Prince William County Historic Preservation
DUMFRIES, Va. – A beloved annual tradition at Williams Ordinary allowed visitors to step into the past—and into a tavern—during Tavern Night, hosted by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation.
Held at the 18th-century tavern in downtown Dumfries, the event featured reenactors, colonial-era games like Shut the Box and Nine Men’s Morris, and live music from Colonial Faire. This year’s event spotlighted proclamations tied to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and George Washington’s appointment as commander-in-chief.
In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we sit down with Rob Orrison, Manager of the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division, to talk about the Buckland Historic Center, also known as Buckland Mill—one of the county’s most historically rich and least-known treasures.
Located just off Route 29 near the Fauquier County line, Buckland was once a bustling mill town dating back to the 18th century. Today, it’s the focus of ongoing preservation efforts aimed at restoring its historic charm and opening it up to the public.
Prince William County’s Office of Historic Preservation is working to restore one of the county’s most overlooked historic homes — the Williams-Dawe House.
In a new episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, host Uriah Kiser sits down with Paige Gibbons-Backus, Historic Site Manager at the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center, to talk about the home’s history, its many owners, and the extensive restoration work now underway.
The farmland, the small-town life, and the memories that built Prince William County are fading fast. But one effort is working to preserve those stories before they’re gone for good.
In our latest Potomac Local News Podcast, we sat down with Lauren Maloy, Historic Communities Coordinator at the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation. She shared the mission behind the county’s oral history project, which collects and preserves personal stories from longtime residents, government officials, and people who have shaped the community in unique ways.
History buffs and curious minds, mark your calendars! The 10th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium is set to take place on Saturday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Manassas Museum. This all-day event is a must-attend for anyone interested in uncovering the stories that shaped our community.
What to Expect
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Peter Rabbit has scrambled our eggs, and it’s up to you to find them, solve the puzzles inside, and beat the clock to win a basket full of toys and candy. Can your family complete the challenge in just 30 minutes?
Join us for a new Scrambled Egg Hunt at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre on Saturday, April 19 for a unique spin on a springtime classic.
Nestled in the heart of Prince William County, the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Established in 1820, Brentsville served as the fourth county seat of Prince William County and remained a hub of legal, civic, and social activity for over 70 years. Today, the 28-acre site preserves the town’s legacy through restored historic buildings, engaging tours, and interactive programs.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre features five significant structures that tell the story of the town’s evolution:
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The Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Prince William County Parks & Recreation invite you to a special evening celebrating the rich presidential history of Northern Virginia.
Join us at Tin Cannon Brewing Company for an engaging panel of historians as they delve into fascinating stories of presidents, landmarks, and pivotal moments in American history tied to this region. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an entertaining and educational night out, this event offers a unique way to blend learning with local craft beer.
Loch Lomond Elementary School opened in 1961 to serve the growing communities on the north side of Manassas. The land, once part of the historic Ben Lomond property, was donated by developer C.D. Hylton. Its design was unusual—a central main building connected to two circular classroom wings surrounding a courtyard, linked by open walkways.
In Prince William County, this architectural style became known as the “Bailey Building,” named after architect Earl B. Bailey. While Bailey had designed several schools in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, Loch Lomond departed from his typical designs. The concept quickly gained popularity, inspiring similar designs at Baldwin, Featherstone, Westgate, Elizabeth Vaughan, and Marumsco Hills elementary schools. These circular layouts were intended to maximize space while keeping construction costs low.