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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. Fall Program Registration Opens August 4, 2026.
November
November 7
Drinks of the Revolution at Rippon Lodge
12 p.m., $20 per person, audience over 12+
Explore history through the flavors of the past at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Learn about the history of tea, coffee and hot chocolate from the colonial period with this special foodways presentation. Samples of each will be provided. Limited space and guests and advanced registration required at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
November 14
Revolution on the Road: 250th Bus Tour
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $50 per person, advanced tickets required.
In commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, join us for a trip along the old King’s Highway to learn about the role Prince William County played in the founding of our country 250 years ago! Meet at Rippon Lodge Historic Site where guides will take you along the route taken by George Washington and Comte de Rochambeau to Yorktown, that has become modern US 1, to see a variety of colonial and Revolutionary sites in our County. There will be several lunch options available on your own. Tickets can be purchased at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
November 19
1950s True Crime Prince William
7 – 8:30 p.m.; FREE, donations welcome.
Prince William County has seen its share of murder cases that grabbed headlines in their day but have largely faded from the area's collective memory. In 1958 and 1959, two bizarre murder cases rocked the county. Join true crime author Zachary Ford in exploring these strange cases from Prince William’s past. This is a free lecture sponsored by Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William.
Occoquan Town Hall, 314 Mill St., Occoquan, VA. 703-792-1731.
Saturday, November 21
Potomac People: Indigenous Tribes of Eastern Prince William
9:30 -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 registration required at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA 22191.
November 21
Cook an Old Time Thanksgiving Meal Workshop SOLD OUT
11 a.m.- 3 p.m.; $20 per person, advanced registration is required.
Prepare a Thanksgiving meal using techniques and equipment commonly used in the 19th century. From roasting meat and dressing with a reflector oven to baking bread and desserts, and boiling vegetables in cast-iron pots, learn how food was prepared in the days when wood fires and Dutch ovens were the norm for cooking, using authentic Victorian recipes. Come dressed appropriately for the weather. Tickets can be purchased at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
December
December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 27-28
Holidays Through the Ages at Rippon Lodge
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $5 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 at https://pwcparks.info/hptickets
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.
December 4-7, 11-13
Gingerbread Houses at Rippon Lodge
11a.m. - 2 p.m.; FREE, donations welcome.
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 4 to the 7th, and winners will be announced on December 13th.
For rules, information and form to enter the contest, email Dan Goldstein at [email protected] by November 12, 2025. 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 11
Historic Holiday Concert at Brentsville Courthouse
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; free, donations welcome
Ring in the holiday season for a special 20th anniversary 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.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.