Gluten-Free Tea and Tattle
(Adult) Rumor, hearsay, scuttlebutt, scandal. Gossip is widely condemned yet sometimes considered a positive force in society.
Hear all about the origins and changing definitions of gossip, how people have “dished” hilariously through the ages, and why gossiping was once considered synonymous with tea-drinking!
Please note: All tea food for this afternoon tea will be made with no gluten-containing ingredients but cross-contamination is possible.
Green Spring Gardens LocationThe Origin of Manners
Concepts of courtesy and good manners have defined cultures through the ages and made social interaction run smoothly. Learn how manners have changed from medieval times to the Victorian era to the present day and consider the differences between "good manners” and “etiquette.”
A traditional British afternoon tea served in the Historic House follows each tea program. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scone with cream and jam.
Green Spring Gardens LocationPortals to the Past
(Adult) Doors and thresholds have been symbolic portals, defenses, and status symbols, revealing details about their time in history and about what lies within. Explore the fascinating – and sometimes humorous - history of doorways, their purposes and their accessories, from medieval portcullises to door knockers, bolts and boot scrapers. Hear about the recent project to replace the front steps and stoop of Green Spring’s 1784 Historic House and what its doorways – past and present - reveal to us about the house as a home.
Green Spring Gardens LocationFall Garden Tour and Tea
(Adult) Tour the glorious demonstration gardens with an Extension Master Gardener docent. Hear about Green Spring past and present and discover a wealth of ideas for your fall home landscape. Afterwards, come inside the Historic House for a traditional British afternoon tea.
A traditional British afternoon tea served in the Historic House follows each tea program. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scone with cream and jam.
Programs are by reservation only. Call 703- 941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Jane Austen: Dressing for the Occasion
(Adult) Celebrate Jane Austen’s birth 250 years ago with a look at the fashions of her day. Green Spring historian Debbie Waugh highlights the importance of dressing for the occasion for Austen’s characters, particularly social gatherings like balls and dances. Then artist and collector Caroline Hottenstein explores different aspects of Regency-era fashions, from the fancy to the everyday, through the lens of Austen’s novels.
Green Spring Gardens LocationFall Garden Tour and Tea
(Adult) Tour the glorious demonstration gardens with an Extension Master Gardener docent. Hear about Green Spring past and present and discover a wealth of ideas for your fall home landscape. Afterwards, come inside the Historic House for a traditional British afternoon tea.
A traditional British afternoon tea served in the Historic House follows each tea program. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scone with cream and jam.
Programs are by reservation only. Call 703- 941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Murder Most Foul
(Adult) Through the ages people have been captivated by murder and mystery, and true crime and “whodunits” still enthrall us today. Explore the grisly history of murder and famous cases from the past as we consider the enduring appeal of “murder most foul” this Halloween.
A traditional British afternoon tea served in the Historic House follows each tea program. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scone with cream and jam.
Programs are by reservation only. Call 703- 941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Swindle School
(12-Adult) Now you see it, now you don’t. Sleight of hand trickery has been practiced around the world since ancient times – as both entertainment and chicanery - and has evolved up to the present day. In his show “Swindle School” award-winning journalist and Maryland Renaissance Festival performer Brian Wendell Morton captivates us with games that fool the eye and educates us on the art and science of deception. Learn how to see through the smoke and mirrors and avoid being swindled.
Green Spring Gardens LocationAppetite for Art
(Adult) As the traditional season of feasting approaches, consider food as a popular motif in paintings. Enjoy a selection of food-filled masterpieces, some playful, some provocative. Discover how they reveal fascinating details of their time and place in history and explore art that has captured the essence – and overindulgence - of Thanksgiving.
A traditional British afternoon tea served in the Historic House follows each tea program. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scone with cream and jam.
Green Spring Gardens LocationRinging In a New Year
(12-Adult) Celebrate the festive season and look ahead to ringing in the new year. Learn how new year traditions have evolved throughout history and discover a variety of surprising new year observances around the world today. Door prizes and favors included.
A traditional British afternoon tea served in the Historic House follows each tea program. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scone with cream and jam.
Programs are by reservation only. Call 703- 941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
Ringing In a New Year
(12-Adult) Celebrate the festive season and look ahead to ringing in the new year. Learn how new year traditions have evolved throughout history and discover a variety of surprising new year observances around the world today. Door prizes and favors included.
A traditional British afternoon tea served in the Historic House follows each tea program. Full tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scone with cream and jam.
Programs are by reservation only. Call 703- 941-7987, TTY 703-324-3988.
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).
