Events & Exhibitions:

Click the event title to register​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Emancipation Day Free Tours

Saturday, November 1, 2025, Noon & 2 PM

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Join us as we interpret the history of the people who lived and worked on this former plantation, from the construction of the house in 1801 to Emancipation in 1864. Visitors will enjoy a facilitated dialogue with tour guides as they are guided through the rooms of the historic house and dependency building. This is a one-hour guided tour. We ask that visitors arrive at the Visitor Center 5-10 minutes ahead of time to get registered.

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Hands on History: Winter Series

Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 AM - Noon

$10/Child

 

Experience history at Riversdale through unique hands-on activities focused on holiday traditions from around the world. This session will dive into Belgium's heritage and traditions! Perfect for ages 6 to 12, children 10 and under need a chaperone. No more than two adults per family. ​​

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Riversdale by Candlelight

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 5:30 - 8:30 PM

$5/Adult

 

Walk-through history during this festive evening open house. During your candlelit tour of the museum, you'll learn about the stories of those who lived and worked in the mansion. Live music will fill the halls and the Riversdale Kitchen Guild will be baking holiday treats in the dependency kitchen!​​

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Hands on History: Winter Series

Saturday, December 20, 2025, 10 AM - Noon

$10/Child

 

Join Riversdale staff this winter to get your hands on history! This session will explore the origins of New Years celebrations and how it was celebrated at Riversdale. Perfect for ages 6 to 12, children 10 and under need a chaperone. No more than two adults per family. 

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Genealogy 101

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10 - 11 AM

$10/Person

 

Get started uncovering your family roots in this engaging genealogy program! Learn essential steps for beginning your research, plus insider tips and tricks for navigating the rich resources of the Maryland State Archives. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will help you trace your family history with confidence. 

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A Sweet History: Chocolate Through the Ages with Joyce White

Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10  - 11:30 AM

$15/Person

 

For this Valentine's Day join food historian Joyce White for a delicious journey through the history of chocolate, as she reveals how this beloved treat was prepared and enjoyed through the centuries. Discover fascinating recipes from the past and experience chocolate history firsthand with a hands-on activity and tasting. Don't miss this flavorful exploration of one of the world's most cherished indulgences!

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Plummers' Kitchen

Sunday, February 22, 2026, Noon - 3 PM

 

Watch Riversdale Kitchen Guild volunteers prepare foods that were popular among the enslaved communities in 19th-century Maryland. Discover the stories of Adam Francis Plummer, his family, and others, during self-guided tours of the historic house.

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