Bimonthly PATINA Meetings
Our bimonthly meetings, held at the American Legion Post 270 (1355 Balls Hill Rd, McLean, Virginia 22101), generally start with tailgate sales around 9:00 AM, followed by a short tool auction around 12 noon. The presentation by the guest speaker begins after the auction.
Upcoming Meetings
We are currently working on our 2025 guest speaker list. Please check back regularly for updates and actual dates!
Recent speakers included professional furniture makers, restorers, luthiers, period gun and coin manufacturing historians, coopers, blacksmiths, leatherworkers, and others, who presented some of their pieces and demonstrated working techniques.
Speakers are local artisans or national figures such as Roy Underhill of The Woodwright's Shop, authors of books like Paul Van Pernis (about Leonard Bailey) and Greg Ricketts (about off-brand plane makers) or curators from museums including Colonial Williamsburg.
In addition to the bimonthly meetings, PATINA hosts an Annual Tool Sale & Auction in Damascus, Maryland.
DIrections to Meeting Hall
- The Capital Beltway from Maryland: Take exit 44 (VA Route 193, Georgetown Pike) Turn left at the traffic light and then take the first right after crossing the beltway onto Balls Hill Road. Go about 1.4 miles to the American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road. There is parking for about 30 cars on site.
- Inside the beltway from the George Washington Parkway: Going north on the GW Parkway take the McLean Exit (Chain Bridge Road / Dolley Madison Blvd. VA 123) Proceed on Dolley Madison Blvd. for about 4 miles to Old Dominion. Go about 1/2 mile and turn left on Balls Hill Road, and follow about another 1/2 mile to 1355 Balls Hill Road.
- The Capital Beltway from the South: Take Exit 46 (VA 123, Dolley Madison Blvd.) Go about 1.5 miles to Lewinsville Road. Turn left onto Lewinsville Road, then immediately turn right onto Balls Hill Road. The American Legion Post 270 will be on your right in about 1/4 mile.
- From the West via the Dulles Toll Rd. Exit the Dulles Toll Rd. on the Rt. 123 towards McLean Exit (Chain Bridge Road / Dolley Madison Blvd. VA 123), which is just after you cross the Beltway. Make a left at the first light, which is Lewinsville Rd, then make an immediate right onto Balls Hill Rd. The American Legion Post 270 will be on your right in about 1/4 mile, 1355 Balls Hill Road.