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The Victorian Society at Falls Church

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The Victoran Society at Falls Church(VSFC), was founded in 1995 to promote and preserve the Victorian history and heritage of the City of Falls Church, VA.  While our primary focus is still the history and heritage of Falls Church, the society's interests have expanded to include all aspects of the Victorian and Edwardian era. Through reenactments,  presentations, tours, lectures, teas, fashion shows,  and more, we endeavor to educate and entertain our members and the public about the Victorian era and it's lifestyle. Proceeds from fund raisers are used to help the community in many ways. We hope you'll join us.

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Did you know?

The first official air mail delivery in the United States occurred August 17, 1859 when John Wise attempted to deliver mail from Lafayette, Indiana to New York in a hot air balloon.  Unfortunately, he was forced to land near Crawfordsville, Indiana due to weather conditions, and the mail made the remainder of the journey via train.

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The VSFC has authored several books including Victorian Falls Church, published by Arcadia Publishing, and Afternoon Tea in the Victorian Tradition.  

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Membership is only $35 per year. 

 

For more information contact us at:

 

vicsocfc@hotmail.com

 

               OR

 

Send your check made out to the VSFC to:   

 

   VSFC Membership

   P. O. Box 7436 

   Falls Church, VA 

   22040 

About the Victorian Society

As part of our yearly programs the VSFC holds a variety of events, re-enactments, and demonstrations about Victorian culture, manners, dress, architecture, entertainments, and history.   We don’t focus on just one aspect or decade of the Victorian era but instead take a wide view by offering various events that cover the 1860’s up through 1918.    Our offerings include literary evenings featuring the writings of Victorian authors, a book discussion group, picnics with croquet and lawn bowling, civilian Civil War reenactments, teas and socials, living history programs, fashion shows, workshops for making 19th century hats, clothing, and accessories, theater outings to see Victorian era plays and musicals, historic home tours, trips to Victorian locations (such as Cape May, NJ), 19th century dance classes, and an annual ball, featuring period dancing and guests in 19th century attire.   Our goal is to experience all facets of the Victorian era lifestyle and have a good time doing it.    
 

The Society is also active in the community by sponsoring events related to the history of Falls Church and raising funds for a variety of preservation-related projects. We also participate in annual re-enactments such as, a Civil War Christmas and Civil War Day held at Cherry Hill Farmhouse in Falls Church.

 

As a VSFC member, you will receive our quarterly newsletter, “Victoria’s Messenger” which contains a detailed calendar of Society activities, educational articles, historical information, profiles of fellow members, Victorian-era recipes and etiquette, and other matters of interest to our members. 
 

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The VSFC has authored several books including Victorian Falls Church, published by Arcadia Publishing, and Afternoon Tea in the Victorian Tradition.  

​

Membership is only $35 per year. 

 

For more information contact us at:

 

vicsocfc@hotmail.com

 

               OR

 

Send your check made out to the VSFC to:   

 

   VSFC Membership

   P. O. Box 7436 

   Falls Church, VA 

   22040 

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Victorian Period Anyway?

The Victorian Era constitutes the period when Queen Victoria was on the throne from 1837 - 1901.  Many people get confused between "Victorian" and "Civil War".  While the Civil War 1860 - 1865 is part of the Victorian era, the Victorian era includes much more.  After her death, her son Edward VII became King until his death in 1910.  This is known as the Edwardian Era.  This period is often extended to 1918, because it was World War I that caused a major shift in the customs, morals, and values    that had defined the decades during the reign of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.

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What is the mission of the Victorian Society at Falls Church?

The mission of the Victorian Society at Falls Church is to collect, preserve, and disseminate information about the Victorian period, to promote the Victorian character of the City of Falls Church, and work to preserve historical attributes in Northern Virginia and the surrounding region,  and to provide local activities and programs of interest to our members.

How does the Society accomplish their mission?

We accomplish our mission in a variety of ways.  Each year, we have approximately 24 activities which members may participate in.  Events include group theater outings, lectures, teas including programs on relevant topics, museum tours, literary evenings, and book discussion groups.  We also participate in "living history" events presented to the public, such as Civil War Christmas at Cherry Hill Farmhouse.  In the past we have participated in the White House Egg Roll representing the Presidents and their families, an event to commemorate the Wright Brothers at Fort Meyer, and a Titanic Dinner.  There are also several social events throughout the year, such as a Robert Burns Brunch, Christmas party, and ball.  In addition, we host periodic fundraisers, and use the proceeds to promote historic preservation and education about the Victorian and Edwardian eras.  In the past we have contributed to structural work at the Lee Fendell House in Alexandria, VA, improvements to Frady Park in Falls Church, VA, and donated funds to the production costs of "The Snow Queen" at the Creative Cauldron in Falls Church, VA.  Additionally, we have funded many projects through Donors Choose to purchase books about the Victorian/Edwardian eras or written during the period for underprivileged schools across the country.

Do I need to live in Falls Church to be a member?

No, in fact most of our members do not live in Falls Church.  We welcome members from all areas!

I have an idea for a program, speaker, or other activity that would be good for the group.  What do I do?

We welcome new ideas from members and non-members alike.  If you have an idea regarding a person, place, or event from 1837 - 1918, please contact our program chair, Midge Wang at 703-534-8394.

What are the advantages to joining?

Members receive a newsletter four times a year with all of our upcoming activities plus articles on a variety of interesting articles, recipes, etc., pertaining to the Victorian and Edwardian eras.  Members also receive advance notice of many upcoming events (through email) and access to members only events.  Plus, it's a great way to meet interesting people!

Do I  have to dress in period attire to join the group?

No, most of our events do not require dressing in Victorian outfits, but for many of our members, it is a fun aspect of being in the group.

 I would like to dress in period attire; how accurate do I need to be?

It depends.  Many of our events are not limited  to a particular era, but for living history events, more accuracy is required.  For example, for our ball, ladies will wear Civil War to modern attire and everything in between, but to participate in Civil War Christmas, members must where appropriate clothing for the period.

 I want to put together a period outfit; how do I get started?

The  first thing to decide is what period you would like.  This is important, especially for a woman, because clothing styles changed dramatically from the 1860's to the 1910's.  Two online companies that sell ready made clothing are Premier Clothing at https://premierclothing.com and https://recollections.biz.  For members who are able to sew, Midge Wang (703)534-8394 has patterns available.  

Sign up for future events

and/or pay membership fee

Success! Message received.

If you'd like to sign up for a future event please send your check to the address below. Let us know which event you'd like to attend and how many tickets you want. 

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PayPal is coming soon!

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We look forward to seeing you!

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