Oatlands Board of Directors has formed a search committee to select a successor to long time Executive Director David Y. Boyce.  The job description is available by clicking HERE.

The Board will accept cover letters and resumes in Word or PDF format by email only to board@oatlands.org.  No phone calls please.  Deadline for submission is September 15, 2010.  Oatlands is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Executive Director David Y. Boyce is leaving Oatlands in August after a 13-year tenure at Oatlands.

Now through the end of September, Oatlands is offering special deals! 

Click here to print these coupons and bring them to Oatlands to enjoy the savings.

A Summer Garden Wine Tasting

July 18, 2010 at 5pm

Featuring Award-Winning Sommelier Mary Watson-DeLauder

Check out Mary's spot on Fox 5 News with Lori Corcoran by clicking here!

Join us in Oatlands' uniquely beautiful garden for a uniquely wonderful wine tasting experience.
Wander Oatlands' garden with a glass of wine while Mary explains the art of pairing wine with summer fresh herbs, grown right here at Oatlands.

We'll be serving summery hors d'oeuvres paired with tastes of wines picked by Mary in an elegant tent on the mansion lawn.  Corcoran Vineyards will also be here, selling wine by the glass.

Dress is casual.  Wear comfortable shoes--we'll be walking around the garden. This event is limited to 48 people, and we'll be taking our garden stroll with Mary in groups of 24.

$55 per person includes wine tastings and hors d'oeuvres.

Call 703.777.3174 x110 for reservations or book online.

The twelfth annual Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show and Sale will run July 2-July 25.

The juried show is a Loudoun tradition, featuring local artists and local scenes.  The show is located in our historic carriage house, which serves as a perfect backdrop for the art.  This year's show features images from the "Journey Through Hallowed Ground" portion of Rt. 15, which beings in Gettysburg, PA and ends at Monticello in Charlottesville, VA.  It will also showcase works from the Mosby Heritage area, and of course from Oatlands itself. 

Works displayed during the show are available for purchase.  The show is free and open to the public during normal hours of operation at Oatlands.   We are open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sundays. 

The community of board, staff and friends of Oatlands deeply mourns the loss of Anita Graf White.  We extend our deepest sympathies to her husband, Rev. Elijah B. White III, her family and her large circle of friends. 

Mrs. White was a long time Oatlands board member (1980-2005), serving as chair from 2004-2005, and going on to become a director emeritus until her death.  She was instrumental in the master planning process for Oatlands, which has resulted in many preservation successes on the property.  Her passion for preservation included the restoration of the 1821 Carter brick bank barn which begins this month.

Mrs. White graduated from the Madeira School in McLean, VA and Vassar College.  Following her graduation from Vassar, she moved to Loudoun County where she did volunteer work organizing overseas conferences for the Airlie Foundation in Warrenton, VA.  She was a founding board member of Loudoun Therapeutic Riding.

A life-long and accomplished horsewoman, Mrs. White began riding at the age of six and was elected Joint Master of Foxhounds of the Loudoun Hunt in 1970.  She served in that capacity for most of the next 35 years.  She also served as treasurer for The Church of Our Saviour from 1972-1997.

Anita Graf White loved Loudoun County.  She loved the land and the history and worked tirelessly to preserve both.  We owe her much and her loss is keenly felt.

Oatlands is proud to host author T. Elizabeth Renich on Sunday, June 13 from 2-3:30pm.

Ms. Renich will be in Oatlands Carriage House to talk about The Shadowcreek Chronicles, a beautifully researched historical fiction series set against the backdrop of the Civil War. 

Ms. Renich did much of her research right here in Northern Virginia and lives near Leesburg, VA.  Her work is historically accurate without being dry.  She brings to life a pivotal moment in American history through the eyes of her young heroine, Salina Hastings.  Salina must learn the hard lessons of young adulthood while in the midst of the bloodiest conflict ever to touch the American landscape.

Books will be available for sale, and Ms. Renich will be pleased to sign them for you. 

$5 admission charge per person at the door.

Oatlands hosted our Spring Fundraiser, Jazz & Juleps on April 25. 

Thank you to all who supported the event and helped us raise much needed funds for Oatlands! 

Next year's Spring Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, May 15, 2011.  Mark your calendars!

Click "Read More" below to see pictures of the event.

Wine-Aroma! is Sunday May 23. 

NEW for the 2010 Season--Oatlands after Five proudly presents Wine-Aroma!

Have you ever wondered exactly how wine experts identify flavors within a wine?

Join us in the Oatlands Carriage House for a unique, entertaining and educational event.  The fabulous Mary Watson-DeLauder, award-winning sommelier, headlines this afternoon of fun.  This taste identification competition comes complete with prizes and will leave you better informed.  Most importantly, you'll walk away with a new sense of fun about wine!

May 23, 2010 at 4pm.  $40 per person, call 703 777 3174 x110 for reservations or book online!  20% discount for purchase of six or more tickets. 

May 6 & 13 NEW! Oatlands after Five
Gardens @ Sunset

Enjoy this unique opportunity to visit Oatlands after hours.  Wander the garden, or just spread a blanket on the front lawn, relax and enjoy the music.  A perfect way to start your weekend a little early.

5:30pm-7:30pm

Beverages and snacks available for purchase provided by Corcoran Vineyards. 
You are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy**.

Josh Burgess's upbeat folk-rock guitar & vocals are featured on May 6.
May 13, enjoy Juliet Lloyd, a jazzy vocalist, songwriter & keyboardist.

On site ticket sales: Admission $12, $6 Oatlands Friends. Children under 6 free.

**No alcohol may be brought onto Oatlands grounds. Wine may be purchased on site from Corcoran Vineyards.
Feel free to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair if the weather is fair!  But no pets please. 

If it rains, the concert will be held in Oatlands' Carriage House.

May 16- Book Signing and Talk by Nan Chase
Author of Eat Your Yard! Edible trees, shrubs, vines, herbs and flowers for your landscape

1:00pm-2:30pm in Oatlands Carriage House
Admission fee at door: $5 per person

Oatlands Gift Shop will have books available for purchase.

Join Honorary Chair Senator Mark Herring and the Oatlands Board of Directors

Jazz & Juleps on Sunday, April 25, 2010
Rain or Shine in our Covered Tent!

Oatlands' Spring Fundraiser is a cocktail party this year, with live music and silent auction. Join us under the tent on the mansion lawn for cocktails and hors d' oeuvres while live jazz plays in the background. More live music is in the garden, perfect for wandering on a soft spring evening. Our silent auction has something for everyone, with both items unique to Oatlands, and a variety of goods and services generously donated by local businesses.

Tickets are $100 per person and are on sale now.

Raffle tickets are $25 each or $100 for five.  Raffle items include overnight hotel stays at several historic hotels, a tea party at Oatlands, and a group of books on historic Virginia and American history.

Proceeds support Oatlands projects

• Educational programs for scouts and school groups 
• Junior curator summer camp series 
• Support for scholars through the Douglas W. Hunt Legacy for Historical Studies 
• Our ongoing efforts to preserve, protect and interpret the unique natural, historical and cultural assets of the property here at Oatlands 
• Painting of the exterior of the Mansion 
• Ongoing preservation of the Greenhouse, the second oldest in the United States 
• Beginning the restoration of the Carter era brick bank barn - the first step in increasing our interpretation of Loudoun's unique agricultural history 

Oatlands extends its deepest gratitude to our sponsors.

Major Event Sponsors:
The History Channel
 Select Event Rentals.
Gene and Tina Gulland
RSVP Catering

Entertainment Sponsors:
Music in the tent by The Miles Stiebel Trio, provided by MSE Productions.
Music in the garden provided by Washington Talent.

Oatlands Season Opening Party March 21  

Tunes and Tours!

Come back to Oatlands, or come for the first time.  We'll be open for a special season opening preview from 1pm-4pm on Sunday, March 21.  

Local bluegrass group The Polka Dots will help us celebrate with music in the Carriage House!  They've recently played First Night Leesburg, and they opened for Furnace Mountain at the Watermelon Park Fest in Berryville.  We're so glad to have them and their upbeat sound!

Tours on the half hour.  Tickets at the door.  
$10 Adults, $7 Children 6-16, $9 Seniors.

 

Oatlands is offering one-day Junior Curator Summer Camps in June, July & August.

This one-day program gives children a special opportunity to work behind the scenes at Oatlands with lots of exciting and fun projects.  Children will not only learn how to preserve and protect a museum's collection, but will also learn how to care for collections at home.

There are two levels available:

Level 1 (rising 4th through 7th graders) offered 9:30am-1:00pm on June 29, July 13, July 27 or August 10.

Level 2 (rising 8th through 12th graders) offered 10:00am-4:00pm on July 8, July 22 or August 5.

Fees apply.  Space is limited and reservations are now being accepted.  Please call 703 777 3174 x 103 for more information and to register.

Announcing the Twelfth Anniversary

Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show & Sale!

July 2 – July 25, 2010

Preview Party – Thursday, July 1, Oatlands Carriage House

Oatlands announces a Call to Artists for the Twelfth Anniversary Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show and Sale.  This annual Art Show takes place in the historic Oatlands Carriage House.  Throughout the season, we host artists on the property to paint, photograph and seek inspiration for their work from the picturesque beauty of Oatlands.

The show begins with a preview party on July 1st for artists, patron and Friends of Oatlands (by invitation).  Please note that due to the July 4th holiday, the preview party will be held on a Thursday evening this year.  Participating artists are invited to the event free of charge. 

Click the following link for the registration forms for your submissions http://www.oatlands.org/images/News/Call to Artists for the Twelfth Annual Art Show and Sale.pdf .  Please include these forms with your slides or photographs for the jury process along with your $30 fee.  As in the past, 25% of the purchase price of pieces sold will be retained by Oatlands as a fundraiser.

Geographical regions for this year's show will include Oatlands, the Mosby Heritage Area, the Journey Through Hallowed Ground corridor, Washington, DC, New York City, New Mexico, France and the United Kingdom.

All media of artwork will be accepted, including but not limited to, paintings, photographs, ceramics, sculpture, as long as it meets the above criteria.  The show will be juried by representatives of the local art community.  As in years past, we will have a section highlighting student (under age 18) artwork.

The show will continue through July 25, 2010.  We look forward to your participation and hope you will encourage your fellow artists to participate in this wonderful show.

Sincerely,

The Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Committee

What do you remember most about your last visit to Oatlands?  Perhaps the spectacular sight of the garden in the spring, or the rustle of a breeze through amber trees in the fall.  The pleasure of a hot cup of tea and good conversation in the Carriage House?  Or did you dance around the floor at a special event?  Is what you remember the feel of a child's hand in yours and the look of wonderment on a young face as you explored together?

Oatlands is in the business of memories--making them and preserving them.  Consider how few cultural and historical resources remain to link Northern Virginia's present with its past.  Once lost, those links can never be restored.  It is our task, working together, to preserve these precious resources for the future... just as Oatlands has been a gift to us from the past.

All of us at Oatlands work for a balanced budget with zero debt by year's end.  You have helped us accomplish this goal each year--and you help us maintain our fiscal discipline.  Oatlands must raise at least $1 million locally every year to fulfill our mission and fund our programs.  Your gift today will help us on our way.

The money we raise stays right here on the Oatlands property--right here in Loudoun County.  Your gifts support Oatlands mission and projects such as:
Educational programs for scouts and school groups
Junior curator summer camp series
Support for scholars through the Douglas W. Hunt Legacy for Historical Studies
Our ongoing efforts to preserve, protect and interpret the unique natural, historical and cultural assets of the property here at Oatlands
Restoration of the garden Tea House
Painting of the exterior of the Mansion
Ongoing preservation of the Greenhouse, the second oldest in the United States
Beginning the restoration of the Carter era brick bank barn - the first step in increasing our interpretation of Loudoun's unique agricultural history

In partnership with you, we'll be able to preserve our country's heritage and make new memories for the next generation.

With deepest gratitude,  
Tina Gulland, Chair, Oatlands Board of Directors

Oatlands is proud to announce a partnership with Lansdowne Resort, the AAA 4 Diamond resort located in the heart of Leesburg.  Lansdowne believes in giving back to the community and will support Oatlands through donations and promotions in 2010, including a special room rate offered to Friends of Oatlands.  The two properties share the natural beauty of Loudoun County and the Leesburg environs and Lansdowne's accomodations and amenities are within an easy 15 minutes drive of Oatlands tremendous historical resources.

Those wishing to book rooms at Lansdowne at the special Oatlands rate may click here or call 877 509 8400 and ask for the Oatlands rate.

Oatlands is proud to announce our 2010 Calendar of Events!  Click Here!

Oatlands has something for everyone.  A wide variety of events is available throughout the year, from family friendly music to sophisticated wine and cocktail events.

We're proud to launch our new series "Oatlands after Five"!  Events in this series let you experience a different Oatlands, after hours and full of fun. 

And perennial favorites are back! Call for your tea reservations early!  Teas are such a favorite and they sell out quickly! 

Robert H. Smith, philanthropist and Oatlands benefactor for whom the Robert H. Smith Preserve at Oatlands is named, has passed away.  The staff and board of Oatlands mourn his passing.

Join us for one of the most popular events of the year!  This year's Christmas celebration will focus on the tradition of weddings at the mansion.  During the holiday season, there are a number of wedding gowns from different eras on display.

The Oatlands commemorative brick path is a special and unique way to honor a person or remember an occasion.  The pathway has been filling quickly as blank bricks are changed to inscribed bricks.   

Are you searching for the perfect birthday, anniversary or holiday gift for a family member or friend? Perhaps you wish to remember special people in your life with a gift in their honor or memory, or memorialize an Oatlands wedding. The commemorative brick program at Oatlands offers you this unique gift-giving opportunity.

Visit Oatlands during this 2009 Holiday season! 

Welcome to Oatlands Historic House and Gardens!  We are open daily for tours, garden strolls, and wonderful shopping.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Oatlands! We have had many requests for Mrs. Carter's Gingerbread recipe, which we traditionally highlight at Oatlands this time of year.  Enjoy!