9 minute read
Historic Preservation
from Leisure Winter 2023
by pwcdpr
BARNES HOUSE HISTORIC SITE
BARNES HOUSE OPEN HOUSE Ages 2+ Built in 1797, the Barnes House is an average Prince William County residence, but the people who lived here were anything but typical. First used as a tavern, in 1899 Eppa Barnes bought the house where he was born into slavery. Join local historians for an open house to explore the exhibits highlighting the site’s diverse history and an amazing story of historic preservation in Prince William County.
Feb 4 / 11a-4p Sat Free
BEN LOMOND HISTORIC SITE
BEN LOMOND FARM DAY *NEW* All ages Ben Lomond was once a thriving farm home to cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep. Activities will include sheep shearing, cooking, planting, historical demonstrations, children’s crafts, and more.
Apr 22 / 10a-4p Sat Free 180003 HP01
COOKING A TRADITIONAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY MEAL Ages 13+ Many 19th century Prince William County citizens traced their roots to Ireland. The meals they prepared reflected their Irish ancestry. Participants will be able to prepare and taste traditional Irish dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Advanced registration is required.
Mar 18 / 10a-12p Sat $10 180003 HP02 Mar 18 / 1p-3p Sat $10 180003 HP03
TASTES OF HOME: AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE AND AMERICAN CUISINE Ages 13+ Many Southern dishes have their roots in west and central African culture that enslaved workers brought to America. Participants will be able to prepare and taste African and Southern dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Advanced registration is required.
Feb 18 / 10a-12p Sat $10 180003 HP05 Feb 18 / 1p-3p Sat $10 180003 HP06
BRENTSVILLE COURTHOUSE HISTORIC CENTRE
A 19TH CENTURY BRENTSVILLE COURT & TRADES DAY *NEW* Ages 2+ As the 4th seat of Prince William County from 18221893, Brentsville was a bustling community full of business, agriculture, trades, and more. Every month during court days hundreds and even thousands would come to the courthouse to socialize, conduct business, purchase supplies, be entertained and more. Join us for a historic Court Day where you can experience what Brentsville was like during its days as the courthouse of Prince William County. Activities will include mock trials, historic tradespeople, a militia muster, markets, music, food, demonstrations and more. May 6 / 10a-3p Sat Admission is a $5 suggested donation
Ages 13+ When the Brentsville Schoolhouse was in use between 1929 and 1942, one of the skills taught to students was penmanship. Have you ever wanted to improve your handwriting skills or be able to make your own invitations? Join Historic Preservation staff at the historic schoolhouse for a beginner’s introduction to the art of calligraphy! During this 2-hour workshop you will learn about the historic importance of writing forms, a few basic traditional calligraphy styles, have a chance to try out your own new calligraphy skills, and learn some history along the way. Advanced registration is required.
Apr 22 / 10a-12p Sat $15 180002 HP04
Location Key Addresses for each location are listed on pg. 11
SCRAMBLED EGG HUNTS AT BRENTSVILLE COURTHOUSE Ages 1+ Enjoy a unique spin on an egg hunt at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre! Peter Rabbit has created trouble again at Brentsville by taking all the candy and toys in our eggs and replacing them with tasks and riddles. He won’t give back the goods unless we solve the puzzle! Due to his mischievous nature, Peter made challenges specifically tailored for each family who dares to try and solve them. He would like to include everyone and make it a fair and fun challenge for all! Can you find the all the eggs he hid to get all the clues and solve his puzzle? With a ticket each family will get their own egg hunt area for groups of six or less, with a time limit of 30 minutes for each egg hunt. Once your puzzle is completed, turn it in to receive a gift basket for the family to take home filled with treats, prizes, and more. For families who need special or individual assistance please contact Veronica Laughman, ADA Coordinator, at vlaughman@ pwcgov.org or 703-792-8066 before March 25th so that staff may be able to make accommodations for your family.
Mar 25 / 10a-10:30a Sat $30 180002 HP05 Mar 25 / 11a-11:30a Sat $30 180002 HP06 Mar 25 / 12p-12:30p Sat $30 180002 HP07 Mar 25 / 1p-1:30p Sat $30 180002 HP08 Mar 25 / 2p-2:30p Sat $30 180002 HP09 FIRST DAY HIKE All ages Bring in the New Year with a guided hike by local historians! You will start at the parking lot for a brief overview. Then walk down the 1863 Trail, and then via the 1862 Trail before walking back to the parking lot. This 90 minute, 3-mile hike will start the new year on the right foot! Pets are welcome to join, but the trail is not accessible for strollers.
Jan 1 / 1p-2:30p Sun Free
LUCASVILLE SCHOOL
LUCASVILLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Ages 2+ Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War brought with it new opportunities for African Americans in Prince William County. Four years before they had been barred from learning to read and write by Virginia state law, though that did not stop them from learning on their own or others teaching them despite the severe punishments possible. Now schools would open for the instruction of all who wished to attend. These early schools faced many obstacles, from irregular funding, teacher shortages, political threats, and even open violence. Join us as we commemorate African American History Month at historic Lucasville School and visit the reconstructed 19th century school for a discussion about how people met these challenges and overcame them to help build a better future.
Feb 25 / 11a-4p Sat Feb 26 / 11a-4p Sun Free Free
OLD MANASSAS COURTHOUSE
Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Prince William County's "Boy Major," Joseph Latimer Jan 26 7p-8:30p Th Free Brentsville native Joseph Latimer was a 19-year-old artillery major when he received a mortal wound at the Battle of Gettysburg. Find out how this young man rose to prominence and rank during the Civil War from Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide William Griffith.
Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: The Preserve: Reconstructing An African American Neighborhood In The Bull Run Mountains Feb 23 7p-8:30p Th Free Historian and archaeologist Patrick O’Neill will share his research on local African American communities in the Bull Run Mountains.
Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Rise Of A Region: A Developmental History Of Northern Virginia Mar 23 7p-8:30p Th Free Learn how the built environment of Northern Virginia developed into the places we live, work, and entertain in today. Andrew Painter has researched and written articles examining the region’s land development history.
Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Mosby’s War On The Orange & Alexandria Railroad
Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Nazis On The Potomac Apr 27 7p-8:30p Th Free Mosby's Rangers constantly targeted the Orange & Alexandria Railroad during the Civil War and attempted to damage the Federal war effort. Historian Eric Buckland will share Mosby’s attempts to disrupt the railroad and the measures taken to stop him.
May 25 7p-8:30p Th Free Historian and author Robert Sutton presents the first full account of the crucial work done at Fort Hunt, Virginia during World War II, where the highest-level German prisoners were interrogated, and captured documents analyzed.
Historic Preservation
HISTORY ALONG THE NEABSCO BOARDWALK Ages 6+ This history walk explores how people affected, lived, and visited near this natural creek over the centuries. (Meet Rippon Lodge Historic Site staff under the picnic shelter.) Leashed pets are welcome to join. Not all parts of the hike are accessible for wheelchairs.
Apr 22 / 10a-11:30a Sat $10 per person 180001 HP01
OLD MANASSAS COURTHOUSE
“HISTORIC COMMUNITIES OF CHANGE”: THE EIGHT ANNUAL PRINCE WILLIAM/MANASSAS HISTORY SYMPOSIUM
Ages 13+ Prince William County has many different layers to its history, and many individuals have shaped the County’s complex past. Their contributions have also made Prince William the diverse and inclusive community we enjoy today. Come learn about some of the early pioneers in County history and how we still see their impact on modern Prince William County at the Eighth Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium. Topics this year include: • Parson Weems and his Washington Anecdotes • Jim Robinson of Manassas • George Carr Round • Railroads of Prince William County • The Community of Thoroughfare The Fifth issue of the Journal of Prince William County will be released at the symposium and available for a special oneday price of $5. Admission is $10 for the all day symposium. Spaces are limited, registration is required.
Mar 25 / 8:30a-4p Sat $10 180002 HP01 BEE ENCOUNTER AT RIPPON LODGE Ages 3+ Purchase a ticket to learn about the history and wonder of bees and beekeeping during this special up-close and personal encounter. See Rippon Lodge’s beehive, its workers making honey and feeding the queen, or watch other pollinators in their natural habitat. Crafts, games, music, and a tour available for all to enjoy. Please do not wear perfume or hairspray. Do NOT attend if allergic to bees or honey.
Apr 29 / 11a-3p Sat $5
RIPPON LODGE EASTER EGG TRAIL It’s April Fool’s Day! The Easter Bunny made his fun activity trail for your enjoyment, but also hidden some special eggs for the 275th anniversary of Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Look for hidden objects, do physical tasks, tell a joke, and more as you walk to receive your eggs. Family members may join in the fun! Bring your own basket. Timed walks for age groups, family units no larger than 5 allowed at one time. Walking along uneven ground, grass, and gravel surfaces. Parental supervision required along trail. Adults must pay admission.
Apr 1 / 10a-11a Under 3 yrs. 6 mo.
Apr 1 / 10a-11a
18+ Apr 1 / 11:30a-12:30p 4-6 Apr 1 / 11:30a-12:30p 18+ Apr 1 / 2p-3p 7-11
Apr 1 / 2p-3p 7-11 Sat $5 180001 HP02
Sat $5 180001 HP03 Sat $5 180001 HP04 Sat $5 180001 HP05 Sat $5 180001 HP06 Sat $5 180001 HP07
RIPPON LODGE GARDEN DAY PREP Ages 13+ What does it take to plant a historic garden? Come gain some hands-on experience as staff and volunteers work on preparing the vegetable garden for 2023. Tools provided, however, bringing your own gloves and hand tools is encouraged. Volunteers welcome, ages 13 and older. FREE; donations at www.pwcparks.org/historicdonations.
Mar 25 / 10a-2p Sat Free
■ WHO WERE THEY? THE ENSLAVED PEOPLE OF
RIPPON LODGE Ages 7+ Continuing with Rippon Lodge Historic Site’s 275 years of history, come learn of the untold stories of the enslaved population during Black History Month. Tours will focus on the primary documentation found for both the colonial and early Victorian eras. Space is limited. Purchase tickets now.
Feb 18 / 10a-11a Sat $10 Feb 18 / 1p-2p Sat $10
