The national capital region of Washington, D.C., northern Virginia and suburban Maryland is home to The Historic House Consortium of Metropolitan Washington D.C., a diverse collection of 34 sites open to the public as museums and historic attractions. Ranging from the homes of three presidents – including the White House – to the site of an infamous presidential assassination to homes lived in by abolitionists and civil rights leaders, suffragettes and diplomats, patriots, generals, a naval hero, and founding fathers and mothers, the Historic House Consortium of Metropolitan Washington D.C., offers a wide variety of experiences. Featuring an amazing array of American architectural styles from the Colonial and Federal periods to a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, home types include small farmsteads, stately plantations, urban row houses, a home in a 1930’s planned community, and of course magnificent mansions and country estates!
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See a map of all the HHMC Sites
Tavern
Toddlers
Gadsby's Tavern - It is never too early for your kids to appreciate
history! Be a part of the Museum’s pilot program for ages 1-3. Themed
activities are from 11:00—11:45 and cost $15 per family group, which
includes the program, snack, and craft! Reservations are required. Call
703.838.4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org
for more information
October 15– STROLLER
TOUR
November 19– BABY & ME YOGA
December 17– SHAPES
January 12 (Saturday 11:00am and 2:00pm) – COLORS
Homeschool Day
November 1, Gadsby's Tavern
Become a traveler from the 18th century as you tour the ca. 1785
tavern and 1792 hotel. Then explore the history, math, and science behind
the buildings through hands-on objects, crafts, and special presentations.
Cost is $5 per person ages 3 and up. Tours are offered between 10am and
4pm, by appointment. Call 703.838.4242 to reserve your space today.
Hands-on History: An
Early American Thanksgiving
November 12, 10 a.m., Riversdale Mansion
Children, ages 8 and older, learn native American foodways as they prepare
a fall feast. Residents: $20 * Non-residents: $24 * Advance registration
required by November 5 For more information call 301.864.0420 or visit
us online at www.pgparks.com.
Sint Niklaas Day: A
Winter Afternoon for Children
December 1, 2:30
p.m., Riversdale Mansion
Children will receive
a gift bag from Sint Niklaas, the forerunner of our modern Santa Claus,
make a craft to take home, and enjoy refreshments with their parents.
They can also visit the special kids-only shopping area to buy holiday
gifts that fit their budget. Children: $6 * Adults: $2 * Advance registration
required. For more information call 301.864.0420 or visit us online at
www.pgparks.com.
Children’s Holiday
Shopping at Sully
December 2 and 3,
11am-4pm, Sully Historic Site
Kids can find a treat for everyone on their list at Sully’s shopping
day just for kids. Sully’s one-room school house store is filled
with items reminiscent of times past, from the 18th century to the 20th.
Volunteers help children select items, many priced $10 or less, while
parents wait on the grounds. Free wrapping available on site. For information
call 703-437-1794.
Children's Events | Concerts/Performances | Historical Events | Holiday/Special Events | Lectures | Teas | Tours | Other
Holiday
Concert – IONA
December 27, 1, 2 or 3pm, Sully Historic Site
One of the top rated pan-Celtic groups in the world, IONA treats its audience
to high energy entertainment featuring Scottish fiddling, driving percussion
and strong vocals presenting the music of the Celtic countries. House
tour included. Refreshments served in the original 18th century kitchen.
Prepaid reservations required. Refunds require two week written notice.
Limited seating. $10/seat. For information call 703-437-1794.
Holiday Concert –
Richmond Guitar Quartet
December 28, 2 or 3pm, Sully Historic Site
Four guitars, four individuals, one unique new sound. The Richmond Guitar
Quartet is dedicated to fine performance of new music and transcriptions
by Richmond composers. Four young guitarists have come together to create
an ensemble that tests the boundaries of what chamber music can do. House
tour included. Refreshments served in the original 18th century kitchen.
Prepaid reservations required. Refunds require two week written notice.
Limited seating. $10/seat. For information call 703-437-1794.
Children's Events | Concerts/Performances | Historical Events | Holiday/Special Events | Lectures | Teas | Tours | Other
Hispanic
Heritage Celebration
October 7, noon-4pm,
Sully Historic Site
Historic military reenactments, music, children’s activities and
food highlight Sully’s first event dedicated to the history and
culture of our Hispanic neighbors. Learn about the contribution of Hispanic
troops during the American Revolutionary War and discover Hispanic cultural
influences in northern Virginia today. $6/adult, $4/child. For information
call 703-437-1794.
Swordsmen’s
Rendezvous
November 3 Gadby's Tavern
En guarde! Experience
this unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18th century
gentleman must know - swordplay. The program includes re-enactment of
18th-century swordplay and a display of 18th-century weapons. This popular
family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation
as you practice your new-found talents. Price is $5 per person, ages 5
and up. Tours are from 11:00am—4:30pm and reservations are required.
Please call 703.838.4242 for more information or to book your tour time.
Colonial Day at Sully
November 3, 11am-4pm, Sully Historic Site
Discover life along Cain’s Branch before Richard Bland Lee made
this land his country seat in 1794. Hear stories of the Revolutionary
War while American and British soldiers show battles tactics from 225
years ago. See tobacco and learn the processes of growing this major cash
crop. Help with the labor experienced by the enslaved African Americans
in the fields. Watch demonstrations of colonial skills. House tour included.
Sponsored by The Sully Foundation, Ltd. in celebration of 400 years of
Virginia history and founding of Jamestown. $7/adult, $5/child. For information
call 703-437-1794.
Bringing History to
Life in Georgetown: Civil War Washington - Professional Development Workshop
for Teachers
November 6 4 – 7 p.m., Tutor Place
Local history comes to life in this interactive workshop! In this workshop,
teachers examine Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. Take a tour of
the National Historic Landmark, learn techniques for analyzing primary
sources, discover creative methods for engaging students in the study
of American history, and take home classroom materials from the Tudor
Place archival collection. Members: $7 Nonmembers: $10
Drinking with La Fayette:
French Wine Tasting
November 8 6:30 p.m. Tutor Place
Experience historic French wines! Guided by one of Washington's premier
wine critics the tasting is held at one of Georgetown's premier historic
houses, Halcyon House. Collaborating with the Washington Wine Academy,
carefully selected French wines perhaps once enjoyed by La Fayette on
his 1824 Grand Tour of America, please the palate. Members: $75 Nonmembers:
$85
Lifelines
November 17, Event 1-3pm, Lecture 3:30pm, Sully Historic Site
Learn about the African American presence at Sully over 200 years ago
through demonstrations and interpretation at the outbuildings and the
slave quarter. Attend the 3:30pm resource lecture by Genealogist Karen
White from the Afro-American Historical Association in the Plains, Virginia
to trace your African American past. A reception follows. The lecture
is sponsored by The Sully Foundation, Ltd. in celebration of 400 years
of Virginia history and founding of Jamestown. Pre-paid reservations required.
$6 adult, $4/child and seniors. For information call 703-437-1794.
Fiddling Around on
a Winter Day
December 16, 2pm, Sully Historic Site
Federal period gentry families like the Lees often hired a music master
to instruct their children in the art of playing the pianoforte, guitar,
flute or fiddle. Historian and musician Michael McDonnell portrays a traveling
teacher and will fill the halls with fiddle tunes heard at Sully 200 years
ago. House tour included. Prepaid reservations required. $7/adult, $5/senior
and child. For information call 703-437-1794.
Children's Events | Concerts/Performances | Historical Events | Holiday/Special Events | Lectures | Teas | Tours | Other
Fall Harvest
Family Days
October 20 - 21, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mount Vernon
With all the wheat cleared
and the crops picked, Mount Vernon will transform its four-acre George
Washington: Pioneer Farmer site into a harvest celebration. Rain or shine
visitors will meet “General Washington,” and witness wheat-treading
and farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations. Families can watch the colonial
cooking demonstrations, take a wagon ride, and find their way through
a straw bale maze. This weekend only, Potomac River sightseeing cruises,
courtesy of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company, are available
half-price. Tickets may be purchased at the Main Gate or on the boat.
All children, age 11 and under, receive a free pumpkin as they exit the
Estate (with child’s ticket), while supplies last. Included in regular
admission. For more information call (703) 780-2000 or visit www.MountVernon.org.
November 8 Salute to
Armistice Day Benefit
Join the Wilson House
at our annual salute to Armistice Day event to benefit the programs and
projects of Woodrow Wilson House. Date tentative, location TBA.
Veteran’s Day
November 11, 11am-4pm,
Sully Historic Site
Tour the 1794 home and grounds of Richard Bland Lee, northern Virginia’s
first congressman. All active-duty military and U.S. service veterans
admitted FREE. For information call 703-437-1794.
Veteran's Day
November 11, 2007 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Mount Vernon
In honor of our nation's
veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty or retired military.
Special activities include a free patriotic community concert by the all-veteran
barbershop chorus The Harmony Heritage Singers in the Smith Auditorium.
Visitors are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb
and join the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the
American Revolution at a wreathlaying ceremony in honor of our nation's
veterans. The wreathlaying is included with admission. Veterans receive
a free flag (while supplies last). For more information call (703) 780-2000
or visit www.MountVernon.org.
Creative Holiday Floral
Designs
November 15, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tutor Place
Rance Goff, Chief Designer
at ULTRA Violet Flowers in Georgetown, presents a creative demonstration
of holiday floral design and arranging. The program includes basic tips
for making fresh arrangements, innovative centerpiece and home decor ideas,
and unique design applications to inspire you to create your own beautiful
holiday arrangements. Goff, an internationally acclaimed designer, brings
an innovative flair to the art of arranging flowers. Members: $10
Nonmembers: $15
Late Harvest Ball “Dancer’s
Ball”
November 17, Gadsby's Tavern
As the harvest season
comes to a close, the social season in 18th century Alexandria begins
with the ball for experienced 18th century dancers. This 1770s style ball
will take place in the historic ballroom where George Washington and other
notable Alexandrians danced. The evening will feature a variety of advanced
English Country Dances, live music, dessert collation, gaming, and a cash
bar. Period costume optional, “after-five” attire encouraged.
Times are 8:00 – 11:00pm and cost is $45 in advance per adult, $10
per child (ages 13 to 18), and $50 at the door. Reservations are required
so please call 703.838.4242 or visit us online at www.gadsbystavern.org.
The Holidays at Mount
Vernon
December 1, 2006 - Jan 6, 2007, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Mount Vernon
The Washingtons' seasonal
entertaining is interpreted daily, including Christmas Day and New Year's
Day. Visitors learn about 18th-century holiday activities at Mount Vernon
and tour the Mansion. Martha Washington’s garret chamber, on the
rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion, will be open. The Mansion is authentically
decorated with natural greenery and set for a festive holiday gathering.
Included with admission to the estate. For more information call (703)
780-2000 or visit www.MountVernon.org.
Christmas on S Street:
A 20th Century Presidential Christmas
December 4, Woodrow
Wilson House
Wilson House will be
decorated for the season in the style of the Wilson’s and the 1920s.
Mrs. Wilson always placed a “Della Robbia” style wreath on
the front door to welcome the many guests who arrived to celebrate the
holidays and the President’s birthday on December 28th. A splendid
twelve-foot tree, heavily adorned with electric lights, filled the solarium
and radiated through the Palladian window at the top of the foyer stairs.
Unlike other historic homes and museums, Christmas on S Street is very
much a modern celebration - no burning Yule logs or candle-light but electric
lights on the tree and carols on the “Victrola”. The
house is decorated December 4, 2007 - January 6, 2008.
Festive Season at Sully
December 5 -31, except
Tuesdays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 11am-4pm, Sully Historic Site
During your guided tour, experience the main house at Sully accented with
greens and gracefully decorated for an 18th century season of celebration.
In the exhibit room, relive the 1885 holiday memories of a young Sully
visitor seeing the tree decorated in Victorian splendor. Groups require
reservations. $6/adult, $5/student, $4/senior and child. For information
call 703-437-1794.
Christmas Ornament
Workshop
December. 17, 2-4pm, Sully
Historic Site
Make a historic holiday craft to take home. Light refreshments served
in the 1794 kitchen. Prepaid reservations required by 12/15. Canceled
if inclement weather. $6. For information call 703-437-1794.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
December 28
Join us in saying “Happy
Birthday Mr. President” at his final resting place, the National
Cathedral.
The Calverts By Candlelight
December 27 &
28, 7 p.m., Riversdale Mansion
Pay an evening call on
the Calverts and enjoy refreshments and children’s activities.
Adults: $5 * Children
12 & under: Free For more information call 301.864.0420 or visit us
online at www.pgparks.com.
Twelfth Night Ball
January 5, 7:30 p.m., Riversdale Mansion
Come in period attire or black tie to celebrate the traditional end of
the holiday season at this Regency-style ball. Residents: $25 * Non-residents:
$30 * Capacity is limited, advance registration required For more information
call 301.864.0420 or visit us online at www.pgparks.com.
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“Hotels
and Hospitality”, John Yagerline Lecture Series
Gadsby's Tavern
Learn all about the industry of hotel management and hospitality –
18th century style. From Mr. Gadsby’s innovations, the grand dames
of hotels, plus Washington’s perspective of his revolving door at
Mount Vernon, the series will certainly bring a fresh perspective to travel.
Doors open at 7:00pm and lecture begins at 7:30. Cost is $12 per person.
- October 10 That Hospitable Mansion: Hospitality at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mary Thompson
- October 17 Grand Hotels, Dwight Young, National Trust for Historic Preservation
- October 24 John Gadsby’s Three H’s: Hospitality, Hotels and Horseracing, Gretchen Bulova
A Symbol of Liberty:
The Marquis de La Fayette
Saturday, October 20 - Sunday October 21
Held at the French Embassy and Tudor Place
Drawing inspiration from Tudor Place’s exhibition Hail Lafayette!,
this weekend conference cosponsored with The French-American Cultural
Alliance and La Maison Françoise explores the impact of La Fayette
on America. Sessions by leading scholars focus on his contributions to
the Revolution, his relationship with General Washington, his 1824 Grand
Tour, and the French/American cultural and political climate during the
late 1700s and early 1800s. Participants enjoy a rich program of presentations
by experts in the field as well as an evening reception, special exhibition
tour, and behind-the-scenes tour of the historic mansion. Tudor Place
and La Maison Françoise Members: $50, Nonmembers: $60, Students:
$45, Register at www.tudorplace.org
or call 202-965-0400 x110
Children's Events | Concerts/Performances | Historical Events | Holiday/Special Events | Lectures | Teas | Tours | Other
Check back for upcoming events!
Fall Wine
Festival & Sunset Tour
October 5 - 7, 2007, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mount Vernon
Join Mount Vernon in its rain-or-shine fall celebration of the history
of the Virginia wine industry on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac
River. Participants sample wines from award-winning Virginia wineries,
learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s
wine endeavors, enjoy live blues by Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders,
and meet “George Washington” on the Mansion's piazza. Guests
have the opportunity to experience an evening tour of George Washington's
home and are invited to visit the rarely-open basement cellar vaults where
he stored his wine. The Shops at Mount Vernon will be open for early Christmas
shopping. Tickets go on sale September 1 and are available through Ticketmaster.com
or by calling 703-573-7328. Early ticket purchases are suggested for this
popular event. No outside food and drink. No pets. $25 per person.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Sunday, October 14, 1:30 p.m.
Join Director of Architectural and Landscape Conservation, Jana Shafagoj
for an inside look at areas of the house and historic garage not regularly
shown to visitors and learn about the extensive restoration underway.
Highlights of the tour include a mid-20th c. state of the art fall out
shelter in the garage, and treasures in the basement and attic. Members:
$10 Nonmembers: $15
Harvest Festival and
Lantern Tours
October 20, Harvest Festival, 2-6pm and Lantern tours, 6-7:30pm, Sully
Historic Site
Experience an afternoon of crafts and music at Sully’s Harvest festival.
Learn about butchering and preserving meats at the smokehouse, dip a candle,
stir a kettle of apple butter over the open fire, card wool and see how
it is spun into yarn. Listen to local musicians play folk and traditional
music. At the slave quarter bake an ash cake, flail wheat and make a historic
toy. After a day of autumn chores, see Sully by lantern light and hear
humorous tales of the past. Pre-paid reservations required. Crafts and
music $8, lantern tours $7, both activities $12. For information call
703-437-1794.
Hail La Fayette! Behind-the-Scenes
Exhibition Tour
Friday, November 2, 11:00 a.m., Tutor Place
Join Curator of Collections Sasha Lourie for a behind-the-scenes tour
of Tudor Place’s latest exhibition, Hail La Fayette! Highlights
of the tour include, a rare poudre or child's writing desk given by La
Fayette to Martha Custis [Peter] as a child; a condolence letter written
by La Fayette to Martha Washington upon General Washington's death; and
rarely exhibited costumes for a woman, man, and child of the late-18th
century. A recreation of the banquet held for La Fayette at Tudor Place
featuring select Mount Vernon objects are featured on the tour. Members:
$10, Nonmembers: $15
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 23, 24 & 25, November 30, December 1 & 2, December
7, 8 & 9 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
During this holiday program, visitors learn about the Washingtons' Christmas
traditions, tour the candlelit Mansion including the rarely-seen third
floor, and meet First Lady 'Martha Washington'. On the grounds, guests
enjoy caroling and free cookies and hot cider around a roaring campfire.
This is the only time of the year that Mount Vernon is open exclusively
for public evening tours. Ticket sales begin November 1 at Mount Vernon’s
Main Gate or through Ticketmaster at 703-573-7328 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/172248.
The Food Court and The Shops at Mount Vernon will be open until 9 p.m.
- admission tickets are not required to visit these areas. Tickets for
Mount Vernon by Candlelight are: adults: $15, children 11 and under: $10.
October 26 Tour &
Lunch at the Capitol
Join the Friends of Wilson House and The Wilsonian Club on an in-depth
tour of the US Capitol Building guided by a member of the Capitol Historian’s
staff. Enjoy the varied works of art that adorn the Rotunda and corridors
and visit the original House and Senate Chambers and the old Supreme Court
Chamber. Lunch will be served in a private room within the Capitol. For
more information on ticket pricing and tour details, contact Marie Danch,
202-387-4062 ext 18 or check the website at www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org
Gothick Evening
October 26, 7 p.m., Riversdale Mansion
We present an evening of eerie tales and macabre happenings from early
19th century literature throughout the house. Lantern guided tours depart
every 15 minutes; last tour at 8:15 p.m. $10 For more information call
301.864.0420 or visit us online at www.pgparks.com.
Annual Historic Alexandria
Candlelight Tours – ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Dec 8
Take a break from the
fast pace of the season and experience the unique charm and history at
Old Town Alexandria’s most popular holiday event. Tour Gadsby’s
Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House, and Christ Church by
candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments.
Tour times are from 5:00 – 9:00pm and cost is $20 for adults, $15
for seniors (65 and older), and $5 for children (ages 6-17). Pre-sale
discounts are available before December 1. Reservations are recommended
so please call 703.838.4242 or visit www.historicalexandria.org.
Candlelight Tours
December 8, begins at 5pm with the last tour at 8:15pm and 9th begins
at 5pm with the last tour at 7:15pm Sully Historic Site.
Follow the lantern-lit path to the elegant 1794 home of Richard Bland
Lee and discover the spirit of Christmas past. Engage costumed characters
and take in the rare sight of 18th century rooms aglow with candlelight.
Outdoors, warm yourself by the fire and join in caroling. See military
reenactors encamped on the lawn and hear stories of American Christmas
celebrations in the field. Listen for the jingle bells that adorn the
robe of our Victorian St. Nicholas and receive a treat. Take a holiday
photo by our antique sleigh. Cookies and cider will be served. Prepaid
reservations required. $10/adult, $7senior and child. For information
call 703-437-1794.
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Mr. Stier’s
Bulb Sale
October 6, 12 noon, Riversdale Mansion
Visit the Riversdale Historical Society’s booth at Riverdale
Park Day to buy bulbs for fall planting. For more information call 301.864.0420
or visit us online at www.pgparks.com.
Naturalization Ceremony
October 8, 2007, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon will be the site of a special Immigration and Naturalization
Service Ceremony, during which 100 individuals will officially receive
American citizenship. This unique and patriotic program, featuring distinguished
guests and music, is held annually at Mount Vernon. The ceremony is co-hosted
by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and Mount Vernon, in partnership
with the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American
Revolution. The program also includes musical performances by the Marine
Band and the National Men’s Chorus. Regular admission applies to
the general public. For more information call (703) 780-2000 or visit
www.MountVernon.org.
Historic House Museum
Consortium of Washington, DC
Please put our next meeting on your calendar! Monday, October 15 Beall-Dawson
House 103 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850 Gather at 10:00 Business
Meeting at 10:30 Please rsvp for meeting to Gretchen.Bulova@alexandriava.gov