Go ghost hunting and more with PWC HIstoric Preservation in January and February

Here are the January and February programs planned by the Prince William County Division of Historic Preservation:

January 16 - Lecture: 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor - 7p.m., Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee St., Manassas, VA. In late May and early June of 1864 Generals Robert E. Lee and U.S. Grant clashed at a small tidewater crossroads at Cold Harbor just outside of Richmond, Virginia. The outcome was indecisive yet one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war. Join historian Ed Sanders of Richmond National Battlefield Park for a detailed look at this battle. Info: 703-792-4754. Free, donations accepted.

January 30 - Lecture: The Key to the Bulge: The Battle for Losheimergraben, 7 p.m.Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Street, Manassas, VA.
Join author and historian, Stephen M. Rusiecki, for a detailed look into the German winter offensive of 1944-45 which originated at a small cross-roads on the German-Belgian boarder.  Learn how a battered American Infantry Regiment, the 394th succeeded in blunting the German efforts.  This cost the German war machine valuable time and forced the German leadership to shift their war effort further to the South.  Mr. Rusiecki will have copies of his book by the same title and his most recent book; In Final Defense of the Reich: the Destruction of the 6th SS Mountain Division available for sale. Info 703-792-4754.  Free, donations accepted

Lucasville School Open Weekends
Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2
Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9
Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16
Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23
at Lucasville School 10516 Godwin Dr., Manassas, Va,,11am- 4pm. Visit a reconstructed 19th century school used by the community of Lucasville.  Learn surprising facts of African American history in Prince William County and throughout the Northern Virginia region. Info: 703-365-7895. Free, donations accepted.

February 8, Prince William County’s “12 Years a Slave,” 11am-3pm, Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA.
In 1835, William Hyden was passing his way through Prince William County during his journey from Ohio to Washington D.C.  A free African-American, Hyden was arrested as a runaway slave and thrown into the jail at Brentsville.  For over a year Hyden was confined to a jail cell before eventually escaping the jail and returning to freedom.  Join county historians was we explore and compare William Hyden and Samuel Northup, who was recently portrayed in “12 Years A Slave.” Info: 703-365-7895. $5 per person

February 13, Courtship Customs of Centuries Past, 7p.m. Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Street, Manassas VA, Join us for this dinner program on courtship, dating customs and dinner etiquette of the 18th and 19th century.  Space is limited.  Register no later than February 7 to secure space.  Info & reservations 703-792-4754. $

February 21-22, Ghost Hunting 101, 7pm – midnight, Seminar will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with the investigations being held from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA. 
Ben Lomond has a diverse history from being a Civil War hospital to the home of countless slaves.  Today, many local residents claim that the house and grounds are haunted by spirits from the past.  Ben Lomond Historic Site is partnering with East Coast Research and Investigation of the Paranormal (ECRIP) to host two ghost seminars and investigations at Ben Lomond.  ECRIP is a local volunteer group of researchers who investigate claims of potential paranormal phenomena and educate interested parties about the paranormal by sharing collective research, experience, knowledge and theories. Participants will first attend a seminar in which various theories and techniques currently used in investigating paranormal activity will be discussed. Afterwards, participants will work alongside experienced paranormal investigators in conducting a paranormal investigation at Ben Lomond. Space is limited. Reservations required. Info & reservations. 703-367-7872. $

February 27 - Lecture: The Battle of New Market Heights: Freedom will be Theirs by the Sword
7p.m., Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Street, Manassas VA.
In the predawn darkness of September 29, 1864, black Union Soldiers attacked a heavily fortified position on the outskirts of Richmond known as New Market Heights.  In a few hours of desperate fighting, these African American soldiers struck a blow against General R.E. Lee’s vaunted Army of Northern Virginia and proved to detractors that they could fight for the freedom and citizenship for themselves and their enslaved brethren.  Fourteen of the black soldiers who stormed the heights were awarded the Congressional Metal of Honor.  Author and historian Jimmy Price offers considerable insight into the black military experience and will have copies of his book by the same title as the lecture available for sale. Info: 703-792-4754. Free, donations accepted.

For more information on Historic Preservation in Prince William County including volunteer opportunities, programs, rentals, school and scout programs visit http://www.pwcgov.org/historic preservation or call 703-792-4754. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pwhistoric