The Manassas Museum will host a lecture on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., focusing on the critically acclaimed book, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson.
The lecture will delve into the themes explored in Wilkerson’s book, which examines historical social hierarchies and how perpetuating this dehumanizes vast sections of society. The book emphasizes that caste is not solely about race or class, but about power — who holds it and who does not.
July is chalking up to be a busy month around Prince William County with several events, meetings, and activities scheduled.
Take a look at some highlighted events.
George may have a Federal holiday, but Historic Kenmore is making sure his sister Betty has a party of her own. Betty Washington’s 291st birthday celebration will be June 22 at her Fredericksburg home Kenmore.
Betty Washington Lewis and her husband Fielding Lewis began construction on Kenmore in 1769, and the family moved in by the fall of 1775. The Fredericksburg plantation originally covered 1,270 acres, now reduced to a single city block. Kenmore is notable for its 18th-century decorative plasterwork ceilings. After Fielding’s death in 1781, the property passed to his first-born son, John, while Betty stayed on for 14 more years. Kenmore has had eleven owners and has been owned by The George Washington Foundation since 1925. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Historic Manassas Inc. (HMI) is now selling tickets for a July 4th Stars & Stripes Rooftop Picnic, set to provide the best view of the City of Manassas fireworks display. The event will occur on July 4, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., atop the downtown parking garage at 9102 Prince William Street.
The rooftop picnic promises a variety of food and drinks. Attendees can look forward to hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, chips, green beans, cupcakes, beer, wine, soda, and water. The evening will also feature a DJ and games, ensuring entertainment for guests of all ages.
Jesus Rosa, owner of The Puerto Rico Cafe in Manassas, is hosting the Manassas Puerto Rican Festival again. This marks the second year Rosa and his wife, Jamari, organized the event in Manassas.
“It’s a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, family, and bringing everyone together,” Rosa said. “It’s diverse; it’s not just for Puerto Ricans, it’s for everyone. We want everyone to come down and enjoy the food, the music, the entertainment of your Puerto Rican friends and neighbors.”
Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) is gearing up for its annual Free Community Baby Shower.
Following the success of last year’s event, which saw 1,000 attendees, this year promises to be even bigger and better. To accommodate the growing number of participants and enhance the experience, the event has been moved to a new location, offering more fun, education, and prizes for new and expecting mothers and their families.
On June 15, 2024, Widewater State Park will host an event dedicated to the life and work of Palmer Hayden, a celebrated artist from Widewater. The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. throughout the park.
Palmer Hayden, born on January 15, 1890, in Widewater, in Stafford County, became a prominent painter during the Harlem Renaissance. His paintings are known for depicting everyday life in African-American communities.
The City of Fredericksburg has announced the revival of its “Around the Town” free trolley service to downtown for the upcoming summer season. Operated by Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, the service will run on Friday and Saturday evenings from May 31 to August 31, offering residents and visitors a convenient way to explore downtown attractions.
The trolley will make a 20-minute loop around downtown with stops at six locations, including popular spots such as the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, Carl’s Ice Cream, Mason Dixon Café, Haley’s Honey Meadery, Red Dragon Brewery, Harry’s Downtown, Mellow Mushroom, Castiglia’s, and Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen. Additionally, on the first Friday of each month, extra stops will be added for art gallery openings. The free, family-friendly rides are available from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Coles District will hold its annual Dumpster Day on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Gate Elementary School, located at 8031 Urbanna Road near Manassas. This event is open to all county citizens at no cost. The county’s website provides additional information on Dumpster Days, including what items are accepted and specific guidelines for the event.
Residents are asked to ensure that refrigerators are emptied of their contents and cleaned. Glass trays should be removed from microwaves, and the doors should be secured with tape. The following items will not be accepted at the event: fuel tanks, motor oil, fuel drums, household hazardous waste, antifreeze, paint thinners, pesticides, pool chemicals, commercial waste, and electronics. These items can be disposed of at the county landfill.
The concert series will feature live music, food trucks, beer and wine for purchase, and face painting for kids. Admission and parking are free. Attendees can bring chairs or picnic blankets. Pets are not allowed, except for service dogs.
The schedule for the concert series is as follows:
