Diversions Ladies and gentlemen, come for a day of activities at Riversdale. Period attire admired but not required. Register by September 18 to guarantee a ticket to the masked ball for $22. Fee: Resident* $60; Non-Resident $72
10 am
Saturday, October 3
6 pm
Masked Ball
Enjoy a Regency-style ball and light refreshments. Mask and Regency attire or black tie requested. Advance payment required by September 28; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $25; Non-Resident $30
Saturday, October 17
1:30 pm
Kids in the Kitchen
Parents, come for a hands-on afternoon with your children. Harvest produce from our garden, then prepare and eat it! Advance payment required by October 9. Ages 6 & up; no more than 2 children with each adult. Fee: Resident* $12; Non-Resident $15
Sundays, October 18 & November 22
2:30 pm
Riversdale Chamber Music Society
Enjoy music in the mansion, then meet the artists at a reception after the performance. FREE
Sunday, October 25
12 noon
A Classical Afternoon
Early 19th century America was greatly influenced by the classical world. Celebrate ancient Rome as you meet Roman Legion XX. Regular tour fees include all activities.
Friday, October 30
7:30 pm
A Gothick Evening: Seven Deadly Sins
Dress for the weather to hear tales of 19th century sinners on a lantern-lit tour (outdoors, weather permitting). End the evening with a cup of cider by the fire. Advance payment required by October 23. Ages 12 & up. Fee: Resident* $15; Non-Resident $18
Wednesday, November 11
10 am
Hands-on History
Step back into Riversdale in the 1850s, when Charles Benedict Calvert was master of the home. Spend the day off from school with crafts, activities, cooking, and more! Advance payment required by November 2; capacity is limited. Ages 8-12. Fee: Resident* $18; Non-Resident $21
Saturday, December 5
9 am & 11 am
Breakfast with Sint Niklaas
Sint Niklaas, the Flemish forerunner of our Santa Claus, is making his annual visit to Riversdale! Children and parents enjoy a Belgian-inspired breakfast, meet Sint Niklaas, and receive a gift. Children ages 3 to 10 ONLY. Advance payment required by November 16; capacity is limited. Sorry, we cannot accommodate walk-ins. Fee: Resident* $10/child, $7/adult; Non-Resident $12/child, $9/adult
Wednesday, December 30
6 pm
Riversdale by Candlelight
Residents from three eras of Riversdale’s history welcome guests to the candlelit museum for tours, refreshments, live music, and children’s activities. Fee: $5/adult; FREE children 12 & under with an adult
Saturday, January 9, 2016
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 December 31; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $40; Non-Resident $48
* 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.
Jazz on the lawn
wednesday, 7 pm
JUNE 24, JULY 8 & 22, AUGUST 5 & 19 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.
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 7/15