Waterford Through Their Eyes: Black Families Experiences in the Landmark from the late Revolutionary era through the mid-20th Century

Join local historians Bronwen and John Souders- authors of A Rock in a Weary Land, a Shelter in a Time of Storm: African-American Experience in Waterford, Virginia– in a discussion about the experiences and family stories of Black residents in Waterford from the late Re......More

Join local historians Bronwen and John Souders- authors of A Rock in a Weary Land, a Shelter in a Time of Storm: African-American Experience in Waterford, Virginia– in a discussion about the experiences and family stories of Black residents in Waterford from the late Revolutionary era through the mid-20th century, and their experiences diving into the history of the Waterford National Historic Landmark! Date and Time: Saturday, February 7th at 2pm Location: Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA 20197) Cost: Free! To RSVP (not required but encouraged) for this event, please click on this link! ___________________________________________________________________________________ Afterwards, explore the Village on a guided walking tour by skilled docents to continue to dive into the African American history of the Waterford National Historic Landmark. Tickets for a guided walking tour are $20 per person, and can be purchased in advance here and on the day of the event. The snow date for the walking tour is Saturday, February 22nd.

African American History Walking Tour

  Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on a guided historic walking tour!  In 1970 the Secretary of the Interior designated Waterford and its rural surround a National Historic Landmark. Well into the 20th century, most Americans lived and worked on farms......More

  Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on a guided historic walking tour!  In 1970 the Secretary of the Interior designated Waterford and its rural surround a National Historic Landmark. Well into the 20th century, most Americans lived and worked on farms or in small towns like this one. Few of these places have remained much as they were. Waterford, miraculously, is one that has. Walk with us through time for clues to Waterford’s character and tenacity. It is a story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They built a thriving town from wilderness they endured a long and bloody war that threatened to destroy their home and in good times and bad they held tightly to their vision of a special place. Preserving the village and its setting as a national site for everyone is the principal mission of the Waterford Foundation. This month’s tour theme is Black history. By 1830, one in four households in Waterford were headed by free Blacks. During the tour, you will be able to hear the stories of the families who lived here and helped build Waterford into the place we know today while experiencing their surroundings and exploring buildings including the Second Street School and John Wesley Community Church. On your tour, you will see houses from the mid 18th century to the 21st. The tour begins at the Old School and covers the entire village in about 90 minutes. Tours will run rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Register Here

Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197

Waterford on the Rocks: Reluctant Witness

Join us for the Waterford on the (ye olde) Rocks Cocktail Series!Come raise a glass with Nicholas Cresswell! Join us at the Old School in Waterford for a night of merriment and living history as you see Loudoun County in 1774-1777 through the eyes of a 24-year-old Engli......More

Join us for the Waterford on the (ye olde) Rocks Cocktail Series!Come raise a glass with Nicholas Cresswell! Join us at the Old School in Waterford for a night of merriment and living history as you see Loudoun County in 1774-1777 through the eyes of a 24-year-old Englishman caught here by the outbreak of Revolution and learn about his life, travels, and observations. Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area educator and historian Travis Shaw will bring Cresswell to life through his 18th century diary, and public historians Rich and Tracy Gillespie will set the stage and walk us through the experiences Cresswell had while visiting Loudoun. Event Details: Date: Thursday, February 19thTime: Program starts at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pmLocation: Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA)Tickets: Individual tickets are on sale NOW! ($20)- Buy tickets online here! Ticket purchase includes food and drink. Advance purchase only. Tickets will not be available at the door. The Waterford Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN 54-0755457), and a portion of your ticket purchase may be tax deductible. Program value: $15 per ticket. 

Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197

Pine Needle Coiled Baskets

Create a beautiful, functional coiled basket using pine needles from the eastern U.S. Learn to collect, prepare, and store needles, explore stitching techniques, and add embellishments like beads. No experience needed all materials provided.

Intro to Weaving on the Warp Weighted Loom: Mug Rugs

Explore one of the oldest weaving techniques in this hands-on class using a warp weighted loom. Learn about its Viking-age history and regional styles while weaving your own set of mug rugs. No experience needed.

Fundamentals of Tablet Weaving

Discover the ancient art of tablet weaving, a technique using square cards to create colorful, patterned bands. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of warping, weaving, and how patterns emerge, with a brief look at historical uses

Introduction Stone Carving: Relief and Letter Carving

Learn traditional stone carving using hand tools through guided exercises with the three main chisels. Students will create a simple relief carving in limestone, then explore letter design and carve one or more letters in soapstone. Each student will leave with a finish......More

Learn traditional stone carving using hand tools through guided exercises with the three main chisels. Students will create a simple relief carving in limestone, then explore letter design and carve one or more letters in soapstone. Each student will leave with a finished carved stone featuring both a relief and lettering.

African American History Walking Tour

  Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on a guided historic walking tour!  In 1970 the Secretary of the Interior designated Waterford and its rural surround a National Historic Landmark. Well into the 20th century, most Americans lived and worked on farms......More

  Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on a guided historic walking tour!  In 1970 the Secretary of the Interior designated Waterford and its rural surround a National Historic Landmark. Well into the 20th century, most Americans lived and worked on farms or in small towns like this one. Few of these places have remained much as they were. Waterford, miraculously, is one that has. Walk with us through time for clues to Waterford’s character and tenacity. It is a story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They built a thriving town from wilderness they endured a long and bloody war that threatened to destroy their home and in good times and bad they held tightly to their vision of a special place. Preserving the village and its setting as a national site for everyone is the principal mission of the Waterford Foundation. On your tour, you will see houses from the mid 18th century to the 21st. The tour begins at the Old School and covers the entire village in about 90 minutes. Tours will run rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Register Here

Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197

Distaff Spinning with Suspended Spindle

Discover the ancient art of suspended spinning as practiced in Nordic culture during the Viking Age. Learn the history, symbolism, and tools of distaff spinning, then try your hand at preparing fiber and practicing spinning techniques. Beginners and history enthusiasts ......More

Discover the ancient art of suspended spinning as practiced in Nordic culture during the Viking Age. Learn the history, symbolism, and tools of distaff spinning, then try your hand at preparing fiber and practicing spinning techniques. Beginners and history enthusiasts alike will enjoy this unique hands-on experience.