Events and ProgramsUpcoming Events
Fridays in February, 1 & 3 pm
Enslaved Women of Darnall’s Chance Tours
Join us for a tour that focuses on the African American women who lived at Darnall’s Chance with a special emphasis on the Bentley Family of Upper Marlborough. Reservations not required. Tours begin promptly at 1 pm and 3 pm – please arrive 10-15 minutes before your tour time.
All ages; FREE
Saturday, February 25, 2 pm
Highland Tea
Celebrate Darnall’s Chance’s Scottish heritage and partake in a cozy winter afternoon tea. Enjoy the tastes and sounds of Scotland. Capacity is limited; Reservations and advance payment required.
Fee: Resident $20; Non-Resident $24
Saturday, March 17, 7-9 pm
Colonial Tavern Dinner
Be our guest as we recreate the atmosphere and flavor of a mid-18th century tavern dinner in Upper Marlborough. Enjoy colonial food and spirits. Following dinner, listen to Ship’s Company sing sea chanties and tavern songs of the period. Capacity is limited; Reservations and advance payment required.
Fee: Resident $35; Non-Resident $42
Saturday, April 21, 12 noon-3 pm
Museum Open House
Celebrate Prince George’s County’s 316th birthday at Darnall’s Chance House Museum! You are invited to take a self-guided tour of the museum. Children can participate in hands-on craft activities, enjoy light refreshments and browse the gift shop for unique gifts at our open house sale! No reservations necessary.
All ages; FREE
Saturday, May 5, 11 am-4 pm
Pirate Fest
Ahoy, matey! Have ye ever dreamed what life on the high seas was like in the 18th century? Why did sailors swab the deck? Did they really walk the plank? Come to Pirate Fest and find out these answers and more. Featuring swashbuckling reenactors, hands-on children’s activities, live music, concessions stand, children’s pirate costume contest, a treasure hunt and more for wannabe pirates and landlubbers alike! Children’s program. No reservations necessary.
Fee: $5/person
Sunday, May 13, 12 noon-4 pm
FREE Mother’s Day Tours
Complimentary tours of the museum for mothers and grandmothers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservations necessary.
Saturday, May 26, 8 am-5 pm
War of 1812: British Invasion of Prince George’s County Bus & Boat Tour
War of 1812 scholar Dr. Ralph Eshelman will be our ride-along guide as we travel via bus and boat (weather permitting) along the routes and waterways the British traveled through the county in August of 1814. Bus departs from and returns to Darnall’s Chance. Capacity is limited; Reservations and advance payment required.
Fee: $65/person
Sunday, June 17, 12 noon-4 pm
FREE Father’s Day Tours
Complimentary tours of the museum for fathers and grandfathers when accompanied by a paying child or grandchild. No reservations necessary.
Wednesday, August 1 & Friday, August 3, 12 noon-4 pm
James Wardrop Birthday Celebration
Help us celebrate James Wardrop’s 297th birthday! Free tours of the house will be offered on the hour. Enjoy ice cold lemonade and cupcakes. No reservations necessary.
All ages; FREE
Saturday, September 8, 1-3 pm
Gingerbread House Workshop
Have you wanted to enter our gingerbread house contest, but weren’t really sure how to make a gingerbread house? Now’s your chance to learn how! Darnall’s Chance is sponsoring a two-hour workshop to help you and other gingerbread novices learn basic gingerbread recipes and techniques that really work. Get helpful hints from a gingerbread pro and find the best places to buy hard to find candy and other edible treats that will make your entry one of a kind!
Capacity is limited; Reservations required by September 4.
Fee: $5/person
Saturday, September 22, 11 am-2 pm
The Wee Scottish Games
As a tribute to and celebration of Darnall’s Chance’s Celtic roots, the museum is sponsoring a children’s version of Scotland’s famous highland games. All lads and lasses between 5 and 12 years of age are welcome to compete in games such as the wee caber toss, the stone throw, tug of war, etc. Don’t worry parents - staff and volunteers will be on hand to give instructions and demonstrations. Children will compete within their own age bracket and ribbons will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. All others will receive a participant ribbon. Also on hand will be face painting, storytelling, craft activities, highland dancers, and bagpipers. So grab your kilt and join lovers of “all things Scottish.” No reservations necessary.
Fee: $5/person
Saturday, October 6, 8 am-5 pm
War of 1812: British Invasion of Prince George’s County Bus & Boat Tour
War of 1812 scholar Dr. Ralph Eshelman will be our ride-along guide as we travel via bus and boat (weather permitting) along the routes and waterways the British traveled through the County in August of 1814. Bus departs from and returns to Darnall’s Chance. Capacity is limited; Reservations and advance payment required.
Fee: $65/person
Saturday, October 27, 7 pm
Rain date is Sunday, October 28 at 6 pm.
The Great Jack O’ Lantern Campfire
Come see a dazzling display of dozens of hand-carved illuminated jack o’ lanterns on the grounds of Darnall’s Chance House Museum! Bask in the warmth of a fall campfire, roast marshmallows, listen to haunted Halloween tales and have your fortune told. Kids can win a prize on a hunt for glowing jack o’ lanterns, and everyone can enjoy popcorn, marshmallows, and hot cider. No reservations required.
Fee: $3/person (cash only)
Friday-Sunday, November 23-25, Thursday-Sunday, November 29-December 2 & Thursday-Sunday, December 6-9, 12 noon- 5 pm
13th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show
For a sweet treat, come and view an amazing display of edible gingerbread houses. No nibbling allowed! Visitors will have the opportunity to vote in the Viewer’s Choice Award Competition.
No reservations necessary.
Fee: $1/person
Saturday, December 15, 2 pm
Hansel & Gretel Tea Party
Visit Darnall’s Chance when it is decorated like a gingerbread house to listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel and enjoy tea and dessert. Registration fee required for all attendees – children and adults. Capacity is limited; Reservations and advance payment required.
Ages 5 & up
Fee: Resident $12; Non-Resident $15 |
