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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.
March
March 16
Rippon Lodge Easter Activity Trail
Timed hunts between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $5 per person, reservations required.
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 to 11:00 am for children 3 and under; 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for ages 4-6; and 2:00 to 3:00 pm for ages 7 to 11. Space is limited. Advanced registration required, get your tickets here.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
March 23
Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium (SOLD OUT)
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; $10 per person.
Join us for the 9th Annual Prince William/Manassas Symposium, this year at a new location: the Manassas Museum. Each year local historians and experts explore the many facets of County history with a wide variety of lecture topics. Tickets are $10 for an all-day program. The Symposium also marks the release of the Sixth issue of the Journal of Prince William History, which will be on sale for the special one-day price of $5.
Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
March 28
Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Small but Important Riots: The Cavalry Battles of Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville by Robert F. O’Neill.
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Free, $5 suggested donation.
Small but Important Riots focuses on the fighting from June 17 to 22, 1863, at Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville, placed within the strategic context of the Gettysburg campaign. It is based on Robert O’Neill’s thirty years of research and access to previously unpublished documents, which reveal startling new information.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
March 30
Scrambled Egg Hunts at Brentsville Courthouse
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.; $35 per egg hunt.
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, fun challenge for all! Can you find 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 March 25th so that staff may be able to make accommodations for your family. Get tickets here.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
April
April 6
American Battlefield Trust Annual Park Day – Bristoe Station Battlefield
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free.
Join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park and the American Battlefield Trust at Park Day 2024! Park Day is a nationwide event that encourages Civil War enthusiasts to help maintain, restore and preserve Civil War sites through volunteerism. Join us for a fun and rewarding day of work at Bristoe Station Battlefield. Projects will include litter pick up, cleaning cemeteries, and trail maintenance throughout the 140-acre park. Wear sturdy work shoes, bring gloves, and remember sunscreen. Tools and snacks will be provided. Meet in the parking lot off Iron Brigade Avenue. Please no pets.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.
April 10
Take a Sip of History: Prince William County in the Revolutionary War
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Free, donations welcome.
Prince William County residents played a central role in the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783. Local leaders led in the halls of government and on the battlefield. Hundreds of residents volunteered to fight for American independence. Learn their stories and ask our panel of experts questions about the County’s role in the nation’s founding. This is a joint program hosted by Tin Cannon Brewing Company and Prince William Historic Preservation.
Tin Cannon Brewing Company, 7679 Limestone Drive #130, Gainesville, VA. 703-367-7872.
April 11
History Homeschool Day at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $6 per student ages 4 and up, chaperones are free, advanced registration required.
Homeschool families are invited to visit Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre for a special day of hands-on programming! Visit the 19th century town that played an important role in Prince William County’s history. Learn about American history and civics as you the explore historic buildings and grounds. Schedule of Homeschool Offerings include:
-Interactive Tours at 10AM & 12PM
-Mock Trials at 11AM & 1PM
-Civil War Presentation & Musket Firing Demonstration at 10:30AM & 12:30PM
-Historic Cooking Demos are on-going
-School Past & Present are on-going
-Historic Games are on-going
-Musical Fife & Drum Demos are on-going
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre has ample parking, and our grounds are spacious so feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased online or over the phone.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
April 20
Behind the Scenes Tour of Rippon Lodge
11 a.m.; $5 per person, space limited, advanced registration is required.
This historical hardhat tour takes visitors into spaces not available during the standard tour of Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Learn a little more history from behind-the-scenes. Space limited; no one under 18. Get your tickets here.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812.
May
May-October: Tours on 2nd & 4th Weekends
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Tours
Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; Free, donations encouraged.
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 that took place 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. No pets please.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.
May 1
Take a Sip of History: The Civilian Conservation Corps
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Free, donations welcome.
From the depths of the Great Depression came some of our nation's finest natural, historic, and conservation parks. From 1933 to 1942 tens of thousands of men supported their families with hard work outdoors that many weren't prepared for to provide these national treasures. Join staff from Prince William Forest Park and Prince William Office of Historic Preservation for this Take a Sip of history on the Civilian Conservation Corps. 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 May 1st will be donated to the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation. For more information, call 703-365-7895.
May 11
Williams-Dawe House Hard Hat Tours
Tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; $25 per person, advance tickets suggested.
For Historic Preservation Month, join us on a hard hat tour of Prince William County’s newest “old” building. The Williams-Dawe House is the oldest residential structure preserved in the town of Brentsville and was home to many Prince William County Clerks. Explore the history of the building and the people that lived there. Also, learn the modern story of the building’s ongoing restoration work. This is a rare opportunity to see preservation in action! Space is limited, and advance tickets are suggested. Get your tickets here.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
May 17
Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns: Dumfries
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 May, visit two of historic Dumfries’ cemeteries: Dumfries Public Cemetery and Dumfries Slave and African American Cemetery, and learn about county history through the stories of the people buried there.
Tour will meet in front of Dumfries Elementary School located at 3990 Cameron St., Dumfries, VA 22026. 703-792-1731.
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. Fore 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.