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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.
November
November 2
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. Learn more about the formation of the Prince William County Independent Company of Cadets on November 11th, 1774. Meet civilian camp followers, enslaved soldiers, and indigenous scouts who were engaged in the March to Yorktown, enjoy making crafts, playing colonial era games, other living history activities, and more.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
November 9
Fall Harvest Tours of the Haislip-Hall House
Tours at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free.
Fall is the season of harvest, in the 1850s this meant preparing for the long time ahead with no fresh food. Join in on our tour at Brentsville Courthouse this weekend where we will be visiting the Haislip-Hall House to learn more about what went into the preparation of keeping people fed and warm during the cold winter months. How did they celebrate the waning days of plenty? Just as important, try out some activities to stave off the boredom of being stuck inside!
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12220 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
November 16
Potomac People: Indigenous Tribes of Eastern Prince William
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., $5.00 per person, advanced registration required.
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. Sunscreen, bottled water, and bug spray suggested. Advanced registration required at https://pwcparks.info/historicprograms.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail/Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
November 23
Cook an Old Time Thanksgiving Meal Workshop
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $20 per person.
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; get tickets online at www.pwcparks.info/hptickets. For historic recipes, click here.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
December
December 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30
Holidays Through The Ages At Rippon Lodge
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 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 at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
December 6
Historic Holiday Concert at Brentsville Courthouse
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.; free, donations welcome.
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! After the concert, join us around the bonfire to sing a few holiday songs yourself! Tickets are not required, admission is FREE, and donations are always welcome. For more information please call 703-365-7895..
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
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.
February
February 1
Lucasville School Open House
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; FREE, donations welcome.
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 www.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
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $50 per person, advanced registration required. Get tickets here.
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. Get tickets at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, 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.