(All Ages) Enjoy a tour of historic Colvin Run Mill built c.1811. The Mill is a tribute to industrial and mechanical innovation, and to the working people who made it happen. Learn the importance of the Mill to the multifaceted, surrounding community. Explore why our operational, water-powered gristmill is a prime example of how people, technology, and society rely upon each other for survival and success. See how the miller continues to make flour and cornmeal today. The tour covers the main grinding floor and the basement, including the gear pit. This tour is ADA compliant. Private tours available upon request. Please contact the site for details. Grain products ground at the Mill are available for purchase in our General Store year round.

(12-Adult) Discover how people of the past patched, stitched and darned to mend worn clothing. See and touch examples of mending techniques. Learn how to thread a needle, make basic stitches and sew on a patch to extend the life of your own garments. Materials will be provided.

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details. This title allows online group registration.

(All Ages) Bring up to eight people and learn how to use an old-fashioned cider press by making your own cider. Your group needs to bring approximately 100 apples of their choosing and tightly sealable containers for transporting approximately 2 gallons of cider. Participants will carry and press their own apples and cider. Dress accordingly. All participants will be contacted prior to their program with full details. Colvin Run Mill offers weekday timeslots, call 703-759-2771 for availability.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

(3-Adult) Bring your child to the Mill and celebrate Fall. We’ll have tea, savory and sweet treats and play 19th century games. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

(4-Adult) Cozy up around a campfire under the stars at historic Colvin Run Mill. Learn and engage with folktales that reflect and celebrate American culture, customs and diversity. Finish the evening toasting marshmallows. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

(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.

(4-Adult) Discover how sailors were fed during the War of 1812. Explore the mill as we grind grain using the power of the waterwheel. Meet members of Ship's Company, a War of 1812 reenactors' group and hear stories about life at sea. Make ship biscuits, also called hardtack. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

(5-Adult) Discover nineteenth century crafts and trades and see demonstrations by craftspeople of today. In the 1800s, people depended on experts who hand-crafted the goods they needed. Some of these crafts and trades are practiced by contemporary artisans. Demonstrations may include basket weaving, wood carving, broom making, spinning and dyeing, distilling and cider making. Make time to see our historic mill in motion, powered by the water of Colvin Run. You can also visit the general store and explore the miller’s house exhibit. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

(6-10 yrs.) Help us in the kitchen garden and practice your seasonal cooking skills.

(14-Adult) Try your hand at this traditional American wood art form. Carve a decorative Canvasback duck decoy with Northern Virginia Carvers. Participants should have some carving experience, such as having taken the beginner carving course. $60.00 supply fee to be paid on the first day of class. Class 5 carving glove(s) and a thumbguard required. Sessions are three consecutive Saturdays Oct 10, 17, 24 from 9 a.m. to 4.p.m. to carve and paint your decoy.