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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.
October
October 1
Take a Sip of History: Ghost Stories of Prince William County
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., free
Prince William County has a diverse and dramatic history since its creation in 1731. In those nearly 300 years, many unusual and tragic events have happened, and it is said that spirits of the unquiet dead still linger at the places they knew in life. Grab a pint and kick off the spooky season with a night of local ghost stories from throughout Prince William County's history. This is a joint program between Water's End Brewery and Prince William Historic Preservation. It will take place at the Lake Ridge location at Water's End Brewery, 12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge, VA. Program is free and no pre-registration is necessary. Questions? Call 703-792-1731.
October 4
The Funeral of Col. Thomas Blackburn at Rippon Lodge
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., $5 per person, audience over 12+
Col. Thomas Blackburn died in1807. Rippon Lodge Historic Site presents a special tour experience commemorating his passing. Guests learn about funerary practices during the late 18th century and early 19th century and witness Thomas’s funeral service. Guests are advised to pre-purchase tickets online. Click here to get your tickets.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
October 11-12
162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station
Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; free, donations encouraged.
Join Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park staff and volunteers to commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station, the climactic action of Robert E. Lee’s last offensive campaign of the Civil War. Take a walking tour of the battlefield and learn about the war’s last major battle fought in Prince William County. Tours begin 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.
October 11
Bristoe Station Luminary
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.; free, donations welcome.
Tour the Bristoe Station battlefield at night to see nearly 1,000 luminary candles placed for the soldiers who died at Bristoe Station during the Civil War.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.
October 14
5 p.m.; free
162nd Anniversary Tour of the Battle of Bristoe Station
Walk newly preserved land of the Bristoe Station battlefield on the battle’s 162nd anniversary. This hike will share the story of Joshua Owen’s New York brigade and their fight along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. The tour will begin in the parking lot of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park and guests will carpool and drive from there to the new park land. 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.
October 23
Take a Sip of History: Legends of Prince William County
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., free
Prince William County’s past is filled with larger-than-life characters, mysterious tales, and legendary events that shaped the region we know today. From forgotten folk heroes to enduring local myths and tales, come explore the legends of Prince William County. Enjoy a cold pint and hear fascinating—and sometimes unbelievable—stories from Prince William County's rich and storied history. This is a joint program between Eavesdrop Brewery and Prince William Historic Preservation. Program is free and no pre-registration is necessary. Questions? Call 703-792-1731.
Eavesdrop Brewery, 7223 Centreville Rd Suite 115, Manassas, VA 20111
Saturday, Oct 25
Road To Victory at Rippon Lodge
11 a.m.- 3 p.m.; FREE; donations welcome.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site welcomes all to experience a day full of colonial living history demonstrations focused on the Revolutionary War. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled “Out of Many, One” will be at Rippon Lodge for guests to experience. Witness historical vignettes, meet civilian camp followers, enslaved soldiers, and indigenous scouts. Enjoy making crafts, playing colonial era games, view other living history activities, and more.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
October 25
Sprits of Brentsville
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; $15 per person, groups leave every 30 minutes.
In 1822, the small, unassuming town of Brentsville opened as the County Seat. For over 200 years, the town was the site of trials and triumphs. Join us for a tour of the historic grounds of Brentsville where the spirits have awakened and are eager to speak with you. Advanced registration is recommended for space is limited. Groups leave every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or over the phone at 703-365-7895.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
October 31
Campfire Ghost Stories
7:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.; $5 per person, children 6 and under are free
Ben Lomond has a diverse and grim history as a Civil War hospital, a farm, and a private home. Over the years, many local residents have claimed to see ghosts and other spooky happenings at the site. Is Ben Lomond haunted or not? Join us for an eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site. Bring your own chair and flashlight. Click here to get advanced tickets.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
November
November 13
History Through the Senses: A Special Education Day at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
10:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.; $10 per student; Fill out the registration form and submit to register.
Families and educational groups are invited to visit Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre for an inclusive day of learning about American History! Rotate through stations focusing on hands-on activities as you explore American history through smell, touch, taste, feel, and sight. This program can be tailored for the autism and LD classrooms. Click here to register your group with the registration form.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
Saturday, November 15
Potomac People: Indigenous Tribes Of Eastern Prince William
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., $5 per person.
Before Europeans came to the area, the Doegs inhabited the local region. For Native American Heritage Month, join us as we rediscover the Algonquian Nation during this boardwalk tour.
The group will meet at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk 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. Dress for the weather; bring water bottle; sunscreen and bug spray suggested. Advanced ticket purchased in advance. Click here to purchase tickets.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail/Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812
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.
November 22
Cook an Old Time Thanksgiving Meal Workshop
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $20 per person, advanced registration required
Prepare a Thanksgiving meal using techniques and equipment commonly used in the 19th century. From roasting meat and dressing using a reflector oven, to baking bread and desserts, boiling vegetables in cast iron pots, learn how food was prepared in the days when wood fires and Dutch ovens were the normal way to prepare dishes using authentic Victorian recipes. Come dressed appropriately for the weather. Advanced registration is required. Click here to get your tickets.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
December
Friday-Monday
December 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29
Holidays Through the Ages at Rippon Lodge
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $5.00 per person, children under 6 are free.
Stroll through seasonal celebrations of the past at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. With interiors and exteriors richly decorated for the holidays, guests enjoy an in-depth exploration of seasonal festivities over the centuries. No groups larger than 15 at a time. Guided tour option at 11am. and 2 pm. Guests are advised to pre-purchase tickets online. Click here to get your tickets.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
December 5-8, 12-13
Gingerbread Houses at Rippon Lodge
11a.m. to 2p.m.; FREE; donations welcome at www.pwcparks.org/historicdonations
View and vote during a special contest of holiday gingerbread houses made by the community. Three categories for submissions are professional, amateur, and family. View and vote for one from each category on December 5 to the 8th, and winners will be announced on December 13th. For rules, information and form to enter the contest, email Dan Goldstein by November 7, 2025.
Guests are advised to pre-purchase tickets online. Click here to get your tickets.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
December 12
Historic Holiday Concert at Brentsville Courthouse
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; FREE,
Ring in the holiday season with festive music performed by the Brentsville District High School Choir at the beautiful and historic Brentsville Courthouse. Doors open at 6:55pm for the concert, please plan on arriving early, this program typically fills to capacity. Before the concert, come and get your picture taken with Santa Claus! After the concert, join us around the bonfire to sing a few holiday songs yourself! Tickets are not required.
Admission is FREE, donations are always welcome. For more information, please call 703-365-7895.