Spring is in the Air at
Prince William County
Historic Preservation Division Sites
April 7
Egg Hunt
11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., $7 per child, adults free
Spring has sprung and colorful eggs have been hidden all over the grounds of Rippon Lodge. Children are needed to help us hunt them up. In addition to egg hunts, children can enjoy crafts, games, pony rides, a moon bounce and train rides. Bring a picnic. Bring a basket for egg collecting. Advanced reservations recommended. House tour included.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, 703-499-9812
April 12
Lecture - Live by the Sword – Die by the Sword: Light-horse Harry Lee in the America Revolution and the War of 1812
7:00 p.m., free, donations accepted
In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, author and historian Christopher George will give a glimpse into the strategies of Colonel Light-horse Harry Lee. The audience will learn about his use of terror tactics during the American Revolution and the Baltimore anti-Federalist riots in the Summer of 1812. Lee was grievously wounded while participating in civil disturbances in opposition to the War of 1812. Due to the violent nature of these events, this lecture may not be suitable for young audiences.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas, VA
For More Information Contact: 703-792-4754
April 14 - 15
Historic Preservation Talk and Hard Hat Tour of the Jail
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; $15 per person
This program will introduce the participant to the idea of “historic preservation”. Local experts will explore what makes a building worth saving, examples of saved buildings in the county, and why historic preservation is important, especially for the environment. Visitors will also have the first opportunity to go inside the jail as it is undergoing restabilization. Program sponsored by the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 20136, 703-365-7895
April 14
Family History Day- Put Your Best Foot Forward
11:00 a.m., 1:-- p.m., 3:00 p.m., $7 per person, children under 6 free
18th-century country dancing was all the rage in Colonial Virginia homes. Put your best foot forward and learn the steps. Learn customs and etiquette while having fun. Enjoy cookies and lemonade after the dancing. Reservations suggested.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, 703-499-9812
April 21
Occupied! Union Soldiers at Ben Lomond.
6 p.m. -- 9:30 p.m., tours every 30 minutes. $15.00 per person, children under 6 free.
Advanced reservations are suggested but not required.
The Confederates evacuated Northern Virginia in the Spring of 1862 and Virginians saw Federal soldiers for the first time, including the Pringle family at Ben Lomond. It was devastating to the Pringe family as Federal soldiers took precious food, destroyed valuable furniture and created graffiti in much of the house. You are invited to step back into history and meet both Federal soldiers and the Pringle family. Participants will learn about motivations and fears of soldiers and civilians during this terrible war. And participants can join some of the soldiers in writing graffiti on the interior of the house. This special first-person living history program will fill up fast, so don't tarry on your reservations!
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 20109; 703-367-7872
April 21
Potomac River Blockade Boat Tours and Lunch
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; $30.00 per person; reservations required
Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the blockade, gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. Tour includes lunch. No pets please. Not appropriate for children under six. Please call 703-792-4754 for more information and reservations.
April 21
Nature Trail Walk
1:00 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six
Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 20136, 703-365-7895
April 26
Lecture - The Battle of Kettle Run
7:00 p.m., free, donations accepted
Author and Historian J. Michael Miller will give a detailed overview of the military action of August 26 and 27 in 1862 at Bristoe Station, commonly known as the Battle of Kettle Run. This important rear guard action led up the Second Battle of Manassas.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas, VA
For More Information Contact: 703-792-4754
April 26
Chocolate – A History
Thursday, April 26
7:00 p.m., $15 per person, Reservations required, not appropriate for children under 12
For 2000 years, humans have been enjoying chocolate. We think of eating chocolate by the bar, bunny or box and for it to be sweet. However, for most of its life, chocolate hasn’t been sweet and we drank it. Join artisan chocolate maker Ben Rassmussen of Potomac Chocolate as you sample your way through the history of chocolate. House tours included.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, 703-499-9812
April 28-29
Occupied Brentsville: Civil War Weekend
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; $5 suggested donation
When Union General McClellan began his campaign to take the new Confederate capital in Richmond, southern troops were forced to evacuate their winter camps that were set up throughout much of Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Brentsville, then the seat of local government, was one of the first communities affected by invading Federal forces. By the March 15, 1862, almost 6,000 soldiers occupied the area! Join us in reliving those tense and eventful days. Witness the training of US troops on the Courthouse grounds and learn how their unwanted presence in town changed Brentsville forever. Experience Civil War era drill, firearms demonstrations, camp cooking, period music and church services. Be on the lookout for possible skirmishes between the occupiers and local resistance fighters.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 20136, 703-365-7895
April 28
Storytime at Brentsville
1:00 p.m.; $2 per child
Join Brentsville staff for children’s stories about local history, people, and events.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 20136, 703-365-7895
In Cooperation with Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition
Plant ID Walk at Dove’s Landing
Join us on April 7 at 1:30 for a spring walk with Virginia Master Naturalist Carrie Blair at Dove's Landing. She will help us identify the trees and plants at this beautiful location that is normally closed to public access. Plan for a two hour walk; some areas will be steep or muddy, so wear sturdy footwear, and bring binoculars if you have them. This event is free, but please note that registration is required, and space is limited. We will meet at a nearby location and car-pool to the trail head. Please register at: www.pwtsc.org/?p=844 For more information or to register by phone, contact Zoe Vitter: 703-785-5785 or president@pwtsc.org
For more information about any of their sites, programs, volunteer opportunities, rentals, or general information please call 703-792-4754, email at historicpreservation@pwcgov.
