Historic Preservation Events

The Office of Historic Preservation hosts a variety of events to introduce the community to Prince William County's rich historic and cultural past. Events are held at several historic properties including:

These events allow visitors to explore and discover the families homes events and the everyday life of Prince William past. We hope you will join us for a step back in time!

Click here to register for one of the events listed below.

**Tickets for May-August 2025 programs will be available beginning March 4, 2025.**

January

January 1
First Day Hike
1 – 2:30 p.m.; FREE
Bring in the new year with a history and nature hike by guided park staff. 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. Dress appropriately for the weather.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, Iron Brigade Unit Ave. and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.

January 23
Prince William Lecture Series: "Marquis de Lafayette Returns" by Elizabeth Reese
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; FREE
Walk in the footsteps of the Marquis de Lafayette as he makes a final trip through the young United States. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous election, a beloved hero of the American Revolution returned to America for the first time in forty years. From August 1824 to September 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette traveled throughout the United States, welcomed by thousands of admirers at each stop along the way. Although the tour brought him to each state in the Union, the majority of his time was spent in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Public historian Elizabeth Reese traces Lafayette's route throughout the National Capital Region, highlighting the locations and people the famous General held closest to his heart. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9428 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA. 703-792-1731.

February

February 1
Lucasville School Open House
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; FREE.
Join us at Lucasville School Historic Site to kick off African American History Month at Prince William County’s historic sites. Visit the reconstructed 19th century school used by the community of Lucasville and learn about Prince William’s African American history after the American Civil War.
Lucasville School Historic Site, 10516 Godwin Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-365-7895.

February 8
Brentsville Black History Month Tours
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; $5 per person, children under six free. Get advanced tickets here.
Stop by Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre for a day of special tours focused on the stories of the county’s African American residents with a focus on the era from 1822 to 1893. Brentsville was the site of tragedy and joy for the county’s African American community. Hear some of the stories from the area about the enslaved people in central Prince William County, free blacks, African American Civil War veterans, the joy of emancipation, lingering legacy of Reconstruction, and the beginning of the Jim Crow era. Tours are approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.

February 15
Tastes of Home: African American Culture and American Cuisine
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $20 per person. Get advanced tickets here.
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. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr. Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.

February 19
Take a Sip of History: Presidents in Northern Virginia
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.; FREE
Join the staff of Prince William Historic Preservation at Tin Cannon Brewing Company for a celebration of United States Presidential history in Northern Virginia. This region has long been home to presidents, presidential landmarks, and significant moments in American history. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to learn from our panel of historians while enjoying craft beer, this event offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and local flavor.
Tin Cannon Brewing Co., 7679 Limestone Dr. STE 130., Gainesville, VA. 703-792-1731.

March

March 8
The Women of Rippon Lodge
11 a.m. and 2 p.m., $5 per person. Get advanced tickets here.
Learn even more details about the women of the Blackburn Family. Tours will focus on the primary documentation found for both the colonial and early Victorian eras. Space is limited. Advanced ticket purchase recommended at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.

March 22
Prince William/Manassas History Symposium
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $10 per person. Get tickets here.
Join us for the 10th Annual Prince William/Manassas Symposium! Each year local historians explore the many facets of County history through a wide variety of lectures. This day-long program is hosted at the Manassas Museum and due to limited space, pre-registration is required. The Symposium also marks the release of the Seventh issue of the Journal of Prince William County History, which will be on sale for a special one-day price of $5. Symposium ticket is included in admission to the Historic Homes Tour on March 23rd. Get tickets at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, VA. 703-792-1731.

March 23
Historic Homes of Prince William County Bus Tour
SOLD OUT
As part of the 10th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium, join us for the opportunity to tour private historic homes within Prince William County! Meet at Brenstville Courthouse Historic Centre for transportation to three historic sites that are rarely open to the public. Lunch is included in ticket price and pre-registration is required. One admission to the Symposium on March 22nd is included in each bus tour ticket purchase.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-792-1731.

March 27
Prince William Lecture Series: "George Washington and the French & Indian War" by Scott Patchan
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; FREE
George Washington has frequently been criticized for his first military campaign, which sparked the French and Indian War. This backwoods campaign between British and French colonials eventually grew into the Seven Years' War, a global conflict between these European empires. In 1754 Washington was an ambitious yet inexperienced young officer, eager to carry out his orders and mission on behalf of Virginia and the British kind. While his campaign failed to meet its objectives, Washington experienced his first taste of military command, dealing with situations that ultimately proved beyond his control, and learned lessons that made him into the man who led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War. Historian Scott Patchan delves deep into Washington's correspondence to tell the story of his training as an officer. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9428 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA. 703-792-1731.

April

April 12
Rippon Lodge Easter Egg Trail
Timed hunts between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; $10 per person, kids under 4 only $5. Get tickets here.
The Easter Bunny made his fun activity trail for your enjoyment at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Look for hidden objects, do physical tasks, tell a joke, and more to receive your eggs as you walk through the historic home. Family members may join in the fun! Keep an eye out for those special prize eggs.

Bring your own basket. Timed walks for age groups, family units no larger than 4 allowed at one time. Walking along uneven surfaces and stairs. Parental supervision required. Hunt times are: 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. for children 3 and under; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for ages 4-6; and 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m. for ages 7 to 11. Space is limited. Advanced registration required at https://pwcparks.info/historicprograms.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.

April 19
Scrambled Egg Hunts at Brentsville Courthouse
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.; $35 per egg hunt. Get tickets here.
Enjoy a unique spin on the usual egg hunt at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre! Peter Rabbit has been making trouble again at Brentsville. He’s taken all the candy and toys in our eggs, replacing them with tasks and riddles! He won’t give back the goods unless we solve the puzzles! Due to his mischievous nature, Peter made challenges 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, piece together the clues, and solve his puzzle?

Egg hunt areas are divided by family groups of six or less (purchase one ticket per group), 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 each 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 [email protected] or 703-792-8066 before April 11th so that staff may be able to make accommodations for your family. Advanced registration is required at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.

April 23
Take a Sip of History: Cemeteries of Prince William County
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.; FREE
There are hundreds of cemeteries in Prince William County, ranging from small family graveyards nestled in the woods to the prominent National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico. Join local historians and archaeologists at Water's End Brewery for stories about some of the most unique burials and final resting places that hold the secrets of Prince William County's past.
Water's End Brewery, 12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge, VA. 703-792-1731.

April 26
Ben Lomond Day
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; FREE.
Ben Lomond's history spans centuries, from a Civil War hospital to a presidential retreat to a working farm. Experience the site's varied history all in one day through talks, demonstrations, activities, games, farm animals, tractors and more.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.

April 29
History Homeschool Day at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.; $10 per student; Advanced Registration is required. Get tickets here.
Homeschool families are invited to visit Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre for a special day of learning about American History! Visit the 19th century town that played an important role in Prince William County’s history and rotate through the historic buildings and grounds participating in different stations and activities. Program will start promptly at 10am & 1pm. Please arrive on-site 15 minutes early to get your wrist-band and get to your first station. Advanced registration is required at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.

**Tickets for May-August 2025 programs will be available beginning March 4, 2025.**

May

May-October: Tours on 2nd & 4th Weekends
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Guided Tours
Tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; FREE
Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of this hallowed ground that contains camps, cemeteries, and battlefields. Learn about Camp Jones and the battles fought in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. and depart from the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Insect repellant is encouraged.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.

May 3
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Rippon Lodge
11 a.m.; FREE
This historical hardhat tour takes visitors into spaces not available during the standard tour of Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Learn a little more history from behind-the-scenes. Space is limited and no one under 18.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.

May 16
Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns: Dumfries
6 p.m.; FREE
Visit Dumfries, a bustling and diverse community founded on tobacco and witness to the American Revolution. This tour will focus on Dumfries’ Main Street and will depart from Williams Ordinary.
Williams Ordinary, 17674 Main Street, Dumfries, VA. 703-792-1731.

May 17
Williams-Dawe House Hard Hat Tours
Tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m.; $25 per person, advanced tickets suggested. Get tickets here.
Kick off Historic Preservation Month with a hard hat tour of Brentsville’s newest acquisition: the Williams-Dawe House. The Williams-Dawe House is the oldest residential structure preserved in the town of Brentsville and was home to many Prince William County Clerks. Explore the history of the building and the people that lived there. Also, learn the modern story of the building’s ongoing restoration work. This is a rare opportunity to see preservation in action! Space is limited, and advance tickets are suggested and can be purchased at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-792-7895.

May 22
Prince William Lecture Series: "Northern Virginian Luminaries" by Joe Motheral
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; FREE
People from all over the United States and the world move to northern Virginia to be close to the nation's capital, and many people of national importance make their home in the area. There as many more, born and raised here, who are well known to locals. Become acquainted with a selection of iconic Virginians, with varying personalities and a variety of fulfilling lives. Hear about Geraldine Brooks, Roger Mudd and General George C. Marshall, as well as local heroes. Journalist Joe Motheral tells the stories of prominent locals he met and interviewed over the course of his long career. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William.
Occoquan Town Hall, 313 Mill St., Occoquan, VA. 703-792-1731.

June

June 9
Museum Family Day at Brentsville Courthouse: Life in a 19th Century Town
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; $5 per person, ages 4 and up. Get tickets here.
Explore Brentsville’s courthouse and jail with interactive, hands-on activities and learn about what it meant to be a good citizen in the 1800s. Activities will include a fire brigade (you may get wet!), a mock trail, and more. Mock Trial will begin at 10:15am. Adults must be able to participate with children. Get advanced tickets at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.

June 14
Tavern Night at Williams Ordinary
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; free, ages 21+
Take a sip of history while learning about Williams Ordinary, a historic tavern in Dumfries. Enjoy a unique experience in this local landmark by listening to colonial music, interacting with reenactors, and playing 18th-century games. This Tavern Night serves as the opening for Resolves to Revolution, a new exhibition exploring the impact of the American Revolutionary War on Prince William County. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste a historically-inspired brew from Water’s End paired with a themed menu from Dixie Bones BBQ. This is a free 21+ event; food and drink will be available to purchase on site. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation.
Williams Ordinary, 17674 Main Street, Dumfries, VA. 703-792-1731.

June 19
Juneteenth at Lucasville
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; FREE
Join us at Lucasville in honor of Juneteenth to learn about the celebration marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the South. Visit the one-room schoolhouse to learn about the development of freedmen communities throughout Prince William County and the progression of education throughout Prince William County throughout Reconstruction and the Jim Crow Era.
Lucasville School, 10516 Godwin Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-365-7895.

June 20
Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns: Sudley Springs
6 p.m.; FREE
Explore the remnants of Sudley Springs, which at one time was a bustling hamlet, home to a church, a mill, and a mineral spring. This tour is co-hosted by the Sudley Springs United Methodist Church and Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Sudley Springs United Methodist Church, 5308 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA. 703-792-1731.

June 30 - July 3
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $200 per child ages 9-12.
This four-day camp will explore Virginia’s early colonial history and the Blackburn Family, the original owners of Rippon Lodge. Indoor and outdoor activities, crafts, foodways, field trips, and special guests included in this history camp. Children should bring their own snacks, lunch, and beverages. Space is limited. Registration and information available at www.pwcva.gov/summercamp.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.

July

July 7-11
Civil War Summer Camp
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $240 per child, ages 8-13.
Our Civil War Summer Camp takes a hands-on approach to studying the American Civil War. Campers will learn about the many parts of the life of a Civil War soldier, including drill, camping, cooking, uniforms and equipment, flags, artillery, cavalry, a field trip to local Civil War sites, and more. Registration and information available at www.pwcva.gov/summercamp.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.

July 18
Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns: Haymarket
6 p.m.; FREE
Tour Haymarket, the second town in the county to be incorporated in 1882 with a rich history spanning as far back as the 18th century.
Haymarket Museum, 15025 Washington St, Haymarket, VA 20169. 703-792-1731.

July 19
Ben Lomond Hospital Lantern Tours
8 p.m. - 9 p.m.; $10 per person, advanced registration suggested, get tickets here.
Following the Battle of First Manassas, Ben Lomond was used as a hospital where surgeons treated the wounded throughout the night. Every inch of space in the house was used to care for hurt and dying soldiers. Tour the hospital in the dark and discover the aftermath of the Civil War’s first major battle through the words of those who experienced war’s horrors. Tours begin every 30 minutes at 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Get tickets at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr, Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.

July 21-25
PWC History Camp: Town & Country Camp
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $240 per child, ages 8 -13.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live out in the countryside during the days of oil lamps and wood stoves? Answer these questions and more at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre’s Town and Country Camp! Explore a wide array of hands-on activities connected to Brentsville’s historic buildings including a farmhouse, school, courthouse, and jail, and have a series of adventures throughout the week that will introduce them to the ways people have lived in Prince William County from Native Americans to the present day. Registration and information available at www.pwcva.gov/summercamp.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.

July 21
Museum Family Day: Rippon Lodge Game Day
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.; $5 per person. Advanced tickets available here.
Bring the family to explore history through fun, historic games, and activities at Rippon Lodge. Programs include outdoor and indoor experiences. Advanced tickets are not required, but can be purchased at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192. 703-499-9812.

July 24
Prince William Lecture Series: "Atrocities at Bull Run" by Harry Smeltzer
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; FREE
On April 1, 1862, the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War issued its report based on little known testimony regarding what it officially referred to as "rebel Barbarities at Manassas." In summary, the Committee noted that "these disclosures establishing, as they incontestably do, the consistent inhumanity of the rebel leaders, will be read with sorrow and indignation by the people of the loyal States." Using firsthand accounts from both sides, historian Harry Smeltzer will discuss these and other incidents associated with the first battle which, at the time, were considered evidence of aberrant behavior. He will also look at why they were thought of as such, and how opinions in that regard changed over the course of the war. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William.
Pat White Center at Ben Lomond, 10501 Copeland Dr., Manassas VA. 703-792-1731.

August

August 4-8
Greatest Generation Summer Camp
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $240 per child, ages 8-13.
The Greatest Generation Summer Camp introduces campers to the American experience during World War II through immersive activities and field trips. Campers will get to experience soldier life, including drill and mock battles, learn about the Homefront through activities and crafts, and take field trips to nearby museums to see real artifacts from World War II. Registration and information available at www.pwcva.gov/summercamp.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.

August 11
Museum Family Day at Ben Lomond: Make Your Own Cornhusk Doll
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.; $5 per person, ages 4 and up. Get tickets here.
Bring your whole family to Ben Lomond Historic Site to learn about cornhusk dolls, a popular children’s toy in the 19th century. Then, make your own cornhusk doll to take home with you. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Get advanced tickets at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr, Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.

August 23
Rippon Lodge Bug and Bird Day
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free. Get tickets here.
This event is a photographer, bird watcher, and bug enthusiast delight! Join us as we explore the wonders of nature found at Rippon Lodge. Bring your binoculars and cameras to record the variety of insects and birds found every day at the historic site. Advanced tickets available at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

August 23-24
Battle of Kettle Run Anniversary Tours
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; FREE
Join Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park staff and volunteers to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Run. The August 27, 1862, battle, while small, was bloody and took a heavy toll on the soldiers who fought there. Visit the park for walking tours that will share the story of the first battle of the Civil War fought at Bristoe Station. Battlefield tours will be offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.

August 26
Raided: A Real-Time Walking Tour of "Stonewall" Jackson's Raid at Bristoe Station
6 p.m.; FREE
Stand on the ground of Bristoe Station battlefield 163 years to the moment that "Stonewall" Jackson's forces raided Bristoe Station and changed the course of the Second Manassas Campaign. Walking is involved, please wear proper footwear.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.

September

September 25
Prince William Lecture Series: “Potomac Marble: History of the Search for the Ideal Stone” by Paul Kreingold
7 – 8:30 p.m.; FREE
The destruction of Washington in 1814 by the invading British challenged President James Monroe and architect Benjamin Latrobe with the task of rebuilding the destroyed edifices of the city's public buildings. As symbols of the aspirations of the Republic, they had to be more than functional, they had to be beautiful. The building material they discovered and used to beautify the new Capitol was Potomac marble, which exists in abundance on both sides of the Potomac River, from Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia to Montgomery and Frederick Counties in Maryland. Local historian Paul Kreingold details Latrobe and Monroe's search for the ideal stone and their fight to use it to rebuild the chambers of the House and Senate. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA. 703-792-1731.

November

November 20
Prince William Lecture Series: “Vigilante Justice in Prince William County” by Kate Bitely
7 – 8:30 p.m.; FREE
In the late 19th century, Prince William County witnessed a tragic and violent episode of vigilante justice. The story revolves around a group of tenant farmers accused of robbery and murder, crimes that unsettled the local community. With tensions running high and faith in the justice system wavering, a violent mob took matters into their own hands. The accused were forcibly seized, and ultimately killed at the hands of the vigilantes. Historian Kate Bitely will share this grim chapter in the county’s history, which highlights the social and economic struggles of tenant farmers, the fragile state of law enforcement at the time, and the dangers of mob mentality. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William.
Occoquan Town Hall, 314 Mill St, Occoquan, VA. 703-792-1731.

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