MARCH 2024 EVENTS NEWSLETTER
The Revolutionary Rumble
History enthusiasts and patriots, unite! “March” into the Revolutionary spirit with the latest edition of the Revolutionary Rumble. Get ready to uncover inspiring stories, explore historic sites, and celebrate the spirit of independence that shaped a nation. Mark these events on your calendar!
March 1, 6, 9
Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom
Fredericksburg & Virtual
In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette visited the city of Fredericksburg as part of his multiyear Grand Tour of the United States. Lafayette was an extraordinary individual who made essential contributions to American history as a wealthy nobleman, revolutionary hero, military officer, enlightenment thinker, democratic supporter, and committed abolitionist. Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom celebrates the Marquis as an individual and the belief in freedom and democracy shared by those he fought alongside in the American Revolution.
March 2
Living History at Ferry Farm: Virginia 1774
Stafford County
Did you know that Revolutionary War Hero and Double Agent James Fayette spied for the Marquis de Lafeyette in Portsmouth? His story, “Black Patriot” is the first interpretive presentation in Black History Alive’s Front Porch Series. Laugh, cry, and hear stories of our shared American History as it impacted African slaves and their descendants in Portsmouth, Hampton Roads, the State of Virginia, and Our Nation.
Gunston Hall’s Archaeology Symposium: The First Peoples of North America
Fairfax County
A day-long event to hear from archaeologists across the country on the work they have been doing with archaeology sites associated with native peoples.
2024 George Washington Ball
Williamsburg
Dance to the wonderful music of Hot Toddy (Anna Rain, Melissa Running, and Edith Coakley Stowe). The dances: Dancing Across the Atlantic, Europe’s Revels, The Flying Sorceress, Fourpence Ha’penny Farthing, Hambleton’s Round-O, Heidenroslein, The Hop Ground, Indian Princess, Jack by the Hedge, Kneeland Romp, Leather Lake House, The Lord Mayor’s Delight, Mile of Smiles, Mr. Beveridge’s Maggot, Peace Be With You, Portsmouth, Prince William, Punch Bowl, Treasure of the Big Woods, Vivaldi in Paradise.
March 3
Taste Through Time: Bread Talk
Fredericksburg
Bread was one of the most important foods of colonial times. Watch an 18th century breadmaking demonstration in Kenmore’s kitchen. During your visit, the kitchen will be open for guests to watch a baking demonstration and learn about the history of bread, its processes, and the people who made it in Colonial America. While you enjoy the presentation, partake a sample of bread!
Virginia’s Military Situation, Military Forces and Links to Orange County
Orange County
An overview of existing strategic conditions, focused on the 1775-early 1776 timeframe, and the actions to remove Lord Dunmore and royal authority from Virginia. How does Orange County fit in the overall military situation in the Colony of Virginia in 1775? What were some of the military contributions of Orange County in 1775 and early 1776?
March 7
Red Hill Rediscovered: John Ragosta Book Talk
Virtual
Join award-winning author Dr. John A. Ragosta for this virtual presentation as he discusses his new book, “For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle.” The book tells the remarkable story of how the most eloquent public speaker of the American Revolutionary era and a leading antifederalist during debates over ratification of the Constitution reemerged on the side of the federalists and once again changed history.
Virginians Will Dance or Die!
Chesterfield County
Explore how some eighteenth-century Williamsburg citizens experienced the growing musical world around them and how that world changed with the approach of the American Revolution.
Influential Founding Fathers: American History Lecture Series
Fairfax County
Explore the relationship of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and discover how differences between the two mirrored key political fissures of the early republic, as the unity of revolutionary zeal gave way to competing visions for the new nation. A book signing and reception with complimentary beer, wine, and hors-d’oeuvres takes place after the lecture.
March 9
History in the Kitchen: Sorrel and Eggs
Virtual
Join us in your own kitchen to make historic recipes! This free and virtual series will illuminate what kinds of food were eaten by different people in colonial Virginia. Discover how to prepare a simple recipe. The 45-minute session spotlights a dish eaten by one of the following groups: the Mason family, people enslaved at Gunston Hall, and the white laborers, shopkeepers, and tenant farmers of Virginia. Participants will discover how social class and wealth affected what food people had access to.
Northern Neck Hidden History Trail Official Launch Celebration
Lancaster County
Westmoreland County
The Northern Neck Hidden History Trail will expand existing historical narratives with comprehensive and inclusive presentations that will reveal the impact and the significant contributions of people of color and collaborative efforts. These stories will be all encompassing as reported from African Americans, Native Americans, and European Americans.
March 10
Lafayette and the American Revolution
York County
Historian Mark Schneider will appear as General Lafayette in 1824 as he reflects on his role during the American Revolution. A French aristocrat inspired by the Revolution, Lafayette volunteered at his own expense, becoming a Major General and favorite of George Washington. This timely presentation marks the approach of the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s return to America in 1824 as “guest of the nation” in which he visited all 24 states and all surviving presidents. This program takes place during that tour.
A Place Apart – Bound Labor in Virginia’s Upper Northern Neck, 1645-1710
Lancaster County
A Place Apart – Bound Labor in Virginia’s Upper Northern Neck, 1645-1710
Bound laborers such as white servants and enslaved Africans were essential in early English Virginia, supplying the necessary labor to produce profit from tobacco for the colony’s landowners. This was even more important in Virginia’s “upper” Northern Neck region given that a less desirable strain of tobacco, oronoco, was grown there. Join Dr. Steven Harris-Scott as he explores how this difference had significant implications on the pattern of Northern Neck bound labor in the 18th century.
William Grayson Remembrance Day
Prince William County
The Colonel William Grayson Chapter, Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution cordially invites you to attend our Annual Event at the Grayson Family Tomb. The event will be public and update everyone on the American Revolution Events that occurred after Virginia established its Committee of Correspondence in March 1773 up to March 1774.
March 14
Patrick Henry: The Voice of Liberty
Virtual
Revolutionary War patriot Patrick Henry is often referred to as “The Voice of Liberty.” His colleagues, whether they agreed with him or not, still understood his role of leadership and influence before, during, and after the American Revolution. Henry’s descendant Patrick Henry Jolly will present a talk as part of the Salem Museum’s Speaker Series. He will describe the personal and professional life of this American Patriot.
Lafayette Day
Richmond
The Virginia Assembly passed House Joint Resolution No. 797 “Designating March 14, in 2015 and in each succeeding year, as a Day of Honor for the Marquis de Lafayette in Virginia.” Join the American Friends of Lafayette in the Rotunda in Virginia’s Capitol. Admire the Houdoun bust of Lafayette and full statue of George Washington, participate in a wreath laying ceremony, experience a private tour of the Thomas Jefferson designed Capitol building with historian Mark Greenough, enjoy a magnificent French luncheon, and walk in Lafeyette’s 1824 footsteps during a private tour of Monumental Church. Lafayette visited this unique church during his farewell tour.
March 16
Discover Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
Alexandria
Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join us for a tour of Alexandria as we explore looking at the various architecture styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work.
March 21
The Tory’s Wife: A Woman and Her Family in Revolutionary America
Richmond
Jane Spurgin was a patriot who supported the Revolution. Her husband was a loyalist who fought for the king. When the war was over, William abandoned his family, leaving Jane to fight to keep the home she and her children were faced with losing because of his Toryism. That fight led her to demand “the common rights of other citizens”—a radical statement for a woman revolutionary America. Through the story of Jane Spurgin, historian Cynthia Kierner shows how the Revolution not only toppled long-established political hierarchies but also strained family ties and drew women into the public sphere to claim both citizenship and rights.
Friday Field Days with Poplar Forest Archaeology
Bedford County
Join the Poplar Forest Archaeology and Landscapes Department for an in-depth look into their current excavations and what they are learning about the people who lived in and around the 1857 Slave Dwelling. While the structure is not associated with the Jefferson-era of the property, it is historically important as it is the only original dwelling built for enslaved people still standing on the property.
March 23
Spring Trail Hike
Bedford County
Join the Poplar Forest Department of Archaeology and Landscapes for an informative hike along the Poplar Forest walking trails learning about the history of the site, the archaeological discoveries made along the Parkway, and about the trees and plantings surrounding the trails.
9th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium
Prince William County
Local historians and experts will explore the many facets of county history through a wide variety of lectures. Topics Include:
“Bound to the Fire” with Dr. Kelley Deetz
Hanover County
Scotchtown and Preservation Virginia are honored to host renowned author, historian, and archaeologist Dr. Kelley Deetz as she discusses her powerful book, “Bound to the Fire.” Dr. Deetz will explore what life may have been like for enslaved cooks like Dinah at Scotchtown.
Liberty or Death: A Muster at Scotchtown with the 7th Virginia Regiment
Hanover County
On the 249th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s Liberty or Death Speech, come and visit Scotchtown to witness the result of his famous speech, namely, a posture of defense for Virginia in the form of the Hanover militia. Join the 7th Virginia Regiment as they prepare to defend Virginia from the impending war.
Liberty or Death Anniversary Reenactment
Richmond
Witness Patrick Henry convince his fellow delegates to take up arms against the king! A reenactment of the 2nd Virginia Convention of 1775, when Patrick Henry gave his Liberty or Death speech.
The Revolution is Coming! with Bert Dunkerly
Richmond
Join author and historian Bert Dunkerly for a discussion about fun and lesser-known facts about the American Revolution. What will the 250th anniversary bring? How can you participate? What should you look forward to? Dunkerly is the author of “An Explorer’s Guide to America’s Revolutionary War,” and copies will be available for purchase.
March 25
“Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death”: Patrick Henry
Orange County
Stephen Wilson, Executive Director of St. John’s Church Foundation will join us and in addition to a reenactment of the speech, he will look into the impact of Henry’s speech and the vote to establish a well regulated militia.
That’s all for now. Be sure to visit our online calendar regularly, as new events keep popping up throughout the month. And tag us in your social media photos. See you out there!