2019 Riversdale Calendar of Events

M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS February–June 2019

, 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.

February is Black History Month. We are proud to honor Emily Saunders Plummer, who lived here at Riversdale with her husband, Adam Francis, after her escape from slavery. She was inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame this year, where she also represents the many other enslaved women whose stories we will never know.

In 1806, Mrs. Calvert wrote, “The reason people talk about our house is because of its distinctive style.” Fast forward 150 years for an evening of a distinctive 20th century architectural style, Mid-century Modern, in March.

Join us for music and merriment at our lively Tavern Night in April. Enjoy more FREE live music, beginning with a Family Fun concert in February, two indoor Chamber Concerts in the spring, and summer’s Jazz on the Lawn series that kicks off in June.

Rosalie Calvert and her father shared a love of gardening and especially tulips. In May, we invite you to Tulipmania to enjoy the tulips at Riversdale and learn about the craze for them in 17th century Europe. We also invite Junior Girl Scouts to earn their Gardener Badge under the direction of Riversdale’s own gardener.

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.

The Calverts’ extensive lands stretched along the Anacostia River.

In May, mount your bike to Cycle through History with stops at historic markers and scenic views.

In the spring of 1804, Mrs. Calvert had a house full of company. In June, come and be a guest in the historic house while enjoying amusements, fashion, and fine food during our Regency Ladies’ Weekend.

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

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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. 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 Seasonal Selections

the

Kitchen:

Come see Kitchen Guild volunteers cooking over the open hearth using freshly harvested produce and take a stroll through the garden.

March 17, April 7 & 28, May 12 & 19, June 2 & 16 FREE with paid admission.

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.

On the Cover Riversdale’s collection of porcelain continues to grow through the generous donations of Calvert family members and other friends.

This porcelain urn, probably made in Paris, 1825-45, was donated by Jane Lescure, widow of Calvert descendant William Lescure.

Photo by Kristi Jamrisko

February– June 2019 Calendar of EVENTS Sunday, February 10 1:30 pm Honoring Emily Saunders Plummer

Saturday, May 4 Tulipmania

Come during regular open hours dressed in your Regency or Federal era finery to view the costume exhibit and tour the house for half price. Advance payment required by April 29. Fee: $15/person

Discover the story of Emily Saunders Plummer and celebrate her induction into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame with Dr. Leigh Ryan’s illustrated lecture.

Ages 8 & up. Fee: Adult $5; Senior $4; Student $2; includes a guided tour of the historic house. Call to register by February 4.

Sunday, February 24 Family Fun Concert

Sunday, May 12 Mother's Day 2 pm

Introduce children to chamber music with a concert and instrument “petting zoo” featuring the U.S. Army Field Band Woodwind Quintet performing The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. FREE; Advance reservations REQUIRED by February 20; capacity is limited.

Sunday, March 17 1 pm Soup's On: Kitchen Guild Open House Stop by until 3 pm to sample soup made from historic recipes and learn more about volunteering with the Kitchen Guild. FREE

Thursday, March 28 7 pm Mid-Century Modern Soirée Immerse yourself in local mid-20th century architecture during visual presentation. Then make a memento as you enjoy retro sips and bites. Come dressed in your mid-century attire and you might win a prize! Ages 21 & up. Advance payment required by March 21. Fee: $20/person

Sunday, April 7 2:30 pm Riversdale Chamber Music Society Enjoy a spring performance by talented area musicians and mingle at a post-concert reception. Program to be announced. FREE

Saturday, April 27 Tavern Night

8 pm

Make merry with the lively sounds of the Ship’s Company Chanteymen in a 19th century tavern atmosphere full of food, fun, and beverages. Fee includes a souvenir glass. Ages 21 & up. Advance payment required by April 18.

Fee: Resident* $28; Non-Resident $35

On Exhibit June 1–November 17 On view during regular open hours. Regular tour fees apply. Tours for groups of 10 or more may be arranged at any time by appointment.

YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED: CALVERT FAMILY WEDDINGS

1:30 pm

12:15 pm

Bring your mother, grandmother, or other special lady for a FREE tour. Then treat your mother to a FREE concert, or just come for the music.

NOTE: Begin your tour by 1:15 to attend the concert.

Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.

Sunday, May 12 2:30 pm The Riversdale Chamber Music Society Enjoy another performance by talented area musicians and mingle with them at a reception. Program to be announced. FREE

Saturday, May 18 11 am Junior Girl Scouts: Gardener Badge Junior Girl Scouts are invited to join our gardener and get digging while exploring the grounds and earning this badge.

Advance payment required by May 10. Fee: $10/Junior Scout

Saturday, May 25 Cycling through History: The Calverts and the Anacostia River

10 am

This casual guided bike tour begins with a quick look at the mansion, and then stops at significant historic markers and Anacostia River vistas. The Cycling through History series is in partnership with Maryland Milestones and the College Park Aviation Museum. Advance payment required by May 21.

Fee: $6/person

Sunday, June 16

12:15 pm

Father's Day Bring your father, grandfather, or other special gentleman for a FREE tour. Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.

Saturday– Sunday, June 22-23 Regency Ladies' Weekend

7:30 pm

Escape the hustle of modern life and spend the weekend in the Regency era as you explore fashion, dining, amusements, and more. You will also have a rare opportunity to spend the night in the museum.

Call for details. Advance payment required by June 14.

Fee: Resident* $95; Non-Resident $120 TO REGISTER: Visit pgparksdirect.com and search for RM or

call us at 301-864-0420.

*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.

Rosalie Stier married George Calvert at her family’s home in Annapolis in 1799. Beginning with their wedding, we highlight the weddings of succeeding generations of Calverts in scenes throughout the house. Precious family keepsakes will help to illustrate these stories.

Photo courtesy of Shani Warner

Summer on the Lawn Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your picnic basket to enjoy jazz by local musicians and a performance of the comedy Much Ado About Nothing presented by Shakespeare in the Parks.

CONCERTS (In case of rain, we move inside.): June 26, July 10 & 24, August 7 & 21 (Musicians TBA.) SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS: July 16 (Call for details, including rain location.)

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E-MAIL Riversdale@pgparks.com / WEB: history.pgparks.com ppc-pr nhrd 2/19

INFORMATION: 301-864-0420 / TTY 301-699-2544 / FAX 301-927-3498

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.

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports

assortment of books, gifts, and toys.

THE RIVERSDALE MUSEUM SHOP, open during tour hours, features a distinctive

for special events and meetings of no more than 75 people.

GROUP TOURS for 10 or more any time by appointment. Riversdale is available

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.

TOURS AND FEES: Year round, Friday and Sunday, 12:15– 3:15 pm. Tours begin at

OFFICE/VISITOR CENTER HOURS: Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pm

Continue approximately 3 miles. Turn right on MD Route 410, East-West Highway.

Proceed 1/2 mile and follow brown Riversdale signs.

DIRECTIONS: Take I-95/495 to Exit 23, Route 201, Kenilworth Avenue, South.

Route 410, between Kenilworth Ave. and U.S. Route 1, about 1-1/2 miles south of the University of Maryland–College Park.

LOCATION: 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park, Maryland, 2 blocks south of MD

Greetings from 4811 Riverdale Road Riverdale Park, MD 20737

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Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD

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