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, 2016
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 the illustrious Lee Family of Virginia. Lettice Lee, 1726–1776
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, and gardens as well as at 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.
Darnall ’s Chance JANUARY–DECEMBER 2016 C ALENDAR OF EVENTS
Saturday, January 30
6 - 8 PM
Sunday, June 19
Burns Night Supper
Free Father’s Day Tours
You don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy our 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. Reservation & payment required in advance. Ages 21 & up; Fee: Resident $45; Non-Resident $54
Saturday, February 20
Complimentary tours of the museum for fathers and grandfathers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservation necessary. FREE
Wednesdays & Thursdays from July 20 - August 18 11 AM - 2 PM 2 - 3 PM
Black History Month Presentation: Jubilee Voices The Washington Revels, Jubilee Voices ensemble, will
perform songs and stories of struggle, perseverance, trials, and triumphs of African Americans as expressed through a cappella music and poetry. Reservations required; capacity limited. Program will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upper Marlboro, 14515 Church St., FREE
Saturday, February 27 Highland Tea
Back by popular demand! Try your hand at new secret missions and learn other spying techniques the Continental Army used during the Revolutionary War in this all new version of I SPY. Do you have what it takes to be a spy for General George Washington? Hands-on activities. Program for children ages 6-12 years. Children must be able to read and write. No reservation required. 30 minute program - drop in any time between 11 am and 2 PM. FREE
Fridays & Sundays between September 2 – October 14
cozy winter afternoon tea. Reservation and payment required in advance. Capacity is limited. Fee: Resident $23; Non-Resident $28
12 - 3 PM
Saturday, October 22 PM
Museum Day Live! Darnall’s Chance House Museum celebrates Women’s History Month by partnering with other museums across the country in a special edition of the Smithsonian’s signature event “Museum Day Live!” The museum encourages women and girls to come to Darnall’s Chance to learn about the women who lived and worked here during the 18th century. To get your FREE tickets for “Smithsonian Museum Day Live” go to www.Smithsonianmag.com/museumday.
Saturday, March 19
7 - 9 PM
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 or join in with Ship’s Company as they sing sea chanties and tavern songs of the period. Reservation and payment required in advance. Capacity is limited. Fee: Resident $35; Non-Resident $42
Easter Monday, March 28
10 AM - 12 NOON
Egg Hunt Search for Easter eggs in a barnyard-themed egg hunt. This family-friendly event is for all ages with great activities, petting zoo, and crafts for the kids. Bring your own basket. Coffee and donuts while supplies last. No reservations. FREE
Saturday, April 30
12 - 4 PM
Girl Scout Day at the Museum
Brownies and Juniors are invited to the Museum where they can earn 5 badges all in one day! Try your hand at archery, make a basket, see how herbs were used in the 18th century, tour the museum, and learn about archaeology. Space is limited. Troop leaders must register and pay by April 22. Fee: $20/girl scout includes all badges; leaders and chaperons/FREE. Rain date is Sunday, May 1.
Saturday, May 7
Darnall’s Chance House Museum is hosting our 5th Annual Reenactor Yard Sale. This event is for people wanting to sell gently used reenacting gear and clothes, and for individuals who want to buy period items to enhance their first-person interpretations. If you are interested in selling items, please call the museum to reserve a vendor space. $10 vendor registration fee. FREE admission for the general public.
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
Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
7 - 8:30
Come see a dazzling display of fifty hand-carved illuminated jack o’ lanterns on the grounds of Darnall’s Chance House Museum! 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 23 at 6 pm. No reservation required. Fee: $4/person (cash only); FREE/children 4 & under
Saturday, October 29
6 - 8 PM
Ales and Spooky Tales at the Tavern Adults can enjoy spirits of a different kind, while listening to chanties and ghost stories. Halloween-themed buffet and drinks. Reservations and payment required in advance. Ages 21 & up; Fee: Resident $35; Non-Resident $42
Fridays-Sundays, November 25 - 27, and December 2-4 & 9-11 12 - 5 PM 17th 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 12, 2016. Groups are welcome by appointment. Fee: $1/person (cash only); FREE/children 4 & under
Saturday, December 17
2 PM
Hansel & Gretel Tea Party
9 AM - 1 PM
12 - 4 PM
The Great Jack O’ Lantern Campfire
Reenactor Yard Sale
Sunday, May 8
Did you ever wonder how people bathed 250 years ago? How did they brush their teeth or did they? Did they wear underwear? Learn the ways 18th century Americans practiced personal grooming and hygiene. This exhibit will answer all your questions and more! FREE
Celebrate Darnall’s Chance’s Scottish heritage and partake in a
I SPY
Potties, Privies and Practical Matters: 18th Century Hygiene Exhibit
2 PM
Saturday, March 12
12 - 4 PM
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. Reservation and payment required in advance. Capacity is limited. Ages: 5 years & up; Fee: Resident $17; Non-Resident $20
Fridays & Sundays, May 30 – September 5 12 - 4 PM Blue Star Museum Tours Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America. The program offers free museum tours to active duty U.S. military Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, 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.
D arnall ’ s C hance H ouse M useum • 14800 G overnor O den B owie D rive • U pper M arlboro , MD 20772 • 301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544
Girl Scout Programs Darnall’s Chance House Museum is a Girl Scout Community Program Partner. We offer several badge programs for Brownie and Junior level troops. 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 that will entertain for hours. Fulfills requirements for the Brownie Journey Making Games Badge.
Playing 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 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. Program Fees: $7/per scout (eight scout minimum/one FREE chaperon). Additional chaperones are charged $2 each. Etiquette Teas 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 “Making Friends” Brownie Journey badge. Etiquette Tea Fee: $12/per scout (ten scout minimum/leaders & adult chaperones $6/ per person). 2 hour program All scout programs are scheduled on Saturdays. Girls Scout badges must be purchased from the Council. Scouts attending Darnall’s Chance House Museum Programs are eligible to purchase our “Colonial Days” patch for $2.50 available in the Gift Shop.
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 11/15
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: 301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544
Gift Shop Open: During Museum hours
Tour Admission/Fees: Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children (ages 5-18) $2, FREE for ages 4 and under
Walk-in tours welcome: Friday & Sunday, 12 noon– 4 pm
Tours by appointment: Tuesday–Thursday, 10 am– 4 pm
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.
DARNALL’S CHANCE HOUSE MUSEUM 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD
PAID
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