Upcoming Programs
Daring Voyage- April 1, Session 1 (11:30am), Session 2 (2:30pm)
Do you have what it takes to start a colony in an unknown country? Learn what skills where important to some of Maryland’s earliest inhabitants, Native and colonists, and see if you can successfully navigate this “Daring Voyage.” Appropriate for grades 4-6. You can sign up for one of two sessions: Morning 11am - 12pm or Afternoon 1:30-2:30pm. Fee $5 Pre-registration required.
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Flint Knapping- April 4, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Ever wonder how Native Americans made stone tools? Ever want to learn how to do it? During this workshop you will learn the techniques to turn stone into tools. The workshop will include how to select material, the science behind knapping, and the chance to create your own stone arrowheads. This workshop is perfect for ages 13 and up. Fee $20 / Friends $16 Pre-registration required.
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Arrow Making Workshop- April 11, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Are you a hunter, archery enthusiast or just looking for something cool to hang up on your wall? Join us at Jefferson Patterson Park as we take natural materials such as turkey feathers, pine pitch and sinew and turn them into beautiful and practical arrows. This workshop is suitable for participants 12 and older.Fee $20 / Friends $16 Pre-registration required.
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Historic Cooking Workshop- May 6, 10:30am-1:30pm
If you think Grandma’s recipes were good, try Great-Great-Great-Grandma’s! Immerse yourself in the taste of the past with this workshop. We will be using traditional cooking techniques to recreate receipts (recipes) from the 18th and 19th centuries, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. This workshop is appropriate for ages 13 and up. Fee $25 / Friends $20 Pre-registration required.
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Defense of the Town- May 7, Session 1 (11:00am), Session 2 (2:30pm)
Come join the Maryland Militia! Learn how to march, carry a (fake) musket, and learn what it took Joshua Barny and his men to defend The Patuxent River during the War of 1812. Appropriate for grades 4 through 6. Fee $5 Pre-registration required.
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SOLD OUT! Basket Weaving: Egg Basket- May 13, 10am-3pm
Of course you can put all your eggs in one basket - especially if it is one that is handmade by you! Learn to weave this traditional rib style basket and to customize it by adding colored weavers. Fee $30 / Friends $24 Pre-registration required.
SOLD OUT!
Friction Fires- May 25, 6pm-8:30pm
Join us as we teach you the ins and outs of making a friction fire, and try a couple of different techniques to rub two sticks together! Appropriate for ages $13 and up. Fee $10 / Friends $8 Pre-registration required.
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Fishing in Canoes- June 1 & 3, 6:30pm-8:30pm
If you ever wondered how to catch a fish without metal tools, then wonder no longer. Join us for a two-part workshop where first we make the hooks then we take out canoes and try them out! Appropriate for ages 10 and up. This is a two day workshop. Fee $15 / Friends $12 Pre-registration required.
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Canoeing through History- June 10, 5:30pm-8:30pm
In the Summer of 1814, a daring battle took place between the Mosquito Fleet of the Patuxent and a much larger British naval force. Journey along the St. Leonard’s Creek as we learn how Joshua Barny helped stall the British on their way up to Baltimore and Washington D.C. Tickets are sold $30 per canoe, you must have at least two people per canoe. Fee $30 / Friends $24 Pre-registration required.
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Poplar Bark Baskets- June 15, 6:30pm-8:30pm
If you need a strong basket and you need it quickly then you want a bark basket. Join us as we show you how to make a strong basket from the bark of a poplar tree. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Fee $15 / Friends $12 Pre-registration required.
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Baskets and Boats- June 24, 10am-12pm
Education and Horticulture staff are teaming up to offer a leisurely paddle along the Patuxent with a stop to weave a basket from the natural materials foraged from the water's edge. Enjoy a scenic paddle while discovering the area's natural and human history. Paddlers can use our kayaks or bring their own. Personal flotation devices provided. Bottled water, sunscreen, and a hat recommended. Appropriate for ages 16 and up. Fee is $30 (Friends $24)to use one of our kayaks or $20 (Friends $16) if you bring your own boat. Pre-registration required.
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