Each month, the Lorton Prison Museum invites an expert to tackle a topic related to our complicated past. All attendees are invited to visit the museum following the program. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch; snacks and beverages available for purchase in the W16 Visitor Center.

Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.

Explore the fascinating history and artistic transformation of the former Lorton prison during a Campus Walking Tour at Workhouse Arts Center. This guided tour offers a closer look at the site's historic architecture, its evolution into a thriving arts hub, and the artists who call it home.

Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.

Join us at the Lorton Prison Museum to honor the courageous suffragists, including Lucy Burns and the National Woman's Party, who fought for the right to vote. Explore their powerful story, engage with author Alice Reagan, and enjoy free suffrage crafts for all ages!

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) has a long history of engagement with the Lorton Correctional Complex. Archivist Jennifer Morris shares information and examples from ACM’s collection. 

Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.

Join our museum coordinator for a campus walking tour and explore the history of the prison site.

Lucy Burns Museum docents Neal McBride and Joe Ammann dive into how the prison’s history overlaps with the First and Second World Wars for this iteration of our lunchtime series. 

Join our museum coordinator for a campus walking tour and explore the history of the prison site.

Join our museum coordinator for a campus walking tour and explore the history of the prison site.

Election Day is swiftly approaching! In honor of the suffragists who fought valiantly for women’s enfranchisement, the Lucy Burns Museum is hosting an Autumnal EqualiTEA.

Inmate labor transformed dramatically throughout the lifespan of the Workhouse, from dairy farms and bakeries in the early days to work release and office jobs.

This month’s Second Saturday celebrates the fall season. Join us for a festive Create and Sip Autumn Art class; craft your own pumpkin necklace; attend an exhibition reception, and more.

The Commonwealth played a central role in United States involvement during the Cold War. Join Francis Gary Powers Jr. as he discusses his new book Cold War Viriginia and how the Workhouse fits in the mix. Books available to purchase on site; signing follows talk.

Join us for a unique Create and Sip Neurographic Art class, learn about self-regulation from an inspirational speaker; join in on a meditation presentation - and many more relaxing, informative and fun events.

The Lucy Burns Museum and Workhouse Arts Center honor Women's Equality Day with an afternoon of festivities commemorating the efforts and achievements of the groundbreaking activists that fought long and hard for women's enfranchisement.

As Women’s Equality Day approaches consider the role the Workhouse played in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, holding over 70 of the suffragists who picketed the White House.

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer with us at this month’s Second Saturday. Indoors, browse a collection of beautiful artwork. Outdoors, join in on special art activities and enjoy a free concert outside. And, because we couldn’t help ourselves, we’re inviting pet owners to bring their furry friends to enjoy the outdoor campus as well!

The Occoquan Workhouse started as an experiment, 29 men were sent down the river on a barge from DC to the banks of the Occoquan River, to a plot of mostly undeveloped land. Their goal: to build the prison they would reside within.

Join us for a fun filled Second Saturday art walk where we celebrate summer!

As always, we will have brand new exhibitions from our monthly featured artists (on display for the entire month).

The Lucy Burns Museum’s preserved cell block was added to the historic building in the 1980s, as the prison grappled with an increasing prison population.

Celebrate the opening of our new exhibit Counting the Days with us. This installation recreates a moment in time from our past as a former prison site – the Lorton Correctional Complex.

Tucked away in a wooded area off of Ox Road is a small plot of land that was set aside during the early years of the prison for a very specific purpose – Stoney Lonesome Cemetery.

Join us for a musical Second Saturday art walk celebrating the Performing Arts at Workhouse!

As always, we will have brand new exhibitions from our monthly featured artists (on display for the entire month).

In the 1950s and 1960s, Father Carl Breitfeller, the prison chaplain, coordinated several jazz festivals for his parish.

Spring is in the air! Join us for a festive Second Saturday art walk: watch a cherry blossom origami demonstration; participate in a cherry blossom painting Make & Take; learn about Japanese woodblock prints; enjoy a Japanese tea tasting, and more.

This Women’s History Month the Lucy Burns Museum is proud to host award-winning Indie author Joyana Peters, whose historical fiction overlaps with the history we present.