Waterford Open House!
Saturday, May 30, 2026 -- Sunday, May 31, 2026, 1200 - 1700
Have you ever wandered by the Waterford Mill or the Second Street School and wanted to learn more? Now's your chance! We invite you and your family to come experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st through:
-Exploring the history of the Village of Waterford in historic buildings and trails open in the Village: From a c.1817 mill that helped lead the integral milling industry of the area to a Reconstruction era one-room African American schoolhouse that served African American children and families till 1957, historic properties owned by the Waterford Foundation will be open around the Village with exhibits, docents, and children's activities to help you and your family dive into the history of Waterford and Loudoun County.
-Have fun with crafts, puzzles, and and games throughout the Village to become a Junior Waterford Historian!: Come out for a day of hands on fun and learning with different fun activities throughout the Village, and fill out your passport at each spot marked on the map to become a Junior Waterford Historian! Maps, passports, and prizes are available at the Waterford Old School.
-Come see a special exhibit from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture!: Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture Presented by the Altria A Legacy Project of American Evolution and Supported by Conrad and Peggy Hall, Mr. and Mrs. G. Gilmer Minor III will be on display for the Open House weekend only- come see it before it goes back to Richmond! This very special exhibit can be seen at the Waterford Old School at 40222 Fairfax Street.
-Dive further into the history of Waterford on a Guided Walking Tour: On this optional guided walking tour, experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark and walk through the history of the village with an experienced docent! Tickets for the guided walking tour are $20, and can be purchased either ahead of time or on the day of. There are two 90 minute long guided walking tours each day, one at 12:30pm and one at 2:30 pm. Themes of the tours and tickets can be found on the Waterford Foundation website.
-Learn about the ins and outs of historic preservation at the Preservation Academy: Have you wondered what historic preservation and environmental conservation is, and how it works in Loudoun and beyond? Join us at the Waterford Open House for a series of free talks diving into the ins and outs of historic preservation and environmental conservation, and how you can get involved given by experts from all over the county and beyond! A full list of programs and RSVP forms can be found at the Waterford Foundation website.
Waterford Open House FAQs:
Date and Time: Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st from 12-5pm both days
Location: Waterford Foundation properties throughout the Village of Waterford will be open for the public to come and explore, as well as activities for all ages throughout the Village. These will be marked on a map available at the event. Maps, check-in for talks and timed programs, children's passports, and general information will be at the Waterford Old School at 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA.
Parking: The Foundation suggests visitors park at the Waterford Old School-40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA
Is this event free? Yes! The exhibits and activities are largely self-guided and open to the public for free! If you do have questions, docents will be at each building that is open. However, if you want to participate in a guided walking tour, you do have to purchase a ticket.
Is this event child friendly? Yes! Children's activities will be available at different spots around the Village. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in these activities with the opportunity to become a Junior Waterford Historian with a prize for each kid that finishes the activity passport! Prizes are available at the Waterford Old School.
Are restrooms available? Yes, restrooms will be available at places marked on the map. Accessible restrooms are available at the Waterford Old School.
For more information about the Waterford Open House and to see the full calendar of events happening throughout, check out the Foundation website at https://www.waterfordfoundation.org/event/waterford-open-house-2026/
Category: Community | History
-Exploring the history of the Village of Waterford in historic buildings and trails open in the Village: From a c.1817 mill that helped lead the integral milling industry of the area to a Reconstruction era one-room African American schoolhouse that served African American children and families till 1957, historic properties owned by the Waterford Foundation will be open around the Village with exhibits, docents, and children's activities to help you and your family dive into the history of Waterford and Loudoun County.
-Have fun with crafts, puzzles, and and games throughout the Village to become a Junior Waterford Historian!: Come out for a day of hands on fun and learning with different fun activities throughout the Village, and fill out your passport at each spot marked on the map to become a Junior Waterford Historian! Maps, passports, and prizes are available at the Waterford Old School.
-Come see a special exhibit from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture!: Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture Presented by the Altria A Legacy Project of American Evolution and Supported by Conrad and Peggy Hall, Mr. and Mrs. G. Gilmer Minor III will be on display for the Open House weekend only- come see it before it goes back to Richmond! This very special exhibit can be seen at the Waterford Old School at 40222 Fairfax Street.
-Dive further into the history of Waterford on a Guided Walking Tour: On this optional guided walking tour, experience the Waterford National Historic Landmark and walk through the history of the village with an experienced docent! Tickets for the guided walking tour are $20, and can be purchased either ahead of time or on the day of. There are two 90 minute long guided walking tours each day, one at 12:30pm and one at 2:30 pm. Themes of the tours and tickets can be found on the Waterford Foundation website.
-Learn about the ins and outs of historic preservation at the Preservation Academy: Have you wondered what historic preservation and environmental conservation is, and how it works in Loudoun and beyond? Join us at the Waterford Open House for a series of free talks diving into the ins and outs of historic preservation and environmental conservation, and how you can get involved given by experts from all over the county and beyond! A full list of programs and RSVP forms can be found at the Waterford Foundation website.
Waterford Open House FAQs:
Date and Time: Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st from 12-5pm both days
Location: Waterford Foundation properties throughout the Village of Waterford will be open for the public to come and explore, as well as activities for all ages throughout the Village. These will be marked on a map available at the event. Maps, check-in for talks and timed programs, children's passports, and general information will be at the Waterford Old School at 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA.
Parking: The Foundation suggests visitors park at the Waterford Old School-40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford VA
Is this event free? Yes! The exhibits and activities are largely self-guided and open to the public for free! If you do have questions, docents will be at each building that is open. However, if you want to participate in a guided walking tour, you do have to purchase a ticket.
Is this event child friendly? Yes! Children's activities will be available at different spots around the Village. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in these activities with the opportunity to become a Junior Waterford Historian with a prize for each kid that finishes the activity passport! Prizes are available at the Waterford Old School.
Are restrooms available? Yes, restrooms will be available at places marked on the map. Accessible restrooms are available at the Waterford Old School.
For more information about the Waterford Open House and to see the full calendar of events happening throughout, check out the Foundation website at https://www.waterfordfoundation.org/event/waterford-open-house-2026/
Category: Community | History
Starting Price Per Person
Free
Other Information
Where
40222 Fairfax Street
Waterford
Virginia 20197
United States
( Multi-Purpose Events Venue )
Waterford
Virginia 20197
United States
( Multi-Purpose Events Venue )
Event Organizer Contact:
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Event ID: 271141
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