Historic Village Walking Tour @ Waterford Open House!
2026-05-30 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on a guided historic walking tour! In 1970 the Secretary of the Interior designated Waterford and its rural surround a National Historic Landmark. Well into the 20th century, most Americans lived and worked on farms or in small towns like this one. Few of these places have remained much as they were. Waterford, miraculously, is one that has. Walk with us through time for clues to Waterford’s character and tenacity. It is a story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They built a thriving town from wilderness; they endured a long and bloody war that threatened to destroy their home; and in good times and bad they held tightly to their vision of a special place. Preserving the village and its setting as a national site for everyone is the principal mission of the Waterford Foundation.
On your tour, you will see houses from the mid 18th century to the 21st. The tour begins at the Old School and covers the entire village in about 90 minutes. Tours will run rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
This is an optional guided walking tour that is happening during the Waterford Foundation Open House on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st from 12-5pm both days. Before or after your tour, we invite you to come continue to explore Waterford through the activities and special exhibits available throughout the Village for all ages. Tour dates, times, and topics include:

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.

Tours will be leaving from the Waterford Old School: 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA.
Tickets Required: Tickets are $20 and can be either purchased ahead of time at this link or at the event. Space is limited.

What does it mean to be "historic"? Historic Designations Demystified
2026-05-30 14:00 - 15:15 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
What does it mean to be “historic”? Historic Designations Demystified
Property owners in Waterford may notice several historic designations attached to their properties. What does it mean if a property is part of a National Historic Landmark (NHL), listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register or the Loudoun County Heritage Register, or in a County-designated Historic Overlay District? Historic preservation staff from the Loudoun County Department of Planning & Zoning will parse through these designations, explain resulting regulations, protections, and incentives, and answer questions from attendees.
About the Speaker: Will Milone is the Historic District Review Committee (HDRC) Liaison within the Community Planning Division of the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning. A local to this region, Will Milone grew up in Alexandria’s Old and Historic District and fell in love with old places at an early age. Will attended the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, where he graduated with a Bachelors in Architectural History and a Masters of Architectural History. He lives with his wife Emily in Downtown Leesburg in a mid-19th century home.
Date: Saturday, May 30th
Time: 2:00pm-3:15pm
Cost: Free! This talk is also part of the Waterford Open House weekend, explore more of Waterford’s history and preservation before and/or after this event!
RSVP: RSVPs are not required, but encouraged. You can RSVP prior to the event at this link.
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This program is part of the Waterford Open House Preservation Academy talk series, and is supported by a grant from the Van Huyck Chockley Family Foundation.

Waterford in the Civil War Walking Tour @ Waterford Open House!
2026-05-30 14:30 - 16:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on a guided historic walking tour! In 1970 the Secretary of the Interior designated Waterford and its rural surround a National Historic Landmark. Well into the 20th century, most Americans lived and worked on farms or in small towns like this one. Few of these places have remained much as they were. Waterford, miraculously, is one that has. Walk with us through time for clues to Waterford’s character and tenacity. It is a story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They built a thriving town from wilderness; they endured a long and bloody war that threatened to destroy their home; and in good times and bad they held tightly to their vision of a special place. Preserving the village and its setting as a national site for everyone is the principal mission of the Waterford Foundation.
The focus of this tour is the Civil War. From the Battle of the Baptist Church, Waterford News, and more- join us on a tour of the village to learn what life was like here during those four bloody years and beyond. On your tour, you will see houses from the mid 18th century to the 21st. The tour begins at the Old School and covers the entire village in about 90 minutes. Tours will run rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
This is an optional guided walking tour that is happening during the Waterford Foundation Open House on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st from 12-5pm both days. Before your tour, we invite you to come continue to explore Waterford through the activities and special exhibits available throughout the Village for all ages.
Tours will be leaving from the Waterford Old School: 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased either in advance at this link or on the day of the event. Space is limited.

Waterford Uncovered: How We Discover the Town's Past and How You Can Research Your House's History
2026-05-30 15:30 - 16:45 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Waterford Uncovered: How We Discover the Town’s Past and 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!
About the Speaker: Debbie Robison is a preservation consultant who manages the historic preservation & restoration program for an architectural and engineering firm located in Herndon. She served on the Fairfax County History Commission for ten years, including three years as chairman. She has written numerous articles about general aspects of northern Virginia’s past and the history of specific sites. To promote preservation and facilitate local history education, she hosts a history website Northern Virginia History Notes.
Date: Saturday, May 30th
Time: 3:30pm-4:45pm
Cost: Free! This talk is part of the Waterford Open House weekend, explore more of Waterford’s history and preservation prior to this talk- or come back on Sunday!
RSVP: RSVPs are not required, but encouraged. You can RSVP prior to the event at this link.
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This program is part of the Waterford Open House Preservation Academy talk series, and is supported by a grant from the Van Huyck Chockley Family Foundation.

Uprooting the Invaders: Managing Invasive Species to Restore a Healthy Environment
2026-05-31 12:00 - 13:45 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
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.
Date: Sunday, May 31st
Time: 12:30pm-1:45pm
Location: Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA)
Cost: Free! This talk is also part of the Waterford Open House weekend, explore more of Waterford’s history and preservation after this event!
RSVP: RSVPs are not required, but encouraged. You can RSVP prior to the event at this link.
———–
This program is part of the Waterford Open House Preservation Academy talk series, and is supported by a grant from the Van Huyck Chockley Family Foundation.

Historic Village Walking Tour @ Waterford Open House!
2026-05-31 12:30 - 14:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on a guided historic walking tour! In 1970 the Secretary of the Interior designated Waterford and its rural surround a National Historic Landmark. Well into the 20th century, most Americans lived and worked on farms or in small towns like this one. Few of these places have remained much as they were. Waterford, miraculously, is one that has. Walk with us through time for clues to Waterford’s character and tenacity. It is a story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They built a thriving town from wilderness; they endured a long and bloody war that threatened to destroy their home; and in good times and bad they held tightly to their vision of a special place. Preserving the village and its setting as a national site for everyone is the principal mission of the Waterford Foundation.
On your tour, you will see houses from the mid 18th century to the 21st. The tour begins at the Old School and covers the entire village in about 90 minutes. Tours will run rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
This is an optional guided walking tour that is happening during the Waterford Foundation Open House on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st from 12-5pm both days. Before or after your tour, we invite you to come continue to explore Waterford through the activities and special exhibits available throughout the Village for all ages.
Tours will be leaving from the Waterford Old School: 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA. You can register ahead of time at this link, or on the day of the event. Space is limited.

Landowner Opportunities for Water and Habitat Restoration
2026-05-31 14:00 - 15:15 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
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.
Speakers Bios: October Greenfield is the Wildlife Habitat Program Manager for The Piedmont Environmental Council and Co-coordinator of the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative. Her work includes executing a diverse portfolio of wildlife habitat restoration projects, leading community-based conservation efforts, and promoting landowner engagement around habitat management.
Linnea Sherman is the Piedmont & Natural Resources Restoration Program Manager for The Piedmont Environmental Council. She works with colleagues at PEC and state and federal partners to increase the pace and scale of riparian buffer plantings by organizing and facilitating tree planting projects throughout the Potomac, York, and Rappahannock watersheds.
Date: Sunday, May 31st
Time: 2:00pm-3:15pm
Location: Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA)
Cost: Free! This talk is also part of the Waterford Open House weekend, explore more of Waterford’s history and preservation after this event!
RSVP: RSVPs are not required, but encouraged. You can RSVP prior to the event at this link.
—
This program is part of the Waterford Open House Preservation Academy talk series, and is supported by a grant from the Van Huyck Chockley Family Foundation.

African American History Walking Tour @ Waterford Open House
2026-05-31 14:30 - 16:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on a guided historic walking tour! In 1970 the Secretary of the Interior designated Waterford and its rural surround a National Historic Landmark. Well into the 20th century, most Americans lived and worked on farms or in small towns like this one. Few of these places have remained much as they were. Waterford, miraculously, is one that has. Walk with us through time for clues to Waterford’s character and tenacity. It is a story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They built a thriving town from wilderness; they endured a long and bloody war that threatened to destroy their home; and in good times and bad they held tightly to their vision of a special place. Preserving the village and its setting as a national site for everyone is the principal mission of the Waterford Foundation.
The focus of this tour is African American history in Waterford. By 1830, one in four households were headed by free Blacks. During the 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. On your tour, you will see houses from the mid 18th century to the 21st. The tour begins at the Old School and covers the entire village in about 90 minutes. Tours will run rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
This is an optional guided walking tour that is happening during the Waterford Foundation Open House on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st from 12-5pm both days. Before your tour, we invite you to come continue to explore Waterford through the activities and special exhibits available throughout the Village for all ages.
Tours will be leaving from the Waterford Old School: 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA. Tickets are $20 are can be purchased in advance at this link or on the day of. Space is limited.

Compatible Material Selection for Period Buildings @ the Waterford Open House!
2026-05-31 15:00 - 16:45 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Do you have questions on the best ways to take care of historic materials? Join Allen Cochran of Cochran Stone Masonry and president of the Loudoun Preservation Society in a conversation about the importance of and how to take care of the historic materials that make up homes here in Waterford and beyond. This talk will focus on wood, mortars, and general materials.
About the Speaker: Allen Cochran, a Loudoun native, grew up in the village of Lincoln, in western Loudoun County. Surrounded by his Quaker roots, he developed a love of historic architecture and early American history. In 1992, he founded Cochran’s Stone Masonry. His life’s work focuses primarily on historic restoration and preservation, as well as new construction featuring traditional methods and materials. He has been known to say that people don’t encounter problems with old buildings, but rather, that old buildings have a problem with people! While Allen has worked on historic sites of early Americans, such as Gunston Hall and Montpelier, much of his work is in the local area, including Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia, and Clermont in nearby Clarke County. His unique style of stone work and the care of his restorative efforts can be recognized all over western Loudoun in spring houses, older homes, and numerous barns. Allen has dedicated his career working to perfect his craft and to preserve the buildings of the past for future generations. Allen and his wife, Nancy, reside at historic Stone Eden Farm where they raised their two daughters in a pastoral setting with sheep, chickens, and their border collies.
Date: Sunday, May 31st
Time: 3:30pm-4:45pm
Location: Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA)
Cost: Free! This talk is also part of the Waterford Open House weekend, explore more of Waterford’s history and preservation before this event!
RSVP: RSVPs are not required, but encouraged. You can RSVP at this link.
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This program is part of the Waterford Open House Preservation Academy talk series, and is supported by a grant from the Van Huyck Chockley Family Foundation.

Community Estate Sale
2026-06-06 08:00 - 14:00 | Virginia
One Village, one walk, many treasures await!
Participate in a community wide estate sale this June and start your summer off with a fresh house and new-to-you goodies!

Set up in front of your house, or if you don’t have the space or traffic- reserve a spot at the Waterford Old School for $25!
Match up with a community member if you only have a few things to sell, or donate them to the Foundation to sell at the Old School or Chair Factory!
Take a summer stroll around the Village and maybe find some new treasures for your home!
At the end of the day, make use of community donation piles!

Weave a Knitting Basket
2026-06-12 09:00 - 17:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
TWO DAY WORKSHOP, June 12 & 13
Learn to weave a beautiful double-walled basket with sturdy dividers that keep your tools and supplies neatly organized. Built on an oak base with a matching handle, this basket is perfect for knitters, makers, and crafters of all kinds. Add decorative touches such as twining or beadwork to give your finished piece a personal flair.

Intro to Round Willow Baskets
2026-06-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Virginia
TWO DAY WORKSHOP, June 13 & 14
In this weekend course, students will weave a round basket from natural willow, exploring different weaves, borders, and the rich colors of the material. Suitable for all levels!

Yarn Construction 101
2026-06-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Learn the basics of hand spinning in this introductory demonstration workshop in Waterford, VA. Explore wool selection, fiber preparation, and techniques like carding, drafting, and plying, along with a spinning wheel demonstration. Perfect for beginners interested in spinning and wool processing.

Professional Natural Soap Making with Summer Essential Oils
2026-06-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Learn to make natural, cold-process soap with artisan Brenda Brown in this relaxing beginner workshop. Blend essential oils, explore herbs and clays, and leave with over 2 pounds of soap, a reusable mold, and a beginner’s guide. No experience needed!

Make an Oak Mallet
2026-06-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Students will make and assemble a wooden mallet from rough sawn oak and poplar using traditional hand tools. The class focuses on core woodworking skills including measuring and marking, handplaning, cutting mortise and tenon joints, and shaping a handle.

Rainbow Basket
2026-06-14 09:00 - 15:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Create a cheerful messenger-style basket with colorful rainbow lacing across the front. Inspired by an Appalachian Backpack but in a smaller, versatile size, this functional design comes with straps and hardware. Finish the lid at home with the included instructions.

Survival Adventure Camp, for kids 10-13
2026-06-22 09:00 - 2026-06-26 12:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
9 am – 12 pm: Join this five-day wilderness survival summer camp for kids ages 10–13 in Waterford, VA. Students will learn outdoor skills like shelter building, fire making, camp cooking, and wilderness safety through hands-on activities and games. Perfect for young adventurers.

Summer Sleepover Sewing Camp (Without Sleeping Over!), for kids 10-13
2026-06-22 09:00 - 2026-06-26 12:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
9 am – 12 pm: Join this hands-on sewing summer camp for kids ages 10+ in Waterford, VA. Campers will learn to use a sewing machine while creating a pillowcase, backpack, and pajama pants or shorts. Perfect for beginners and young makers interested in sewing and textile arts.

Herbalism Camp, for kids 10-13
2026-06-22 13:00 - 2026-06-26 16:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
1 pm – 4 pm: Join this five-day herbalism summer camp for kids ages 10–13 in Waterford, VA. Students will learn plant identification, herbal uses, and how to grow and care for an herb garden while exploring over 20 edible and medicinal plants through hands-on projects. Perfect for nature lovers and curious young gardeners.

Wilderness Survival: The Adult Edition
2026-06-27 09:00 - 2026-06-28 17:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
9 AM – 5 PM: Join this weekend wilderness survival camp for adults (18+) in Waterford, VA. Learn essential outdoor skills like shelter building, fire making, navigation, foraging, and basic wilderness first aid. Optional overnight camping lets you practice your skills in a real-world setting.

Pine Needle Basketry - Introductory
2026-07-30 09:00 - 17:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Create a functional coiled pine needle basket while learning to start, stitch, and finish your piece. No experience needed, and all materials are included.

Stone Carving Simple Shapes with Ornamentation: Birdbath or Bookend Project
2026-07-31 09:00 - 17:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Shape simple, functional forms as you carve either a birdbath or a pair of bookends from Virginia soapstone. Using hand tools, you’ll learn the fundamentals of stone carving while bringing out the natural beauty of this soft, workable material.

Pine Needle Coiled Basketry - Advanced
2026-08-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Create a coiled pine needle basket while learning dyeing, advanced stitches, and embellishments. No experience needed, and all materials are included.

Sanctuary Days: Craft & Spa
2026-08-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Unplug in a nature-inspired spa workshop combining mindful walks, journaling, and hands-on crafting. Learn cold-process soap making and create personalized bath and body products using natural oils, clays, and botanicals. Leave with a curated spa basket including soap, body scrub, face mask, eucalyptus bundle, floral water, moisturizer, accessories, and a journal.

Woodland Alchemy: Felt Vessels Inspired by Nature
2026-08-04 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-05 09:00 - 15:00 | Virginia
TWO DAY WORKSHOP, August 4 & 5
Create nature-inspired felted vessels in this immersive wet-felting workshop, drawing from textures and forms found on the forest floor. Open to all skill levels, with a brief look at the history and process of this ancient fiber art.

The Art of Handmade Jewelry: Wire, Clay & Resin
2026-08-04 09:00 - 17:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
Explore wirework, polymer clay, and UV resin in this hands-on jewelry workshop. Create earrings, rings, and pendants while learning core techniques and experimenting with your personal style—perfect for all skill levels.

Mosaic Glass Art
2026-08-06 09:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St, Waterford, VA, 20197
TWO DAY WORKSHOP, August 6 & 7
Create an 8”x8” mosaic using glass and tile while learning cutting, design, adhesives, and finishing techniques. Bring a simple design or choose from provided options; pieces are grouted on day two.

Waterford on the Rocks: Sip & Stroll Progressive Cocktail Party
2026-09-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Virginia
Join us for the 2026 Waterford on the Rocks Cocktail Series!
Join a small group of Friends to support the work of the Waterford Foundation at the 2026 Waterford on the Rocks, a series of unique cocktail party experiences in the Waterford National Historic Landmark.
Sip & Stroll: A Progressive Cocktail Party in Waterford – September 12, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cocktails and historic homes to celebrate the Waterford National Historic Landmark. Guests will travel between two beautifully hosted homes, enjoying a signature craft cocktail, an optional mocktail, and a delicious appetizer at each stop. Groups will rotate through both homes, spending about 60 minutes at each. The two locations are within about 5 minutes walking distance of each other.
Event Details

Date: September 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Village of Waterford – Two private homes within walking distance
Attire: Cocktail Chic / Garden Party Attire – Please wear shoes suitable for walking in a historic village on uneven sidewalks.

Tickets: Individual tickets on sale NOW! ($100/$75)* – Purchase tickets here!
*Advance purchase only. Tickets will not be available at the door. $75 ticket available for those preferring non-alcoholic beverages only.
The Waterford Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN 54-0755457), and a portion of your ticket purchase may be tax deductible. Cocktail party value: $60 per ticket, $40 value for non-alcoholic beverages only ticket.
