Craft activities for families in Charles Town, West Virginia

The Charles Washington House, located in Charles Town, West Virginia, is a stately Federal/Greek Revival style home overlooking the town and surrounded by 12 acres of beautiful lawns and woods. This historic house was once owned by Charles Washington, the founder of Charles Town and brother of President George Washington. The Friends of Happy Retreat, a non-profit organization, have partnered with the City of Charles Town to acquire and preserve this important piece of history for public use. The institution hosts a variety of events and programs, including jazz concerts, house and garden tours, classical music performances, and heritage fairs. They also conduct research on the enslaved community at Happy Retreat, shedding light on an important aspect of African American history in Jefferson County. The goal is to restore Happy Retreat as a cultural community center and heritage tourism destination, offering a hub for arts festivals, music celebrations, and cultural activities.

The Old Opera House Theatre Company & Arts Centre is a thriving cultural institution located in the heart of Charles Town, West Virginia. With a rich history dating back to its days as an opera house, the theatre now presents a diverse range of performances, including main stage productions, family shows, one-act play festivals, and ballet performances. In addition to its impressive lineup of shows, the Old Opera House Arts Centre offers a variety of classes and summer camps in Acting, Dance (including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and Broadway-style dance), and Voice. These programs are made possible through financial support from the WV Department of Arts, Culture and History, the National Endowment for the Arts, the WV Commission on the Arts, and generous contributions from Community Partners.