Calendar of Events JULY – DECEMBER 2013
1985
Celebrating 20 Years!
1991
1993
, 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. When Madame Stier moved in, she noted, “Were I to build another tomorrow, I would change nothing. I am completely delighted.” In June 1993, the newly restored Riversdale opened to the public. During the next year, we look back not only on the 20 years the museum has been open, but also on the 200 year history of the house that so delighted its original owner. The festivities kickoff in June at the first jazz concert of the season. These anniversary programs are marked with . The summer brings other reasons to celebrate, too! The “very affectionate” Caroline was the oldest Calvert child. Families are welcome to an afternoon of fun at Caroline’s Birthday Party. Commemorations continue in August with the Battle of Bladensburg Encampment, honoring the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. In September, enjoy Summer Sips and small bites that feature our own produce and reflect tastes from different eras in Riversdale’s history. The gardens were a reminder of the children’s European grandfather. Bring your grandparents for a FREE tour on Grandparents’ Day. Bring your treasures to the Out of the Attic Appraisal Fair for evaluation. After discovering the value of your own heirlooms, visit the museum and its collections for FREE on Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. In October, get your thrills at A Gothick Evening where you will hear two centuries’ worth of vampire lore by the light of the full moon. Vampires are not the only things to have changed over 200 years. At Hands-On History: Toys Through Time children learn how toys have changed since the Calvert children played at Riversdale. Feel the need to “get away”? Ladies can spend a weekend exploring the fashions, foods and amusements of Mrs. Calvert’s day during the Regency Ladies’ Weekend in November. The holiday season commences in December with Breakfast with Sint Niklaas, the saintly bishop who visits children in Mrs. Calvert’s native Flanders on his feast day. Call on the Calverts by Candlelight where you’ll enjoy an evening of refreshments and children’s activities. The merriment continues at our Twelfth Night Ball in January 2014 where guests will dance to live music and partake of a ball supper.
§
RIVERSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP ■
■ $500 Steward ■ $250 Patron $100 Sustainer ■ $50 Supporter ■ $25 General
NAME
ADDRESS
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 noon to 3:30 pm on selected Sundays. July 14 July 28 August 11 August 24 September 22 October 6 October 20 November 10
Ice Cream for Caroline Cold Meats & Salads Summer Bounty Cooking for a Crowd (note this is Saturday) Simple Simon (Pies) Sweet & Savory Apple From Field to Forest Fall Feast
Seasonal Storytime features children’s tales related to what’s cookin’ in the kitchen. FREE stories at 12:30 and 2:30 pm
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.
July - december 2013 Calendar of E VENTS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
6:30 PM
20TH ANNIVERSARY KICKOFF In June 1993, Riversdale opened to the public as a historic house museum. Join us to celebrate this milestone at the first FREE jazz concert of the summer, featuring the Bay Jazz Project. As an added treat, enjoy swing dance lessons with the pros from Gottaswing.com before the show.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
1 PM
CAROLINE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Caroline, the oldest child in the Calvert household, was born on July 15. Help us celebrate her birthday! Decorate period cupcakes, enjoy games and refreshments, and make a bonnet for your 18'' doll— just like the one Caroline received as a gift from her cousin. Advance payment required by July 8. Ages 5 & up. Fee: Resident* $5/child, $3/adult; Non-Resident $6/child, $4/adult
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
12 NOON
BATTLE
OF BLADENSBURG ENCAMPMENT Bring the family to join British and American War of 1812 troops as they camp on the lawn to prepare for battle. Enjoy children’s activities and live music throughout the afternoon. The Riversdale Kitchen Guild will sell period-inspired refreshments. Scouts, call for details about earning a badge! FREE; Regular fee for house tours.
* 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 7
3 PM
SUMMER SIPS Put on your party clothes! Enjoy the beauty of a late summer garden as you partake of appetizers and beverages crafted from our own local, very fresh, produce. Advance payment required by August 23; capacity is limited. Ages 21 & up. Fee: Resident* $25, Non-Resident $30
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
12:15–3:15 PM
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY TOURS The Calvert children kept in touch with their Belgian grandparents by writing letters. Keep in touch with your grandparents by bringing them, or another special senior guest, for a FREE guided tour. NOTE: Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
OUT
OF THE
10 AM
ATTIC APPRAISAL FAIR
Bring up to 4 items for evaluation by Weschler’s, appraisers and auctioneers of Washington, D.C. You may substitute photos for large items. Weschler’s does not appraise antiquities, books, foreign coins, stamps, or toys. This program benefits the Riversdale Historical Society. Reservations required by September 18. Fee: $10 per item
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
1–3 PM
SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE DAY LIVE! Riversdale is joining museums across the country and opening its doors for FREE during this annual event hosted by Smithsonian Media. Find out more and print the required ticket here: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
7 PM
A GOTHICK MOONLIT EVENING 200 years ago, John William Polidori published The Vampyre that began the vampire genre. Explore two centuries of vampire tales during a moonlit tour of the grounds with selected readings. End the evening with a cup of cider by the fire. Advance payment required by October 11; capacity is limited. Ages 12 & up. Fee: Resident* $10, Non-Resident $12
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
10 AM
HANDS-ON HISTORY: TOYS THROUGH TIME Before the days of video games and electronic toys, children entertained themselves with handmade creations. Spend the day off from school creating diversions of your own while learning about 200 years of play and amusement. Advance payment required by October 14. Ages 8-12. Fee: Resident* $18, Non-Resident $21
SATURDAY –SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16–17, CALL FOR DETAILS
REGENCY LADIES’ WEEKEND Escape the hustle of modern life and spend the weekend experiencing the life of a Regency-era woman as you explore fashion, cooking, amusements, and more. Delight in the rare opportunity to spend the night in the museum. Advance payment required by November 1. Fee: Resident* $75; Non-Resident $90
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
BREAKFAST
9 AM & 11 AM
WITH SINT NIKLAAS Sint Niklaas, the Flemish forerunner of our modern Santa Claus, is making his annual visit to Riversdale! Children and parents enjoy a Belgian-inspired breakfast, meet Sint Niklaas, and receive a special 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
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
6 PM
THE CALVERTS
BY CANDLELIGHT Experience the decorated and candlelit museum as the Calverts welcome guests to their home for tours, refreshments, and children’s activities. Fee: $5/adult; FREE children 12 & under accompanied by an adult
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014
7:30 PM
TWELFTH NIGHT BALL Celebrate the traditional end of the holiday season 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
Jazz ON THE LAWN
WEDNESDAYS,
7
PM
Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy some of the area’s top jazz musicians. Purchase dinner from the Calvert House Inn’s tent or bring a picnic from home. If it rains, we move inside. June 26: Cheek to Cheek July 17: New Old Theater presents 1812 “Jazz:” The Star-Spangled Banner & All Its Cousins July 31: Bruce Ewan, The Red Harmonica King featuring Steve Jacobs August 7: Archie Edwards’ Jambassadors August 21: Brûlée The concerts are supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, the town of Riverdale Park, and ATHA, Inc.
ON EXHIBIT: WHAT
IS TO BE
THE END OF ALL THIS? “The Calvert Family and the Civil War” tells the story of the lives of the surviving Calvert siblings as they were separated by the conflict that also divided the nation. This exhibit, featuring family papers, will be open through November 28 during regular tour hours. Regular tour fees apply. This project has been financed in part with state funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
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 Maryland History 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-7/13