A $7 million new museum is coming to Prince William County.
Slated to be built on the site of Rippon Lodge at 15520 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, the Prince William Museum at Rippon Lodge is meant to be a way for residents to learn more about the history of their community.
“Prince William County is very unique in that we believe our history is important – although there are many communities that do – but we’ve actually invested in our history, and we have a number of historic properties that are owned by the county,” said Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation board member Laurie Wieder.
According to Wieder, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors established the foundation to help preserve the county’s historic properties.
Rippon Lodge itself is an important piece of the county’s history, as it was built by Richard Blackburn – one of the men that helped to build George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
“We felt a need to have a museum that could tell the story of all of the properties [in the county]. And the reason we wanted to establish it at Rippon Lodge was that – first of all, it’s a very historic property – but secondly, it’s also a good place to welcome people from our community, and travelers to the area, to attract them to Prince William County,” said Wieder.
The museum is planned to be 14,000 square feet with space for lectures, historical interpretations and events, according to a said Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation presentation.
Wieder stated that $4 million of the $7 million needed for the project has already been funded, and that the foundation would like to break ground on the museum in the next year, with a 2018 completion date.
“We’ve raised funds for a number of projects, but we have really had an interest and have made it a priority project, to have a location that would introduce people to Prince William County history, and all of it’s sites and structures, and the people who have lived here,” said Wieder.
According to Wieder, the purpose of the museum is to feature exhibits on important individuals with ties to Prince William County including George Washington, Jennie Dean, Admiral Richard Byrd and Benita Fitzgerald.
Residents that want to donate can do so on their website, or by contacting the foundation directly.
Recent Stories
Once on the edge of selling to a private owner, a beloved community pool has a new board working to rejuvenate the facility and keep the neighborhood pool tradition alive.Â
In “They’re Playing Our Song,” Carson Eubank and Ashlee Waldbauer command the stage with a dynamic energy that transports the audience into the heart of the comedic journey.
Police were called to a fatal hit-and-run incident on April 24 at 10:19 p.m., near Route 1 Pine Bluff Drive near Dumfries.
Potomac Mills mall is set to welcome Vineyard Vines this fall.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
