Green Spring Gardens

CONTACT INFORMATION: Gate locked at 5 p.m.
703-642-5173 TTY 711
4603 Green Spring Road
Alexandria, Virginia
Judy Zatsick
Manager

Historic Programs and Teas

Department Resources

Related Resources

Historic Green Spring programs are followed by a traditional English afternoon tea, unless otherwise noted. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries and scone.

Historic Green Spring programs are by reservation only (703-941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988).

Stolen History

02/23/2025 1:00 pm

(Adult) Throughout history, artifacts have been plundered from their countries of origin. Hear about cultural treasures stolen by souvenir-takers, relic smugglers and antiquities traffickers, past and present. Consider the significance of looted artifacts, whether they have been preserved or purloined and the arguments for giving them back.

A traditional…

Fairest of Them All

03/16/2025 1:00 pm to 03/16/2025 3:00 pm

(Adult) This Women’s History Month, learn about the not-so-pretty history of beauty pageants. Explore their origins and culture and the growing controversy surrounding them. Hear about recent steps towards inclusion and empowerment and consider how such contests must adapt to survive.

Cost:$18 (lecture only); $42 (lecture +…

Textile Treasures

04/06/2025 1:00 pm to 04/06/2025 3:30 pm

(Adult) From flax and wool to silks and taffetas, textiles have figured in every society throughout history. Artist and collector Caroline Hottenstein reveals laborious past methods of textile care and demonstrates the art and science of it today. Learn how proper cleaning, handling and storage will preserve your heirloom textile…

Spring Garden Tour & Tea

04/17/2025 1:00 pm to 04/17/2025 3:00 pm

(Adult) Take a tour of the beautiful demonstration gardens with an Extension Master Gardener docent. Find inspiration in our horticulturists’ plant choices and garden bed designs. Hear about our 18th century origins and our mission today, then step inside for afternoon tea. Garden tours run rain or shine.

A traditional British afternoon…

Odd Jobs of Yore

04/27/2025 1:00 pm to 04/27/2025 3:00 pm

(Adult) Many once-commonplace occupations have vanished due to changing technology, social norms and labor laws. Discover fascinating and surprising jobs and professions of the past – from leech-collector to town crier, clock winder to rat catcher - that can amuse and appall us today..

Cost:$18 (lecture only); $42 (lecture +…

Spring Garden Tour & Tea

05/08/2025 1:00 pm to 05/08/2025 3:00 pm

(Adult) Take a tour of the beautiful demonstration gardens with an Extension Master Gardener docent. Find inspiration in our horticulturists’ plant choices and garden bed designs. Hear about our 18th century origins and our mission today, then step inside for afternoon tea. Garden tours run rain or shine.

A traditional British afternoon…

Mother's Day Tea

05/11/2025 1:00 pm to 05/11/2025 3:00 pm

(14 – Adult) Celebrate mothers everywhere with a festive, art-themed bingo game presented by Historic House interpreter Karen Heyda Jackson. Explore artistic depictions of motherhood by well-known artists from around the world while playing an entertaining game of bingo. Prizes and teatime favors included.

Cost:$23 (lecture only); $48…

Spring Garden Tour & Tea

05/22/2025 1:00 pm to 05/22/2025 3:00 pm

(Adult) Take a tour of the beautiful demonstration gardens with an Extension Master Gardener docent. Find inspiration in our horticulturists’ plant choices and garden bed designs. Hear about our 18th century origins and our mission today, then step inside for afternoon tea. Garden tours run rain or shine.

A traditional British afternoon…

I Like Coffee, I Like Tea

05/25/2025 1:00 pm to 05/25/2025 3:00 pm

(Adult) Tea and coffee are the most popular beverages in the world, and both have legendary pasts. Learn about the history, provenance and health benefits of these flavorful, and competing, brews as we compare and contrast them. Regardless of your preference, you may change sides in the battle of the cup.

Cost:$18 (lecture only); $42…

Teatime Tips

Private Teas and Tasting Programs at the Historic House

Private groups can reserve a history-themed slideshow lecture or a docent-led tour of the gardens, followed by afternoon tea. Private tasting programs are also available. For information, call 703-941-7987.


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