CWPT Annual Park Clean Up Day - 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield, the Civil War Preservation Trust and the History Channel for Park Day 2011. Park Day is a nationwide event that encourages Civil War enthusiasts to help maintain, restore and preserve Civil War sites through volunteerism. Come out and join us for a fun and rewarding day of work at Bristoe Battlefield. Projects will include litter pick up, cleaning cemeteries and trail maintenance throughout the 133-acre park. Wear sturdy work shoes and bring gloves and sunscreen. Tools and snacks will be provided. Meet in the parking lot off

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park; the parking lot is located off of

April 10           

Slavery on Sunday Tours

            11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

            Staff will provide unique hands-on tours about slavery on Sundays. Learn about the various activities that the enslaved community at Ben Lomond would have taken place here on Sundays. See the farm and house through the eyes of those who were enslaved and kept the plantation running. Tours begin on the hour. Last tour at 3 p.m. 

            Ben Lomond Historic Site,

April 16           

Easter in Historic Brentsville

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $5 per child, free for children under two

Children will participate in an Easter egg hunt and play games and make crafts that children might have done in the 19th century. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

April 16           

Nature Trail Walk

1 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

April 23

            Spring Egg Hunt at Rippon Lodge

            11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $7 per child, free for children under two

Spring has sprung and colorful eggs have been hidden all over the grounds of Rippon Lodge. Children are needed to help us hunt them up. In addition to egg hunts, children can enjoy crafts, games and other activities. Bring a basket for egg collecting. Last egg hunt begins at 3 p.m. Outdoor activity. Please dress for the weather. Advanced registration recommended.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

7 p.m.; Free, but donations to support Prince William County historic preservation efforts are appreciated.

April 30           

Prince William Cavalry Rides Again!  Brentsville Sesquicentennial Civil War Day and Cavalry Ride to Manassas  *

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; $5 suggested donation

In April 1861, residents of Prince William County met in Brentsville and voted to endorse Virginia’s secession from the United States. That same month, several military units were formed in Brentsville to prepare for the defense of Virginia. On the 150th anniversary of this event, come to Brentsville to relive and learn about this tragic time in our history. Witness a debate over secession in the Courthouse, watch the citizens of Brentsville present the Prince William Cavalry a new flag and watch loved ones say goodbye to those going off to war. Explore the camps and watch military demonstrations throughout the day. Then at 3 p.m., watch the Prince William Cavalry ride off to the Manassas Museum. Then welcome the riders at the Manassas Museum and see the unveiling of the museum exhibit on the Prince William Cavalry. This program is co-sponsored by the Manassas Museum, the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division and the 4th Virginia Cavalry, Inc.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA 20136
703-365-7895

The Manassas Museum

9101 Prince William St., Manassas, VA 20110

703-368-1873

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May 2011

May – October, 2nd and 4th weekends

Bristoe Station Battlefield Guided Tours  *

            11 a.m. - 3 p.m., tours leave on the hour, donations accepted

Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of the battlefield. Learn about Camp Jones and the two battles that took place here in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking  lot on

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, The parking lot is located off of

May 7

            Spring Garden Walk

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

Join the staff for a tour of the historic landscape and gardens at Rippon Lodge. The formal gardens were planted by Judge Wade Ellis and his wife Dessie in the 1930s. Learn about plans to restore the gardens, enjoy the spring blooms, and see our champion Elm and Hackberry trees. Tours begin on the hour. Last tour at 3 p.m. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No pets please. Tours of the house are included.

            Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

May 7 

Potomac

Blockade Boat Tour  *

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; $10.00 per person; reservations required. Tours will leave from the dock at Leesylvania State Park at 10, 12, 2, and 4.  

Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the Blockade and of the gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. No pets please. Not appropriate for children under six. Please call 703-499-9812 for more information and to make reservations.

Leesylvania State Park,

May 14           

Historic Preservation Talk and Hard Hat Tour of the Jail

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; $15 per person

This program will introduce the participant to the idea of “historic preservation,” and cover such topics as what makes a building worth saving, examples of saved buildings in the County, and why historic preservation is important, especially for the environment. Visitors will also have the first opportunity to go inside the jail as it is undergoing restabilization. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

May 14

Ben Lomond Rose Garden Tours

            11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

Visit Ben Lomond and enjoy the beauty and aroma of the blooming roses of the Antique Rose Garden. See a wide variety of antique roses that date from the 15th through 19th centuries. Meet with rose experts and learn about these unique plants found right here in Manassas. Visit the Master Gardener plant clinic table. Also includes a tour of the main house.

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

May 14

Game Day

            11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $3 per child, children under two free

            Play the games that children played before there were batteries.  Activities will include; graces, hoops and sticks, marbles, sack races, story telling, and much more. 

            Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

May 21-22

            Ben Lomond Grand Re-Opening
            11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; FREE!

            Visit the newly renovated Ben Lomond House and grounds. See the opening of the Pringle House Civil War Hospital Exhibit. The entire interior of Ben Lomond has been taken back to July 1861 when it served as a field hospital for the Stonewall Brigade of the Confederate Army. Also be sure to visit the restored outbuildings including the Dairy, Smokehouse and one of a kind original Slave Quarters. Living history both days, with music and demonstrations.                       

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

Nature Trail Walk

1 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

May 26

United States

Marines at First Manassas   *

7 p.m.; Free

On describing the soldiers of both armies in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln said “you are green yes but so are they. You are all green together.”  This is a very good description of the U.S. Marines from Washington Barracks who marched into battle as infantry on July 21, 1861. Many of these men were to experience combat for the first time on the plains of Manassas. In addition, several soldiers were only weeks into basic training when the battle of 1st Bull Run was fought. Join Gunnery Sergeant Thomas E. Williams of the Marine Corps Historical Company for a review of their performance and a discussion about what happened with the two “green” armies met. 

Old Manassas Courthouse,

Bristoe Station Battlefield is home to a complex meadow ecosystem. Join naturalists, Cliff Fairweather, from the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and Charles Smith from the Prince William Wildflower Society (VNPS) for a slide lecture on the benefits of native habitats. Next follow Cliff and Charles on a walking tour of the battlefield and learn about the beneficial wildlife especially the birds and butterflies that call this ecosystem home. Learn to identify the plants tha

t these birds and butterflies need for food and shelter. Bring binoculars. The slide lecture will be held at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center 12229 Bristow Road. The walking tour departs from the Bristoe Station Battlefield kiosk in the parking lot located at

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June 2011

June 4

            Bird Walk and Breakfast

8 a.m.; $15 per person, free for children under six

Our location along the edge of Neabsco Creek and the Potomac River makes Rippon Lodge an attractive place for birds. Join local birding experts on a guided walk of the grounds. Discover our diverse population of song and raptor birds. After the walk join us for a light breakfast in the River Room. Bring binoculars and guide books. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No pets please. Tours of the house are included. Reservations required.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

June 11

            Roaring Rippon         

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $7 per person, free for children under six

            In the 1920s and 1930s, Judge Wade Ellis and his wife Dessie owned Rippon Lodge. They hosted many parties and social events that were written about in the society pages of the paper. Join us for an old fashioned lawn party. Learn to dance the Charleston and Lindy Hop, see antique cars, listen to music of the era and much more. The Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball League will be here to play a game using 19th Century rules and equipment. Tours of the house are included.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

June 11

            Birding Program

            8 a.m. – 10a.m., $5 per person

Bristoe Station Battlefield is a unique habitat that is home to many bird species. Join local birding experts on a guided walking tour. Bring binoculars so you can observe the local and migrating flying visitors to the park. This is a great walk for beginning and experienced birders alike. The tour will depart from the kiosk in the park’s parking lot. No pets please.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park; the parking lot is located off of

June 12

Slavery on Sunday Tours

            11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

            Staff will provide unique hands-on tours and share details about the typical activities of a Sunday for the enslaved community at Ben Lomond. See the farm and house through the eyes of those who were enslaved and kept the plantation running. Tours begin on the hour. Last tour at 3 p.m. 

            Ben Lomond Historic Site,

June 18           

Nature Trail Walk

1 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

June 18           

Juneteenth at the Lucasville School

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six

On June 18, 1865, slaves in Texas learned that they were then and forever free. Celebrations for Emancipation quickly spread through the state and across the South. Celebrate Juneteenth at Lucasville School, Prince William County’s only extant one-room school built for African-American children. Experience what a school day might have been like in the tiny building and participate in games and crafts that the children might have played. 

Lucasville School,

June 18

First Manassas Van Tour  *

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; $85, reservations required

Join local historians for an exciting day learning about the events leading up to the Civil War’s first major battle. Tour includes sites such as Centreville, Blackburn’s Ford, Mitchell’s Ford, McLean House Site, Signal Hill, and Manassas National Battlefield. Cost includes transportation, entrance fees to all sites, and a boxed lunch.

Ben Lomond Historic Site, mailing address:

June 27- July 1

            Basic Civil War Summer Camp  *                                                                                                              

            9 a.m. – noon; ages 8 – 13, $120 per child; reservations required

Children will participate in activities designed to develop a better understanding of soldier life during the American Civil War. Activities include “Enlist in Virginia’s Army,” “Life in Camp,” “Infantry Drill”, “Did Civil War Soldiers Really Eat that Stuff?”, “Civil War Medicine” and a field trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

June 30

First Blood, Battle of Blackburn’s Ford  *

7 p.m.; Free

Before the more renowned battle of 1st Manassas, the northern and southern armies would clash on the 18th of July 1861 in a small battle at Blackburn’s Ford, just five miles from the more famous battlefield. Up to this point, it was the bloodiest battle in American history though that record would be quickly broken the following week. The Confederates declared it a resounding victory and a bungle by the Federals. This battle would set the stage for the Battle of 1st Manassas.

Old Manassas Courthouse,

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July 2011

August 2011

August 1 – 5                                                                                                                            

Basic Civil War Summer Camp

   *                                                                                         

9 a.m. – noon; ages 8 – 13, $120 per child; reservations required

Children will participate in activities designed to develop a better understanding of soldier life during the American Civil War. Activities include “Enlist in Virginia’s Army”, “Life in Camp,” “Infantry Drill,” “Did Civil War Soldiers Really Eat that Stuff?”, “Civil War Medicine” and a field trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

August 11

History at Sunset: Women in the Civil War  *                                                                

7 p.m. – 8 p.m.; $10.00 per person, free for children under six                         

Many people are familiar with the hard-working, independent Rosie the Riveter of World War II who forged new opportunities for women. Long forgotten are the women who either through choice or circumstance challenged and changed women’s roles in Civil War-era America. Join site staff for a guided, hands-on tour about these pathfinders for women’s rights.

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

August 13

Prince William County witnessed three major battles and many skirmishes, but the impact of the war reached far beyond the battlefields. Homes, businesses and towns were ravaged by the armies. This tour will highlight the plight of citizens in the County and share their stories of hardship and survival. Sites and activities include visits to Civil War camp sites across the County, Brentsville, Liberia Plantation, Haymarket and Chapman’s Mill. Cost includes admission to sites and a boxed lunch.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park,

mailing address:

August 14        

Slavery on Sunday Tours

            11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

            Staff will provide unique hands-on tours and share details about the typical activities of a Sunday for the enslaved community at Ben Lomond. See the farm and house through the eyes of those who were enslaved and kept the plantation running. Tours begin on the hour. Last tour at 3 p.m. 

            Ben Lomond Historic Site,

August 15 – 19

Colonial Camp

9 a.m. – Noon. $130 per child, ages 8-12

Step back in time and spend your mornings in 18th Century Virginia. Explore the daily activities and life of kids living in Prince William County during the colonial period. Activities will include; crafts, games, history, music, food and much more. Registration required.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

August 20

Nature Trail Walk

1 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

August 20-21  

“Hard Tack and Coffee” Brentsville Civil War Soldier Camp  *

10 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday; ages 16 (with adult) and older only, $125 per person; reservations required.

Prince William County citizens came to Brentsville to learn how to be soldiers in 1861 (150 years ago). These farmers, shopkeepers and laborers brought few skills that would prepare them for life in the army. Step into the past and discover the military and daily life skills of Civil War soldiers. Activities of this overnight intensive camp include military drills, firing demonstrations, camp life, cooking and building a soldier hut. Meals included. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

August 22-25

Advanced Civil War Summer Camp   *                                                               

 9 a.m. – noon Ages 8 – 13, $150 per child, reservations required

Children will participate in activities built on fundamentals that they learned during the Basic Civil War Summer Camp (see June 27- July 1). Participants will drill their peers, learn an artillery drill, explore non commissioned officers’ administrative responsibilities, spend a day with Confederate General Robert E. Lee and take a field trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park. Participants MUST have attended the Basic Civil War Summer Camp.

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

August 26-27

Reptiles of Virginia

Friday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. (lecture); Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 a.m. (walking tour), $5 per person, free for children under six

Join naturalist and reptile expert Tony Bulmer on Friday evening for a lecture on the native reptiles and amphibians that call Virginia home. Learn why having these guys in your yard and our parks is a good thing. The lecture will be held at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre and will include guest appearances by some of our local reptilian residents. Saturday morning, join Tony once again for a walking tour of Brentsville Courthouse’s nature trail and discover the habitat that these guys call home. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water. Please no pets.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

August 27

149th Anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Run Tours  *

            11 a.m.-3 p.m., tours leave on the hour, $5 per person

On Aug. 27, 1862, Federal and Confederate forces clashed for the first time at

Bristoe Station. Join local historians on the 149th Anniversary for in-depth tours of the battle that served as a prelude to the Second Battle of Manassas. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. No pets please. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot.  

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, The parking lot is located off of

September 2011

September 10

The Deadliest Enemy  *

            11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

            During the quiet winter of 1861-62,  men were still dying long after the Battle of First Manassas. Disease killed more Civil War soldiers than combat and both armies were especially hard hit during the first winter of war. Please join site staff for guided, hands-on tours about the soldiers’ deadliest enemy. Tours begin on the hour. Last tour at 3 p.m. 

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

September 17  

Nature Trail Walk

1 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

September 17  

Bluegrass

at Brentsville

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; $10 per person, free for children under six

Enjoy the lively sounds of a bluegrass band on the grounds of Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre while enjoying tastes of local wines and food. Guided tours of the historic buildings will be available throughout the day. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

September 24

            9th Annual Harvest Festival

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

Rippon Lodge has a long and diverse past from its Colonial America beginnings until today. Lectures and demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the day from local history, gardening, and nature groups. Enjoy music, food, crafts, kids games and activities. House and cemetery tours will be offered all day.     

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

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October 1-2

            Brentsville World War II Weekend

            11 a.m. – 4 p.m., $5 per person, free for children under six

Join World War II living historians to learn about daily life for soldiers in the Europe and Pacific Theatres. Axis and Allied soldiers will be portrayed with equipment, armaments and historic military vehicles. Learn about the home front and the many ways that citizens supported the war effort. View a diverse exhibit of original WWII artifacts displayed in the ca.1928 One-Room Schoolhouse. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

October 1-2

            Historic Hams and Delectable Dairy

            11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $10 per person, free for children under six

            Ben Lomond plantation attempted to be a self-sustaining farm. As much as possible the food needed for the plantation was grown on location. During the fall, all of the food was prepared for storage. Join site staff with hands-on activities about 19th century food preparation including butter and cheese making, salting and smoking of meat. 

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

October 8

            Birding Program

            8 a.m. – 10 a.m., $5 per person

Bristoe Station Battlefield is a unique habitat that is home to many bird species. Join local birding experts on a guided walking tour. Bring binoculars so you can observe the local and migrating flying visitors to the park. This is a great walk for beginning and experienced birders alike. The tour will depart from the kiosk in the park’s parking lot. No pets please.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, The parking lot is located off of

October 8

            Big Trees at Rippon Lodge

            1 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

Rippon Lodge is home to several Prince William County champion trees. Join site staff and a local tree expert on a guided walk of these grand dames of the forest and their neighbors. Tours of the house will be included. Bring binoculars. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No pets please.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

October 9       

Slavery on Sunday Tours

            11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

            Staff will provide unique hands-on tours and share details about the typical activities of a Sunday for the enslaved community at Ben Lomond. See the farm and house through the eyes of those who were enslaved and kept the plantation running. Tours begin on the hour. Last tour at 3 p.m. 

            Ben Lomond Historic Site,

October 15

            148th Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station Tours  *

            11 a.m. - 3 p.m., tours leave on the hour, $5 per person                      

On Oct. 14, 1863, Federal and Confederate forces met once again at Bristoe Station. Join local historians for in-depth tours of the Battle which ended General Robert E. Lee’s last offensive of the war. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. No pets please. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot.      

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park; he parking lot is located off of

October 15     

Nature Trail Walk

1 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

October 21-22

Ghost Hunting in Historic Brentsville

7 p.m – 12 a.m.; $100 per person

Join experienced paranormal investigators and unravel the mysteries of the things that might be haunting Historic Brentsville. This program includes a seminar on the theories of paranormal investigation as well as an investigation of the historic jail. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

October 22-23, 29 -30

Here Lieth the Body

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $7 per person, free for children under six

Rippon Lodge has a long and diverse history. Along the way many haunting tales have come to be associated with the house and its residents. Join us for guided tours of these tales – all of them true – and some more haunting than the next. Tours begin on the hour. Last tour 3 p.m. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No pets please.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

October 28-29

Spirits of Historic Brentsville

7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; $10 per person

Step into Brentsville’s past during this unique historic “ghostly” experience. Along your guided tour, you will meet the spirits of people that once lived, worked and faced execution in Brentsville during the 1800s. These candlelit vignettes will give detailed insight into Prince William County’s history. Some scenes may not be suitable for younger audiences. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

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 November 2011

November 12

Open-Hearth Cooking Class at Brentsville

10 a.m. – 1 p.m., $40 per person; space limited, reservations required.

Gear up for the Thanksgiving season by learning the skills of open-hearth cooking. Join an experienced open-hearth cooking historian and learn the basic skills needed to prepare food over an open fire. You will learn how to build a fire and will prepare and cook three different dishes. End the program by enjoying a taste of the food you cooked. Class will take place in the ca.1850 Haislip Farmhouse. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

November 12-13

            Camp Jones Civil War Encampment 150th Anniversary Event  *

            11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday

Candlelight tours on Saturday, November 12th from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Camps free during day, Evening tours $5 person, ages 6 and under free.

In 1861, thousands of Confederate soldiers were encamped in the fields around Bristoe Station. This large encampment was called "Camp Jones." Here, for several months, Confederate soldiers from all over the south would endure hard winter conditions and be exposed to numerous illnesses and diseases. Nearly 1,000 men died and were buried at Bristoe during this time. This living history program will demonstrate Civil War camp life and the hardships that soldiers faced during the war. Camps will be open to visitors during the day with special candlelight tours offered on Nov. 12.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, The parking lot is located off of

November 19  

Nature Trail Walk

1 p.m.; $5 per person, free for children under six

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

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December 2011

December 10

            Rippon Lodge Holiday Open House

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $5 per person, free for children under six

Rippon Lodge will be decked out for the holidays. Join us for music, light refreshments and holiday crafts for kids. Last tour 3 p.m. Please dress for the weather.  

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

December 10

Boxwood Topiary Tree Workshop

1 p.m. $35 per person. 

Make a festive table top decoration for the holidays using natural materials from the gardens at Rippon Lodge. Instructions and all material will be provided by site staff. Workshop fees cover admission to the Holiday Open House. Not appropriate for children under 10. Advanced registration required. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site,

December 11

Slave Holidays

            11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $7 per person, free for children under six

            Staff will provide unique hands-on tours about enslaved life during the holiday week from Christmas to New Year's. Learn about how the enslaved community celebrated the holidays and how they resisted the institution that kept them enslaved. Tours begin on the hour with the last tour at 3 p.m. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. 

Ben Lomond Historic Site,

December 17  

Civil War Christmas at Brentsville

3 p.m. – 9 p.m.; $5 per person   

During the winter of 1861, Prince William County was home to nearly 70,000 soldiers who spent Christmas here instead of in their homes. Step back 150 years to see how soldiers and civilians celebrated Christmas time during the Civil War. Walk through camps by candlelight and interact with the soldiers and learn about Christmas customs of the past. Enjoy hot cider and join in on caroling or enjoy a musical performance in the historic Union Church. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre,

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