PWHPF: 2019 October Events

October 2019

October Events and Programs Plus Fall Historic Perspective Newsletter

The grounds of the historic sites are open daily from dawn until dusk and the sites are open for regular tours Thursday–Monday 11am–4pm.

Upcoming Events at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA 20136 (703) 365-7895

Campfire Ghost Stories October 18 | 7–8pm | $5, children 2  and under free Join us for an exciting and eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site. Spirits Of Brentsville  October 19 | 7–10pm | $10 | Ages 10+ Brentsville has a diverse and dramatic history as it served as the county seat for nearly 100 years. During this time, many strange and scary events have happened here, and many say that ghosts of long dead men and women still haunt the area. Come experience a spirited night as you explore the grounds and buildings where you may encounter the spirits of the past and hear their tales of sadness and triumph. Guided tours on the half hour. Not recommended for children under 10. Reservations strongly recommended. Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Events at Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 (703) 367-7872

Fireside Ghost Stories  October 4 | 7–8pm | $5 | Ages 13+ Ben Lomond has a diverse and grim history from being a Civil War hospital to the home of countless slaves. Over the years, many local residents claimed to have seen ghosts and other spooky happenings at the site, claiming the site as haunted. Join us for an exciting and eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site.  Hospital Horrors At Ben Lomond October 26 | 7–9:40pm | $10 | Ages 13+ Ben Lomond has a grim history as serving as a Confederate Field Hospital after the Battle of First Manassas. Come experience a unique opportunity to tour the house and grounds in the recreated hospital and hear the stories of soldiers, doctors, and loved ones who were forever changed during the Civil War. Guided tours every twenty minutes. Advanced reservations strongly recommended. Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Events at Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 (703) 499-9812

Scary B-Movie Night  October 5 | 7–11pm | $5 suggested donation | Ages 6+ Come for a Double Feature of spooky fun at Rippon Lodge! Families will enjoy the 70th anniversary showing of “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, then adults may view the 50th anniversary of, “House on Haunted Hill” (1969) with legendary actor Vincent Price. Two anniversaries of horror in one night. Bring blankets, chairs, and wear warm clothes as you sit on the lawn, in the dark, watching this great horror film. Popcorn and beverages available for purchase. Event canceled in case of rain.

Murder At Rippon Lodge October 12 | 6–7pm | $15 | Ages 18+ Do you have the detective skills to solve this mystery? Then come to Rippon Lodge and solve a 20th century crime! During a World War II evening gathering at Wade Ellis’, a horrible crime is committed. One of his guests is found dead. Who’s behind the sinister plot? Is there a saboteur amongst the guests; a double agent in disguise? Is anyone else in danger? For one night only, discover clues and solve the mystery of who committed the murder! Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Events at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Corner of Iron Brigade Unit Avenue and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA 20136 (703) 366-3049

Battle Of Bristoe Station Anniversary Weekend Tours October 12–13 | 11am–4pm| FREE EVENT| All Ages Join Battlefield Park staff for the 156th Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station. Tour a Civil War encampment, watch artillery firing demonstrations, and tour the site of the third and final battle that took place in Prince William County. Park historians will lead tours of a section of the battlefield never open to the public before!  Battle Of Bristoe Station Anniversary Luminary October 12 | 7–9pm | FREE EVENT | All Ages Visit the battlefield to see nearly 1,000 luminary candles for every soldier who died at Bristoe Station. Living history vignettes will be located across the battlefield and guided tours will lead visitors to meet the men and women who made history here.  Fall 1863 Campaign Bus Tour: Bristoe Station to Mine Run October 19 | 8:30am–5pm | $70 | Ages 10+ During Oct-Nov 1863, the Union and Confederate armies fought a hard long campaign across central Virginia from Orange to Manassas. Battles such as Bristoe Station, Buckland, Rappahannock Station and Mine Run solidified Union control of most of northern and central Virginia. Join historians and authors Dr. Chris Mackowski, Michael Block and Rob Orrison as we tour these sites and learn about how the chess match between Robert E. Lee and George Meade led to the end of the Civil War. Transportation and lunch is included. Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Event at Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110 (703) 792-4754

After Gettysburg: Meade And Lee At Bristoe Station Book Talk With Jeffrey Hunt October 17 | 7–8pm | Free Event | Ages 10+ Join historian and author Jeffrey Hunt as he explains the complexi-ties of command during the much over looked Fall 1863 campaign in Virginia between Union General George G. Meade and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Copies of his new book, Meade and Lee at Bristoe Station: The Problems of Command and Strategy after Gettysburg, from Brandy Station to the Buckland Races, August 1 to October 31, 1863, will be available for sale.

Upcoming Event leaving from the marina boat dock at Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191 (703) 792-4754

Potomac Blockade Boat Tour 2019 October 19 | 10am–1pm | $50 | Ages 8+ Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline on the 50’ pontoon vessel Miss Rivershore and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through early March 1862. The tour will motor past the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. Tour includes lunch and a 1.5 mile hike to Freestone Point. If you wish to take the hike please wear appropriate footwear. Additional Information and Registration

Fall Historic Perspectives Newsletter

View Fall Newsletter

Historic Preservation Spotlight

The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail   Another National Trail travels through eastern Prince William County along with the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail follows the route of the Continental Army and our French allies through ten states from Massachusetts to Yorktown, VA. Enjoyable either as a walking or driving trail, you can find parts of the old colonial road close by to walk through Woodbridge, Dumfries, and Triangle. For more information visit www.nps.gov/waro

Visit Prince William County Historic Preservation Website