Calendar of EventsJULY –DECEMBER 2013

Celebrating20 Years!

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1985

1991

1993

, a National Historic Landmark,was begun by Henri Joseph Stier, a wealthy immigrant from Antwerp, in1801. After his return to Europe, his daughter, Rosalie, and her husband,George Calvert, made it their home. Mrs. Calvert’s correspondence tells thestory of this family and their elegant house, a story that is an integral partof the history of Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland, and the na-tion. Today, this historic house museum of The Maryland-National CapitalPark and Planning Commission offers regular tours and special programsthroughout the year. When Madame Stier moved in, she noted, “Were I to build anothertomorrow, I would change nothing. I am completely delighted.” In June1993, the newly restored Riversdale opened to the public. During the nextyear, we look back not only on the 20 years the museum has been open,but also on the 200 year history of the house that so delighted its originalowner. The festivities kickoff in June at the first jazz concert of the season.These anniversary programs are marked with . The summer brings other reasons to celebrate, too! The “very affec-tionate” Caroline was the oldest Calvert child. Families are welcome to anafternoon of fun at Caroline’s Birthday Party. Commemorations continuein August with the Battle of Bladensburg Encampment, honoring the200th anniversary of the War of 1812. In September, enjoy Summer Sips and small bites that feature ourown produce and reflect tastes from different eras in Riversdale’s history.The gardens were a reminder of the children’s European grandfather. Bringyour grandparents for a FREE tour on Grandparents’ Day. Bring your treasures to the Out of the Attic Appraisal Fair for evalua-tion. After discovering the value of your own heirlooms, visit the museumand its collections for FREE on Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. In October, get your thrills at A Gothick Evening where you will heartwo centuries’ worth of vampire lore by the light of the full moon. Vampiresare not the only things to have changed over 200 years. At Hands-On His-tory: Toys Through Time children learn how toys have changed since theCalvert children played at Riversdale. Feel the need to “get away”? Ladies can spend a weekend exploring thefashions, foods and amusements of Mrs. Calvert’s day during the RegencyLadies’ Weekend in November. The holiday season commences in December with Breakfast with SintNiklaas, the saintly bishop who visits children in Mrs. Calvert’s native Flan-ders on his feast day. Call on the Calverts by Candlelightwhere you’ll enjoyan evening of refreshments and children’s activities. The merriment contin-ues at our Twelfth Night Ball in January 2014 where guests will dance tolive music and partake of a ball supper.§

THE RIVERSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETYThe Riversdale Historical Society is the volunteer support organization forthe 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.

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 KITCHEN GUILD PRESENTsFROM THE GARDEN TO THE KITCHEN:SEASONAL SELECTIONSUsing produce from the garden and orchard, Guild members demonstratefoodways in the Dependency kitchen. Selections are inspiredby the seasonal cycles of a 19th century farm. Drop by towatch them work from noon to 3:30 pm on selected Sundays.

July 14 Ice Cream for CarolineJuly 28 Cold Meats & SaladsAugust 11 Summer BountyAugust 24 Cooking for a Crowd (note this is Saturday)September 22 Simple Simon (Pies)October 6 Sweet & Savory AppleOctober 20 From Field to ForestNovember 10 Fall Feast

Seasonal Storytime features children’s tales related to what’s cookin’ in thekitchen. FREE stories at 12:30 and 2:30 pm

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESImmerse yourself in history! As one of our volunteers, you’ll dive right into thebehind-the-scenes action as you share the story of Riversdale. No experience isnecessary—we’ll provide training. Docents lead guided tours of the museum.Education docents assist with school and Scout programs. Or you can work inthe garden or Museum Shop or join the Kitchen Guild cooking in the Dependency.

July -december 2013 Calendar of EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 6:30 PM

20TH ANNIVERSARY KICKOFFIn June 1993, Riversdale opened to the public as a historic house museum. Join us to celebrate thismilestone at the first FREE jazz concert of the summer, featuring the Bay Jazz Project. As an addedtreat, enjoy swing dance lessons with the pros from

Gottaswing.com before the show.

SUNDAY, JULY 14 1 PM

CAROLINE’S BIRTHDAY PARTYCaroline, the oldest child in the Calvert house-hold, was born on July 15. Help us celebrate herbirthday! Decorate period cupcakes, enjoy gamesand refreshments, and make a bonnet for your 18''doll— just like the one Caroline received as a giftfrom her cousin. Advance payment required byJuly 8. Ages 5 & up. Fee: Resident* $5/child,

$3/adult; Non-Resident $6/child, $4/adult

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 12 NOON

BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG ENCAMPMENTBring the family to join British and AmericanWar of 1812 troops as they camp on the lawnto prepare for battle. Enjoy children’s activitiesand live music throughout the afternoon. The Riversdale Kitchen Guild will sell period-inspired refreshments. Scouts, call fordetails about earning a badge! FREE; Regularfee for house tours.

* 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.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 3 PM

SUMMER SIPSPut on your party clothes! Enjoy the beauty of a late summer garden as you partake of appetizers and beverages crafted from our own local, very fresh,produce. Advance payment required by August 23; capacity is limited. Ages 21 & up.

Fee: Resident* $25, Non-Resident $30

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 12:15–3:15 PM

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY TOURSThe Calvert children kept in touch with theirBelgian grandparents by writing letters. Keep intouch with your grandparents by bringing them,or another special senior guest, for a FREEguided tour. NOTE: Limited to one free tourwith each paid admission.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 10 AM

OUT OF THE ATTIC APPRAISAL FAIRBring up to 4 items for evaluation byWeschler’s, appraisers and auctioneers ofWashington, D.C. You may substitutephotos for large items. Weschler’s does notappraise antiquities, books, foreign coins,stamps, or toys. This program benefits theRiversdale Historical Society. Reservations

required by September 18. Fee: $10 per item

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 1–3 PM

SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE DAY LIVE!Riversdale is joining museums across the country and opening its doors for FREE during this annual event hosted by Smithsonian Media. Find out more and print the required ticket here: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 7 PM

A GOTHICK MOONLIT EVENING200 years ago, John William Polidori published The

Vampyre that began the vampire genre. Explore two centuries of vampire tales during a moonlit tour of thegrounds with selected readings. End the evening with acup of cider by the fire. Advance payment required

by October 11; capacity is limited. Ages 12 & up. Fee: Resident* $10, Non-Resident $12

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 10 AM

HANDS-ON HISTORY: TOYS THROUGH TIMEBefore the days of video games and electronic toys,children entertained themselves with handmade creations. Spend the day off from school creating diversions of your own while learning about 200 years of play and amusement. Advance payment required by October 14. Ages 8-12. Fee: Resident* $18, Non-Resident $21

SATURDAY–SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16–17, CALL FOR DETAILS

REGENCY LADIES’ WEEKENDEscape the hustle of modern life and spend the weekendexperiencing the life of a Regency-era woman as you explore fashion, cooking, amusements, and more. Delight in the rare opportunity to spend the night inthe museum. Advance payment required by November 1. Fee: Resident* $75; Non-Resident $90

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 9 AM & 11 AM

BREAKFAST WITH SINT NIKLAASSint Niklaas, the Flemish forerunner of our modernSanta Claus, is making his annual visit to Riversdale!Children and parents enjoy a Belgian-inspired breakfast, meet Sint Niklaas, and receive a special gift. Children ages 3 to 10 ONLY. Advance paymentrequired by November 16; capacity is limited. Sorry, we cannot accommodate walk-ins.Fee: Resident* $10/child, $7 adult; Non-Resident $12/child,$9/adult

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 6 PM

THE CALVERTS BY CANDLELIGHTExperience the decorated and candlelit museum as the Calverts wel-come guests to their home for tours, refreshments, and children’sactivities. Fee: $5/adult; FREE children 12 & under accompaniedby an adult

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014 7:30 PM

TWELFTH NIGHT BALLCelebrate the traditional end of theholiday season at our Regency-styleball and supper. Black tie or period attire encouraged. Advance paymentrequired by January 4; capacity is limited. Fee: Resident* $40, Non-Resident $48

ON THE LAWN WEDNESDAYS, 7 PMBring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy some of the area’s top jazz musi-cians. Purchase dinner from the Calvert House Inn’s tent or bring apicnic from home. If it rains, we move inside.

June 26: Cheek to CheekJuly 17: New Old Theater presents 1812 “Jazz:”

The Star-Spangled Banner & All Its CousinsJuly 31: Bruce Ewan, The Red Harmonica King featuring Steve JacobsAugust 7: Archie Edwards’ JambassadorsAugust 21: BrûléeThe concerts are supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, the town of Riverdale Park, and ATHA, Inc.

Jazz

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 supportsthe 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 301-927-3498E-MAIL Riversdale@pgparks.com / WEB: history.pgparks.comPPC-PR-NHRD-7/13

4811 Riverdale RoadRiverdale Park, MD 20737

Greetings from

ON EXHIBIT: WHAT IS TO BETHE END OF ALL THIS? “The Calvert Family and the Civil War” tells the story of the lives ofthe surviving Calvert siblings as they were separated by the conflictthat also divided the nation. This exhibit, featuring family papers, willbe open through November 28 during regular tour hours. Regular tour fees apply. This project has been financed in part with state funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.