Darnall%27s chance flip book 2015 (1)

Darnall ’s Chance

H o u s e

M u s e u m

Calendar of Events Ja nua r y – De ce mbe r, 20 15

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Portrait of Lettice Lee on loan from the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, VA.

ARNALL’S CHANCE

was built between 1741 and 1742 for James Wardrop, a Scottish immigrant who amassed a fortune as a merchant and entrepreneur in the bustling 18th century port-town of Upper Marlborough, Maryland. In 1747, he married Lettice Lee, daughter of Phillip Lee, the progenitor of the Maryland branch of Lettice Lee, 1726–1776 the illustrious Lee family of Virginia.

The Wardrops’ fifteen-room Georgian mansion was the mainstay of a dwelling complex that included eight brick outbuildings, a rare brick burial vault, ornamental and vegetable gardens, an orchard and livestock. The household included 32 enslaved African Americans who worked in the house, outbuildings, gardens and Mr. Wardrop’s store.

Following Wardrop’s death in 1760, Lettice Lee married medical pioneer Dr. Adam Thomson and later Revolutionary War patriot Colonel Joseph Sim. Lettice Lee died on April 3, 1776.

The house was remodeled in 1857, which produced such a drastic change that the home’s 18th century heritage was forgotten.

In 1986, the history of the house was rediscovered; it was saved from demolition and restored to its original appearance.

Museum tours highlight the similarities and differences between Lettice Lee’s life and the lives of other 18th century women.

In addition, the Museum offers special events, exhibits and programs.

Upper Marlboro Photo Contest March 1 – May 15, 2015 Do you have an old photograph taken in Upper Marlboro before 1945? If you do, then we want to see it! The photo can be of a building, special event, tobacco warehouse, fishing boat, family farm, intersection, family portrait—you name it. The only criteria are that the photograph was taken in the Upper Marlboro vicinity before the end of World War II and that the photo has never been published in any secondary source— like a book or newspaper.

Bring or email your photo to Darnall’s Chance House Museum.

Scanned copies are acceptable. If you don’t have a scanner, then bring your photo to the museum and we will scan it at no cost. You can enter as many photos as you like. All the photos gathered for this contest will be given to the Town of Upper Marlboro Historical Committee for inclusion in their archives.

The winning photo will receive $100, second place $75, and third place $50. All entries will be on display June 1 through June 30 during tour hours at Darnall’s Chance. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Colonial Picnic on June 13. Check our website on February 1, 2015 for contest rules and details.

Darnall ’s Chance JANUARY–DECEMBER 2015 C ALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, January 31

6:30 pm

Burns Night Supper Raise ‘a dram’ to the life and continuing legacy of Robert Burns, a famous poet, composer and romantic.

Remember the bard of Scotland and celebrate Darnall’s Chance’s Scottish roots with a traditional Burns Night supper that includes whiskey, poems, bagpipes & more! Reservation & payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $50; Non-Resident $60

Wednesdays in February

1 & 3 pm

Enslaved Women of Darnall’s Chance Tours Join us for a tour that focuses on the African American women who lived at Darnall’s Chance with a special emphasis on the Bentley Family of Upper Marlborough. Tours begin promptly at 1 pm and 3 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour time. Reservation required for groups of 7 or more.

Appropriate for ages 10 & up. FREE

Friday, February 13

10 am

Valentine’s Day Wedding Reception Do your plans for Valentine’s Day include tying the knot in Upper Marlboro? If so, you are invited to Darnall’s Chance House Museum to enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling cider or punch and a slice of wedding cake. The Museum is a short walk from the Judiciary Administrative Services Building where the vows will be exchanged. No reservation required. FREE

Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s & Montgomery Counties.

Saturday, February 14

2 – 4 pm

Sweet Valentine: The History of Chocolate Enjoy a romantic afternoon with your “sweetie” and learn about the history of chocolate. First half of the program is a presentation by food historian Joyce White; second half includes a chocolate tasting (17th century hot chocolate, 18th century chocolate tart, 19th century chocolate cake, 20th century chocolate truffle, and the latest 21st century incarnation) as well as champagne or tea. Reservation & payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $28; Non-Resident $34

Saturday, February 28

2 pm

Highland Tea Celebrate Darnall’s Chance’s Scottish heritage and partake in a cozy winter afternoon tea.

Enjoy the tastes and sounds of Scotland.

Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $23; Non-Resident $28

Saturday, March 14

7– 9 pm

Colonial Tavern Dinner Be our guest as we recreate the atmosphere and flavor of a mid-18th century tavern dinner in Upper Marlborough. Enjoy colonial food and spirits. Following dinner, listen to Ship’s Company sing sea chanties and tavern songs

of the period. Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $40; Non-Resident $48

Saturday, April 11

2 pm

Tartan Day Tea Celebrate National Tartan Day at Darnall’s Chance with traditional Scottish tea fare. Enter a drawing to win Scottish-themed door prizes by wearing your clan’s tartan! Not Scottish? Just wear plaid to be eligible. Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $23; Non-Resident $28

Sunday, May 10

12– 4 pm

Free Mother’s Day Tours Complimentary tours of the museum for mothers and grandmothers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservation necessary. FREE

Saturday, May 16

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Celebration of the Toaping Castle Chapter (dar) Darnall’s Chance House Museum is celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Toaping Castle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The chapter was named for a house built in Greenbelt, Maryland in the mid-1700s by Scottish immigrant, Isaac Walker, who fled Scotland after the Jacobite Rebellion The museum will be serving a Scottish tea in honor of the chapter’s history. By invitation only.

Fridays & Sundays, June 1– 30

12 – 4 pm

Reflections of the Past— Upper Marlboro Photo Exhibit This exhibit is the result of a photo contest Darnall’s Chance House Museum held earlier this year. The photographs, previously unknown to historians, were all taken before 1945 and gathered from local residents. The exhibit is open during regular tour hours and is free to the general public. (House tour additional cost.) FREE

Saturday, June 13

1– 4 pm

Colonial Picnic You are invited to a “colonial-style” picnic complete with a pig roast buffet and 18th century entertainment including music, dance, games and more! Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance.

Rain date: Sunday, June 14. Fee: TBA

Saturday, June 20

9 am –1 pm

Reenactor Yard Sale Darnall’s Chance is hosting our 4th Annual Reenactor Yard Sale. The event is for people wanting to sell gently used period items and those who want to buy period items to enhance their first-person interpretations. If you are interested in selling items, please call the museum for more details. FREE to the general public.

Sunday, June 21

12 – 4 pm

Free Father’s Day Tours Complimentary tours of the museum for fathers and grandfathers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservation necessary. FREE

Thursdays & Fridays in July & August

10 am –3 pm

I SPY Do you think you could be a spy for General George Washington?

Come find out what kinds of spying techniques Washington’s Continental Army used to send secret messages and how the Americans fooled the British Army with ruses and other tricks.

Hands-on activities. Program for children ages 6-13 years.

No reservation required. FREE

Saturday, October 24

7–8:30 pm

The Great Jack O’Lantern Campfire Bask in the warmth of a fall campfire, roast marshmallows, and listen to haunted Halloween tales. Kids can win a prize on a hunt for glowing jack o’ lanterns, and everyone can enjoy popcorn, marshmallows, and hot cider. Guests may bring their own chocolate bars and graham crackers if they wish to make s’mores. Rain date is Sunday, October 25 at 6 pm. No reservation required. Fee: $4/person (cash only); FREE/children 4 & under

Fridays –Sundays, November 27–29, December 4– 6 & December 11–1312–5 pm

16th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show For a sweet treat, come and view an amazing display of edible gingerbread houses. No nibbling allowed! Visitors will have the opportunity to vote in the Viewer’s Choice Award Competition. If you are interested in entering the contest, please contact the museum for further details. The deadline to enter the contest is November 13, 2015.

Groups are welcome by appointment.

Fee: $1/person (cash only); FREE/children 4 & under

Saturday, December 19

2 pm

Hansel & Gretel Tea Party Visit Darnall’s Chance when it is decorated like a gingerbread house. Listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel, enjoy tea and dessert, and participate in a craft activity. Registration fee required for all attendees­— children and adults. Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance. Age limit: 5 years and up. Fee: Resident $17; Non-Resident $20

DARNALL’S CHANCE HOUSE MUSEUM

14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

DIRECTIONS: From the Capital Beltway (I-95), take Exit 11A, Pennsylvania Avenue, South (Route 4). Follow Route 4 seven miles and exit at Upper Marlboro.

At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Water Street. Go through the first light (Main Street). Proceed past the County Administration Building (right) and School House Pond (left). Darnall’s Chance is the first driveway on the left after School House Pond.

Tours by appointment: Tuesday–Thursday, 10 am–4 pm Walk-in tours welcome: Friday & Sunday, 12 noon– 4 pm Tour Admission/Fees: Adults $3, Seniors $2, Children $1 Gift Shop Open: During Museum hours Information: 301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544

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.

Darnall’s Chance is owned and operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Natural and Historical Resources Division. PPC-PR-NHRD 2/15