Claude Moore Colonial Farm
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Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run is located in the Langley area of McLean, Virginia, across the street from the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency. Turkey Run is the only privately run park in the US National Park Service. A privately funded foundation pays for all activities on the farm, while the land is owned by NPS.
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.
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 highlight of the year is the Market Fair, held the third weekends of May, July, and October. A Colonial Wassail, including the blessing of the orchard, is the final event of the season, in mid-December.
The farm is open to visitors (including school groups) Wed-Sun from April 1st to mid-December. A small admission charge applies.
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.
