Calendar of Events

2013: MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST

Except where noted, advance registration required. Excepting teas, cancellations with refund are possible if completed at least 48 hours in advance during regular business hours.
Tea programs require four days' advance notice for a refund.

Enrollment open now for Summer History Weeks half-day camps
and (new)Tuesday Toddlers! Curious about our teas?
Read all about them in Tea Time Magazine!

Going Native: Favorite Plants for Local Gardens
Saturday, June 1
10 a.m.

Which plants, trees, and shrubs emerged from and thrive in our local soil and climate? Native plant expert Carrie Blair has spent a lifetime studying plants in indigenous habitats. In this fascinating lecture, learn why native plants matter to local ecosystems and which ones she recommends for our urban-suburban landscapes.

Members: $8 | Non-Members $10

[Echinacea purpurea image courtesy of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.]

A guided garden tour...

Historic & Growing:
The Tudor Place Landscape

Tuesday, June 4, and
first (and additional) Tuesdays through October
10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Indulge in the history and horticulture of centuries-old trees, heirloom plants and flowers and fragrant English boxwood on a lively guided walk across 5.5 acres and two centuries of landscape design. Learn how Tudor Place reflects both its Federal-period origins and changes in land use over time. See how orchards, vegetable gardens, stables and grazing land made way for lawns, rose gardens, fountains and the various garden “rooms” of an urban estate. Identify many varieties cultivated here over time, and see how four owners over six generations of one family cared for and embellished the landscape, while Georgetown and the Federal city grew around it.

Tour fee is $10. Advance registration is encouraged but not required. View registration link for additional dates.

Tuesday Toddlers
Summer Storytime and Sing-Along

Tuesdays, June 4 - July 23
10 -10:45 a.m.

Tudor Place has enchanted young children for almost two centuries (seen at right: Armistead Peter 3rd with his nanny by the Temple Portico). Experience it yourself on summer Tuesday mornings as we meet to read, sing, and play in the picturesque gardens. This family-friendly program offers a new theme each week, from "adventurous animals" to "growing gardens" and more. Children will participate each week in an interactive read-aloud, songs and themed movements, all related to the week's topic, and will enjoy sharing this tranquil setting with the grown-ups who care for them. Parent/caregiver must remain with child.

Children: $5 per session or $35 for all eight | Adults: FREE

Tudor Place and the Civil War Home Front
House and Walking Tours

Saturday, June 8
(and every second Saturday through October)
HOUSE TOUR, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
WALKING TOUR, 1 – 2 p.m.

Learn what life was like in Georgetown and the Federal City during this critical test of American democracy. On a special house tour, learn about those who lived on the estate and the enslaved workers who served them when war brought uncertain times to Tudor Place. Learn how owner Britannia Kennon and her daughter made their quarters in a stable loft to make room for Union boarders and thereby save the family home. After breaking for lunch, follow your guide into historic Georgetown to see in person relics of the war's turmoil including a Union hospital, military leaders' residences, spies' grave sites, and a onetime community of African-American freedmen and former slaves.

Participate in one or both tours:

House or Walking Tour: Members: $8 | Non-Members: $10
House and Walking Tour: Members: $12 | Non-Members: $15

This event is full.

Fairies in the Garden
Tea and Treats

for children and families
Fairy Tea Saturday, June 8
1 – 2:30 p.m

Bring your favorite Tinkerbell to dress up in magical fairy costumes, complete with tutus, wands, and wings. Children select their outfits from the fairy wardrobe provided, and then assemble (with accompanying grown-ups) for tea and desserts served by a costumed interpreter who will show and tell all about the favored drink of early America. Next, tour Tudor Place’s enchanting gardens in search of fairy traces and hiding places before making a special period craft to take home.

For ages 5+

Celebrate Father's Day

Saturday, June 15
10 – noon

Bring your favorite father figure to a home associated with our country’s “founding dad.” Outside Mt. Vernon, Tudor Place is the nation’s largest repository of George Washington artifacts. Celebrate Father’s Day here with an interactive tour through the historic mansion to uncover treasures from the first President. After the tour, enjoy period games, treats, and making a special craft for dad.
Bring cameras for pictures in the gardens!

Member Child: $7 | Non-Member Child: $10 | Adult: $3

for adults...

Independence Day Tea

Sunday, June 30
1 – 3 p.m.

Where better to celebrate the nation’s birthday than at the home of early patriots? Get "a taste" of first first family by enjoying a delicious tea with scones, sandwiches, and sweets. After the tea, visitors will join docents for a Washington Collection highlight tour of the historic mansion.

Member: $25 | Non-Member $30

A guided garden tour...

Historic & Growing:
The Tudor Place Landscape

Tuesday, July 2, and
first (and additional) Tuesdays through October
10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Tour fee is $10. Advance registration is encouraged but not required. View registration link for additional dates.

Independence Day Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, July 3
1 – 3 p.m.

Celebrate the birth of our nation by learning about a founding father and enjoying one of his favorite treats. Start with a special mansion tour highlighting Tudor Place’s Washington Collection. Follow by creating your own ice cream sundae in the garden and getting busy with children’s games and crafts led by our experienced Tudor Place educators.

Member Child: $5 | Non-Member Child: $10 | Adult: $5

FREE TO MILITARY FAMILIES!

Tudor Place and the Civil War Home Front
House and Walking Tours

Saturday, July 13
(and every second Saturday through October)
HOUSE TOUR, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
WALKING TOUR, 1 – 2 p.m.

Participate in one or both tours:

House or Walking Tour: Members: $8 | Non-Members: $10
House and Walking Tour: Members: $12 | Non-Members: $15

Summer History Weeks

half-day programs for children ages 4-10
July 22-26 at Dumbarton House
July 29 - August 2 at Tudor Place
August 5-9 at Dumbarton House
August 12-16 at Tudor Place

The past comes alive in Summer History Weeks, where children can explore their world through touch, tastes, games, digs, stories and enactments. Indoor and outdoor activities cultivated by our experienced educators bring to life 200 years of American history and the wonders of the natural environment. Campers cook and sample snacks and drinks of times past, try on period clothing, explore and plant in the garden, play historic games, paint landscapes, embark on archaeological expeditions, and more. Each week ends with an early American “parlor party” hosted for parents and friends. Daily snack provided; before- and after-care available.