CALENDAR OF EVENTS January – July 2014
, 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. In the Calverts’ day, Twelfth Night marked the end of the holiday season. Dance the night away at our Twelfth Night Ball in January. The merriment continues in April at our lively 1812-style Tavern Night. Enjoy FREE live instrumental music in the house in the spring at our Sunday Recitals, and outside at summer’s Jazz on the Lawn series. Mrs. Calvert shared a love of gardening with her father, and in 1807, he sent her a “precious” gift, tulip bulbs he had cultivated himself. In April, we feature the garden and its present-day tulips during Tulip Time. We also give artists the opportunity to paint what Mrs. Calvert called “a fine view” at our Paint-Out Day in the Garden. These artists will put their work on display for the public to see for an exhibit—Riversdale in Bloom!—reminiscent of the 1816 display of paintings at Riversdale. In February, learn about the history of tea, one of the most popular beverages of the Calverts’ day, at Tasting the Past. At the end of the month, see how the African Americans at Riversdale cooked and ate as you visit The Plummers’ Kitchen. In 1803, Mrs. Calvert had a new cook who would “easily learn what he doesn’t know since he is willing.” Come learn what YOU need to know to become one of our open hearth cooking volunteers during our Kitchen Guild Open House in March. The Kitchen Guild continues to prepare produce grown in our garden for Seasonal Selections on selected Sundays through the spring and summer. As a young woman, Mrs. Calvert had “a Spencer of nankeen.” In March, enhance your period wardrobe by making yourself a short spencer jacket of nankeen cotton, wool, or another fashionable fabric at our Spencer Weekend. The Calverts had nine children to educate and amuse. Learn how the children played at Toys through Time in March. In June, bring your doll to Meet Caroline Abbott, an American girl during the War of 1812. In July, master the skills you need to know to be a proper young lady or gentleman in 1812 at our Accomplishment Bootcamp. 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.
Riversdale Historical Society Annual Membership n
n $500 Steward n $250 Patron $100 Sustainer n $50 Supporter n $25 General
name n address
a
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.
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.
THE RIVERSDALE KITCHEN GUILD PRESENTs
From the Garden to Seasonal Selections
the
Kitchen:
Using produce from the garden and orchard, Guild members demonstrate foodways in the Dependency kitchen. Selections are inspired by the seasonal cycles of a 19th century farm. Drop by to watch them work from noon to 3:30 pm on selected Sundays: February 23, March 16, April 6, May 11, May 18, June 1 & June 15 APRIL 27 SPECIAL EVENT: SPRING CLEANING Recipes for household care and cosmetics
Volunteer Opportunities Immerse yourself in history! As one of our 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.
Jan uary –ju ly 201 4 C a lenda r of E V E NTS
Saturday, January 11
7:30 pm
Twelfth Night Ball
Celebrate the traditional end of the holiday season at our Regency-style ball and supper. Black tie or period attire encouraged. Advance payment required by January 3; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $40; Non-Resident $48
Saturday, February 8
1:30 pm
Tasting the Past: Tea Across the Centuries
Sip your way through the fascinating history of taking tea with foodways historian Joyce White. Sample popular teas and treats during this guided tasting. Advance payment required by January 31; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $18; Non-Resident $22
Sunday, February 23
12 noon
The Plummers’ Kitchen
Using the open hearth in the dependency kitchen, the Riversdale Kitchen Guild cooks up foods typical of the Plummer family and other 19th century African American residents of Riversdale. Fee: $3/adult; $2/senior; $1/student; FREE/ages 4 & under (includes guided tour of the historic house)
* Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s & Montgomery Counties. Please note that popular programs where reservations are required may sell out prior to the registration deadline noted.
Friday, March 7– Sunday, March 9
call for details
Spencer Weekend
Experienced seamstresses join costume historian Dr. Ann Wass to make a Regency-style spencer jacket in a weekend. These are perfect for upcoming War of 1812 celebrations as well as Regency costume events! Pre-workshop instructions will be sent so you can come ready to work. Advance payment required by February 28. Fee: Resident* $50; Non-Resident $60
Sunday, March 16
3:30 pm
Kitchen Guild Open House
Curious about joining our Kitchen Guild? Step into the warmth of the open hearth kitchen and chat with members while sampling an array of seasonal soups from period recipes. FREE; Register by March 14.
Friday, March 28
10 am
Hands-On History: Toys Through Time
Before the days of video games and electronic toys, children entertained themselves with handmade creations. Spend the day off from school making your own diversions while learning about 200 years of play. Advance payment required by March 14; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $18; Non-Resident $22
Saturday, April 5
Paint-Out Day in the Garden
10 am
In partnership with the Brentwood Arts Exchange, we present our first en plein air art day. Capture the beauty of the garden with your paints, pencils, or cameras and create artwork for our upcoming juried show. FREE. Call for details & submission information.
Sunday, April 6
12:15 pm
Tulip Time
Shake off the winter blues and enjoy the first blooms of spring! Spend the afternoon delighting in the tulips, refreshments, children’s activities, and a garden tour. Fee: $3/adult; $2/ senior; $1/student; FREE children 4 & under (includes guided tour of the historic house)
Saturday, April 12
8 pm
Tavern Night
Join us for an evening of rousing entertainment by the 1812 sailors of the Ship’s Company and partake of tavern-style food and beverages. Ages 21 & up. Advance payment required by March 31; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $25; Non-Resident $30
Sunday, May 11
12:15 – 3:15 pm
MOTHER’S DAY TOURS
Bring your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, or other special lady for a FREE guided tour of the house. NOTE: Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
Sunday, June 15
Meet Caroline Abbott!
Bring your doll to meet Kathleen Ernst, author of American Girl’s Caroline series. Step back into 1812 and enjoy a program with Ms. Ernst, have refreshments, and introduce your dolls to new friends at Riversdale. Period attire encouraged! Ages 6 & up. Advance registration required by June 2; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $18; Non-Resident $22
1:30 pm
Sunday, June 15
12:15 – 3:15 pm
Father’s Day Tours
Bring your father, father-in-law, grandfather, or other special gentleman for a FREE guided tour of the house. NOTE: Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
Week 1: Monday – Friday, July 14 –18 Week 2: Monday – Friday, July 21– 25
Hands-On History Weeks: Accomplisment Bootcamp
To be considered an accomplished young lady or gentleman in 1812, you would have to master certain skills. Do YOU have what it takes? Come find out while experiencing games, music, crafts, and more! WEEK 1: 10 am–3 pm; Children ages 8 –12 Fee: Resident* $30/day or $135 for all 5 days; Non-Resident $36/ day or $144 for all 5 days. Advance payment required by July 1. WEEK 2: 10 am–1:30 pm; Children ages 5– 8 Fee: Resident* $18/day or $78 for all 5 days; Non-Resident $22/ day or $96 for all 5 days. Advance payment required by July 3.
Music
at riversdale
Sunday Recitals
sundays,
2:30 pm
March 30 & April 27
Enjoy classical music at these FREE concerts featuring talented young musicians from the University of Maryland’s Department of Music.
Jazz on the Lawn
wednesdays,
7 pm
June 18, July 2, July 16, July 30 & August 13 Bring a blanket or lawn chair for these FREE performances by some of the area’s top jazz musicians. If it rains, the concert is moved indoors. The concerts are supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council and the town of Riverdale Park.
ON EXHIBIT: Riversdale in Bloom! In conjunction with the Brentwood Arts Exchange, we present this juried exhibit showcasing views of the Riversdale gardens by talented local artists. The exhibit is open during regular tour hours, May 2 – June 8, and regular tour fees apply. ARTISTS—deadline for submissions is April 23. Please contact us for details. This program is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
4811 Riverdale Road Riverdale Park, MD 20737
Greetings from LOCATION: 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park, Maryland, 2 blocks south of MD
Route 410, between Kenilworth Ave. and U.S. Route 1, about 1-1/2 miles south of the University of Maryland–College Park.
DIRECTIONS: Take I-95/495 to Exit 23, Route 201, Kenilworth Avenue, South.
Continue approximately 3 miles. Turn right on MD Route 410, East-West Highway. Proceed 1/2 mile and follow brown Riversdale signs.
OFFICE/VISITOR CENTER HOURS: Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pm TOURS AND FEES: Year round, Friday and Sunday, 12:15– 3:15 pm. Tours begin at
the Visitor Center every half hour, and the last tour begins at 3:15. Fees: $3/adults, $2/seniors (age 60 & up) & group tours for 10 or more, $1/ages 5– 18 and students with valid ID, FREE/ages 4 & under.
GROUP TOURS for 10 or more any time by appointment. Riversdale is available for special events and meetings of no more than 75 people. THE RIVERSDALE MUSEUM SHOP, open during tour hours, features a distinctive
assortment of books, gifts, and toys.
ACCOMMODATIONS: 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: 301-864-0420 / TTY 301-699-2544 / FAX 301-927-3498
E-MAIL Riversdale@pgparks.com / WEB: history.pgparks.com ppc-pr nhrd 1/14