Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 post an email to this website by scrolling to the bottom of the page and complete the "Contact Us" form and submit it. It's that simple! .
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. Several online companies, such as Recollections (https://recollections.biz) sell ready made clothing. Some of our knowledgeable members will be glad to work with you to help find, or make, just the right outfit.