2017 Darnell's Chance House Museum

Darnall ’s Chance

H o u s e

M u s e u m

Calendar of Events January– December, 2017 Calendar of Events Jan uar y – De c e mber 2017

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 porttown of Upper Marlborough, Maryland. In 1747, he married Lettice Lee, daughter of Phillip Lee, the progenitor of the Maryland branch of 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 brick burial vault, ornamental and vegetable gardens, an orchard, and livestock. The household included 32 enslaved African Lettice Lee, 1726–1776 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.

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

Darnall ’s Chance

Girl Scout Programs Darnall’s Chance House Museum offers several badge programs for Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts. Reservations are required. Call 301-952-8010 to book your program.

Making Games Badge: Step back in time and experience life as a child in the 18th century. Learn how kids used their imaginations to create games and have fun. Participate in a scavenger hunt to find mystery items from the past. Make and take home a period toy. Fulfills requirements for the Brownie Journey Making Games badge.

FEE: $7/scout. Eight scout minimum.

Playing in the Past Badge: Explore 18th century Upper Marlborough as a thriving port town with ships navigating the Patuxent River and delivering goods to shops on Water Street. If you lived in this time, would you have been a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker? Pick a trade, dress the part, and see if others can guess the role you play in this colonial town.

Scouts will make and take home a tin punch ornament. Short tour of the Museum included. Fulfills requirements for Junior Journey Playing in the Past badge.

FEE: $7/scout. Eight scout minimum.

Mad Hatter Tea Party: Don’t lose your head over it! Learn the proper way to serve tea and socialize with a group. The Queen of Hearts is hosting a tea party at Darnall’s Chance House Museum and you are invited. Learn the history behind afternoon tea and practice proper tea etiquette. Scouts will make their own teacup hats to wear at the party and take home. Fulfills requirements for the Junior Journey Social Butterfly badge and the Brownie Journey Making Friends badge.

FEE: $12/scout. Ten scout minimum/leaders & adult chaperons are charged $6 each.

All scout programs are scheduled on Saturdays.

Darnall ’s Chance JANUARY–DECEMBER 2017 C ALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, January 28

6 – 8 pm

Burns Night Supper Dine with us and experience the atmosphere and flavor of one of Scotland’s oldest and most cherished traditions. Celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet. Program includes dinner, live music, poetry, haggis, and bagpipes!

Reservation & payment required in advance. Ages 21 & up.

Fee: Resident $45; Non-Resident $59

Saturday, February 25

2 pm

Highland Tea Celebrate Darnall’s Chance’s Scottish heritage and partake in a cozy winter afternoon tea. Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance.

Fee: Resident $23; Non-Resident $30

Saturdays, March 4, 11 & April 1, 8

10:30 am –12 noon

Liberty Girls: An American Girl Book Club Girls ages 7–13 are invited to join our new revolutionary book club! Each week we will discuss a different Felicity book from the American Girl series with a Prince George’s County librarian, make a colonial craft, and enjoy period refreshments. Last session includes a book discussion, tea party, and dancing! Sign up now; space is limited. $30 club membership fee (includes book discussions, colonial crafts, refreshments, and a Liberty Girls book bag full of fun and useful accessories for young readers).

Saturday, March 18

Colonial Tavern Dinner Be our guest as we recreate a mid-18th century tavern dinner in Upper Marlborough. Enjoy colonial food and spirits.

Following dinner, listen to or join in with Ship’s Company as they sing sea chanties and tavern songs of the period.

Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance.

Fee: Resident $35; Non-Resident $46

7–9 pm

Easter Monday, April 17

10 am

Barnyard Eggstravaganza Search for Easter eggs in a barnyard-themed egg hunt. This family-friendly event also includes games, petting zoo, and spring crafts for the kids (while supplies last). Bring your own basket.

No reservations needed. Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $7

Saturday, May 6

12 noon – 4 pm

Girl Scout Day at the Museum Brownies and Juniors are invited to Darnall’s Chance House Museum where they can earn four fun patches all in one day!

This year’s activities include fencing, 18th century dancing, portrait painting, and sewing. Space is limited. Reservation & payment required in advance. Rain date is Sunday, May 7. Fee: $20/scout includes all patches; leaders and chaperones are FREE.

Sunday, May 14

12 noon – 4 pm

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

Wednesdays, May 17 & June 7

12 noon –1:30 pm

Lunchtime Lawn Concert Our Lunchtime Concert Series is back! Wander over to the museum on your lunch break and listen to some of the area’s top blues and big band musicians. Bring your own brown bag lunch or picnic basket. Some picnic tables will be on-site, but you are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. FREE.

Fridays & Sundays, May 29 – September 4

12 noon – 4 pm

Blue Star Museum Tours Darnall’s Chance House Museum, in conjunction with the Blue Star Museum Program, is offering free tours to active duty U.S. military personnel, as well as, members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Just present your ID. FREE Admission to Active Duty Military Personnel & their Families.

Sunday, June 18

12 noon– 4 pm

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

Saturday, June 24

7–9 pm

Trivia Night at the Museum Do you think you know everything there is to know about American history? Do your friends call you a history nerd? Then Trivia Night at the Museum is for you! Come enjoy local brews, refreshments, and test your knowledge. Bring a team, or come alone, and get ready for some friendly competition. Individual and team prizes will be awarded. Reservation & payment required in advance. Ages 21 & up; Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $33

Saturday, July 15

6 –8 pm

National Ice Cream Month: Ice Cream Social Did you know that the first time ice cream was recorded as being served in America occurred in Maryland in 1774 when Governor Thomas Bladen served it to his dinner guests? Come on over to Darnall’s Chance and make yourself a sundae to celebrate ice cream’s colonial roots. Enjoy live music, participate in lawn games, and more! Program co-sponsored by the Town of Upper Marlboro Historical Committee. No reservation necessary. FREE while supplies last.

Wednesdays & Thursdays, July 26–August 17

11 am – 2 pm

I SPY Kids learn real 18th century spying techniques during a hands-on interactive spy mission for General George Washington. Find out how the Continental Army successfully outwitted the British with ruses and other tricks to win American Independence! Program for children ages 6–12 years who can read and write.

No reservation required. 30–45 minute activity— drop in any time between 11 am and 2 pm. Groups of 7 or more must call in advance to schedule a special appointment.

Fridays & Sundays, September 1 – October 8

12 noon– 4 pm

Potties, Privies and Practical Matters: 18th Century Hygiene (Exhibit) Did you ever wonder how people bathed 250 years ago? How did they brush their teeth or did they? Did they wear underwear? This exhibit will answer all your questions and more! FREE.

Saturday, October 21

7– 8:30 pm

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Campfire Bask in the warmth of a fall campfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy popcorn and hot cider. Listen to haunted Halloween tales, see a dazzling display of hand-carved illuminated jack o’ lanterns, and more! No reservation required.

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

Friday–Sunday, November 24 – 26 & December 1– 3 & 8–10 12 noon– 5 pm

18th 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 for the Viewer’s Choice Competition. If you are interested in entering the contest, please contact the museum for further details.

The deadline to enter the contest is November 10, 2017.

Groups of 10 or more are welcome by appointment.

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

Saturday, December 16

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 holiday craft activity. Registration fee required for all attendees— children and adults. Capacity is limited; reservation and payment required in advance. Age limit: 5 years & up. Fee: Resident $17; Non-Resident $22

2 pm

DARNALL’S CHANCE HOUSE MUSEUM 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

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PAID

Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD

Tours by appointment: Tuesday –Thursday, 10 am– 4 pm Walk-in tours welcome: Friday & Sunday, 12 noon– 3:15 pm Tour Admission/Fees: Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children $2 Gift Shop Open: During Museum hours Information: 301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544

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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. PPC-PR-NHRD 11/16

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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.

national Gold Medal winner for excellence in parks and recreation management. Eligible agencies must be CAPRA accredited, meeting more than 160 standards. Prince George’s County has the best parks and recreation agency in the country!