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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 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 SOLD OUT
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 SOLD OUT
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.
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, click here for contest details and to register by December 5th.
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.
January 2026
January 1
First Day Hike
1 – 2:30 p.m.; FREE
Bring in the new year with a history and nature hike guided by park staff. This 90-minute, 3-mile hike will start the new year on the right foot! Pets and children are welcome to join. Trail surfaces are grass, gravel, mulch, and paved, and are suitable for jogging strollers. Dress appropriately for the weather.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, Iron Brigade Unit Ave. and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.