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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. Please note, this link does not include tickets for festivals and tours. Click here to purchase tickets.
June
June 5
Take a Sip of History: Taverns
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Free, donations welcome.
Grab a pint and join us for our next "Take a Sip of History!" Listen to speakers discuss historic taverns while sipping your own beverage from Water's End Brewery. This is a joint program with Water’s End Brewery in Lake Ridge. In honor of this ongoing collaboration, Water’s End will be brewing a special Sip of History beer. 10% of draft beer sales of this brew on June 5th will be donated to the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation. For more information, call 703-792-1731.
June 8
Resolve & Revolution: Marking the 250th Anniversary of the Prince William Resolves
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free, donations welcome.
In June 1774, Prince William County citizens protested the British parliament’s passage of the “Intolerable Acts” by drafting and signing the Prince William Resolves. Commemorate this momentous step towards independence by attending a free family-friendly program marking the 250th anniversary. Events include an immersive play, children’s activities, puppet shows, tours, and music.
Merchant Park, 3944 Cameron St., Dumfries, VA. 703-792-1731.
June 8
Tavern Night
6 – 9 p.m.; free, donations welcome.
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. Visitors will 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, drink, and Sip of History mugs will be available to purchase on site. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation. On site parking is limited; overflow parking available is available at Dumfries Town Hall (1/2 mile away from Williams Ordinary) at 17739 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026. A shuttle will go between Town Hall parking and Williams Ordinary throughout the evening. For more information, visit watersendbrewery.com/tavernnight
Williams Ordinary, 17674 Main St., Dumfries, VA. 703-792-1731.
June 10
Museum Family Day at Ben Lomond: Grow Your Own Garden
10 – 11 a.m.; $5 per person, ages 4 and up.
Bring your whole family to Ben Lomond Historic Site to learn about old-time gardening techniques and plants through hands-on learning. Then, build your own planter and take home a plant to start your own garden. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Get your tickets here.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr, Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
June 17, 18, 20 & 21
Colonial Times at Rippon Lodge Summer Camp
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 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. Advance registration required.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
June 19
Barnes House Open House
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free, donations welcome.
Built in 1797, the Barnes House is an average Prince William County residence, but the people who lived here were anything but typical. First used as a tavern, in 1899 Eppa Barnes bought the house where he was born into slavery for his own growing family. Join local historians for an open house to explore the exhibits highlighting the site's diverse history and an amazing story of historic preservation in Prince William County.
Barnes House Historic Site is located near the Montclair Community Library at 5049 Waterway Dr., Montclair, VA. Admission is free, donations are welcome. For more information, please call 703-792-1731.
June 19
Juneteenth at Lucasville
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free, donations welcome.
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 21
Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns: Batestown
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Free.
Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County. For June, visit Batestown, a historic African American town that played a significant role in Prince William County’s history.
Tour will depart from the Little Union Baptist Church located at 17150 Mine Rd., Dumfries, VA. 703-792-1731.
June 24 –28
PWC History Camp: Farm Life Camp
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $240 per camper ages 8 to 13.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live on a farm in the days of oil lamps? How about in a small Virginia town before the big highways came? Answer these questions and more at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre’s Farm Life Camp! Campers will 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!
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA, 20136. 703-365-7895.
July
July 8
Museum Family Monday-Rippon Lodge Game Day
10 - 11a.m., $5 per person, ages 4 and up.
Bring the family to explore history through fun, historic games, and activities at Rippon Lodge. Programs include outdoor and indoor experiences. Advance registration here.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
July 8-12
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.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
July 13 - 14
World War II Weekend at Rippon Lodge
11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily; FREE; donations welcome.
Learn about daily life of WWII soldiers in the European and Pacific Theatres from living historians portraying both Axis and Allied soldiers. Hear about their equipment and armaments, see historic military vehicles, and learn about medical care on and off the battlefield. Additionally, explore how citizens at home supported the war effort while viewing original WWII artifacts. Tours include information about Admiral Richard Black, the last owner of Rippon Lodge, and WWII veteran and survivor of Pearl Harbor. Enjoy crafts, music and more. Indoor tours, limited to 15 at a time.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
July 19
Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns: Nokesville
7 - 8 p.m.; free.
Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County. For August, visit Nokesville, a small agricultural town with a rich history.
Tour will depart from the Renaissance Montessori School located at 12625 Fitzwater Dr., Nokesville, VA 20181. 703-792-1731.
July 20
Ben Lomond Hospital Lantern Tours and Luminary
8 – 9:30 p.m.; $10 per person, advance registration is suggested.
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. Get tickets here.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
July 20-21
Overnight at the Brentsville Jail
6 p.m. – 8 a.m.; $120 per person, ages 18 and older.
From 1822-1893 Brentsville was the center of law and order for Prince William County. The jail held prisoners accused of various crimes from theft, poisoning, and murder while awaiting trial in the courthouse. Spend the night in the 202-year-old building while learning about crime and punishment at Brentsville with a mock trial, evening tour, and ghost stories around the campfire before settling in for the night in one of the cells. Reservations are required and includes a light breakfast. Participants must bring their own sleeping materials. There will be up to 5 people in a cell.
Register at https://pwcparks.info/historicprograms.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
August
August 5-9
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.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
August 12
Museum Family Day at Brentsville Courthouse: Farm Day
10 - 11 a.m.; $5 per person, ages 4 and up.
Visit the Historic Haislip-Hall House to try your hand at some 19th century farm activities! Churn butter, crank ice cream, play historic games, and learn about what life was like on a farm before there was electricity. Adults must be able to participate with children. Get tickets at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
August 16
Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns: Groveton
7 - 8 p.m.; free.
Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County. For July, visit the Civil War-era village Groveton, the remnants of which are now located in Manassas National Battlefield Park. The tour will meet at 6706 Groveton Rd. Manassas, VA. 703-792-1731.
August 17
Rippon Lodge Bug and Bird Day
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free.
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 are required. Get your tickets here.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
August 24-25
Battle of Kettle Run Anniversary Tours
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; free, donations encouraged.
Join Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park staff and volunteers to commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Run. This August 27, 1862, battle, while small, was bloody and took a heavy toll on the regiments that 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, donations encouraged.
Stand on the ground of Bristoe Station Battlefield 162 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 28
Brentsville Day
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; free, donations welcome.
As the 4th seat of Prince William County from 1822-1893, Brentsville was a bustling community full of business, agriculture, trades, and more. Every month during court days hundreds and even thousands would come to the courthouse to socialize, conduct business, purchase supplies, be entertained and more. Join us for fun afternoon to experience the hustle and bustle of Court Day. Activities will include mock trials, bluegrass music, historic tradespeople and medicine shows, markets, food, demonstrations, displays, and more.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
October
October 12-13
Battle of Bristoe Station Anniversary Weekend
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; free, donations encouraged.
Join Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park staff and volunteers to commemorate the 161st 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. Artillery firing demonstrations will be held at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. “Be a Civil War Artillerist” activity will be held throughout the day.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, Iron Brigade Unit Ave. and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.
October 12
Bristoe Station Luminary
7-9 p.m.; free, donations encouraged.
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. Living history vignettes will be located across the battlefield and guided tours will lead visitors to meet the individuals who made history here.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, Iron Brigade Unit Ave. and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.
October 19
Ghost Hunters Showing & Ghost Tour
7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Showing is free, tickets for Ghost Tours are $15 per person.
Did you know this year is the 15th Anniversary of Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre being featured on an episode of Ghost Hunters? For this Halloween season, bring your blankets and join us for a special anniversary showing at the place where it happened! Afterwards, learn the history behind the episode and hear more ghost stories as you tour Brentsville’s grounds and historic buildings by candlelight. Showing starts at 7 p.m. and ghost tours start at 8 p.m. Space is limited for the ghost tours and advance tickets are suggested. Get tickets online at www.pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
October 25
Campfire Ghost Stories
7:30-9 p.m.; $5 per person.
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. Children 6 and under are free. Get tickets online at www.pwcparks.info/hptickets.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
October 26
The Funeral of Col. Thomas Blackburn at Rippon Lodge
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $5 per person, kids under 6 free.
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 his funeral service. Advanced registration strongly suggested at https://pwcparks.info/historicprograms.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
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.
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.