CALENDAR OF EVENTS July – December 2016
, 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 letters tell 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. Henri Stier was custodian of a collection of paintings that he left in the Calverts’ care until 1816. Before they returned the paintings to Antwerp, they opened their house for people to see them. Through October, you can see reproductions of 16 of Some of the Finest Paintings Ever in America. These paintings will be explored during our Hands-On History Weeks, sketched during Drawing on History, and inspire costumes and stories at our Costume Ball and Gothick Evening. Discover the stories behind your own paintings and other family treasures at our Appraisal Fair. The Calverts were educated in the arts, sciences, and music. Join us for FREE Jazz on the Lawn concerts this summer or Chamber Concerts this fall. Families can learn about 19th century art and science at our November S.T.E.A.M. Days. Mrs. Calvert lamented in 1805, “It has been a long time since I have been to a play.” You can attend Shakespeare in the Parks’ Twelfth Night right on the lawn of Riversdale. The Kitchen Guild prepares our garden produce for Seasonal Selections. Enjoy fall activities with the Guild inside and out at our Harvest Festival. Not everything could be grown here. In Tasting the Past: Chocolate through Time, learn about the history and origins of this imported sweet treat. Bring the family and join War of 1812 troops as they return for the Battle of Bladensburg reenactment. Or surprise your grandparents with a Grandparents’ Day Tour! Visit for a FREE tour courtesy of Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live! Join Sint Niklaas for breakfast as we start off the winter holiday season. Continue the merriment during Riversdale by Candlelight and bring the festivities to a close at our annual Twelfth Night Ball.
§
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
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. www.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 the Kitchen: Seasonal Selections Using produce from the garden and orchard, the Riversdale Kitchen Guild members cook over an open hearth in the Dependency kitchen. Selections are inspired by the traditional seasonal cycles of a 19th century farm. Drop by to watch them work from noon to 3:30 pm on selected Sundays: July 10 & 24; August 28; September 11; October 16 & 30; November 13. GARDEN TOURS are also scheduled at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm on these dates—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.
j uly–de ce m ber 201 6 C a lenda r of E V E NTS
On Exhibit “Some of the Finest Paintings Ever in America” In the spring of 1816, everyone flocked to Riversdale to see the first blockbuster art exhibit in this country, the Stier-Peeters collection of fine European paintings. Through October 23, see reproductions of 16 of these paintings during regular tour hours—special tours may be arranged for groups of 10 or more. Regular tour fees apply.
Monday–Friday, July 11–15 & July 18–22
Hands-on History: Exhibit Explorers
The art exhibit comes to life with games, crafts, and more as you become an artist’s apprentice, explore the museum’s collections, and mount your own exhibit. Payment required by June 24. WEEK 1: 10 am-3 pm; Ages 8-12 Fee: Resident* $35/day or $150/all 5 days Non-Resident $45/day or $195/all 5 days WEEK 2: 10 am-1:30 pm; Ages 5-8 Fee: Resident* $18/day; $78/all 5 days Non-Resident $23/day; $100/ all 5 days
Wednesday, July 13
7:30 pm
Shakespeare in the Parks: “Twelfth Night” Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this FREE performance of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Rain location: Riverdale Elementary School, 5006 Riverdale Road
* 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.
Saturday, July 23
10 am–1 pm
Drawing on History
We partner with the Brentwood Arts Exchange to invite artists of all ages to sketch in the museum. Get inspired by the paintings and architecture, or find your muse in the garden. Free art materials for kids while supplies last. Registration requested. FREE
Saturday, August 13
12 noon
Battle of Bladensburg Encampment
American and British troops return with a bang to ready the rockets and prepare for battle. Step back into 1814 with hands-on demos, children’s activities, tours, music, and more! Food available for purchase. Scouts, call for details about earning a badge. FREE admission to grounds; $3 fee for house tours
Sunday, September 11
12:15–3:15 pm
Grandparents’ Day
Spend some time with your grandparents with a FREE tour and family activity on their day. Note: Limited to one free tour per paid admission
Sunday, September 18
2:30 pm
The Riversdale Chamber Music Society
In tribute to the current exhibit, the Society’s wind quintet performs Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Mingle with the musicians at a post-concert reception. FREE
Saturday, September 24
11 am–1 pm
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!
Riversdale joins museums across the country and opens its doors for FREE. Find out more and print the required ticket here: smithsonianmag.com/museumday/
Saturday, September 24
2:30 pm
Tasting the Past: Chocolate Through Time
Learn the history of this treat with a tasting and illustrated talk. Then watch the Kitchen Guild process cocoa nibs into chocolate. Payment required by September 16. Fee: Resident* $12; Non-Resident $16
Saturday, October 1
9 am–12 noon
Out of the Attic Appraisal Fair
Bring up to 4 items for evaluation by Weschler’s of Washington, DC. Please no antiquities, books, foreign coins, stamps, or toys. This program benefits the Riversdale Historical Society. 9–10 am slots open to RHS members only. Reserve by September 23. Fee: $15 per item; $10 for RHS members
Saturday, October 8
7:30 pm
Costume Ball
Dress the part of your favorite portrait for a lively evening of Regency-style dance and light refreshments. Black tie also welcome. Payment required by October 1. Fee: Resident* $25; Non-Resident $32.50
Sunday, October 16
12 noon
Harvest Festival
Enjoy some fall family fun with hands-on activities in the garden and open hearth kitchen. Activities while supplies last. Fee: $5 adult; $2 student (includes tour of historic house)
Saturday, October 29
7:30 pm
A Gothick Evening: A Curious
Collection of Characters Tread carefully as you listen to eerie tales about the sites and characters depicted in the painting collection. End the eve with a cup of cider by the fire. Ages 12 & up. Payment required by October 21. Fee: Resident* $15; Non-Resident $19.50
Sunday, November 6 Thursday, November 10
12 noon –3 pm 10 am–1 pm
Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead
We’ve added ART to the Maryland STEM Fest, and invite families to learn about arts and sciences 19th century-style with hands-on activities. FREE; advance registration is required by October 28.
Sunday, November 20
2:30 pm
The Riversdale Chamber Music Society
Enjoy another performance by talented area musicians and mingle with them at a reception after the concert. Program to be announced. FREE
Saturday, December 3
9 & 11 am
Breakfast with Sint Niklaas
Join the kindly bishop as he makes his annual visit and brings festive traditions like a Belgian-inspired breakfast and gifts for the children. Children ages 3-10. Payment required by November 16; sorry, no walk-ins. Fee: Resident* $10 child, $7 adult; Non-Resident $13 child, $9 adult
Friday, December 30
6 pm
Riversdale by Candlelight
Residents from three eras of history welcome guests to the candlelit museum for tours, refreshments, live music, and children’s activities. Fee: $5 adult; FREE children 12 & under with a paid admission
Saturday, January 14
Twelfth Night Ball
Cap off the holiday season in festive style at our Regency ball and supper. Period attire admired, but not required and black tie is also welcome. Payment required by December 31. Fee: Resident* $40; Non-Resident $52
7:30 pm
Jazz on the lawn
wednesdays, 7 pm
JUNE 22, JULY 6 & 20, AUGUST 3 & 17 Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy some of the area’s top jazz musicians. NOTE: In case of rain, the concerts move inside. Call for details. The concerts are supported by a grant from Lowe’s, the Town of Riverdale Park and 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: $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.
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 7/16