C A L E ND A R O F E V E N T SJa n u a r y – D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3

Darnall ’sChance

H O U S E M U S E U M

ARNALL’S CHANCE

was built in 1742 for

James Wardrop, a Scottish

immigrant who amassed a fortune as

a merchant and entrepreneur in the

bustling 18th century port-town of

Upper Marlborough, Maryland.

In 1748, he married Lettice Lee,

daughter of Phillip Lee, the progenitor

of the Maryland branch of the illustrious

Lee family of Virginia.

The Wardrops’ fifteen-room Georgian

mansion was the mainstay of a dwelling complex that included

eight brick outbuildings, a rare brick burial vault, ornamental and

vegetable gardens, an orchard and livestock. The household included

32 enslaved African Americans who worked in the house, outbuildings

and gardens, as well as at Mr. Wardrop’s store.

Following Wardrop’s death in 1760, Lettice Lee married

medical pioneer Dr. Adam Thomson and later Revolutionary War

patriot Colonel Joseph Sim. She died on April 3, 1776.

The house was remodeled in 1857, which produced such a

drastic change that the home’s 18th century heritage was forgotten.

In 1986, the history of the house was rediscovered; it was saved

from demolition and restored to its original appearance.

Museum tours highlight the similarities and differences

between Lettice Lee’s life and the lives of other 18th century

women. In addition, the Museum offers special events, exhibits,

and programs.

Lettice Lee, 1726-1776

D

Portrait of Lettice Lee on loan from the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, VA.

Celebrate the Bicentennialof the War of 1812Nearly thirty years after the American Revolution, the

United States once again declared war on Great Britain.

At the time it was called the Second War of

Independence, though today we know it as the War of 1812.

America declared war on Great Britain for a number of reasons

which included trade restrictions, impressments of American

sailors, and British occupation of North American territories. The

war was fought primarily on the

Canadian-American border; however,

in 1813 and 1814 campaigns were

waged in the Gulf Coast and in the

Chesapeake Bay region. In August

1814, the British invaded Washington,

D.C. and burned numerous govern-

ment buildings including the U.S.

Capitol, the Library of Congress, and

the White House.

Hodges’ Chance: Treason and the War of 1812Darnall’s Chance is one of over 300 historic sites in Maryland

that has a connection with the war. At the time, Darnall’s Chance

was owned by a wealthy Upper Marlboro merchant named John

Hodges—the only person known to be tried for treason during

the War of 1812! His tale is one of heroism, terror, ultimatums,

hostages, and harrowing midnight rides. There is no denying that

the events that led to his capture are dramatic and that his trial

was full of blazing rhetoric and conflict that influenced how

U.S. treason law is interpreted today.

As a part of Maryland’s Star-Spangled 200 celebration,

Darnall’s Chance will be featuring programs and special events

highlighting our unique connection to the war and how it helped

shape a new nation. Be sure to check this calendar and future ones

for exciting War of 1812 programs and find out if Hodges was

guilty or innocent of treason!

British capture and burn the WhiteHouse, 1814.

Darnall ’s ChanceJanuary–December 2013 Calendar of EVENTS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 8 & 15 1 & 3 PM

ENSLAVED WOMEN OF DARNALL’S CHANCETOURSJoin us for a tour that focuses on the African American women who livedat Darnall’s Chance with a special emphasis on the Bentley Family ofUpper Marlborough. Tours begin

promptly—please arrive 10-15 minutes before your tour time.Reservations are required for groups of 7 or more. Appropriate forages 10 & up. FREE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 2 PM

HIGHLAND TEACelebrate 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 payment required in advance.Fee: Resident $20; Non-Resident $24

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 7–9 PM

COLONIAL TAVERNDINNERBe our guest as we recreate the atmosphere and flavor of a mid-18th century tavern dinner inUpper Marlborough. Enjoy colonial

food and spirits. Following dinner, listen to Ship’s Company singsea chanties and tavern songs of the period. Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Fee: Resident $35;Non-Resident $42

SUNDAY, MAY 12 12 NOON–4 PM

MOTHER’S DAY TOURSComplimentary tours of the museum for mothers and grandmothers when accompanied by a payingchild or grandchild. No reservations necessary. FREE

SATURDAY, MAY 18 11 AM– 4 PM

PIRATE FESTAhoy, matey! Have ye ever dreamedwhat life on the high seas was like inthe 18th century? Why did sailorsswab the deck? Did they really walkthe plank? Come to Pirate Fest andfind 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 forwannabe pirates and landlubbers alike! Children’s program. No reservations necessary. Fee: $5/ person

SATURDAY, JUNE 1 8 AM–5 PM

WAR OF 1812: BRITISH INVASION OFPRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY BUS & BOAT TOURWar of 1812 scholar Dr. Ralph Eshelman will be our ride-alongguide as we travel via bus and boat (weather permitting) alongthe routes and waterways the British traveled through theCounty in August of 1814. Bus departs from and returns toDarnall’s Chance. Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Fee: $65/person

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 12 NOON– 4 PM

FATHER’S DAY TOURSComplimentary tours of the museum for fathersand grandfathers when accompanied by a payingchild or grandchild. No reservations necessary. FREE

FRIDAYS & SUNDAYS, AUGUST& SEPTEMBER 12 NOON–4 PM

EXHIBIT: HODGES’ CHANCE—TREASONAND THE WAR OF 1812John Hodges, a wealthy Upper Marlboro merchant who lived atDarnall’s Chance in the early 19th century, was charged withHigh Treason by the United States in 1815. Come to Darnall’sChance and learn about the circumstances of his arrest and hissubsequent trial. Visitors will be able to cast their vote for his innocence or guilt.No reservations necessary. FREE with museum admission.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 12 NOON–3 PM

JAMES WARDROP’S BIRTHDAYCELEBRATIONHelp us celebrate the 298th birthday of JamesWardrop, the first owner of Darnall’s Chance. FREEtours of the house will be offered on the hour. Enjoyice cold lemonade and cupcakes. Tours at 12, 1, 2 &3 pm. Reservations are required for groups of 7 or more. Appropriate for ages 10 & up. FREE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 8 AM–5 PM

WAR OF 1812: BRITISH INVASION OFPRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY BUS & BOAT TOURWar of 1812 scholar Dr. Ralph Eshelman will be our ride-alongguide as we travel via bus and boat (weather permitting) along the routes and waterways the British traveled through theCounty in August of 1814. Bus departs from and returns toDarnall’s Chance. Capacity is limited; reservations and payment required in advance. Fee: $65/person

Resident fees apply to residents of Prince George’s & MontgomeryCounties.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 7 PM

THE GREAT JACK O’ LANTERN CAMPFIRECome see a dazzling display of dozens ofhand-carved illuminated jack o’ lanternson the grounds of Darnall’s ChanceHouse Museum! Bask in the warmth of afall campfire, roast marshmallows, listento haunted Halloween tales and have

your fortune told. Kids can win a prize on a hunt for glowingjack o’ lanterns, and everyone can enjoy popcorn, marshmal-lows, and hot cider. Rain date is Sunday, October 27 at 6 pm.No reservations required. Fee: $3/person (cash only)

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29-30 & DECEMBER 1,FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6-8 & FRIDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13-15 12 NOON–5 PM

14TH ANNUAL GINGERBREADHOUSE CONTEST AND SHOWFor a sweet treat, come and view an amazing display of edible gingerbread houses. No nibblingallowed! Visitors will have the opportunity tovote in the Viewer’s Choice Award Competition.No reservations necessary. Fee: $1/person

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 2 PM

HANSEL & GRETEL TEA PARTYVisit Darnall’s Chance when it is decorated like a gingerbreadhouse 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 payment required in advance. Ages 5 & up,Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18

DARNALL’S CHANCE HOUSE MUSEUM14800 Governor Oden Bowie DriveUpper Marlboro, MD 20772

DIRECTIONS: From the Capital Beltway (I-95), take Exit 11A, Pennsylvania Avenue,South (Route 4). Follow Route 4 seven miles and exit at Upper Marlboro. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Water Street. Go through the first light (Main Street). Proceed past the County Administration Building (right) and School House Pond (left).Darnall’s Chance is the first driveway on the left after School House Pond.

Tours by appointment:Tuesday–Thursday, 10 am–4 pm

Walk-in tours welcome:Friday & Sunday, 12 noon– 4 pm

Tour Admission/Fees:Adults $3, Seniors $2, Children $1

Gift Shop Open:During Museum hours.

Information:301-952-8010; TTY 301-699-2544

The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.

Darnall’s Chance is owned and operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Natural and Historical Resources Division. PPC-PR-NHRD 2/13