Riversdale Summer Events: Jazz on the Lawn, Battle of Bladensburg

is offering wide array of activities this summer for children and adults both. Find details on two of the season's major events below, or consult the museum's calendar for a full rundown.

Annual Battle of Bladensburg Encampment at Riversdale

In August 1814, a disheartened Rosalie Calvert, the mistress of Riversdale, described the Battle at Bladensburg: “You have heard the news of the battle of Bladensburg where the English defeated the American troops with [President James] Madison ‘not at their head, but at their rear.’” Flush with success, the British then burned Washington. Happily, events turned in Baltimore a few weeks later and the Star-Spangled Banner was born.

On Saturday, August 11, from noon to 4 p.m., enjoy a day at Riversdale as costumed interpreters portraying both American and British War of 1812 troops allow us a peek into camp life on the eve of battle. Children, you might even get recruited for the American militia! There will also be crafts and dress-up stations at the ready. Cannon firing, gunnery drills, children’s activities, camp and kitchen displays and refreshments all happen on the grounds, and of course, the mistress of Riversdale will be on hand. Girl and Boy Scouts, call for details on how you can earn a badge or patch!

All events on the grounds are free. House tours are $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for students, and free for children ages 4 and under.  The Riversdale Kitchen Guild will sell historically inspired refreshments. 

Jazz on the Lawn Continues at Riversdale                            

As the sun sets, bring a blanket or lawn chair to Riversdale’s beautiful grounds and enjoy the grass under your toes and the jazz wafting through the air. Guests have the option of bringing a picnic basket or purchasing dinner on the grounds courtesy of the Calvert House Inn.

Concerts are free and run from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, with the rain date being the following evening. The second concert of the season features Cheek to Cheek on July 25, followed by the MSG Acoustic Blues Trio on August 15.

Arts programs of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission are supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Information submitted by Riversdale House Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Riversdale is located at 4811 Riverdale Road in the town of Riverdale Park, Maryland 20737. For more information, call 301-864-0420; TTY 301-699-2544. Website: history.pgparks.com; email riversdale@pgparks.com.