Claude Moore Colonial Farm – McLean, VA

Claude Moore Colonial Farm is best known for its meticulously recreated 1771 tenant farm, where visitors are transported to the 18th century through immersive living history experiences. Costumed interpreters carry out daily tasks just as a colonial-era family would—plowing fields, cooking meals, and caring for livestock with tools and techniques of the time. Visitors are invited to engage, ask questions, and observe up close how people survived without modern conveniences. The experience is especially enriching for families and children, who often participate in small tasks like fetching water or feeding chickens. Rustic cabins, hand-built fences, and heirloom gardens make the environment feel authentic and grounded in history. The setting fosters appreciation for the hard work and resilience of early American families. Guided tours and interpretive signage help visitors grasp the context and significance of what they see. This hands-on, outdoor museum gives guests the rare opportunity to witness history in action. It’s an unforgettable learning experience that brings textbooks to life.

The Market Fairs at Claude Moore Colonial Farm are a beloved tradition that draws visitors from across the region. Held three times a year—in May, July, and October—these lively gatherings recreate colonial trade fairs with period-appropriate music, vendors, food, and games. Guests can watch blacksmiths, weavers, and woodworkers demonstrate their crafts or shop handmade goods from skilled artisans. Families enjoy colonial dancing, puppet shows, and traditional snacks like roast meats and gingerbread. The fairs create a vibrant, interactive experience perfect for history buffs, educators, and casual visitors alike. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in colonial attire, making it feel like a true community event from centuries past. Costumed volunteers roam the grounds to enhance the immersive atmosphere. The sights, sounds, and smells of the fair make it a multisensory delight. Whether you’re there to shop, eat, or simply explore, the Market Fair offers something for everyone.

Claude Moore Colonial Farm offers tailored educational programs for school groups, homeschoolers, and private educational organizations. These experiences are designed to align with Virginia Standards of Learning and cover topics such as colonial economics, agriculture, family life, and geography. Students take part in age-appropriate activities like gardening, wool spinning, open-hearth cooking, and early trade simulations. Educators praise the farm’s ability to make history accessible and memorable through tactile and participatory methods. Tour guides present nuanced stories about the challenges and values of colonial life, often adjusting based on grade level and group size. The programs also highlight the diversity of early American society, including African American and immigrant experiences. Field trips typically include a guided tour of the farm, question-and-answer sessions, and time to explore independently. The farm accommodates both large school buses and smaller private groups, with advanced booking available. For lifelong learners and curious students, this immersive environment leaves a lasting impression.