Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park

05/09/2020

We wish all moms a special weekend. From our staff to you, have a very happy Mother's Day.

Graphic: Montgomery County Parks

05/07/2020

The phases of the moon have always played a significant role in determining planting seasons throughout history. Since 1792, the Old Farmer's Almanac has guided farmers on the best times to plant crops using the moon phases. The May supermoon, also known as the Corn Moon or the Flower Moon, rises today marking a time of warmer temperatures that are safe for planting ground crops, root crops and leafy vegetables.

The names given to the moon phases come from the Algonquin tribes, who lived in the same areas as the Colonists.

In 1851, Woodlawn Manor, once a thriving farm, produced 100 bushels of corn, 400 bushels of wheat, 20 tons of hay, and 150 bushels of potatoes.

Photo: Thorsten Krienke, Flicker, CC, (CCO 1.0) Universal, Public Domain

05/05/2020

It is National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park staff wants to thank all teachers who have dedicated their lives to educating and inspiring children in our communities, especially during this difficult time.

Image: Library of Congress- Teacher in classroom with students 1899

05/01/2020

River of Resilience: Part 1

More than 300 years ago, Quaker settlers built a thriving community around the northwest branch of the Anacostia River. The village of Sandy Spring was named for the gentle headwaters that flow through the fields, woods and farms of the community. The "Sandy Spring" is located at the end of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.

For further information on the Northwest Branch, visit the following website: https://bit.ly/35bpKRg

A journey down the Anacostia River, from headwaters to confluence.

04/27/2020

"The Woodlawn Museum is housed in a stone barn that was constructed in 1832 by master mason Isaac Holland for Dr. William Palmer.

The three-level barn is considered a bank barn. Bank barns are built into the side of a hill or embankment, allowing the ability to enter all three levels without the need of stairs. Two of the entrances to the stone barn can be seen in the photo below.

Learn more about restoring historic barns on the National Park Service website here: https://bit.ly/2VpAmIP. "

Photo by Parks Staff

04/24/2020

We would like to send a special thank you to all the volunteers that give their time for the programs at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Our volunteers lead guided hikes, tours of our historic manor house and more. We miss our volunteers and look forward to seeing them soon. These volunteers are dressed to portray local residents from the past.

Photo by Parks staff

04/22/2020

Many of us have seen a marble, the spherical toy often made of glass. But, how many of us know how to play a game of marbles?

Marbles, both the toy and the game, was very popular with children during the nineteenth century. It so popular that the term “Lose your marbles” was used to express the feeling of being upset or frustrated. Playing marbles is a great way to spend time indoors with the family.

The children in the photo are enjoying a game of marbles, which is not recommended for children three years and younger, due to potential choking hazard.

Check out this video from Howcast on how to play your own game of marbles at home https://youtu.be/ewqFhNw9k7g.

Photo from Library of Congress."

04/20/2020

During this period of social distancing, we miss the many visitors who would stop by Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park to visit the Woodlawn Museum to learn about local history. Some of our favorite visitors were from a Model A Ford club. They stopped by and offered us tours of their historic cars.

Learn more about the Ford Model A from the National Museum of American History: https://s.si.edu/3cmV6GY.

As a reminder, all indoor park facilities are closed to the public through May 31.

Photo by Parks staff

04/20/2020

This is Volunteer Appreciation Week. We want to thank our volunteers and all that you do. We miss you and look forward to seeing you soon.

04/17/2020

04/16/2020

Montgomery History

Check out the April/May issue of Montgomery Magazine and you’ll find a familiar name! Historian Claire McDonald, who created our recent online exhibit, “The Path to Leadership: Montgomery County Women, Women’s Clubs, and Suffrage,” was interviewed for this issue’s piece on women’s suffrage (“100 Years of Women’s Suffrage in Montgomery County.”) Find the article on montgomerymag.com on page 32 of the digital issue.

Our online exhibit was created in honor of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment and explores the contributions of local women to politics and the women’s rights movement in the early 20th century. If you haven’t already, visit MontgomeryHistory.org to see it. Part 2 of the exhibit will be coming later this year so stay tuned!

#montgomerymagazine #19thamendment #100yearsofsuffrage #mocowomen

04/16/2020

Montgomery Parks

UPDATE

We are extending facility closures, as well as programming, rental, and permit cancellations, through May 31.

This decision comes as we continue to work to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Find out more: http://ow.ly/ZikD30qy7O5.

04/15/2020

Why was the North Star so important to enslaved laborers seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad? The North Star, Polaris, is pointed at the north axis of the Earth and does not rise or set at night, remaining in nearly the same spot year-round. This would have been a point of reference while navigating to free states in the north or to Canada.

Photo Credit Tobias Myrstrand Leander (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

04/09/2020

Are you and your family spending a lot of time in front of the refrigerator during this extended time at home? The springhouse at Woodlawn Manor served as the refrigerator for Dr. William Palmer and his family in the nineteenth century, before there was electricity on the property. Springhouses were usually built partially underground over a natural spring to keep its stone walls at a constant cool temperature.This springhouse is unique because it also served as a smokehouse to cure and preserve meats.

04/03/2020

NPR

You may not be able to make it out to visit our Underground Railroad Experience Trail today. But, come along with us on a short hike along the trail with our friends from National Public Radio: https://bit.ly/33Yg5wO.

The Underground Railroad ran through this area of Maryland, so we’re taking a tour of a wooded trail in Sandy Spring with a Montgomery County Parks trail guide — learning about slavery in the area and hearing true accounts of the journey to freedom.

03/31/2020

Our friends at Heritage Montgomery are offering an opportunity to discover some of the Top 10 places "off the beaten path" in Montgomery County.

Don’t miss our first FREE “History Conversations” today, March 31, at 3 pm! Join us on Zoom as Ralph Buglass investigates some of the county’s most well-hidden sites with historical or cultural significance in “Off the Beaten Path in Montgomery County.” Whether you need a break from teleworking or just want to virtually get out and “explore,” all are welcome for this event. If you can’t make it, don’t worry—we’ll be doing the same talk this Friday, April 3, at 10 am. See you there!

March 31 Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/918721102
Meeting ID: 918 721 102
April 3 Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/912890254
Meeting ID: 912 890 254

You can contact us here with questions about accessing the Zoom links, or contact Matt Gagle, Outreach and Volunteer Manager, at [email protected].

03/31/2020

"How will we share the stories of today's events in the future? Dr. William Palmer, owner of Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, often used his almanac as a journal to detail the events that took place on his nineteeth-century farm. Starting a journal or almanac to record today's events will make sure that your history is saved for future generations.

Image provided by the Montgomey County Historical Society."

03/26/2020

DIY Toy Cup & Ball Game | PBS Parents | Crafts for Kids

What toys did children in the nineteenth century play with for fun? One toy was the cup and ball, which is a lot harder to master than it may seem. Here is a video from PBS KIDS for Parents that will show you how to make your own: https://bit.ly/2WFmvz5

Make a DIY toy, the classic Cup & Ball Game, using a few household items! For the full craft, click here: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/diy-toy-...

03/24/2020

The grounds at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park are still open to explore and our historic structures make the perfect subject for your next masterpiece. Remember, when visiting, use social distancing, avoid touching surfaces, and refrain from groups or activities of ten or more.

Artwork by Vince Neradka

03/21/2020

Heading to the park this weekend?

When you go, we recommend you:

*Use social distancing.
*Avoid touching surfaces.
*Avoid groups of ten or more.
*Refrain from playgrounds.
*Avoid activities, like sports.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/Jkc830qrri2.

03/19/2020

Effective immediately, Montgomery Parks is extending its closure on all indoor park facilities to the public and cancelling all programs and events through April 30.

For more, visit our website: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/covid-19/.

03/12/2020

Montgomery Parks is closing all indoor facilities open to the public. All programming, private events in our parks and at park facilities, and permitted use of athletic fields are canceled. Park offices also will be closed to the public. These are effective Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31.

Due to the evolving circumstances with COVID-19, we have made these decisions to protect you and the community and to assist in reducing the spread of the virus.

If you registered for programs, classes, permitted fields, or rentals happening March 16 to 31, you will be credited funds.

As always, outdoor public spaces in our parks are open from sunrise to sunset. The Commission is continuing to evaluate information about COVID-19.

For questions, call or email our customer service at 301.495.2595 or [email protected]. And, we can also assist with questions here on social media.

Check our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor for updates.

You can find more information about this announcement on our website: http://ow.ly/bSpA30qpnoG.

03/10/2020

Montgomery Parks' COVID-19 Information - Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks cares about the health and safety of you and your family. Currently, our facilities are open and programs are running as scheduled.

Due to concerns over the potential for outbreaks of COVID-19, the Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is working closely with local public health authorities, emergency management offices, and other local agencies to keep our patrons and employees informed and updated on the current coronavirus situation.

We continue to follow health department protocols, and we are heightening cleaning at our parks and amenities.
Help us improve safety. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay home.

Montgomery Parks will advise patrons and staff of any new developments, as they become available, for possible closure of our facilities or cancellation of programs, classes, camps, and events.

If you have questions, our Safety Office is available 24 hours/7 days a week through the following numbers: (301) 395-0563, (301) 275-5126, (240) 393-0419.

For more information, visit our website: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/covid-19/.

Due to concerns over the potential for outbreaks of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) across the United States, the Maryland-National Park and...

02/26/2020

A Walk Through the Underground Railroad Trail in Sandy Spring

We enjoyed showing our Underground Railroad Experience Trail to Maryam Shahzad of My MC Media. As a reminder, we offer guided hikes each Saturday and the first Sunday of the month at 10am, between April and November. The trail is open for free, daily for self-exploration between sunrise and sunset.

The Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring is home to an Underground Railroad trail. The trail is a guide for the route enslaved African Americans in M...

02/25/2020

Who was Anna Marie Weems and how did she make the journey to freedom? Our Tea at the Manor program on Saturday March 7 will feature an educational presentation on the "Women of the Underground Railroad" by Montgomery Parks staff member, Shirl Spicer. To register, https://bit.ly/2SW1Epc

Photo Credit Library of Congress

02/21/2020

On Saturday, February 29 we will be holding our Black History Month Walking Tour of Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. This tour includes Woodlawn Manor, the Woodlawn Museum, the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, and outbuildings. The hike begins at 10am and guests should dress to be in the elements. To register, https://bit.ly/39U8JMB

Photo by Parks staff

02/19/2020

Lyrical Rhythms: The Sounds of Freedom, has been cancelled.

Celebrate Black History Month through poetry and song at Lyrical Rhythms: The Sounds of Freedom on Saturday, February 22, 5 to 7 pm, at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.

Learn more and register: http://ow.ly/dTro50yjnij.

#BlackHistoryMonth

Photo: Presenter during Lyrical Rhythms: The Sounds of Freedom.

02/13/2020

What words would you use to express "Freedom"? Are you an aspiring poet or just enjoy hearing and reading poetry? As part or our Black History Month programming, our "Lyrical Rhythms: The Sounds of Freedom" invites our guest to use the spoken word to express their creativity. To register,
https://bit.ly/2Sq0SR6

Photo by Natalie Roberts (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

02/11/2020

We had a great time on Saturday for our Black History Month Family’s Day. For more information on upcoming events, go to www. WoodlawnManor.org

Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park learned while creating and playing during Family Day: Black History Month last Saturday.

Kids made "I Have a Dream" collages and quilt squares and discovered important African Americans with history bingo.

Register now for two other programs for Black History Month: Lyrical Rhythms: The Sounds of Freedom, February 22, and Black History Month Walking Tour, February 29: http://ow.ly/nC6150yixsK.

#BlackHistoryMonth

Photos: Child shows off his dream collage; parents and children creating their collages; child holds up her quilt square; and children playing history bingo.

02/07/2020

Our Family Day - Black History Month tomorrow, will feature hands on activities for children and families such a "Make a Mini-Quilt". Stop by and join us between 12pm and 3pm. Admission Required. To register https://bit.ly/2uu6yQF

photo by Parks Staff

02/04/2020

Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park will be the focus of today’s Tuesday Talk at the Beall Dawson House. The speaker will be Parks staff member, Mark Thorne.

Photo by Parks staff

01/31/2020

Montgomery Parks

Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park invites you to our celebration of African American culture during Family Day: Black History Month on Saturday, February 8, 12 to 3 pm.

Enjoy presentations and hands-on activities inside the historic Woodlawn Manor.

Pre-registration encouraged. Limited onsite registration day of event: http://ow.ly/UyWd50y6Ktl.

#BlackHistoryMonth

Photo: Child makes craft during Family Day: Black History Month.

01/29/2020

Congratulations to our friends at Heritage Montgomery.

Great news! The Warren Historic Site Committee, Inc. and Heritage Montgomery were the recipients of a 2020 Maryland Preservation Award! The award, which was presented by the Maryland Historical Trust, recognized outstanding efforts in historic preservation for Loving Charity Hall. The restoration project, which you can see in the before and after photos, is at the center of the historic African American enclave of Martinsburg. It is also one of the last sites in Maryland to retain all three of the structures – church, school, and community hall – that were the heart of flourishing African American communities of the late-nineteenth/early twentieth centuries.

01/23/2020

Dr. William Palmer purchased Woodlawn in 1822 after residing in Brookville, MD. The Palmer family resided at Woodlawn from 1822 until 1919. Join us for our History Hour on Wednesday, January 29 and learn about the Palmer family, and the history of Woodlawn Manor. https://bit.ly/2RlKxw7

Photo by Parks staff

01/17/2020

If you are interested in archaeology or looking for summer camps, make sure you like and follow our friends at Needwood Mansion.

Hello! We are so excited about our new Needwood Mansion, Montgomery Parks page!

You will hear from our archaeology staff--Cassandra, Heather, and Jessica--about archaeology in the parks, archaeology programs and summer camps, artifacts, volunteer opportunities, research, and much more!

Follow us, share the page with your friends, and ask them to follow us!