Waterford Foundation

250 Events

What is Historic Preservation Month?

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Every May, preservation organizations and preservationists alike across the country celebrate National Historic Preservation Month- including us here in Waterford! This is a chance to get out in the community and celebrate the benefits and strengths of historic preservation, and learn more about how to keep it going. 

National Historic Preservation Month was started by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1973. This celebration of preservation first started out as National Preservation Week, the first being May 6-12, 1973 as approved by Congress and signed into action by President Richard Nixon. The second week of May was chosen as it would be at the same time as the National Trust’s annual award luncheon. In 2005, the National Trust expanded Preservation Week to Preservation Month to be the entirety of May. 

Whether it be a week or a month, May is marked by organizations across the country as a time to celebrate the vast and diverse history and heritage resources in the United States, and the work that goes into keeping that history alive for future generations!

How are We Celebrating Historic Preservation Month?

Come celebrate historic preservation month with us at this year’s Waterford Open House on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st, both days from 12-5pm! Have you ever wandered by the Second Street School or the Waterford Mill and wanted to learn more? Now’s your chance! We invite you and your family to come explore the story of the Waterford National Historic Landmark on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st for a weekend of historic fun including:

  • Explore the history of the Village in historic buildings and trails open throughout the Village!
  • Have fun with crafts, puzzles, and games throughout the Village to become a Junior Waterford Historian!
  • Come see a special exhibit on display for one weekend only from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture!
  • Dive further into the history of Waterford on a guided walking tour*!
  • Learn about the ins and outs of historic preservation from experts across the County and beyond at the Preservation Academy!
  • Traverse the natural side of Waterford on a special nature walk on Saturday and get your own baby tree while supplies last on Sunday!

We hope to see you out in Waterford this May! And happy historic preservation month!

(*Guided walking tours are the only fee based activity, tickets are $20 per person)

Introduction Stone Carving: Relief and Letter Carving

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Learn traditional stone carving using hand tools through guided exercises with the three main chisels. Students will create a simple relief carving in limestone, then explore letter design and carve one or more letters in soapstone. Each student will leave with a finished carved stone featuring both a relief and lettering.

Waterford on the Rocks: Reluctant Witness

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Join us for the Waterford on the (ye olde) Rocks Cocktail Series!

Come raise a glass with Nicholas Cresswell! Join us at the Old School in Waterford for a night of merriment and living history as you see Loudoun County in 1774-1777 through the eyes of a 24-year-old Englishman caught here by the outbreak of Revolution and learn about his life, travels, and observations. Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area educator and historian Travis Shaw will bring Cresswell to life through his 18th century diary, and public historians Rich and Tracy Gillespie will set the stage and walk us through the experiences Cresswell had while visiting Loudoun.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, February 19th
  • Time: Program starts at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm
  • Location: Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA)

Tickets: Individual tickets are on sale NOW! ($20)- Buy tickets online here!

Ticket purchase includes food and drink. Advance purchase only. Tickets will not be available at the door.

The Waterford Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN 54-0755457), and a portion of your ticket purchase may be tax deductible. Program value: $15 per ticket. 

Distaff Spinning with Suspended Spindle

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Discover the ancient art of suspended spinning as practiced in Nordic culture during the Viking Age. Learn the history, symbolism, and tools of distaff spinning, then try your hand at preparing fiber and practicing spinning techniques. Beginners and history enthusiasts alike will enjoy this unique hands-on experience.

Fundamentals of Tablet Weaving

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Discover the ancient art of tablet weaving, a technique using square cards to create colorful, patterned bands. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of warping, weaving, and how patterns emerge, with a brief look at historical uses

Pine Needle Coiled Baskets

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Create a beautiful, functional coiled basket using pine needles from the eastern U.S. Learn to collect, prepare, and store needles, explore stitching techniques, and add embellishments like beads. No experience needed; all materials provided.

Waterford Through Their Eyes: Black Families Experiences in the Landmark from the late Revolutionary era through the mid-20th Century

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Join local historians Bronwen and John Souders- authors of A Rock in a Weary Land, a Shelter in a Time of Storm: African-American Experience in Waterford, Virginia– in a discussion about the experiences and family stories of Black residents in Waterford from the late Revolutionary era through the mid-20th century, and their experiences diving into the history of the Waterford National Historic Landmark!

Date and Time: Sunday, March 1st at 2pm

Location: Waterford Old School (40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA 20197)

Cost: Free!

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Afterwards, explore the Village on a guided walking tour by skilled docents to continue to dive into the African American history of the Waterford National Historic Landmark. Tickets for a guided walking tour are $20 per person, and can be purchased in advance here and on the day of the event.