PWC Historic Preservation division sets events in March

March 7
Lecture: Americans in Wartime, 7pm; Free, donations accepted. Representatives of the Americans in Wartime Museum will give an overview of their ongoing efforts and progress toward opening the Americans in Wartime Museum facility.  The museum will discuss the broad scope of their many projects.  The presentation will cover everything from a WWII soldier’s footlocker to a fire-engine from September 11th. Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee Street, Manassas, VA. 703-792-4754.

March 14
Lecture: Women’s Suffrage in the Washington D.C. Area, 7pm; Free, donations accepted. Irma Clifton, from the Lorton Workhouse Museum will present a lecture about the suffragists and Workhouse in Lorton/Occoquan in the early 20th Century.  Her presentation will include details about the suffrage movement in the Washington D.C. area from 1913 to 1920. Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee Street, Manassas, VA. 703-792-4754

March 16
Women in the 19th Century- Lecture and Tour. 1pm -3pm; fee, free for children under six. Women held many different roles during the 19th century and specifically, during the Civil War.  The women’s role in the family, society, during the war, and the hardships they faced (childbirth, lack of rights, etc.) will be discussed.  Guests will also tour the farmhouse and learn about what daily life was like during the time period. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895

March 16
Potomac Blockade Boat Tour, 10am-1pm; fee. 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. Tour includes sandwiches and departs from Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.  Reservations Required Call 703-792-4754.

March 21
Lecture: Women’s Suffrage 7pm; Free, donations accepted. Votes for Women! The suffrage movement has come to Prince William County.  Join historian Lynne G. Hodge for a unique living history portrayal of a suffragette from 1913 -1920.  Ferlazzo Auditorium, 15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA. 703-792-4754

March 23
Quilting at Historic Brentsville, 11am - 3pm; fee, free for children under six. Many families throughout the area, both past and present have quilts in their homes; not only for warmth but for decoration. Join local quilters as they demonstrate the time-honored skills and traditions of quilt making here at Historic Brentsville.  Learn about the many quilt patterns, and their meanings.  Maybe even try your hand at sewing a few stitches! Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA. 703-365-7895

March 28
Lecture: Pickett’s Charge, 7pm; Free, donations accepted Historian, Matt Atkinson, from Gettysburg National Military Park, will give a detailed look into the events of July 3, 1863 and the men of General George Pickett’s Division that made history that day. Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee Street, Manassas, VA. 703-792-4754.

March 30
Egg Hunt, 11am and 1pm; $5 per child, children under two free; $1 off with canned food donation to benefit ACTS. 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, pony rides, and a moon bounce.  Pony rides and moon bounce are an additional cost.  Bring a picnic.  Bring a basket for egg collecting.  Egg hunts are at 11am and 1pm for children under 5 years old.  Hunts for older children are at 11:15 am and 1:15 pm.  All other activities are ongoing through out the day. House tour included.  Please bring exact change.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, 703-499-9812

March 30            
“Unheralded Heroines” Women in the Civil War Tours at Ben Lomond,11am - 5pm; fee, 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. In honor of Women’s history month, join site staff for a guided, hands-on tour about these pathfinders for women’s rights.  Tours start on the hour with the last tour at 4 p.m. Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872.