The Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center is proud to present the second season of Learning at Lunch, a series illuminating aspects of the former prison’s 91-year history. Each month, we invite an expert to tackle a topic from our complicated past. After a brief 30-minute talk, presenters answer audience questions, and all attendees are invited to visit the museum following the program. Table seating provided and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch; snacks and beverages available for purchase.

Did you know that the activation of Camp Humphreys in 1917, which would later be renamed Fort Belvoir, had ties to the Occoquan Workhouse? Or that ammunition was produced at the prison for the US Military? 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. 

Photo: New Army Engineers learning their trade at Camp Humphreys, VA, 1917. Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress.