Claude Moore Colonial Farm
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The Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run is the only privately run park in the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). A privately funded foundation pays for all activities on the farm, while the land is owned by NPS. Located in the Langley area of McLean, Virginia, across an access road from the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Life in 1771
The mission of Turkey Run is to recreate the life of 1771 tenant farmers. The vast majority of Virginians in 1771 were tenant farmers, who lived by growing tobacco to pay their rent, and growing food to eat. By contrast, Colonial Williamsburg demonstrates the life of the small upper crust - merchants and landowners.
Small staff - Lots of volunteers
Turkey Run is staffed by a small paid professional staff, supplemented by volunteers (mostly pre-teen and teenagers) who demonstrate 1771 farm life, including field work, crafts, cooking, and other special activities. Staff (including volunteers) use "first person" to demonstrate living history. The farm has also cooperated with Fairfax County in providing work-release parolees with court-required employment. And on a 1771 farm, this means labor. The highlight of the year is the Market Fair, held the third weekends of May, July, and October. Market Fair is enhanced by the attendance and participation of a cadre of long-time volunteers who man the stands, including the blacksmith, the cabinet maker, milliniery, plants, toys, scriptorium, puppet theatre, and most importantly, the tavern. The importance of the tavern in Colonial life is captured on the sign displayed therein: "Beer is proof that God loves us, and wants us to be happy. - Benjamin Franklin." Many of these participants are members of Revolutionary War reenactor groups, and appear at other Colonial historical events. The gathering and threshing of wheat, and the preparation of the tobacco crop are annual events. A Colonial Wassail, including the blessing of the orchard, is the final event of the season, in mid-December.
Season from April to December
The farm is open to visitors (including school groups) from Wednesday to Sunday from April 1st to mid-December. A small admission charge applies.
History
Originally named the Turkey Run Farm when it opened in the early 1970s as a National Park Service operation, it was renamed for local land developer Claude Moore whose large bequest at the time of his death, allowed the farm park to establish itself as the only autonomous site in the park system. It takes no NPS funding, and operates off of the dividends of its endowment, as well as donations from the public. The farm operation has expanded its facilities, post 9-11. A new access road was cut through the upper pasture so that access to the farm no longer had to pass through the security gate of the Federal Highway Administration headquarters, located behind the CIA grounds. "Chez Puce", the site of the farm's alternating book and "garage" sale was erected on the grounds in 2003, and a new gatehouse shop has been implemented at the front parking lot.
