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.

Registration for Fall Events (September - December) opens on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

June

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.

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
Colonial Times at Rippon Lodge Summer Camp
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. Advanced registration required at https://pwcparks.info/hpcamps.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.

July

July 7-11
Civil War Summer Camp SOLD OUT
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
Civil War 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 SOLD OUT
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 13 & 14
World War II Weekend at Rippon Lodge
11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily; FREE; donations welcome.
Commemorate the Greatest Generation during this two-day event. View military equipment, armaments and historic military vehicles. Learn about medical care on and off the battlefield. Explore how citizens at home supported the war effort while viewing original WWII artifacts. Tours include information about Admiral Richard Black, WWII veteran, survivor of Pearl Harbor and the last owner of Rippon Lodge. Indoor self-guided tours are limited to 15 at a time. Families may enjoy crafts, music and more.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.

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.

September 27
Brentsville Bluegrass Festival
12p.m. – 6 p.m.; FREE, donations accepted.
Join us for a day of music and local history. Enjoy bluegrass music, displays, explore the historic site, and enjoy hands-on activities for the kids. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site.

Bands
King Street Bluegrass
Page County Ramblers
Sweet Yonder

Food Trucks
Dave’s Dogs
Catfish on Wheels
Wild About Ice Cream

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895

October

Saturday, 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.

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. The spirits of Brentsville 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.

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