M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS January – June 2018
, a National Historic Landmark,
was begun by Henri Joseph Stier, a wealthy immigrant from Antwerp, in 1801. After his return to Europe, his daughter, Rosalie, and her husband, George Calvert, made it their home. Mrs. Calvert’s correspondence tells the story of this family and their elegant house, a story that is an integral part of the history of Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland, and the nation. Today, this historic house museum of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission offers regular tours and special programs throughout the year.
In the winter of 1804, Mrs. Calvert reported that she enjoyed
“several large dancing parties.” Dance the night away at our Regencystyle Twelfth Night Ball in January. Mrs. Calvert also attended a “superb dinner” at the home of the English Ambassador, Mr. Merry. Later in January, join us as we explore Dining with Jane Austen.
February is Black History Month. We present an exhibit that
highlights the story of Riversdale’s African American Plummer Family from Slavery to Freedom. An added feature will be two special guided Enslaved and Hired Workers Tours.
When George Calvert died in 1838, the inventory of his estate
included “1 Mantle [sic] clock.” In March, we open an exhibit of 19th Century Clocks in America.
In 1807, Mrs. Calvert wrote that, because her butter business
was so successful, “I am going to have a nice little dairy built under the stairs of the north portico.” In April, we bring in a group of experts for a day of Interpreting the Tidewater Dairy.
Come and join us for music and merriment at our lively Tavern
Night in April. Enjoy more live music, beginning with two free indoor Chamber Concerts. Summer’s free Jazz on the Lawn series kicks off in June.
Mrs. Calvert visited Bath, in Virginia, and other American
spa towns in 1820. We take you to the English spa city for A Bath Afternoon in May.
Despite the distance separating her from them, Mrs. Calvert
was always her parents’ “affectionate daughter.” Bring your parents or other special adults in your life for FREE Mother’s Day and Father’s Day tours.
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Riversdale Historical Society Annual Membership n $20 Student n $100 Portico Society
n $35 Individual n $250 CB's Circle
n $60 Household n $500 Rosalie's Circle
name n address
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VISA/MasterCard accepted. Please make checks payable to Riversdale Historical Society and mail to: Treasurer, Riversdale Historical Society, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD 20737. Contributions are tax deductible. www.riversdale.org
The Riversdale Historical Society The Riversdale Historical Society is the volunteer support organization for the museum. The society raises funds for restoration and interpretive projects, trains docents who conduct tours, and operates the Museum Shop. Your membership in the society ensures that this historic site will continue to be a source of pride.
From the Garden to the Kitchen: Seasonal Selections Come see Kitchen Guild volunteers cooking over the open hearth using produce harvested that morning and take a stroll through the garden. FREE with paid admission. Sundays: March 18, April 8 & 22, May 6 & 13, June 3 & 17
Volunteer Opportunities Immerse yourself in history! As volunteers, you’ll dive right into the behind-the-scenes action as you share the story of Riversdale. No experience is necessary—we’ll provide training. Docents lead guided tours of the museum. Education docents assist with school and Scout programs. Or you can work in the garden or museum shop or join the Kitchen Guild cooking in the Dependency.
j a n uary–Ju ne 201 8 C a lenda r of E V E N TS
Saturday, January 6
7:30 pm
Twelfth Night Ball
Celebrate the traditional end of the holiday season at our Regency-style ball and supper. Black tie or period attire encouraged. Advance payment required by December 31; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $45; Non-Resident $60
Saturday, January 27
2 pm
Tasting the Past: Dining with Jane Austen
Fans of Jane Austen will appreciate foodways historian Joyce White’s look at dining in Regency England. References to the novels will accompany this presentation of the dining styles of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Tasting samples will be included. Advance payment required by January 19. Fee: Resident* $15; Non-Resident $20
Sundays, February 11 & 25
1:30 & 2:45 pm
The Enslaved and Hired Workers at Riversdale Tour Dr. Leigh Ryan leads a guided tour that focuses on the roles of workers, enslaved and free, who labored here in the early 19th century. For ages 5 & up. Advance registration required. Fee: $5/adult; $4/senior; $2/student
* Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Please note that popular programs where reservations are required may sell out prior to the registration deadline noted.
Sunday, February 18
2 pm
The Riversdale Chamber Music Society Special Family Concert
The Potomac Winds present Peter and the Wolf and other childfriendly selections. If you come early, the musicians will introduce you to their instruments. The music starts promptly at 2:30. Stay for a reception after the performance. FREE
Sunday, April 15
2:30 pm
The Riversdale Chamber Music Society
Join us for the last concert of the season—the musicians are sure to have a surprise or two in store—and enjoy a reception after the performance. FREE
Thursday, April 19
9:15 am
Interpreting the Tidewater Dairy
Rosalie Calvert and her son ran dairy businesses. Join us for a day of speakers from Colonial Williamsburg, Genesee Country Village, and more as they address the duties of the dairymaid, period correct cattle breeds, and the architecture of dairy buildings. Lunch, demonstrations, and cheese tasting included. Advance payment required by April 6. Fee: $75/person
Saturday, April 28
Tavern Night
8 pm Make merry with the lively sounds of the Ship’s Company Chanteymen as our basement is transformed into a 19th century tavern, complete with food and beverages. Fee includes a souvenir glass. Ages 21 & up. Advance payment required by April 13. Fee: Resident* $28; Non-Resident $35
Sunday, May 13
12:15-3:15 pm
Mother’s Day in the Garden
Celebrate mom, grandma, or another special lady with a FREE guided tour of the house. End the afternoon with a glass of lemonade and a stroll in the garden. Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
Saturday, May 19
1 pm
A Bath Afternoon
The spa city of Bath was a center of fashion in Regency England. View an Austen film set in the city, create your own fashion album to take home, and enjoy treats worthy of Mulland’s. Advance payment required by May 11. Fee: Resident* $19; Non-Resident $25
Sunday, June 17
Father’s Day Tours Bring your dad, grandpa, or other special gentleman for a FREE guided tour of the house. Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
12:15-3:15 pm
On Exhibit
February 1–28
The Plummer Family: From Slavery to Freedom
Adam Francis Plummer, the patriarch of the African American Plummer family, lived at Riversdale. In this exhibit, we recount how some members of his family successfully escaped to freedom, while others waited for legal emancipation. We continue the family’s stories after freedom and into the 20th century. Regular tour hours and fees apply.
March 11–June 30
In a Timely Fashion: 19th Century Clocks in America In the 19th century, clocks were just becoming common in households. Explore the history of timekeeping in this exhibit featuring clocks from members of the D.C. chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. Regular tour hours and fees apply.
Summer on the Lawn
7 pm
This summer, we add a FREE performance of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream on July 11 to our popular jazz concerts. CONCERTS: June 27, July 25, other dates TBA
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your picnic basket to enjoy an evening of entertainment. These performances are made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
4811 Riverdale Road Riverdale Park, MD 20737
Greetings from LOCATION: 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park, Maryland, 2 blocks south of MD
Route 410, between Kenilworth Ave. and U.S. Route 1, about 1-1/2 miles south of the University of Maryland–College Park.
DIRECTIONS: Take I-95/495 to Exit 23, Route 201, Kenilworth Avenue, South.
Continue approximately 3 miles. Turn right on MD Route 410, East-West Highway. Proceed 1/2 mile and follow brown Riversdale signs.
OFFICE/VISITOR CENTER HOURS: Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pm TOURS AND FEES: Year round, Friday and Sunday, 12:15– 3:15 pm. Tours begin at
the Visitor Center every half hour, and the last tour begins at 3:15. Fees: $5/adults, $4/seniors (age 60 & up) & group tours for 10 or more, $2/ages 5–18 and students with valid ID, FREE/ages 4 & under.
GROUP TOURS for 10 or more any time by appointment. Riversdale is available for special events and meetings of no more than 75 people. THE RIVERSDALE MUSEUM SHOP, open during tour hours, features a distinctive
assortment of books, gifts, and toys.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports
the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
INFORMATION: 301-864-0420 / TTY 301-699-2544 / FAX 301-927-3498
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