Surratt House Museum: 2010 Calendar of Events

Surratt House Museum 2010 Calendar of Events

January 14–December 19, 2010
REMEMBERING MR. LINCOLN — AN EXHIBITION: The life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln is highlighted from his humble birth to his martyrdom at the hands of an assassin. Included are exhibits of memorabilia from private collections.
No reservations required. Regular tour admission price.
February 27, 4 pm.
BLACK NUNS IN A SLAVE SOCIETY: Learn the intriguing story of Mother Mary Lange and the Oblate Sisters of Providence, founded in Baltimore in 1829 – the first congregation of religious women of African descent. Join Sister Mary Reginald Gerdes as she fascinates us with this rarely heard story. 4 pm.
No reservations required. FREE. Arrive early, space is limited.
March 19–21 ELEVENTH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM Lincoln’s Assassination: More Revealed: Scholars explore various aspects of the Lincoln assassination, including the bitter press that Lincoln faced throughout his administration, the first plots against his life in 1861, the many “escapes” of John Wilkes Booth and the nearly successful one of John Surratt, the Lincoln family after the assassination, and the treasures of Ford’s Theatre. Also included are off-site bus tours and a dinner program.
Reservations and payments required in advance. Fee: $160 (bus tours priced separately).
April 10 & 17 & 24
JOHN WILKES BOOTH ESCAPE ROUTE TOURS: Follow the trail of President Lincoln’s assassin from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., to his death near Port Royal, Virginia. Relax and enjoy the history and scenery on this 12-hour, fully-narrated bus tour. 7:30 am–7:30 pm. Reservations and payment required in advance. Cost: $75 per person.
*** NO reservations for these Spring tours accepted BEFORE mid-January. ***
Names for an advanced notice mailing list for the next available tours are accepted throughout the year.
May 22, 4 pm.
BIRTH OF THE BANJO: FROM GOURD TO MODERN DAY: Hear the sound, music, and style of 19^th-century America’s most important folk instrument. Join George Wunderlich, recognized expert in 19^th-century minstrel music and banjos, as he enlightens us on this truly American sound. 4 pm.
No reservations required. FREE. Arrive early, space is limited.
Monday-Sunday, June 7-13
DISCOVERING THE LINCOLNS’ KENTUCKY ROOTS: Journey back to the Lincolns’ “Old Kentucky Homes.” Visit the monument to his humble birth, the streets of Lexington where Mary Todd grew up, and Henry Clay’s beautiful Ashland. Side trips include tours to the Kentucky Derby Museum, and on to Cincinnati for stops at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Harriet Beecher Stowe home. Departs from and returns to Surratt House Museum.
Reservations and payments required in advance. Call the museum on 301-868-1121 for information.
July 17 & 18
MID–SUMMER OPEN HOUSE: History can be cool — especially in an air–conditioned museum! Enjoy FREE guided tours of this Civil War home and learn of its role in American history. Noon to 4 pm.
No reservations required. FREE.
September 4, 11, & 18
JOHN WILKES BOOTH ESCAPE ROUTE TOURS: Follow the trail of President Lincoln’s assassin from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., to his death near Port Royal, Virginia. Relax and enjoy the history and scenery on this 12-hour, fully-narrated bus tour. 7:30 am–7:30 pm Reservations and payment required in advance. Cost: $75 per person.
*** NO reservations for these Fall tours accepted BEFORE mid-June. ***
Names for an advanced notice mailing list for the next available tours are accepted throughout the year.
October 9, 4 pm.
TALES THE TOMBSTONES WHISPER: This presentation traces the evolution of graveyards, interesting epitaphs, and discusses the changes in practices and customs. Join Mike Dixon as he brings to life the valuable community lessons of timeworn tombstones. 4 pm
No reservations required. FREE. Arrive early, space is limited.
November 6, 4 pm.
MARYLAND ON THE EDGE OF WAR: Learn the complexities of Maryland at the beginning of the Civil War. Through the use of letters, diaries, and period newspapers, Charles Mitchell, author of Maryland Voices of the Civil War, will share the details and varying emotions of politics, slavery, states’ rights, and the election of Lincoln in this key border state – 150 years ago. 4 pm
No reservations required. FREE. Arrive early, space is limited.
December 4, 1 pm.
THREE WEEKS OF YULETIDE:A SEASON FOR CHILDREN: Join the Surratt House Museum staff as we celebrate the season with children during an afternoon of music, and crafts. 1 pm.
Appropriate for ages 5-12.
No reservations required. FREE. Arrive early, space is limited.
December 11, 1 pm.
‘TIS THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: Join the festivities as the bells of the Virginia Bronze Handbell Ensemble ring with the traditional music of this glorious season. 1 pm.
No reservations required. FREE. Arrive early, space is limited.
December 18, 1 pm.
‘TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Want to meet Santa…Civil War Santa, that is? Join us as Santa delights us all with tales from the ages. 1 pm.
Appropriate for children ages 5 and up.
No reservations required. FREE. Arrive early, space is limited.