The Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center is proud to announce the return of Learning at Lunch, a series illuminating aspects of the former prison’s 91-year history. Each month, we invite an expert to tackle a topic from our complicated past. After a brief 30-minute talk, presenters answer audience questions, and all attendees are invited to visit the museum following the program. Table seating provided and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch; snacks and beverages available for purchase.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Father Carl Breitfeller, the prison chaplain, coordinated several jazz festivals for his parish – the inmates of the Lorton Correctional Complex. Jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Count Bassie, and Louie Armstrong were among the performers. Emeritus history professor Alice Reagan give the history of the famed festival this April in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month.

Future talks in this series: 

Friday, May 24, Noon

Stoney Lonesome with Amy Bertsch