News & Announcements
The latest news and announcements from Friends of Happy Retreat.
History at its Best: Family Life at Happy Retreat
Last year, we engaged the firm Landmarks SGA to develop a master plan for both the Happy Retreat house and grounds (Landmarks SGA also managed the beautiful restoration of Charles Washington Hall in downtown Charles Town). The concept ... read more
Study of the Enslaved at Happy Retreat: The Washington and Hammond Era, 1747-1837
Date: July 31, 2024
On July 31st at 7PM at Fisherman’s Hall – 321 S. West Street, Charles Town, West Virginia — we will be meeting with Jane Ailes who will be presenting her finished report on the “Study of the Enslaved at Happy ... read more
Major Projects Completed!
With our Save America’s Treasures match money in hand, we went right to work in January to complete work on three large projects. The first project was to install steel reinforcing beams in the basement under the floors of each of the ... read more
May 2024 Rising Sun Newsletter
It has been a very good year for Happy Retreat. A lot has happened this year to move us toward our goal of completing the restoration of Happy Retreat and its grounds, as is further detailed in this newsletter. read more
West Virginia Fest Happy Retreat Open House
A beautiful day at Happy Retreat Saturday. Flowers, Herbs and Happy Retreaters in full 1700s dress. Charles and Mildred would have loved it. read more
66th Annual Shenandoah Potomac House and Garden Tour
Date: April 27, 2024
The 66th Annual House and Garden Tour will feature six historic homes in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties. Tickets are on sale and will be available at all houses during the tour. April 27th & 28th 10 am to 5 pm (Last admission ... read more
From Inside Happy Retreat – History at its Best
Coming Home to Happy Retreat I am starting a “Coming Home” Series, featuring stories from families who once lived at Happy Retreat. With available research we are going to try and recognize residents all the way back to the Charles ... read more
History of the Octagon Building and Recent Progress
A Short History of the Octagon Building We believe the octagon building dates to the late 18th Century and to the time of Charles Washington’s ownership of Happy Retreat. This significant building is the only one of its kind of that ... read more
November 2023 Rising Sun Newsletter
It has been a very good year for Happy Retreat. A lot has happened this year to move us toward our goal of completing the restoration of Happy Retreat and its grounds, as is further detailed in this newsletter. read more
