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Events 2012

Educational Programs
Kitchen Guild 2011 Events
Scout Programs

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2012 Calendar

Two hundred years ago, the United States declared war on Great Britain. In the next three years, events throughout the county, state, and nation will commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. We begin with these programs.

January 2012

Twelfth Night Ball, Saturday, January 14, 7:30 p.m. Come in period attire or black tie to celebrate the traditional end of the holiday season at this Regency-style ball. Registration required by January 4. Resident $30; Non-Resident $36

February

Tasting the Past: A Chocolate Sampler, Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m. Taste your way through the history of chocolate in America, from its beginnings as a breakfast beverage to the confection that we know today. Ages 21 & up. Advance payment required by February 3. Fee: Resident * $20; Non-Resident $24; capacity is limited.

War of 1812 Bicentennial Event: The Plummers' Kitchen and Closet Sunday, February 26, Noon. In the Dependency, the Kitchen Guild prepares foods that enslaved African Americans, including members of Riversdale's Plummer family, ate in 1812. In the house, an exhibit highlights how they dressed. Fee: $3 adult; $2 senior; $1 student; includes house tour.

March

War of 1812 Bicentennial Event: What to Wear? A Guide to American Clothing, Saturday, March 10. Call for time. Want to know more about how to dress as you reenact the War of 1812? Attend one or all of these sessions—for women, children, and men—that feature illustrated lectures and show and tell of patterns, fabrics, and reproduced garments. There will also be period garments on display. Advance payment required by March 2. Fee: $6 for each session; $15 for all 3.

War of 1812 Bicentennial Event: Exhibit: What They Wore in 1812, March 11-May 6. There will be original early 19th century clothing on display from March 11 through May 6. The exhibit features American garments from the collection of Mary Doering, one of the foremost private collectors in the United States. Visitors may view the exhibit during regular tour hours on Fridays and Sundays; regular tour fees apply.

Hands-on History: The Curator's Apprentice, Friday, March 30, 10:00 a.m. Children ages 8 to 12 will go behind the scenes to learn what it takes to maintain and interpret a historic house museum. Advance payment required by March 16. Fee: Resident* $15; Non-Resident $18.

April

War of 1812 Bicentennial Event: Quarterly Lecture: The War of 1812 in Maryland, Tuesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. Historian Dr. Ralph Eshelman presents an illustrated lecture of War of 1812 sites in the state. He will also sign copies of his book. Fee: $5; $2.50/students.

Tavern Night Saturday, April 14, 8 pm. Join us for an evening of rousing entertainment by the Ship's Company Chanteymen and partake of tavern-style food and beverages. Ages 21 & up. Fee: Resident $22; Non-Resident $27; capacity is limited; advance payment required by March 9; must be at least 21 years of age.

May

War of 1812 Bicentennial Event: The 1812 Woman, May 5-6, Saturday-Sunday. Spend the weekend experiencing life of a woman of the period as you explore cooking, housekeeping, personal appearance, amusements, and other aspects of everyday life, and enjoy the rare opportunity to sleep in the mansion. Advance payment required by April 20. Fee: Resident* $75; Non-Resident $90.

Mother's Day Tours Sunday, May 13, 12:15-3:15pm. 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.

June

Rome at Riversdale Saturday, June 9, 11 am and Sunday, June 10, 12 noon. 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 and enjoy neoclassical pastimes inside the museum. Fee: $5; $3 students; admission to grounds includes all activities.

Father's Day Tours Sunday, June 17, 12:15-3:15 p.m. Bring your father, father-in-law, grandfather, or other special gentleman for a free guided tour of the house. Limited to one free tour with each paid admission.

Jazz on the Lawn Wednesday, June 27, 7:00 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy some of the area's top jazz musicians. Bring a picnic from home or buy dinner from the Calvert House. Rain date will be the next day. 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.

War of 1812 Bicentennial Event: Hands-on History: Star-Spangled Summer Days
O say can you see all the fun to be had at Riversdale? Experience the lives of soldiers and sailors, the Calverts, First Lady Dolley Madison, and others through activities, crafts, and games highlighting The War of 1812.
Week 1: June 18-22/Week 2: June 25-28
Week 1: 10 am-3 pm; for children ages 8-12. Advance payment required by May 30. Fee: Resident* $30/day or $135 for all 5 days; Non-Resident $36/day or $144 for all 5 days.
Week 2 10 am-12 noon; for children ages 3-8. Advance payment required by June 6. Fee: Resident* $15/day or $65 for all 5 days; Non-Resident $18/day or $78 for all 5 days.

*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 listed here.

2011 Events