| Historic Preservation Spotlight |
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Preserving Historic Landmarks |
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Taking care of our historic resources is a constant process, and preserving historic landscapes and buildings for future generations comes in many different forms. Recently, two projects at Ben Lomond Historic Site were completed that enhance the site—and protect it—for our visitors.
First, the stone retaining wall in front of the home was repointed for safety and aesthetic purposes. This wall was probably an addition to the property by one of its 20th century owners. Then, in order to protect the house’s foundation and drain rain water away from it, a series of underground French drains were run from the house’s downspouts. This will ensure the historic 1832 structure’s preservation for many years to come. |
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| Summer 2022 Contents:
- A Busy FY22 in Prince William County Historic Preservation
- Preservation Corner
- Image Spotlight
- History Corner
- HPD News
- Foundation Update
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September Program Highlights |
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Ben Lomond Historic Site and Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre are open for self-guided tours Friday-Monday 10am-4pm with guided tours offered at 11am and 2pm.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site is open for tours Friday-Monday at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Grounds are open from dawn until dusk. |
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September 3 Every Day Full of Work: The African American Experience at Ben Lomond
Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free. Before the Civil War, enslaved men and women lived and worked at the Ben Lomond farm. Visitors will be able to explore the historic home and the original slave quarter to learn about the daily life of African Americans and can visit spaces not ordinarily open to the public. Additionally, visitors can experience the interactive virtual reality exhibit in the Ben Lomond Slave Quarters. |
|  | Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Dr. Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872 |
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September 3 Rippon Lodge Deco Game Day
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., $5 per person, kids under 6 free. Shall we play a game? Discover what games the Ellis family played at lawn parties at Rippon Lodge. Croquet, badminton, and bocce ball are three fun lawn games for groups of three or more. Guests are encouraged to play, and dressing up in period fashion is welcomed. Space is limited.
Additional Information and Registration |
| | Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Rd. Woodbridge, VA 703-499-9812 |
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September 7 Wednesday Walk at Bristoe Station Battlefield: "Mowed Down Like Grain Before a Reaper": The 15th North Carolina at the Battle of Bristoe Station
7 p.m.; Free, donations encouraged. Follow in the footsteps of the 15th North Carolina Infantry during the Battle of Bristoe Station. Raised in northeastern North Carolina, this regiment fought in many of the war's major battles. At Bristoe Station, they lost over 100 men. Learn about the soldiers who comprised this regiment and how the Battle of Bristoe Station affected them. |
| | Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, the parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049 |
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September 10 School is Back in Session: Lucasville School Open House
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; FREE, donations welcome. Are you excited that school has started again? Going to school was very different a hundred years ago than it is today. Visit the one room school at Lucasville to learn about the different ways that students learned in a segregated society. Try some of the tools used to teach students in school, the games they played and even make a craft to take home! |
| | Lucasville School 10516 Godwin Dr. Manassas, VA 703-365-7895 |
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September 10 Crime & Punishment Tours at Brentsville Courthouse
Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free. As Prince William County’s seat for 70 years, Brentsville’s courthouse and jail were the focus of law and order in the community. Take a tour of the Brentsville’s public lot and learn about the laws, crime, and punishment of the 19th century while you hear about some of the high-profile cases that were tried on-site.
Additional Information and Registration |
| | Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 703-365-7895 |
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September 17 Brentsville Bluegrass Festival Brentsville Bluegrass Festival 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Admission is $10 per person in advanced, $15 at door, kids under 6 are free. For hundreds of years, the Brentsville Public Lot has been a place of entertainment and festivities and we are continuing that tradition into today! Bring your chairs, kick up your heels, and enjoy some Bluegrass, antique cars, and food trucks at Brentsville! Enjoy three bands throughout the day, explore the historic site and enjoy hands-on activities for the kids. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on-site. Advanced tickets are $10 and can be purchased online HERE. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Additional Information and Registration |
| | Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road Bristow, VA 703-365-7895 |
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September 24 History Walk on the Boardwalk
Learn history along the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. This history walk, “Humanity and the Environment in Neabsco Creek”, explores how people affected this natural creek over the centuries. The group will meet at the Rippon Landing Parking Lot on Blackburn Road under the picnic shelter. Leashed pets are welcome to join, but not all parts of the hike are accessible for wheelchairs. Space is limited. Guests should wear sunscreen and bug spray and should bring bottled water. |
| | Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk 15125 Blackburn Rd. Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812 |
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September 24 Strange Tales Campfire
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free. Prince William County and Northern Virginia abound with tales of unusual happenings and strange sights. Whether it’s monsters in the woods of Independent Hill, unknown lights in the sky near Manassas, or a logger’s lament in the Bull Run Mountains these stories are a bit outside the realm of regular ghosts or hauntings. Join us at Brentsville Courthouse around the campfire to roast s’mores and hear all about these strange tales.
Additional Information and Registration |
| | Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 703-365-7895 |
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We are adding new historical content every day to our social media accounts ranging from virtual tours of county historical sites, interesting pieces of local and national history, and fun quiz questions and activities.
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel Join us in our mission of historic preservation where on this channel you will be able to learn more about the history of Prince William County, what staff does to preserve our local history, unique how-to videos and more! |
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| | A Small Town Rich in History |
The Office of Historic Preservation is proud to announce the publication of "A Small Town Rich in History: The History of Brentsville, Virginia." Available now, the booklet contains detailed information about the town of Brentsville in celebration of the community's 200th anniversary. Purchase a copy at any of our gift shops for $10 or purchase a copy and a tour of Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre for only $10.
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