The Editor wishes each of you that the WORST day of your future is always better than the BEST day of your PAST!!
Message from the President:
Ladies & Gentlemen--
Remember the Grand Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum on 19 April. See you there.
Also, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is asking for assistance from the Living History Foundation for reenactors to assist with a summer full of historical opportunities. April will be starting with Corky Palmer and our LHF dancers and also with Peter Ryan and his Swordsman rendezvous. Don’t miss these events.
From May to September, the LHF has been requested to assist on two weekends each month. Plans are currently underway and discussions with the Schooner, “American Spirit” to participate. Margie Anderson (LHF Program Director) and myself are discussing events such as a 1760ish landing at Alexandria with soldiers and prominent visitors being greeted ashore and escorted to Market Square for festivities. Plus, ships crew doing tours and having music and entertainment at the dock. Also, consideration is for soldiers to be aboard the ship and do drills and demos ashore.
The next month being considered would be a 1776ish Revolutionary War arrival of General George Washington and reception like the above. The next month would be considered as a 1783ish arrival of a post Revolutionary War General Washington or President Washington and the above. Finally, a 1793ish arrival of the second US President James Madison and repeating the above.
Your assistance and participation is greatly sought.
The Living History Foundation website is at http://www.livinghistoryfoundation.org.
I am requesting members to renew their membership and can use the Pay Pal account at jprlhftreasurer@earthlink.net
Until then, I remain
Your Most Obedient & Obliged Servant John D. Curd, Jr. President, Living History Foundation P.S. John Curd can be reached via e-mail at johndc16@hotmail.com or 571-332-3265.
EDITOR’s Note: If you have any additional items to include or corrections to these events, please contact the editor for the next month’s edition of The Courier. Thanks. Hope you find this information helpful. (John Curd, Editor)
MARYLAND DANCERS
(MD) Bladensburg -- Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. basic figures of Colonial Country Dances are taught by Tim Yatman at the Bladensburg Town Hall, 3229 Edmonston Rd., Bladensburg, MD. More information is available from Mr. Yatman at (410) 586-3392; New dancers or dancers who have been recently absent are encouraged to contact Mr. Yatman before attending, as classes are not held during his occasional global perambulations.
(MD) Folklore Society of Greater Washington – Come see this group as they have English Country Dances at Glen Echo Town Hall, MD on Wednesdays from 8 to 10:30 PM. Contract Stephanie Smithy at 301-229-3577 or Roger Broseus at English@fsgw.org for more information. Also check the website at www.fsgw.org, or phone 202-546-2228
(MD) Baltimore Folk Music Society – every Monday, 8:00-10:30 at St. Mark's-on-the-Hill Parish Hall, 1620 Reisterstown Rd, Pikesville, Md. Admission is $7 for members, $10 for nonmembers. Beginners are always welcome. All dances are taught. See also Washington,DC Area; web address: http://www.bfms.org Call the Baltimore Folk Music Society's Music & Dance Hotline! (410) 366-0808 or email president at bfms.org. Directions to St. Marks Church
VIRGINIA DANCERS
(VA) Alexandria -- Mr. Palmer will be providing instruction at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St. —the corner of Cameron and N. Royal Sts. in Alexandria, VA) from 7:30-9:30pm on Tuesday evenings. Unless otherwise advised, dancers will be using the Ball Room. Since the outer door must be kept locked while we are all upstairs dancing, if you arrive late and your knocks go unanswered, stand across Royal Street by the two real gas lamps in front of City Hall and wave until someone sees you. Parking is available on the street or in one of the nearby garages. For more information, contact Corky Palmer: (703) 378-7213 or dancingmaster@verizon.net
(VA) Fredericksburg -- Dance Class, 7:30pm-9:30pm 2nd and 4th Friday's at St George's Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA. For info contact Dance Instructor Elaine Sturgeon at 540-785-2168 / miselaineus@yahoo.com or Contact Person: Tina Buchanan, purrs4me@wwlnk.net
(VA) Louisa Group “Glen Beau”-- Every Friday night, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m, 8876 Jefferson Highway, Mineral, VA 23117, Dance Master: Judge Ward Harkrader
(VA) Richmond ECD Dance Club -- We meet every Wednesday from 8 - 10 p.m. at Overbrook Presbyterian Church 2605 Dumbarton Rd, Richmond, VA. $1.00 per person at the door.. Dancemasters: Linda Salter (belldance@verizon.net) & Linda Macdonald. Our Ball is November 4th at Belmont Country Club - 1600 Hilliard Rd, Richmond, VA from 6 - 11:00 p.m. with a sit down dinner. Adults $26 Students $20. Call them at 804-744-3264 or 804-266-7355 or mlammmbu@aol.com. Dance Instructions for the ball can be found on the website which is: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/rec/pdfforms/colonial_dance_club.pdf
(VA) Williamsburg Heritage Dancers -- Tuesdays, 8-10PM at Newport House, 710 South Henry Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4113; for info, call 757-229-1775. Classes are held year-round. Dance Master: Lou Vosteen, 757-564-3775
On-Going Events 2008:
January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, (VA), Touring Mount Vernon Mount Vernon is open seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays (Christmas and New Year’s Day, also). The third floor of the Mansion is open exclusively for the holidays. Every child ticket purchase includes a * FREE * Adventure Map of Mount Vernon to inform and entertain! Special events and seasonal activities re-create the bustle of 18th-century life. Contact number: (703) 780-2000 Singular Events 2008:
April 5-6, 2008, (VA) Sully Plantation War of 1812 History Weekend, 11 AM to 4 PM War of 1812 Living History Weekend, 11am-4pm Saturday, 11am-3pm Sunday. Drill with troops, watch the cannon firing and learn the role of horses in military. Visit with the Ship’s Surgeon and learn about the daily lives of civilians. House tour included. $7/adult, $5/senior and child. Sponsored by Sully Plantation (Barbara Ziman, 703-437-1794 ext 210). www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully; 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA
April 5-6, 2008, (MD) Ft Frederick, Garrison Weekend, 1st Virginia Regiment Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Members of the 1st Virginia will garrison the fort and demonstrate the life of Continental soldiers during the Revolutionary War. For information call 301-842-2155. www. fortedwards.org/cwffa/calendar.htm
April 10, 2008, (VA) Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Grand Ball dance class Dance classes on April 3, 10, and 17th. Dance lessons cost is $12 per class. They are held from 7:30 to 9:30 PM at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Contact Gadsby’s: 703-838-4242 or http://www.gadsbystavern.org or email: gadsbys.tavern@alexandriava.gov
April 12-13, 2008, (MD) Ft Frederick, British Revolutionary War Garrison Weekend Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Members of the 17th Foot, 33rd Foot, and 76th Foot will garrison the fort and demonstrate the life of British soldiers during the Revolutionary War. For information call 301- 842-2155. www.fortedwards.org/cwffa/calendar.htm
April 16, 2008, (VA) Myths of George Washington Debunked, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 7 to 9:00 PM Join Dr. Peter Henriques, professor from George Mason University, as he busts the many myths related to the Father of our Country. Doors open at 7:00 and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Price is $12 per person, $10 GTM member or volunteer. Call 703-838-4242 or email: http://www.gadsbystavern.org or email: gadsbys.tavern@alexandriava.gov
April 17, 2008, (VA) Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Grand Ball dance class Dance classes on April 3, 10, and 17th. Dance lessons cost is $12 per class. They are held from 7:30 to 9:30 PM at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Contact Gadsby’s: 703-838-4242 or http://www.gadsbystavern.org or email: gadsbys.tavern@alexandriava.gov
April 19, 2008, (MD) Ft Edward’s Colonial Feast Check back for details. The Fort Edwards Foundation marks the anniversary of the Battle of Great Cacapehon of April 18, 1756. We have a history symposium and a catered Colonial Feast. Call for tickets to the Feast. Fire Hall in Capon Bridge, WV. For information call (304)496-8845. www.fortedwards.org/cwffa/calendar.htm
April 19, 2008, (MD) Pirates Invasion Of Baltimore Harbor, 11 AM until ????? Hundreds of pirates, privateers, wenches and other fun-loving souls are set to descend on Baltimore’s Fell’s Point neighborhood on Saturday, April 19, to celebrate the fourth annual Privateer Day 2008. Times: 11am to 6 p.m., for kids big and small. Location: 900 S. Broadway, Baltimore MD 21231; For more information contact:Jason Sullivan: 410-675-8900; E-mail: http://editor.mawebcenters.com/builder/contactpd.html http://www.fellspointdevelopment.com/privateerday.html
April 19, 2008, (VA) Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Grand Ball, 8 PM until 11 PM Held in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern, this springtime ball will be presented in the 1780s. Enjoy live music, dessert collation, cash bar and "gaming." Period costume optional, "after five" attire encouraged. Ball from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Cost of $45 in advance includes ticket and dance classes or $50 at door. Reservations required. Please call Gadsby’s: 703-838-4242 or http://www.gadsbystavern.org or email: gadsbys.tavern@alexandriava.gov . April 24-27, 2008, (MD) Ft. Frederick Market Day 18th Century Market Fair --It’s that time again for the Fort Frederick Market Days at Fort Frederick State Park, 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool, MD 21711; Call 1-888-432-CAMP(2267) for reservations; Visit Fort Frederick State Park and meet the best 18th Century artisans, craftspeople and sutlers amidst a 1730-1790 encampment. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Service charge. For information, call 301-842-2155. http://www.fortedwards.org/cwffa/calendar.htm http://www.dnr. state.md.us/publiclands/western/fortfrederick.html
April 27, 2008, (VA) Rappahannock Stratford Hall Coaching Days, 9 AM to 5 PM Time to dust off your riding habit as, rain or shine, the coaches, horses and hounds will once again grace the grounds of historic Stratford Hall. This event takes place every three years and features a parade of 19th-century-era coaches. RCHS will also be a part of the festivities for this very special event! $$; Contact http://www.rchsinc.org/calendar.htm. Coordinator: Elaine Sturgeon, 540-785-2168; miselaineus@yahoo.com. Stratford Hall location is 483 Great House Road, Stratford, Virginia 22558; (804) 493-8038
May 3-4, 2008, (MD) Hager House “Museum Ramble” and F&I encampment This special weekend will feature a no admission open house along with a fun scavenger hunt for the family to complete as they walk through the Hager House and Museum. Also on site will be a French and Indian War encampment with reenactors in period dress. Something for the whole family Saturday 10-4, Sunday 1-5. www.fortedwards.org/cwffa/calendar.htm
May 10, 2008: (VA) Blue and Gray Ball The annual Blue and Gray Ball will be held in Farquier County, VA. There will be dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Contact Heidi Burke for details. Or contact www.mosbymuseum.org
May 10, 2008: (VA) Jamestown Landing Day, Jamestown Settlement Maritime demonstrations and interpretive activities exploring contact between European and Virginia Indian cultures mark the 401st anniversary of the founding of America's first permanent English colony. Special programs also held at Historic Jamestowne, co-administered by the National Park Service and APVA Preservation Virginia. http://www.historyisfun.org/calendar.htm
May 10-11, 2008, (VA), Mount Vernon, Garden Party, 8 AM to 5 PM Mount Vernon welcomes warmer weather with a festive Spring Garden Party! Listen to charming early- American musicians in the upper and lower gardens. In honor of Mother’s Day, Mrs. Washington presents a special program, “The Mother of Her Country Speaks to Motherhood” at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Mrs. Washington takes guests back in time to the late 18th century to share her insights on being mother to her children, grandchildren and her country. (703) 780-2000 Visiting mothers have an opportunity to take a photograph with Mrs. Washington and receive a free seed packet (while supplies last). Visitors may also purchase heirloom plants and garden items at the annual garden and gift sale, which runs through May 11. http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/index.cfm/fuseaction/event/calID/127
May 11, 2008, (VA) Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Mother’s Day FREE Tours 1 to 5:00 PM Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is pleased to offer free tours on Mother’s Day for all visiting mothers! Treat Mom to a tour of the historic tavern and City Hotel made famous by John Gadsby. Notable visitors (other than your beloved Mother) include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Tour times are from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and cost $4 for all other adults and $2 for children (ages 11-17). For more information, call 703.838.4242. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Contact Gadsby’s: 703-838-4242 or http://www.gadsbystavern.org or email: gadsbys. tavern@alexandriava.gov
May 17-18, 2008, (VA) Claude Moore Colonial Farm Market Day Notice is herewith given that a Market and Fair shall be held on the third full weekend of the months May, July, October of this year instant, at the grounds so set aside and designated near the Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run below the Little Falls of the Potowmack on the Georgetown Pike in McLean Virginia. FREE pass at http://www.1771.org/market_fair_pass.htm .
May 18, 2008: (VA) An 18th Century Tea With Martha Washington Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Here is your chance to experience history with Martha Washington as she discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. 18th century tea includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire requested. Program time is 3:00 – 5:00pm and the cost is $20 per person. This event sells out every year so make your reservation early by calling 703.838.4242 or visit us online at www.gadsbystavern.org. http://oha.alexandriava.gov/gadsby/pdfs/ScoutPrograms2.pdf
May 30 to June 1, 2008: (VA) Annual Blackbeard Festival, Hampton, VA Travel back in time to a period where The Customs House of the bustling seaport of Hampton regulated the export of tobacco to England and the import of manufactured commodities to the colonies. In 1718, the most notorious pirate festival is hosted by Blackbeard on the beach at Ocracoke Inlet. This year’s activities include a number of reenactments from impromptu street skirmishes between pirates and the militia, to full-scale sea battles in the Hampton Harbor, featuring the popular re-enactment of Blackbeard’s final battle. Onlookers can also enjoy the waterfront view where tall ships, including Delaware’s Kalmar Nyckel, tower over more than 50 private sail and powerboats all decked out in their own pirate gear. Saturday, May 31, 2008 • 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 1, 2008 • 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. http://www.blackbeardpiratefestival.com
May 31 – 1 June, 2008: (PA) Ft. Necessity, British & French Encampment Please contact Fort Necessity for details of this event. For additional information please call (724) 329- 5512 or check the link on the "Our Sites" page. http://www.fortedwards.org/cwffa/calendar.htm; Fort Necessity National Battlefield One Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437, TELEPHONE: (724) 329- 5512