Calendar of Events 2008
Enter into the world of 1784, a focus for many of Gunston Hall’s programs for 2008. America is still a young independent nation and there are many growing pains. During this year, George Mason agrees to serve on a Virginia / Maryland commission to settle questions concerning the Potomac River. On a personal note, three of his children, including his eldest son, decide to marry in 1784.
Architecture in the Afternoon
The first Sunday of each month, April through October 
2:00 p.m.
Architecture is the focus for this hour-long tour of the mansion interior and exterior spaces. Discover the stunning mid-18th-century architecture of George Mason’s home. Find out why carpenter-joiner William Buckland, who designed the interior of Gunston Hall, continues to be highly regarded.
Regular admission. The tour is recommended for persons 12 years and older.
Gunston Hall Docent Training
Monday - Friday, September 15 - September 26 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Gunston Hall Docents' Association, celebrating its 50th year, will offer a weekday training session for new volunteer docents from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 26, 2008. Trained docents are asked to commit to conducting at least two tours a month for students, primarily elementary school level. In addition, docents are required to attend a monthly meeting featuring a guest speaker. Docents may volunteer in other ways as well, such as 18th century open hearth cooking, living history, working in the herb garden, visiting school classrooms and working in the library. In addition, docents frequently visit other historic sites, sometimes overnight.
For more information, please contact the education department at Gunston Hall, 703/550-9220.
Archaeology Day
Saturday, October 18 Noon - 4:00 p.m.
It’s your day to be an historical archaeologist! Under the tutelage of Gunston Hall’s archaeology staff, screen for artifacts, clean and mend found objects, and become acquainted with other basic techniques of the profession. To learn about important discoveries made on site, take the Hunting for George Mason’s Garden tour at 1:15 or 3:15 p.m.
Young people under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of five or more must make a reservation. Regular admission.
Near and Far Sighted: Refocusing on Regionalism and Imports in Virginia (Part 2)
Decorative Arts Symposium
Thursday, November 6 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
What do furnishings reveal about the people who own them? How do patterns in the consumption and production of objects define a region? Symposium speakers will investigate the influence of imported decorative arts objects and printed materials in the Chesapeake region from 1607 to 1850. This program is the second and final part of a series looking at regionalism in the field of material culture.
It is necessary to reserve in advance. Call 703/550-9220 for a brochure and registration form. The fee includes lunch and a symposium packet. $85, $70 Friends of Gunston Hall.
Veterans’ Day Commemoration
Tuesday, November 11 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Colonel George Mason served as a member of the Virginia militia. How else did Mason further the cause of American freedom and what sacrifices did he and his family make along the way? Mason’s Virginia Declaration of Rights, written in May 1776, played a critical role in the story of independence for Virginia and the nation. Consider these topics during mansion tours and conversations with period reenactors.
Regular admission. In honor of Veterans’ Day, free admission will be granted to active military personnel and veterans.
Plantation Christmas
Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Experience the hospitality of an 18th-century plantation holiday. Lanterns will line the path that takes you to George Mason’s fine home, illuminated inside by candlelight. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sip warm cider by the fire, and sample period recipes prepared in the colonial hearth kitchen. Costumed characters engaged in seasonal activities will greet you in the house and throughout the grounds.
$14 for adults, $7 for ages 6-18, free for children under age six. Reservations are not required.
Plantation Christmas Yuletide Dinner
Friday December 12 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 4:30, 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.
While enjoying Plantation Christmas, indulge in delicious traditional fare. Reservations are necessary for the full complement of courses served in an elegant candlelit setting. Private parties may reserve a table for ten.
$39.95 for adults and ages 11 and older, $19.95 for ages 6 - ten. The cost of the meal includes admission to Plantation Christmas. Please telephone 703/550-9220 for reservations.
Travel Back to the 18th-Century Hearth Kitchen – What a Trip It Will Be!
Gunston Hall’s highly-acclaimed Historic Foodways Program is now in its 23rd year. Throughout the year, small classes of four to six persons take place for the beginning to the accomplished hearth cook. Give the gift of a cooking class for a birthday or holiday. Reserve a private class for a group of friends. For a modest fee, Gunston Hall Foodways experts are happy to work with historic sites and museums interested in establishing or broadening a hearth cooking program.
Open-Hearth Cooking Class, Level II
Saturday, April 5 or Sunday, April 6 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Experience preparing a dinner over the open hearth in the kitchen outbuilding. With guidance from Gunston Hall’s veteran cooks, read and research period receipts (recipes). Discover the region’s 18th-century culinary history and the seasonal uses of ingredients. This advanced class is held in conjunction with Fairfax County Adult Education. Prerequisites are the completion of the Level I class or permission from the instructors.
For more information, call 703/658-1222. Contact 703/658-1201 in order to register for course HI03882. $99 fee includes tuition and all materials.
The Family Cooks!
Colonial Culinary School for Children and Parents
Saturday, July 19 9:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Children ages 8 - 12 and one or both parents will discover firsthand cooking techniques, using receipts from the 1700s and working in Gunston Hall’s replica kitchen. But there was more to feeding a family than just cooking! Registrants will process milk to make butter and soft cheese in the dairy; preserve foods near the smokehouse; and gather culinary herbs in the garden. Space is limited for this hands-on, intensive class.
Reservations required at $50 for one child and one parent and $25 more for each additional child/parent. Experience is not necessary. Contact the Education Department at 703/550-9220.
Always Time for Dessert
Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Work alongside Gunston Hall’s hearth cooks to prepare an array of simple and fancy 18th-century desserts. While you do so, you’ll acquire important basic skills in period cooking over the open hearth. As an added treat, some recipe adaptations to the modern kitchen will be provided. All levels of students are welcome.
Tuition and all materials are included in the $99 fee. Contact 703/550-9220 to reserve a place.
Open-Hearth Cooking Class, Level I
Saturday, October 25 or Sunday, October 26 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of 18th-century hearth cooking from veteran members of Gunston Hall’s Historic Foodways Program. Use traditional cooking techniques and period recipes in order to make a number of dishes representative of the period. This class is offered in partnership with Fairfax County Adult Education.
Call 703/658-1222 for the program fee and other information. Tuition and all materials are included in the fee. Contact 703/658-1201 in order to register for class HI03881.
Events do not require a reservation unless specifically stated. The calendar is subject to change. Public program attendees are welcome to take a 30-minute mansion tour as part of their site experience. Tours are offered from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
