Oatlands-National Trust Site

10/09/2026

In July, Oatlands had the immense pleasure of hosting "Seeing Our Humanity," the signature event of the National Trust for Historic Preservation "Justice for All" series of descendant-centered programs.

Relive the day – and watch videos – of a conversation with actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou and Brent Leggs, president and CEO of the National Trust; panels discussing memorialization and reconciliation; and musical performances by Washington Revels ensemble Jubilee Voices.

Find it all here: https://savingplaces.org/stories/where-history-meets-humanity-at-oatlands

A look back at "Seeing Our Humanity"—the National Trust's signature America 250: Justice for All event—held at Oatlands in July 2026.

10/08/2026

Visiting all these sites is such a treat!

One Pass, Endless Discoveries.

Explore Loudoun County’s leading historic and cultural destinations with the Loudoun Heritage Pass.

The discounted package includes admission to Morven Park, Oatlands-National Trust Site, George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor, the National Sporting Library & Museum and Heritage Farm Museum — making it easy to plan a fall outing with friends, family or a group.

A joint initiative of the George C. Marshall International Center and leading local destinations, the Heritage Pass invites visitors to discover Loudoun’s living landscape and the stories that shaped America.

Passholders also receive 15% off hotel stays at select nearby properties. Passes are valid through December 31, 2026. Spread the word to out-of-town guests who are planning to visit Northern Virginia this fall or next year: https://www.georgecmarshall.org/heritagepass

10/07/2026

Hey, local high schoolers! Oatlands is a beautiful backdrop for Homecoming photos, and we welcome you. Here are some pro tips to make your visit go smoothly:

🚗 If the parking lot is full, use the overflow area – the grassy area behind the parking lot – not the entryway road.

🌺 A $10 garden pass is required of everyone: students and parents. Buy the pass online (to save time) and show it at the Visitor Center when you arrive.

🌾 Buy your garden pass here: https://oatlands.org/product/garden-tickets/

⏰ Depart by the property by 5:30 p.m.

💐 Leave no debris – only the petals from your beautiful bouquets!

10/04/2026

Saturday was a day that epitomized Oatlands. In the morning, runners defied the rain to participate in Miles for Mammograms, a 5K we co-hosted with HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, to help provide life-saving breast cancer screenings for women in our region. In the afternoon, descendants of formerly enslaved people gathered at Oatlands for community and to recite the family names of those buried at Gleedsville Cemetery, honoring the perseverance of their ancestors who made new lives in freedom. More information at https://oatlands.org/descendants/

09/30/2026

Today, Leah Taylor, Invasive Species Program Administrator at the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District, checked on our invasive plant removal efforts. Here, she points to the invasive Tree of Heaven, which hosts another invasive species, the Spotted Lanternfly. Bye-bye, tree!

09/25/2026

We’re thrilled to share that Oatlands received a 2026 Community Blue Ribbon Award from the Joint Architectural Review Board of Loudoun County! The award recognizes our “dedication to continue to make a positive and lasting contribution to the preservation of heritage resources in Loudoun County.” We received the award on September 24 at Morven Park, a historic site and international equestrian center in Leesburg, Va.

09/24/2026

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is under threat because of a proposed rewrite. You might have heard that, wanted to learn more and do something to help.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (Oatlands is one of its historic sites) has a tool kit of resources at https://savingplaces.org/section106

• One-pager
• FAQ
• Myth v. Fact
• Geomapping of success stories
• Template for an advocacy letter to elected officials

And be sure to follow National Trust for Historic Preservation to keep up with the latest developments. Thank you!

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is advancing changes to the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act. If adopted, these rules would eliminate public participation in federal preservation decisions and strip protection from significant landscapes.

09/23/2026

"Who gets to decide whose stories and places are saved? We all do."

The East Wing is gone. The Kennedy Center has closed amid a fierce legal and political fight and faces a potential demolition. A proposed arch would intrude on the sightline between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial created to honor the sacrifice of the veterans who rest there.

But the threats are not limited to Washington. Proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act would weaken the public's voice in decisions about historic places in big cities and small communities nationwide.

These are not isolated actions.

Today we announced the Historic Preservation Defense Fund: an initial $10 million goal for legal defense, public advocacy, and community action wherever historic places and the laws that protect them are under threat. We have never done this work alone, and we won't start now.

Who gets to decide whose stories and places are saved? We all do.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/LWrb50ZQk61

09/22/2026

Today is the first day of fall! The fairies at Oatlands flitted to the pumpkin patch behind the Visitor Center and decorated their house with jack-o’-lanterns. Did you find the fairy house at Sunday’s Soirée? If not, come on back – the gardens are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More at https://oatlands.org/

Can’t get enough of fairies and nature? Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, another National Trust for Historic Preservation site in Alexandria, Va., is hosting a “Countdown to the Holidays” celebration on October 24, where you can build a tiny fairy house among other fun activities. More at https://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/

09/21/2026

Big thanks to all who attended the Oatlands Garden Soirée today! Together, we met our $15,000 matching grant and raised enough funds to replace the capitals capping the Corinthian columns on the mansion. We honored Jacqueline Badger Mars, a generous and longstanding Oatlands supporter, and celebrated the history, stories and artistry of this National Trust for Historic Preservation site. Not to mention had a roaring good time with the historical interpreters in early 1900s period attire who led us in lawn games. Come visit again! https://oatlands.org/