News & Announcements
The latest news and announcements from Friends of Happy Retreat.
History Comes to Life – Patriots of 1775 – The Fight For Liberty.
Date: May 3, 2025
Free and open to the public! Join us this Spring for an immersive journey back to the 18th century. Witness history come to life as the brave soldiers of the 8th Virginia Regiment march, and endure the struggles of the American ... read more
November 2024 Rising Sun Newsletter
It was a novel experience to open the front door and step into the front hall at Happy Retreat, the first hot day of many hot days this summer and to feel the cool breeze blowing from the ducts of our new HVAC system. Never before in ... read more
WV Humanities Council Grant to Further Study of Enslaved Community
In 2019, Happy Retreat facilitated and participated in the presentation “What We Found When We Came Together: Shared Roots Beneath Jefferson County Walls.” The presentation at Fisherman’s Hall, in Charles Town, recounted a compelling ... read more
Happy Retreat Open House – October 5th, 2024 2PM-4PM
Date: October 5, 2024
Happy Retreat’s Final Free Open House for the Season Saturday 2PM to 4PM read more
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
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
We have accomplished much since our November newsletter. Thanks to the generosity of the many donors who answered our appeal to help us match the Save America’s Treasure grant, we met our goal by the end of December. We immediately ... 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