Visit Mount Vernon for an enchanted evening of festive lights and an 18th-century holiday experience. See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, and meet holiday guest,... Read More

Offered on select days and times - please visit our website for a full list of availability. Monticello's annual Wreath Workshops are a time-treasured tradition to kickoff the holiday season in Charlottesville. Led by our expert team of floral desig... Read More

In September 1777, Gen. George Washington posted his army along Brandywine Creek west of Philadelphia to defend the capital city from an enemy attack. British and American forces battled for hours along the winding stream in one of the largest and bl... Read More

Master Guide Tony Spadafora shares the stories of revolutionaries who played integral roles in the evolution of our country and inspired the rest of the world.... Read More

Tours are December 5, 6, 7, 13, 19, and 20 at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the advent of the Christmas season in Jeffersonian style at Poplar Forest. Explore the president’s cherished hideaway by candlelight on this hour-long holiday tour.... Read More

André Michaux was one of the most accomplished scientific explorers of North America before Lewis and Clark. His work took him from the Bahamas to Hudson Bay, and it is likely that no contemporary of his had seen as much of the continent. But there ... Read More

The Giles County Historical Society Museum and Andrew Johnston House will host a Christmas Open House and Art Contest celebrating the Virginia250 anniversary. ... Read More

Virginia Beach History Museums presents Candlelight Yule Tours at the Thoroughgood House. Come celebrate the season by stepping back in time to experience some favorite colonial Christmas traditions. Costumed guides will escort you by candlelight th... Read More

Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the Andrew Johnston House during a special evening by candlelight on December 6th and 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. This historical treasure opens its doors for a magical evening filled with warmth, nostalgia, an... Read More

When the Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of the American Revolution, returned to America in 1824, thousands of citizens greeted him. In December 1824, Lafayette paid the first of several visits to Woodlawn, home of Eleanor Parke Custis and Lawrence... Read More

Craft an elegant holiday wreath using an assortment of evergreens and botanical accents — including some collected from Mount Vernon’s historic landscape! Please note that this class is for adults aged 16 and up. Tickets include estate admiss... Read More

This holiday season, savor afternoon tea as you enjoy the holiday ambiance of the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant and live harp music. Choose from 6 loose-leaf teas and dine on finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of sweets. There are two seatin... Read More

Hear from University of Miami professor Dr. Ashli White, author of Revolutionary Things: Material Culture and Politics in the Late Eighteenth-Century Atlantic World. Dr. White’s new book examines how objects associated with the American, French,... Read More

Stroll through seasonal celebrations of the past at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. With interiors and exteriors richly decorated for the holidays, guests enjoy an in-depth exploration of seasonal festivities over the centuries. No groups larger than 15 ... Read More

You are invited to the annual Christmas Open House at the Historic Old Brick House. ... Read More

Join us for a Grand Illuminating Symposium where expert historians will discuss six essential American founders. Speakers include Christian Di Spigna, Dr. Edward G. Lengel, Elizabeth Mauer, Dr. Gordon Steffey, Dr. Bruce Venter, and Stephen Wilson. Lu... Read More

The 17th through 20th centuries in England, the American colonies, and the United States transformed Christmas into what we know today. Explore what Christmas looked like, smelled like, and sounded like to Virginians throughout these centuries. Your ... Read More

Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism is hosting a free living history event celebrating the 1775 patriot victory over British Crown forces at the Battle of Great Bridge. All are welcome at this family-friendly event including a Reenactment of t... Read More

Join us Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., for a FREE Winter Open House at Highland! Participants can explore Highland’s newly-opened Community Research Center and Archaeology Lab and have coffee and conversation with an archaeolo... Read More

Happy Holidays from Gunston Hall! Join us for a special visit to Christmases of yore. Peek into holiday celebrations at Gunston Hall in the 1920s and the 1780s with games, live music, crafts, a visit from Santa and more! Investigate what Christmas ... Read More

Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed following the 1622 Indian Attack. Today, Fort Boykin constitutes an example of military architecture of the Civil War era. Join us for this fre... Read More

Learn about Mount Vernon's many connections to Scotland past and present. Explore Scottish foodways, learn about whiskey production, and make your own tartan. ... Read More

You are invited to the annual Christmas Open House at the Historic Old Brick House. ... Read More

You are invited to the annual Christmas Open House at the Historic Old Brick House. ... Read More

Tour 4 elegant homes in the Buchanan area, beautifully decorated for Christmas. Three of the homes are over 100 years old and one is nearly 200. End your tour at the historic Wilson Warehouse for delicious refreshments. Tickets are $20 per person an... Read More

The Gloucester Woman’s Club Presents “Waiting for Washington” at the Historic Edge Hill House. Christmastide is a time when families gather and there is nothing more Lady Washington wants than to have her General home from the War. Join Mart... Read More

The King and Queen Court House Tavern Museum Holiday Open House is the perfect way to start your holiday season. Come join the indoor and outdoor festivities on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at 2 PM. The museum is located at 146 Court House Landing Rd., King ... Read More

Join us for songs and stories at the 2nd Annual King and Queen County Christmas Tree Lighting!... Read More

In September 1777, Gen. George Washington posted his army along Brandywine Creek west of Philadelphia to defend the capital city from an enemy attack. British and American forces battled for hours along the winding stream in one of the largest and bl... Read More

George Washington has frequently been criticized for his first military campaign, which sparked the French and Indian War. In 1754 Washington was an ambitious yet inexperienced young officer, eager to carry out his orders on behalf of Virginia and th... Read More

Sojourner Truth Comes Alive with Karen Bostic. The Arlington Historical Society is proud to partner with the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington to present Karen Bostic interpreting Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth, formerly enslaved, was a renowne... Read More

Join us at Jamestown Settlement for the latest Talking History program, "Conflict Between Church & State: An Audience with King Henry VIII, at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 12. The year is 1542 and the King, newly a widower following the execution of... Read More

Join us for a periodic, festive Colonial style dinner at the historic Violet Bank Museum. The evening's menu will consist of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls, dessert cobbler, tea and water. Tickets are $30 per person. Seating w... Read More

Join us for the rare opportunity to experience Monticello after dark, decorated with the style of holiday greenery found during Jefferson’s era. This tour offers an intimate look at how all people who lived on the Monticello mountaintop – enslave... Read More

Join us for a periodic, festive Colonial style dinner at the historic Violet Bank Museum. The evening's menu will consist of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls, dessert cobbler, tea and water. Tickets are $30 per person. Seating wil... Read More

Walk in the footsteps of George Washington on a guided walking tour to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Washington’s purchase of 1168 acres of land in what is now Arlington. After the Revolutionary War, Washington returned home and surveyed his... Read More

Join the Virginia Beach History Museums for an early celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday as we commemorate the 1774 Yorktown Tea Party! Immerse yourself in the 18th century at the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center. Play authentic ... Read More

Highland and the Virginia Cooperative Extension invite you to Holly Days at Highland a morning of crafts and holiday cheer on December 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy warm beverages and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.... Read More

Enjoy an evening of 18th-century Christmas cheer with a blend of modern traditions. Hear festive sounds of holidays past with music and caroling and see how soldiers and colonists may have prepared for a holiday evening. Children can meet Santa, make... Read More

The Ghent neighborhood in Norfolk has some of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Hampton Roads. Ghent Business Association and Norfolk Tour Company have teamed up to bring a special December walking tour that highlights these beautiful archite... Read More

Join us at the Tribal Grounds from 7 pm - 11 pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month beginning November 11th, 2023 until March 9th, 2024. All proceeds benefit cultural programs sponsored by the Cultural and Environmental Restoration Steering Committee.... Read More

Tours are December 14, 19, and 21 at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy Poplar Forest decked out for the holidays on this special daytime tour that focuses on holiday traditions of the Jefferson time period. These hour-long, docent guided tours explore how Jefferso... Read More

Dinners are December 14th and 21st at 6:30 p.m. Step back in time to experience the magic of Christmas past at a seated holiday dinner in Thomas Jefferson’s villa. Join Mr. Jefferson, as portrayed by actor Bill Barker, to celebrate the season wi... Read More

Travel back in time at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum for our Christmas Past & Present Family Fun Day. Learn about holiday traditions in three different time periods, get a stamp in your time-travelers passport, enjoy crafts at each ... Read More

Join us in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, and the Patriots at rest on our grounds. Then, celebrate with us as we invite artisan vendors to sell their wares at our Christmas marke... Read More

Join us for a periodic, festive Colonial style dinner at the historic Violet Bank Museum. The evening's menu will consist of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls, dessert cobbler, tea and water. Tickets are $30 per person. Seating wil... Read More

Stephen P. Wilson, Executive Director of the St. John’s Church Foundation, will present a program on Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death!" speech which took place on March 23, 1775, at St. John’s Church in Richmond, during the S... Read More

This fall, Monticello introduces "Pursuits of Knowledge," a series of dynamic conversations with leading thinkers exploring Jefferson's world, ideas, and legacy. Working in disciplines and genres ranging from biography to political history to young a... Read More

Take advantage of a small-group evening experience at Highland this December. Visitors will enjoy a curator-led, exclusive tour of the 1818 Presidential Guesthouse and exhibits amid festive holiday decorations and music. Wear your holiday best for a ... Read More

Take advantage of a small-group evening experience at Highland this December. Visitors will enjoy a curator-led, exclusive tour of the 1818 Presidential Guesthouse and exhibits amid festive holiday decorations and music. Wear your holiday best for a ... Read More

Enjoy historical holiday fun with hands-on interpretive programs, cooking demonstrations and musical entertainment. At Jamestown Settlement, learn about the English tradition of the Lord of Misrule – “grand captain of all mischief” – at 11 a.... Read More

Enjoy historical holiday fun with hands-on interpretive programs, cooking demonstrations and musical entertainment. At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, enjoy the festive recipes and sounds of Christmas through traditional carols and music ... Read More

Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment, a working blacksmith shop, and Christmas carolers. Vis... Read More

Try your hand at popular card games of the period, learn about the music of the enslaved, and hear from Washington's closest friends about how the season was celebrated at his home. ... Read More

Take advantage of a small-group evening experience at Highland this December. Visitors will enjoy a curator-led, exclusive tour of the 1818 Presidential Guesthouse and exhibits amid festive holiday decorations and music. Wear your holiday best for a ... Read More

Take advantage of a small-group evening experience at James Monroe's Highland this December. Visitors will enjoy a curator-led, exclusive tour of the 1818 Presidential Guesthouse and exhibits amid festive holiday decorations and music. Wear your holi... Read More

Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia history and culture, presents a special storytelling presentation, "Stories from the People of the Longhouse," on December 28-29, at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Through vivid descriptions, rhythmic vo... Read More

Make a pomander ball to fill your home with holiday scents, listen to the music of the season, and participate in a holiday story time. Included with admission and free for members.... Read More

In January, 1781, General Benedict Arnold led British troops in capturing the new capital of Virginia. This annual event returns, focused on the Revolution in Richmond and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Four days of activities will... Read More

Drop in throughout the day to experience life in a local Patriot militia encampment. What's a powder magazine and why does it need to be guarded? Learn about the local militia's defense as British troops fought their way through Henrico into Richmond... Read More

Join us at the Tribal Grounds from 7 pm - 11 pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month beginning November 11th, 2023 until March 9th, 2024. All proceeds benefit cultural programs sponsored by the Cultural and Environmental Restoration Steering Committee.... Read More

In 1819 John Adams came across a stunning story in his hometown newspaper that he described to his political frenemy Thomas Jefferson as “one of the greatest curiosities and one of the deepest mysteries that ever occurred to me . . . entitled the M... Read More

On January 26 at 2:00 p.m. the Pittsylvania Historical Society and the Danville/Pittsylvania County Rev 250 Committee are presenting a special program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the formation of Pittsylvania County's Committee of Safety a... Read More

As the American Revolution broke out in New England in the spring of 1775 dramatic events unfolded in Virginia that proved every bit as decisive as the battles of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill in uniting the colonies against Britain. Virginia... Read More

Join us at the Tribal Grounds from 7 pm - 11 pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month beginning November 11th, 2023 until March 9th, 2024. All proceeds benefit cultural programs sponsored by the Cultural and Environmental Restoration Steering Committee.... Read More

Enjoy an evening at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum and experience the music and dance of an 18th century social. Ticketed event ... Read More

Join us at the Tribal Grounds from 7 pm - 11 pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month beginning November 11th, 2023 until March 9th, 2024. All proceeds benefit cultural programs sponsored by the Cultural and Environmental Restoration Steering Committee.... Read More

It is March 1775 at Scotchtown in Hanover Virginia and Patrick Henry is contemplating the impactful speech he would soon deliver to the Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church. For the 250th anniversary of this momentous occasion, experience inter... Read More

It is March 1775 at Scotchtown in Hanover Virginia and Patrick Henry is contemplating the impactful speech he would soon deliver to the Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church. For the 250th anniversary of this momentous occasion, experience inter... Read More

Experience maritime history at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum. Join the historical reenactment group, Brethren of the Coast, as they regale us with maritime history and stories from the Revolutionary War era and beyond. Brethren of t... Read More

Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Join a celebration 250 years in the making! On the occasion of the 250th birthday of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, the 2025 Virginia International Tattoo wil... Read More

Have you ever wanted to experience life in an 18th-century American Revolution encampment? Join us for another Scotchtown signature 250th event as Patrick Henry’s Hanover Independent Company gathers at Scotchtown before heading to Williamsburg to ... Read More

Within our "Culpeper Hosts a Hero" weekend, we will be celebrating the 1st Franco-American alliance with a friendly polo tournament between US Armed Forces and French Armed Forces. This is a sanctioned USPA Military Event, hosted by the Culpeper Min... Read More

To commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit, several organizations have combined efforts for a full of events! Event details are still being formulated, so stay tuned. On Saturday morning the Military Reception will be held at Greenwood ... Read More

Join the Culpeper Minute Men (host) in celebrating the bicentennial of the arrival of Our Nation’s Guest by dancing the night away on Saturday, August 23, 2025 in the historic downtown Culpeper. Meet General Lafayette, his son George Washington, C... Read More

Jayne Blair will be the guest speak at the annual Greene County Historical Society's Meeting. She is a member of the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) . She will present "The US Constitution - How & Why We Got It". ... Read More

Around 1758, Scottish merchant James Hunter commenced an iron manufactory a short distance up the Rappahannock River from Falmouth. His business grew into what is arguably the largest manufacturing facility in colonial America. During the American Re... Read More

This is a 2 day event to highlight the story of Hunter's Iron Works. James Hunter’s Iron Works, also known as Rappahannock Forge, was located east of Falmouth. It was Stafford’s major industrial enterprise and one of Virginia’s and America... Read More

In June 2026, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region will welcome an international fleet of tall ships, military vessels, and character ships to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. This milestone maritime festival - Sa... Read More

Montpelier Chapter, NSDAR will have a walking unit in the Greene County 4th of July parade in 2026. The chapter members will be passing out miniature scrolls of the Declaration of Independence to the parade attendees. ... Read More