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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. Registration for January-April Events Opens December 9, 2025.
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.
January 22
Prince William History Lecture Series: “Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries” by Chris Barbuschak and Suzanne S. LaPierre
7 – 8:30 p.m.; FREE
During the Jim Crow era, many public libraries were segregated and inaccessible to Black residents. They resisted integration even after the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. Discover the truth about the barriers imposed on the Black community and learn about the citizens-turned-activists who used protests and lawsuits to achieve more equitable library services from historians Chris Barbuschak and Suzanne S. LaPierre, authors of "Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries." 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.
February
February 1
Lucasville School Open House
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Free, donations welcome.
Join us at Lucasville School Historic Site to kick off African American History Month at Prince William County’s historic sites. Visit the reconstructed 19th century school used by the community of Lucasville and learn about Prince William’s African American history after the American Civil War.
Lucasville School, 10516 Godwin Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-365-7895.
February 14
Tastes of Home: African American Culture and American Cuisine
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $20 per person.
Many Southern dishes have their roots in west and central African culture that enslaved workers brought to America. Participants will be able to prepare and taste African and Southern dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather.
Click here to purchase tickets online.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr. Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.
February 21
Prince William County African American History and Culture Bus Tour
10a.m.- 4p.m.; $40 per person, Reservations Required.
Join local historians on a daylong tour exploring the unique and powerful stories behind the African American history of Prince William County. We will travel the county, stepping back in time to the 1800s all the way through the 1960s. Stopping at many special, sometimes forgotten, sites to learn about the lifestyle, challenges, and the power of education in the African American community. The tour will stop for lunch but is not covered in the registration price.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
March
March 21
Prince William/Manassas History Symposium
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $10 per person.
Join us for the 11th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium! Each year local historians and experts explore the many facets of County history through a wide variety of lectures. Tickets are $10 for an all-day program. The Symposium also marks the release of the eighth issue of the Journal of Prince William County History, which will be on sale for the special one-day price of $5.
Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, VA. 703-792-1731.
March 22
Historic Homes of Prince William County Bus Tour
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $50 per person, advanced registration required.
As part of the 11th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium, join us for the opportunity to tour private historic homes within Prince William County! Meet at Brenstville Courthouse Historic Centre for transportation to three historic sites that are rarely open to the public. Lunch is included in ticket price and pre-registration is required. One admission to the Symposium on March 21 is included in each bus tour ticket purchase.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-792-1731.
March 26
Prince William History Lecture Series: “Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer” by Karen E. Stone
7 – 8:30 p.m.; FREE
In April 1865, as the nation reeled from Lincoln’s assassination, the U.S. Navy scoured the Potomac River for John Wilkes Booth. Anchored near Blackistone Lighthouse, the barge Black Diamond waited in vain to intercept the assassin. That night, tragedy struck when the steamer Massachusetts collided with the vessel—sending the Black Diamond to the river’s bottom and leaving 87 men dead. Author Karen E. Stone reveals the story of a heroic pursuit turned tragic. 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.
Saturday, March 28
Rippon Lodge Easter Egg Trail
Timed hunts between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; $10 per person, kids under 4 only $5
The Easter Bunny made his fun activity trail for your enjoyment at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Look for hidden objects, do physical tasks, see if you know US Presidents 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: 10:00-11:00 am for children 3 and under; 11:30 am to12:30 pm for ages 4-6; and 1:30 to 2:30 pm for ages 7 to 11. Space is limited.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.
April
April 4
Scrambled Egg Hunts at Brentsville Courthouse
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 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 and fun challenge for all! Can you find the 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 April 4th so that staff may be able to make accommodations for your family.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
Saturday, April 11
The Women of Rippon Lodge
11 a.m. and 2 p.m., $5 per person
Explore this history of Rippon Lodge Historic Site and the Blackburn Family through the letters of their female members. This talk will focus on the primary documentation found for both the colonial and early federalist periods. Space is limited. Advanced ticket purchase recommended.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.
April 14
Homeschool History Day: The Art of Government
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.; $10 per student; Advanced Registration is required
United States and Virginia government is shaped by experience. It is improved by learning from mistakes and injustices to make a better government of, by, and for the people. To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, for this year’s history homeschool day, students will examine and interact with the evolution of American government from the Revolution to the present day with activities at the historic fourth Prince William County courthouse in Brentsville. Discover how citizens of the past took action to shape the county’s history, and how students can do so today. Activities will include a mock trial, crafts, and hands-on activities.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895.
April 25
American Battlefield Trust Annual Park Day at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park and the American Battlefield Trust at Park Day 2026! 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 162-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.
May
May 16
Ben Lomond Day
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; FREE.
Ben Lomond's history spans centuries, from a Civil War hospital to a presidential retreat to a working farm. Experience the site's varied history all in one day through talks, demonstrations, activities, games, farm animals, tractors and more.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.