Upcoming Events

As spring becomes summer, Waterford blossoms with events.

On May 18 and 19, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., during Loudoun’s Spring Farm Tour, the Waterford Foundation opens its doors and open spaces with Farm & Village Days, for visitors to enjoy, in the town that once was the bustling center of Loudoun’s agricultural prosperity.

Mills in Waterford ground grain, sawed logs into lumber, and fulled woolen fabric; on these spring days visitors can tour the Old Mill and learn how mills work, see logs sawed into boards, and can get their hands on sheep and wool learn about the process of making fiber into fabric. A blacksmith will once again forge iron into horseshoes on the street, and a beekeeper will be at work  as beekeepers historically have been on surrounding farms. Docents will lead tours describing the village’s agricultural history, and the commercial and cultural buildings that are part of that history–the Mill, the “Chair Manufactory,” the Forge, the Corner Store, and the one-room Second Street School will be open for visitors.

Locally made furniture will be on exhibit at the Chair Factory on Second Street, and the Corner Store will also be open for business. On the Phillips Farm, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about stream monitoring  and take a walk on the mile-long interpretive trail.

And how do we know some of what we know about Waterford’s past? Loudoun Archeological Foundation will demonstrate techniques used to ensure protection of things found in the ground and what they tell us about the use of the land in the past and what they reveal about our history. We’ll provide a complete schedule of events soon.

Girl Scouts earn a special Waterford Foundation Phillips Farm Patch by participating in three of Saturday’s fun educational activities–Beekeeping, Mill Display, Bluebird Walk, Sheep, Blacksmith Forge, Archaeology, Log Demonstration, and Second Street School. Register for Phillips Farm Patch activities at the Old Mill, 40105 Main Street, or contact coordinator Susan Sutter sbsut@yahoo.com for more information.

Old School Book Talk

On June 1 meet Charles Graeber, author of The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder,  the chilling tale of serial-killer nurse Charles Cullen, responsible for as many as 300 hospital murders. Recently interviewed on “60 Minutes” and “Fresh Air,” Mr. Graeber’s book has been called “the most terrifying book published this year,” by Kirkus Reviews. James Maslin in his New York Times Review, called it “astunning book… that should and does bring to mind In Cold Blood.” Books will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets, $10 online or at the door for the 1 p.m. talk. Purchase tickets now.

Concert Series

On June 2,  the Waterford Concert Series continues with a 4 p.m. performance by competition winners from the Levine School of Music, in the Old School Auditorium. Tickets are still available for this popular concert where talented elementary and high school age musicians show off their winning best. Aspiring musicians, 12 and younger, are free! 

Visit the Corner Store

And the Corner Store has reopened following the move of Foundation staff to the Old School. We aim to retain the Corner Store as a corner store and offering a welcoming and educational presence consistent with the Foundation’s mission.  At this point that includes:

• A new history exhibit in the store to open May 18 will feature objects and photographs from several centuries of agricultural history in Waterford.
• The full selection of Waterford products we have always had at the store: honey, note cards, wrapping paper, ornaments, plus unique craft items selected from juried artisans who exhibit and sell at the Waterford Fair: pewter, pottery, wovens, and more.
• For visitors, there are chairs to sit in and friendly neighbors to talk with. 

The store has new hours — Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.