Waterford Open House

Have you ever wandered by the Second Street School or the Waterford Mill and wanted to learn more? Now’s your chance! Come take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the history of a village of ordinary people doing extraordinary things where the Village of Waterford and the surrounding farmland totaling 1,420 acres was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. First settled by Quakers in 1733, the Waterford National Historic Landmark has a long and storied history of agriculture, craft, industry, women’s history, African American history, and more!

We invite you and your family to come explore the historic village on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st through:

• Exploring open historic buildings including an c.1817 mill that led the milling industry of Waterford and the 1867 one room African American schoolhouse open until 1957
• Guided and self-guided walking tours of the Village of Waterford
• Nature walk on a historic Quaker farm that is now conserved open space
• Becoming a Junior Waterford Historian through children’s activities throughout the Village- from crafts, to plants, puzzles, and more!
• Seeing a special travelling exhibit coming all the way from Richmond- Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture Presented by the Altria A Legacy Project of American Evolution Supported by Conrad and Peggy Hall, Mr. and Mrs. G. Gilmer Minor III

What is there to do at the Waterford Open House?

Explore the history of the Village in historic buildings and trails open in the Village and on a self-guided walking tour: Have you ever wandered by the Second Street School or the Waterford Mill and wanted to see inside? Now’s your chance! The historic buildings below will be open with exhibits, docents, and children’s activities to help you and your family dive into the history of Waterford.

• The Waterford Mill– a c.1817 mill that helped lead the integral milling industry of the area. Located at 40105 Main Street, Waterford VA.
• Second Street School- the Reconstruction era one-room African American schoolhouse that served African American children and families till 1957, when students were then bused into Leesburg to Douglas. Located at 15611 Second Street, Waterford VA.
• The Waterford Old School– 1910 schoolhouse that served the White students of Waterford. Located at 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA.
• Phillips Farm– historic farm owned by Quaker Thomas Phillips and his family that is now conserved farmland and open space with walking trails. Entrances to the Main Village Walking Trail is located behind the Mill and Second Street School, Western trail is located off of the Interpretive Pull-off.

To help with your walk around the Village, pick up a self guided walking tour booklet to learn more about the buildings and homes you are walking by on your time between stops!

Have fun with crafts, puzzles, and games throughout the Village to become a Junior Waterford Historian! Hey kids– do you want to be a Junior Waterford Historian? Come out for a day of hands on fun and learning, and fill out your passport at each spot marked on the map! Bring your passport to the Waterford Old School to get a prize!

Come see a special exhibit from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture! Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture Presented by the Altria A Legacy Project of American Evolution Supported by Conrad and Peggy Hall, Mr. and Mrs. G. Gilmer Minor III will be on display for the weekend- come see it before it goes back to Richmond! This very special exhibit can be seen at the Waterford Old School at 40222 Fairfax Street.

Learn about the ins and outs of historic preservation at the Preservation Academy: Have you wondered what historic preservation and environmental conservation is, and how it works in Loudoun and beyond? Join us at the Waterford Open House for this series of free talks diving into the ins and outs of historic preservation and environmental conservation, and how you can get involved given by experts from all over the county and beyond! Below is a list of programs available throughout the weekend. These are free to attend, but registration is encouraged. More will be added in the coming months, so stayed tuned!

• Saturday, May 30th at 12:30pm-1:45pm: Historic Easements Workshop– Historic easements are an important tool in stewarding historic properties. Come join Claire Jones- Associate Director of the Easement Program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation- and Brad McDonald- Stewardship Coordinator and Archaeologist at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources- for a talk about what historic preservation easements are, how they assist in the stewardship of historic resources, how historic easements work, and how to put an easement in place. Registration for this free talk is not required, but encouraged and can be done at this link.
• Saturday, May 30th at 3:30pm-4:45pm: Waterford Uncovered- How We Discover the Town’s Past & How You Can Research Your House’s History- Join historical consultant Debbie Robison for an exploration of how Waterford’s captivating past is discovered through fascinating local case studies, and walk away with the exact tools and investigative techniques needed to research your own property! Registration for this free talk is not required, but encouraged and can be done at this link.
• Sunday, May 31st at 12:30pm-1:45pm: Uprooting the Invaders- Managing Invasive Plants to Restore a Healthy Environment– Invasive plants may look harmless, but these unassuming invaders cause harm to the environment, the economy, and the health of humans and our wildlife neighbors. Taking small actions to protect our native environment today will lay the foundation for a healthy habitat enjoyed by many more generations to come. Join Leah Sattler, Invasive Plant Species Management Program Administrator for the Loudoun Soil & Water Conservation District, for a talk that will explore the impacts of invasive plants, what can be done to preserve native habitat, and opportunities for assistance and collaboration. Registration for this free talk is not required, but encouraged and can be done at this link.
• Sunday, May 31st at 2:00pm-3:15pm: Landowner Opportunities for Water and Habitat Restoration- The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Join October Greenfield and Linnea Sherman from PEC’s restoration team to learn more about PEC’s habitat-focused programs, including the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative and Plantings for the Piedmont. This session is open to anyone interested in learning more about restoration opportunities in the region. Registration for this free talk is not required, but encouraged and can be done at this link.

SUNDAY ONLY: Get a free baby tree to plant! Planting for the Piedmont will be here on Sunday giving out free native baby trees for you to take home and plant, while supplies last! Pick up a baby tree on Sunday, May 31st from 12-5pm or while supplies last at the Waterford Old School.

*Dive further into the history of Waterford on a Guided Walking Tour: Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark and walk through the history of the village with an experienced docent! There are two approximately 90 minute long guided walking tours each day at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Below are the walking tours available during the Waterford Open House:

• Saturday, May 30th at 12:30pm: Historic Village Walking Tour– Dive into the history of the Village from an agricultural and industrial Village to a National Historic Landmark in this guided walking tour.
• Saturday, May 30th at 2:30pm: Waterford in the Civil War Walking Tour– From the Battle of the Baptist Church, Waterford News, and more- come join a docent on a tour of the village to learn what life was like here during those four bloody years and beyond.
• Sunday, May 31st at 12:30pm: Historic Village Walking Tour– Dive into the history of the Village from an agricultural and industrial Village to a National Historic Landmark in this guided walking tour.
• Sunday May 31st at 2:30pm: African American History Walking Tour- By 1830, one in four households were headed by free Blacks. During this tour, you will be able to hear the stories of the families who lived here and helped build Waterford into the place we know today; while experiencing their surroundings and exploring buildings like the Second Street School.

Guided walking tours are approximately 90 minutes long, and leave from the Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street). Tickets are $20, and can be either purchased ahead of time at this link or on the day of.

Waterford Open House FAQs:

Date and Time: Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st from 12pm-5pm

Location: Waterford Foundation buildings throughout the Village of Waterford will be open for the public to come and explore, as well as activities for all ages at buildings throughout the Village. These will be marked on a map available at the event. Walking tours, check-in, and general information will be at the Waterford Old School at 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA

Parking: The Foundation suggests visitors park at the Waterford Old School- 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA

Is this event free? Yes! The exhibits and activities are largely self-guided (with maps available at the Waterford Old School and other properties). If you have questions, docents will be at each building that is open. However, if you want to participate in a guided walking tour, you do have to purchase a ticket.

Is this event child friendly? Yes! Children’s activities will be available at different spots around the Village. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in these activities with the opportunity to become a Junior Waterford Historian passports with a prize for each kid who completes it! Prizes are available at the Waterford Old School.

Are restrooms available? Yes, restrooms will be available at place marked on the map. Accessible restrooms are available at the Waterford Old School.