Darnall's Chance House Museum Calendar of Events

Darnall ’s Chance H O U S E

M U S E U M

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Ja n u a r y – De c e m b e r 2 0 1 3

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

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ARNALL’S CHANCE was built in 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 1748, 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. She 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.

Celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812

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early thirty years after the American Revolution, the United States once again declared war on Great Britain.

At the time it was called the Second War of Independence, though today we know it as the War of 1812.

America declared war on Great Britain for a number of reasons which included trade restrictions, impressments of American sailors, and British occupation of North American territories. The war was fought primarily on the Canadian-American border; however, in 1813 and 1814 campaigns were waged in the Gulf Coast and in the Chesapeake Bay region. In August 1814, the British invaded Washington, D.C. and burned numerous government buildings including the U.S. British capture and burn the White Capitol, the Library of Congress, and House, 1814. the White House.

Hodges’ Chance: Treason and the War of 1812 Darnall’s Chance is one of over 300 historic sites in Maryland that has a connection with the war. At the time, Darnall’s Chance was owned by a wealthy Upper Marlboro merchant named John Hodges—the only person known to be tried for treason during the War of 1812! His tale is one of heroism, terror, ultimatums, hostages, and harrowing midnight rides. There is no denying that the events that led to his capture are dramatic and that his trial was full of blazing rhetoric and conflict that influenced how U.S. treason law is interpreted today.

As a part of Maryland’s Star-Spangled 200 celebration, Darnall’s Chance will be featuring programs and special events highlighting our unique connection to the war and how it helped shape a new nation. Be sure to check this calendar and future ones for exciting War of 1812 programs and find out if Hodges was guilty or innocent of treason!

Darnall ’s Chance January–December 2013 Calendar of EVENTS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 8 & 15

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—please arrive 10-15 minutes before your tour time.

Reservations are required for groups of 7 or more. Appropriate for ages 10 & up. FREE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

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; reservations and payment required in advance.

Fee: Resident $20; Non-Resident $24

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

7– 9 PM

COLONIAL TAVERN DINNER Be our guest as we recreate the atmosphere and flavor of a mid18th 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; reservations and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $35; Non-Resident $42

SUNDAY, MAY 12

12 NOON – 4 PM

MOTHER’S DAY TOURS Complimentary tours of the museum for mothers and grandmothers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservations necessary. FREE

SATURDAY, MAY 18

11 AM – 4 PM

PIRATE FEST Ahoy, matey! Have ye ever dreamed what life on the high seas was like in the 18th century? Why did sailors swab the deck? Did they really walk the plank? Come to Pirate Fest and find out these answers and more.

Featuring swashbuckling reenactors, hands-on children’s activities, live music, concessions stand, children’s pirate costume contest, a treasure hunt and more for wannabe pirates and landlubbers alike! Children’s program.

No reservations necessary. Fee: $5/ person

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

8 AM – 5 PM

WAR OF 1812: BRITISH INVASION OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY BUS & BOAT TOUR War of 1812 scholar Dr. Ralph Eshelman will be our ride-along guide as we travel via bus and boat (weather permitting) along the routes and waterways the British traveled through the County in August of 1814. Bus departs from and returns to Darnall’s Chance. Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Fee: $65/person

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

12 NOON – 4 PM

FATHER’S DAY TOURS Complimentary tours of the museum for fathers and grandfathers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservations necessary. FREE

FRIDAYS & SUNDAYS, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

12 NOON –4 PM

EXHIBIT: HODGES’ CHANCE—TREASON AND THE WAR OF 1812 John Hodges, a wealthy Upper Marlboro merchant who lived at Darnall’s Chance in the early 19th century, was charged with High Treason by the United States in 1815. Come to Darnall’s Chance and learn about the circumstances of his arrest and his subsequent trial. Visitors will be able to cast their vote for his innocence or guilt.

No reservations necessary. FREE with museum admission.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

12 NOON –3 PM

JAMES WARDROP’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Help us celebrate the 298th birthday of James Wardrop, the first owner of Darnall’s Chance. FREE tours of the house will be offered on the hour. Enjoy ice cold lemonade and cupcakes. Tours at 12, 1, 2 & 3 pm. Reservations are required for groups of 7 or more.

Appropriate for ages 10 & up. FREE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

8 AM –5 PM

WAR OF 1812: BRITISH INVASION OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY BUS & BOAT TOUR War of 1812 scholar Dr. Ralph Eshelman will be our ride-along guide as we travel via bus and boat (weather permitting) along the routes and waterways the British traveled through the County in August of 1814. Bus departs from and returns to Darnall’s Chance. Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Fee: $65/person

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26

7 PM

THE GREAT JACK O’ LANTERN CAMPFIRE Come see a dazzling display of dozens of 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, listen to haunted Halloween tales and have your fortune told. Kids can win a prize on a hunt for glowing jack o’ lanterns, and everyone can enjoy popcorn, marshmallows, and hot cider. Rain date is Sunday, October 27 at 6 pm.

No reservations required. Fee: $3/person (cash only)

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29-30 & DECEMBER 1, FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6-8 & FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13-15 12 NOON – 5 PM

14TH 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.

No reservations necessary. Fee: $1/person

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

2 PM

HANSEL & GRETEL TEA PARTY Visit Darnall’s Chance when it is decorated like a gingerbread house to listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel and enjoy tea and dessert. Registration fee required for all attendees— children and adults. Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Ages 5 & up, Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18

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.

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