(Adults) Love has been a subject for artists throughout history. In honor of St. Valentine’s Day, enjoy representations of the emotion on canvas. Discover art that shows love of many kinds – romantic, maternal, brotherly and patriotic. Be inspired, amused, moved, and elevated as we delve into the heart of art.

(All Ages) In honor of Black History Month, the Frying Pan Baptist Meetinghouse will be open select Saturdays in February from Noon-2 p.m. Interpretive signage will be posted throughout the site for guests to read about the Black history of the Meeting House and stories of the people from the community. Stay for just a few minutes or a couple hours. Registration is free but required to attend.

(Adults) December in the late 1800s might have included a Ladies Housekeeping Society tea hosted by Mrs. Harrison. The halls of Huntley will be decked and we’ll share some Christmas history with you as you enjoy teas, scones, fruit and a light savory.

(16-Adult) Fairfax was as divided as the nation in 1861. Yet these divisions help to explain how Huntley endured the war. This program will examine Huntley through the Civil War through the experiences of the Mason family, their neighbors, and an occupying army. Includes a tour of Historic Huntley.

(6-12 yrs.) Did you know that Huntley Meadows Park was once part of George Mason's holdings? Discover this forgotten Founding Father as you make your own candle, design your own stencil to mark crops, write with a quill pen and decide the future of the Virginia colony.

(Adults) As Fairfax County commemorates 250 years of America, take a deep dive into Emanuel Leutze’s 1851 iconic painting of one of the most notable Revolutionary War events, Washington Crossing the Delaware. Explore the surprising misconceptions and meanings of this celebrated work of art with Historic House staff member and learn what you don’t know about one of the most recognizable paintings of American history.

(6-Adult) Try making holiday ornaments inspired by history. Get inspired by history and nature to create festive decorations for your home. All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(Adults) Join a historian for a tour of Huntley that examines the relationship of the Mason family to slavery and recovers insights into the lives of the Humphrey family and other enslaved people whose labor maintained Mason wealth and social status.

(6-Adult) Delve into the history of the American Chestnut and learn about efforts to revitalize what was once an iconic North American tree. Enjoy a fire while cooking and sampling chestnuts from an American Chestnut relative. Program is held at the Woodland Stewardship Education Center.

(14-Adult) African Americans' labor, experience, and knowledge were crucial to 19th-century grist milling. Explore a historic mill as you discuss the contributions of African American millers in Fairfax County. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax 250 commemoration.

(14-Adult) Few things improved the daily life of the farm family more than the radio. Learn how radio technology advanced during both World War I and II and listen to famous moments in radio history. Join us for a tour through history by hearing and seeing the antique radios from that time.

(7-13 yrs.) Discover more about life in 18th century Virginia as we dive into primary sources and stories from the past at Sully Historic Site. Practice analyzing historical documents, make your own ink, and write your very own historical document.

(1-3 yrs.) Hop through history with your toddler as they explore the past through sight, sound, smell and touch. This interactive program features both indoor and outdoor activities. Adults must participate with children. A new historical topic is introduced every month. 

(3-Adult) Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Fairfax County Park Authority. Enjoy an evening filled with festive traditions, including hands-on crafts and cultural games, delicious samples of Asian cuisine and live performances featuring martial arts, dance and music. Discover the history and stories behind this vibrant holiday as we welcome a new year together. Registration closes Thursday, February 19, at 11:59 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the program.

(7-Adult) Turkeys are native to the Americas and have been everything from decorative to Thanksgiving centerpiece. They’ve been here for 10 million years but how can you make sure they have a place here for a million more? Find out more about the role of turkeys in different cultures and how important habitat restoration will make room for turkeys.

(4-Adult) Crank ice cream as you discover how ice was harvested and stored in this 19th century farm. Try using ice tongs. Children must be accompanied registered adult.

(4-Adult) The sap is rising and the maple trees are tapped. Bundle up to brave the weather and watch and learn as sap is boiled down into delicious, sweet syrup over an open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over cornbread, made from Colvin Run cornmeal. While supplies last. This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately.

(7-13 yrs.) Supplement your historical studies with a fun day of exploring, interpreting and making maps. Try your hand at orienteering, learn about different types of maps from around the world and take home a personalized map of your life.

(Adults) Enjoy an afternoon tea circa 1830 much as Betsey Mason would have with the gleam of polished silver and proper tea etiquette. Sample a menu of tasty treats appropriate to the period in an historic setting as you brush up on your tea history. Includes a tour of Historic Huntley.

(2-5 yrs.) Explore Colvin Run Mill with your toddler or preschooler through STEAM activities, hands-on history, crafts, stories, and games. Programs include indoor and outdoor activities. Adults must participate with children. A different program each week: 9/29: Discover Waterwheels; 10/13: Making and Drinking Apple Cider; 10/27: Fall Colors; and 11/10: Giving Thanks.

(8-Adult) Podcasts and social media platforms are changing the way we create and receive information. Radio played a very similar role in rural America during the 1920s until the dawn of television. Come see old time radios, hear the most famous broadcasts from the period and do an activity related to the monthly topic. August- The Grand Ole Opry 100th year. Barn dances, bluegrass music, comedy and the longest running radio show, September- Baseball & True Crime, October- Invaders from Mars & War of the Worlds, November- Fireside Chats, December- A Christmas Story.

(3-Adult) Bring your child to the mill and celebrate Valentine’s Day with this heart-themed tea party. We’ll have tea, savory and sweet treats and play 19th century parlor games. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(14-Adult) Come learn about Metilda, an enslaved 14-year old girl who came to live at Colvin Run Mill. Discuss her life at the mill and the house. Examine what history tells us about the lives of enslaved children, their work, and their families. 

(12-Adult) Learn about the lives and legacy of the people enslaved at Sully Historic Site from the 1700s to the Civil War. This tour includes a walk into the original outbuildings, main house and representative housing for the enslaved. Sully is on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The tour is held weather permitting. This program links to the VA250 and the Fairfax250 commemoration.

(Adults) Take a stroll with us on the less-visited side of the park to uncover the history of spies, espionage and how the Cold War struggle between the US and the USSR shaped Huntley and the Fairfax County we know today. Meets at South King Highway entrance includes a 2.4 mile walk over flat terrain.

(Adults) Women’s vocal ensemble The Seraphim Sextet performs as ladies of the Renaissance. History of the period is revealed through authentic songs and dances and enlivened by audience involvement. Enjoy the ladies’ musings on life and love and find yourself transported to the court of Henry VIII with songs composed by the king himself.

(3-Adult) Bring your child to the mill and celebrate winter with this snowflake-themed tea party. You'll enjoy tea, savory and sweet treats, along with a winter craft and 19th century games. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(7-Adult) Explore the lives of the men and women during the Revolutionary War who passed along secrets and information and the technology they used in dangerous times. Try your hand at a little spy craft to take home.

(8-Adult) Come and tour the historic house and landscape by lantern, torch and safe candlelight. Experience how the kinds of light used reflected on the lives of Sully’s residents enslaved and free.