Calendar of Events JANUARY – JUNE 2013
, 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. As summer approaches, come and hear more contemporary music as we offer free Jazz on the Lawn in June, July, and August. While in Annapolis, Mrs. Calvert wrote she was “up to her eyes in romances.” Celebrate Mrs. Calvert’s contemporary, Jane Austen, during Women’s History Month in March. We invite you to a Jane Austen Café for a lively discussion of Pride and Prejudice. In 1803, Mrs. Calvert wrote that her cook “will 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. In February, the Kitchen Guild demonstrates African American foodways inThe Plummers’ Kitchen. Get acquainted with the tastes of the early 19th century at our Federal Flavors lecture in April. Seasonal Selections continue on scheduled Sundays throughout the year, when you can check out our brand new Seasonal Storytime for children. In 1815, the Calvert children “danced around in delight” when they received New Year’s gifts from their aunt. Children can learn about this and other American holiday traditions during Hands-on History Weeks in June. In February, they can step back in time for Hands-on History Day. Young gentlemen like the Calverts’ sons studied the classical world of ancient Rome, and Legion XX brings ancient Rome to Riversdale in May. In 1812, the British Minister to the United States visited Riversdale. You are invited to join the minister and guests during our Historic Whodunit in February, when one guest will meet his or her demise. In March, find out what distinguished guests would wear to Riversdale and learn techniques for making an elegant gentlemen’s coat at our Tailcoat Workshop. Mrs. Calvert shared a love of gardening with her parents and wrote to her father that, “each tree and rose planted by your own hand is of interest to me.” Bring your mother for a special Mother’s Day in the Garden in May. Fathers are welcomed for a free Father’s Day Tour in June.
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RIVERSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP ■
■ $500 Steward ■ $250 Patron $100 Sustainer ■ $50 Supporter ■ $25 General
NAME
ADDRESS
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 THE KITCHEN: SEASONAL SELECTIONS 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 24 Plummers’ Kitchen March 17 Soup’s On April 7 Celebration of Spring April 21 Green, Green May 12 Mother’s Day Delights May 19 Cream of the Crop June 2 In a Jam June 16 A Roast for the Table NEW—Seasonal Storytime features children’s tales related to what’s cookin’ in the kitchen. FREE stories at 12:30 and 2:30 pm
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.
January - June 2013 Calendar of E VENTS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
7:30 PM
TWELFTH NIGHT BALL Close out the holiday season in style at this Regency-style ball and supper. Come in period attire or black tie. Advance payment required by January 4; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $35; Non-Resident $42
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9
6:30 PM
HISTORIC WHODUNIT: CHAPTER II In 1812, the charming British minister, Augustus Foster, paid a call on the Calverts. Meet the minister and guests during dessert, when foul play will be afoot! Advance payment required by February 1; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $25; Non-Resident $30
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
10 AM
HANDS-ON HISTORY: A DAY IN
THE LIFE Children ages 8 to 12, spend the day off from school experiencing the lives of some famous and not-so-famous Americans from the early 1800s. Advance payment required by February 1; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $15; Non-Resident $18
* 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.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24
12 NOON
THE PLUMMERS’ KITCHEN Using the open hearth in the dependency kitchen, the Riversdale Kitchen Guild cooks up foods typical of the Plummers and other early 19th century African American residents. Fee: $3/adult; $2/senior; $1/student; FREE/ages 4 & under (includes a guided tour of the historic house museum)
SATURDAY, MARCH 9
2 PM
JANE AUSTEN CAFÉ Join fellow Janeites in a lively discussion to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Pride and Prejudice, and then enjoy light refreshments. Advance payment required by March 1; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $25; Non-Resident $30
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
3:30 PM
KITCHEN GUILD OPEN HOUSE Curious about joining our Kitchen Guild? Chat with members who prepare seasonal foods using period recipes while sampling soups, biscuits, and other dishes cooked over the open hearth. FREE; Registration required by March 15.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
9 AM
TAILCOAT WORKSHOP Our costume historian shows you how to use modern tailoring techniques to construct a civilian man’s Federal/Regency style tailcoat. Pre-workshop instructions will be sent so you can come ready to work. Bring a bag lunch. Advance payment required by March 18. Fee: Resident* $10; Non-Resident $12
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
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. Advance payment required by March 29; capacity is limited. Ages 21 & up Fee: Resident* $25; Non-Resident $30
TUESDAY, APRIL 23
7:30 PM
FEDERAL FLAVORS Spice up your evening with foodways historian and Kitchen Guild member Kari Barrett. Learn about the flavors of the Federal table 200 years ago and enjoy a small tasting. Advance payment required by April 15. Fee: Resident* $5; Non-Resident $6
SATURDAY, MAY 11
11 AM
ROME AT RIVERSDALE Early 19th century America was greatly influenced by the classical world. Celebrate ancient Rome as you participate in activities and watch battle demonstrations by Legion XX on the lawn. Fee: $5/person; $3/students
SUNDAY, MAY 12
12:15–3:15 PM
MOTHER’S DAY IN THE GARDEN Bring your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, or other special lady for a FREE tour of the house and garden. NOTE: Limited to one free tour with each paid admission
* 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.
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
12:15–3:15 PM
FATHER’S DAY TOURS Bring your father, father-in-law, grandfather, or other special gentleman for a FREE tour of the house. NOTE: Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.
WEEK 1: JUNE 17–21 & WEEK 2: JUNE 24–28
HANDS-ON HISTORY WEEKS: HISTORIC HOLIDAYS Did you know that children received gifts on New Year’s Day 200 years ago? Participants will spend the week exploring the history and traditions of American holidays with games, activities, crafts, and cooking. Week 1: 10 am–3 pm; Children ages 8-12 Advance payment required by May 31. Fee: Resident* $135 / 5 days Non-Resident $144 / 5 days Week 2: 10 am–1:30 pm; Children ages 5-8 Advance payment required by June 7. Fee: Resident* $78 / 5 days Non-Resident $96 / 5 days
Jazz ON THE LAWN
WEDNESDAYS,
7
PM
Wednesdays, June 12 & 26, July 17 & 31, August 7 & 21 Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy some of the area’s top jazz musicians. Purchase dinner from the Calvert House Inn’s tent or bring a picnic from home. NOTE: Rain date will be the following evening. sponsors:
The concerts are 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 Maryland History 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-1/13