Hidden Spaces Tour
2026-04-12 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-05-10 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Learning about architecture and history, active engagement, walking, and staying fit.

"We the People" Community Conversations
2026-04-16 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a series of community conversations. We will open the floor to community members to discuss what they want to see in their community and how the Riversdale Historic Site & Museum might play a part in that future.

Book Talk with Zaakir Tameez on Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation
2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:00
A virtual talk presented by author and historian Zaakir Tameez. This outstanding book is about the courageous Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner, who is remembered for receiving a physical beating while serving in Congress and for his leadership during and after the U.S. Civil War for civil rights. Drawing from hundreds of letters, newspapers, and speeches, Mr. Tameez has created a remarkable portrait of a complex man who faced many personal challenges. The book is a moving portrayal of a courageous, long-overlooked American who, in the words of one contemporary, “stood in the vanguard of freedom.”

Visitors must register to receive the TEAMS link to the program

Outdoor Adventures: Henson Creek Trail, Fort Washington
2026-04-18 10:00 - 17:00
Designed for active adults who want to test their skills, these outings offer a mix of hiking, museums, art, fairs, carnivals, nature, and historic sites, with fees varying depending on trip requirements. Be sure to pack your lunch, reusable water bottle, and snacks, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Cub Corner
2026-04-18 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-04-19 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-17 10:30 - 11:30
Falling can help us learn to soar! Join us for a special reading of “After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again),” by Dan Santat, the inspiring story of Humpty Dumpty’s journey to overcome his fears. After the story, little learners can fold their own paper planes and test them on our paper plane launcher! This program is recommended for children ages 3-6. FREE with museum admission. No registration required.

Defenders of Freedom: A Tribute to Black Veterans, Living History Day
2026-04-18 11:00 - 16:00
In recognition of the contributions that Black veterans have made in defense of this country, visit Surratt Historic Site & Museum on April 18 for a hands-on, interactive, living history day that builds on our kickoff program from last year. Come meet historical reenactors who specialize in food, music, and weaponry, and practice some of their skills while learning about life on the front lines. This event is FREE but registration is recommended.

Dinosaur Park Open House
2026-04-18 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-02 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-10 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-16 12:00 - 16:00
Dinosaur Park Open Houses are a free public program on the first and third Saturday of every month and the second Sunday in the summer. No reservations required. Come join us and learn more about fossils, including the dinosaurs who used to call Maryland home. Guests can expect an orientation and then the opportunity to search the surface of the ground for fossils. No prior registration required. ASL interpretation is offered at each event. All park rules apply (listed below).1. Closed toed shoes required2. No pets or tools allowed inside the fossil site3. Guests cannot cross the rope fence4. There is no digging during this program. All fossils are naturally eroding from the ground5. No running in the fossil site6. No throwing rocks or rolling rocks7. All scientifically important fossils will be kept in trust with the commission to be used for current and future research

Annual Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts
2026-04-25 10:00 - 16:00
ORDER YOUR PICNIC TEA BOX

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Welcome spring and delight in the sights and sounds of nature, art, and history at this fun FREE festival for the entire family, hosted by the Montpelier Historic Site & Museum and the Montpelier Arts Center!

Explore the Vendor Marketplace, attend a talk on gardening and herbs, tour the Museum, and relax to live music. Beginning at 11am, we will host outdoor performances featuring: the Jane Austen Society of North America – Maryland Region; the Natyabhoomi School of Dance; and Samaria Marley with a special guest. Visit the resident artist’s studios at the Arts Center, watch art demonstrations, paint the Montpelier bird, and create spring-themed crafts. Stroll the galleries and view the exhibitions of Amanda Spaid, Linda Bernard, and the Laurel Art Guild. At 1 pm, join us in the Main Gallery for a free performance by classical guitarist Gwenyth Aggeler.

Held rain or shine.

VendorsFoodNon-ProfitsActivities, Demonstrations & TalksPerformances
Vendors

ART
Artworks by Mary Ann

Femme Prints

J D Art & Décor

Petals by Tippy & More

Studio Kayama

Various artists work available for purchase, Arts Center 1st and 2nd floor artist studios

FABRIC ART
Margarts

Paiges Pieces

Passiondale

HOME DECOR
A Little Pottery

Chris Hanan Ceramics

Light & Leaf

MLE Arts & Crafts

Monica Creates Daily

Noslen Fusion Arts

Serving Up Sparkles

With Love by JC

Various ceramics artists work available for purchase, visit tables adjoining Arts tent

Jewelry
After the Glitter Fades

Chief Mark Tayac

K & K Products

Michelle Ink Designs

Red Mosaic Jewelry

Silverbird

PLANTS
Briar Rose Herbs

Elements of Nature Urban Farm

God Scent Herbs

Jack Creek Plants

Richfield Farm

SELF-CARE
Hazelnut and Honey

Mystic Water Soap

Remedies from Nature

She Knows the Deal

SPICE & HERBS
Dee-Lightfully Good

Gardening and Beats

Max’s Degrees

Plexus Herbs Tulsi Fields Farm

Food

COTTAGE FOODS
McDaniel Honey FarmMiddleton Sweet MunchiesNina’s Cookies Explosion

FOOD TRUCKS
Curbside Sizzle

The Daily Crepe Co.

Kona Ice of Laurel

Monroe Suggs

Rocky Ice Cream

Spice Kitchen West African Grill

Non-Profits

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Chesapeake Woodturners

Jane Austen Society of North America, Maryland Region

Laurel Art Guild

Laurel Historical Society

Patuxent Research Refuge/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services

Prince George’s County Herb Society

Prince George’s County Master Gardeners

Samaria Marley of Honey Belle Soul

M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINE GOEGRE’S COUNTY PROGRAMS
M-NCPPC Black History Program

M-NCPPC Public Affairs and Community Engagement Outreach

Sankofa Mobile Museum

Watkins Nature Center

Activities, Demonstrations & Talks
10am-3pm: Paint the Montpelier Bird: A Community Art Experience – Arts Tent (Activity)

10am-4pm: 18th Century Kitchen Activation with Living History Re-enactor Deirdre Harris – Carriage House Kitchen

Participate in an interactive activation of our 18th Century Kitchen Exhibition with a costumed re-enactment and discussion focused on summer crops, including culinary and medicinal herbs.

10am-4pm: Table Games & Tavern Puzzles – Arts Tent (Activity)

11am-2pm: Expressive Mask Making Project – Arts Tent (Activity)

11am-2pm: Watkins Nature Center Live Animal Display (Activity)

11am-3pm: Make & Take Printmaking Activity – Arts Center 1st floor printmaking studio (Activity)

11:15-11:45am & 2:30-3:15pm: The Art of Herbal Tea Blending with Plexus Herbs – Outdoor Education Tent (Talk)

Learn about the five classifications of herbs: nervines, carminative, detox, adaptogens, and anti-inflammatory with a special focus on turmeric, the Herb of the Year, its essential partner, black pepper, and their synergistic relationship. Also hear a brief introduction to herbal energetics, the stimulating and relaxing qualities of herbs for building balanced blends.

12-12:30pm: “Cut, Compose, Create”: Live Collage Demo by resident artist Raquel Keller – Arts Center 2nd floor studios (Demonstration)

1:15-1:45pm: Get to the Root of Valerian with Donna Koczaja, M.S., RH (AHG) – Outdoor Education Tent (Talk)

Learn all about this popular herb known to promote healthy sleep: how to grow, harvest, prepare, and use for better ZZZZZZzzzzzzzssssss….

2-2:30pm: “Thyme to Make”: Ceramic Plant Stakes Demo by resident artist Lecy Mayes – Arts Center 2nd floor studios (Demonstration)

3-3:30pm: “From Clay to Plate”: Live Ceramic Plate Fabrication Demo by resident artist Chris Kirages – Arts Center 1st floor ceramics (Demonstration)

Meet the Speakers:

Deirdre Harris

Plexus Herbs

Donna Koczaja M.S., RH (AHG)

Deirdre Harris

Deirdre Harris is a certified interpretive guide with the National Association of Interpretation who brings history to life through immersive storytelling and hands-on experience. As a locally recognized historian, museum educator, living history re-enactor, herbalist, and artist with over a decade of experience, she weaves together diverse expertise to create transformative encounters with local heritage. Rather than simply teaching the past, Deirdre invites people to inhabit it, fostering genuine connections and forging a deeper understanding of our shared history. Deirdre’s 4 interpretive eras include: Colonial Free Women of Color, Antebellum Enslavement, Reconstruction Era Women of Color, and Tuskegee Army Air Force (TAAF) Nurses.

Plexus Herbs

Plexus Herbs is an herbalism company founded in 2023 in Laurel, Maryland by Kyara Nichols and Savioune Shepherd.
Learn more at https://plexusherbs.org/ and be sure to visit their booth during the festival!

Donna Koczaja M.S., RH (AHG)

Donna Koczaja, M.S., RH(AHG) graduated from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) with a Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Herbalism. She earned Registered Herbalist status from the American Herbalists’ Guild in 2018. Originally educated as a mechanical engineer, she combines the rigor of her original scientific training with the traditional healing art of herbal medicine to partner with her clients to uncover the root cause of their underlying health issues. Also a Master Gardener since 2008, her primary interest is in inspiring others to improve their health and sense of wellbeing through the joys of gardening and the power of natural medicine.
Learn more about her at greenhavenherbalist.com and visit her at the PG County Master Gardeners booth.

Performances
11-11:30AM: Simple Elegance; Regency Fashion Styling with the Jane Austen Society of North America, Maryland Region – Outdoor Main Stage

11:45AM-12:30PM & 2-2:45PM: Natyabhoomi School of Dance Indian Classical Dance Performance – Outdoor Main Stage

1-2PM: Classical Guitar Concert featuring Gwenyth Aggelar – Arts Center Main Gallery

3-4PM: Honey Belle Soul Performance – Outdoor Main Stage

Meet the Artists:

JASNA-MD

Natyabhoomi School of Dance

Gwenyth Aggeler

Honey Belle Soul

JASNA-MD

JASNA-MD is a regional group of the larger Jane Austen Society of North America. Our mission is to foster among the widest number of readers the study, appreciation, and understanding of Jane Austen’s works, her life, and her genius. We meet virtually or in person several times a year with our largest gathering in December to celebrate the anniversary of Jane’s birth

Natyabhoomi School of Dance

Natyabhoomi School of Dance, based in Potomac, Maryland, is a premier institution dedicated to the Mysuru tradition of Bharatanatyam. Founded by Artistic Director Deepti Mukund Navile and supported by her sister Shruthi Mukund, Artistic and Outreach Director.
In 2026, the school proudly celebrates 32 wonderful years of excellence in dance and cultural education. Natyabhoomi helps students connect with their Indian heritage while growing up in America and is committed to sharing India’s rich art and culture with wider audiences.

Gwenyth Aggeler

Donna Koczaja, M.S., RH(AHG) graduated from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) with a Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Herbalism. She earned Registered Herbalist status from the American Herbalists’ Guild in 2018. Originally educated as a mechanical engineer, she combines the rigor of her original scientific training with the traditional healing art of herbal medicine to partner with her clients to uncover the root cause of their underlying health issues. Also a Master Gardener since 2008, her primary interest is in inspiring others to improve their health and sense of wellbeing through the joys of gardening and the power of natural medicine.
Learn more about her at greenhavenherbalist.com and visit her at the PG County Master Gardeners booth.

Honey Belle Soul

Covering a range of genres including blues, old time, gospel, and folk, Honey Belle Soul creates beautiful harmonies and honors the tradition of Black string band music while sharing their passion and joy of creating through their performances.
Honey Belle Soul features Samaria Marley and Jalila Williams.

STEAM Hour
2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-04-26 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-23 10:30 - 11:30
Join our educators at this hands-on activity table where creativity takes flight! Perfect for budding engineers and aviation enthusiasts, this interactive program allows visitors to design and build their own creations. Whether you’re constructing airplanes, airports, or inventing something entirely new, Saturday STEAM Hour encourages you to dream big and bring your ideas to life. Drop in anytime during the hour for an opportunity to explore the wonders of aviation through play. This program is ideal for learners ages six to twelve and is FREE with museum admission. No registration required.

Riversdale Kitchen Guild: Spring Brunch
2026-04-26 12:00 - 15:00
Join the Riversdale Kitchen Guild over the open hearth as they prepare a spring brunch using 19th-century cooking techniques.

Tarmac Tour
2026-05-02 11:00 - 12:00
Explore the College Park Airport up close! Enjoy a tour of the airport’s tarmac while learning about the many “firsts” that happened on the airfield and how the airport is used today. This tour lasts about one hour, takes place outdoors, and requires visitors to traverse paved asphalt, grass, and slightly uneven gravel. Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Registration required by April 1, 2026, for the event on April 4.Registration required by April 29, 2026, for the event on May 2.

Tarmac Tour
2026-05-02 11:00 - 12:00
Explore the College Park Airport up close! Enjoy a tour of the airport’s tarmac while learning about the many “firsts” that happened on the airfield and how the airport is used today. This tour lasts about one-hour, takes place outdoors, and requires visitors to traverse paved asphalt, grass, and slightly uneven gravel. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Registration required by April 1, 2026

History of the Caboose: A Railroad Story
2026-05-08 18:30 - 19:30
Take an engaging tour of the 1926 B&O Caboose exhibit and imagine riding the rails while listening to stories about railroad and train history. Celebrate the caboose’s 100th birthday as you learn about the railroad’s history in Prince George’s County and the unique story of this historic car.

Book Talk: The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
2026-05-09 10:00 - 11:30
Join University of Maryland College Park professor Dr. Richard Bell for an illuminating presentation of his new book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World. Discover the sweeping global impact of our nation’s founding through powerful, personal stories, including those of women, minorities, and other marginalized voices. Register in advance to secure your spot! Tickets are limited. Includes museum admission.

Schedule of Events

10-11 am: Book Talk11-11:30 am: Book Signing By Dr. Richard Bell (books available for purchase on-site)11:15 am-12 noon: (Optional) Changes in Transportation Tour

Registration closes May 6, 2026.

Rooted in History: Plant Your Own Herb Container
2026-05-09 11:00 - 12:00
Explore what herbs were grown in colonial Maryland and how they were used in recipes, household products, and as medicine. Plant your own herb container to take home. All plants and supplies will be provided.

Pre-registration through ParksDirect required.

Heritage in Action: A Day Celebrating Community and Culture
2026-05-09 12:00 - 15:00
Join us for a powerful day dedicated to honoring and preserving the voices, struggles, and triumphs of minority communities. Through storytelling, genealogy, and cultural preservation activities, we’ll build bridges between generations and ensure that these rich legacies are not lost to time. Come connect, share, and take part in preserving the history that shapes our future.

Includes: We the People Genealogy Series: Session II.

Souls Seeking Freedom Walking Tour: The Untold Story of Enslavement and Resistance at Montpelier
2026-05-09 14:00 - 14:30
Health and wellness, fostering community engagement, building trust, and learning diverse perspectives and inclusive history.

Mother's Day Tours
2026-05-10
Celebrate mom with an afternoon filled with history. Learn about the history of the mothers and mother figures who lived and worked at this former plantation, from the house’s construction in 1801 through Emancipation in 1864. Visitors will engage in facilitated dialogue with tour guides while being led through rooms of the historic house and dependency buildings.

All mothers will receive FREE admission.

This event has two sessions: 12 noon-1 pm & 2-3 pm

Riversdale Kitchen Guild: Mother's Day
2026-05-10 12:00 - 15:00
Join the Riversdale Kitchen Guild over the open hearth as they highlight 19th-century favorite recipes of mothers at Riversdale Historic Site & Museum.

Bilingual Cub Corner
2026-05-16 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a bilingual (Spanish and English) reading of “Avioncito” by May Clerici. After the story, little learners can fold their own paper planes and test them out on our paper plane launcher! This program is recommended for children ages 3-6. FREE with museum admission. No registration required.

Herbs, Tea, and Potpourri: A Wellness Month Program
2026-05-16 13:00 - 14:30
Please join Annmarie Buckley for a hands-on presentation to learn about herbs for food and medicine, and how women, free and enslaved, used herbs and tea. Light refreshments will be served.

From Wright "B" to F-4 Phantom II: Fighter Combat in Vietnam Living History Tour
2026-05-23 11:00 - 11:45
Experience the thrill of being a combat pilot and walk in the footsteps of those who flew from 1909 to 1970. Led by a military historian clad in authentic, Vietnam War-era flight gear, discover the stories of the people and events that led from College Park Airport to Southeast Asia, from the early age of flight to the age of jet propulsion. In the face of challenges, learn about the evolution of flight, and the people who were involved. Explore how the Tuskegee Experience opened the doors to a desegregated military, which led to integrated skies. Registration required. Includes museum admission.
