Display by Winchester Frederick County Historical Society... Read More

Offered daily at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Pricing: Adults, $42; Children 12-18, $13; Children 5-11 , $4; Children under 5, Free On July 4, 1826, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. ... Read More

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday - Colonial Style! Starting Saturday, June 14th (yes, that's Flag Day!), your child is invited to step back in time with Create & Play the Colonial Way at Art Cart Kids. T hese playful, hands-on classes are de... Read More

Most Fridays and Saturdays, late June 20 through October 25 Price: Adults - $75; Students with valid college ID - $45; Children 12-18 - $45 Tour Details On July 4, 1826, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the fiftieth anniversary of the D... Read More

The Museum of Culpeper History presents Culpeper Hosts a Hero, the first exhibit to highlight General Lafayette's historic visit to our town in August 1825. Rarely noted in official records of his tour of the United States, the Frenchman's short sto... Read More

Walk or Run 250 Miles to Celebrate America's 250th! Lace up your sneakers and get moving in the free Run America 250 Challenge: a country-wide virtual walk/run event celebrating 250 years of American history! Between July 4, 2025 and July 5, 2... Read More

Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation is a traveling exhibit that focuses on the leading role of Virginians in the American Revolution and explores continental and global forces as well as the actions of both iconic and ordinary people ... Read More

Racing the Night. The Teenage Girl Who Saved the American Revolution Live Performance: By the spring of 1781, the War for Independence had dragged into its fifth year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence (the sixth since Lexington a... Read More

July 24 – August 16 | Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:30pm and 9:30pm Location: 26th Street Stage FREE and open to the public In 1706 the Commonwealth of Virginia convicted the first and only woman in its history of the crime of witch... Read More

The Black Patriots and Black Loyalists exhibit will be on display in the Carriage House at Oatlands. The exhibit is a joint project of the Black History Committee of the Friends of the Thomas Balch Library and the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Assn... Read More

Celebrate National Lighthouse Day with Cape Henry Lighthouse! This family friendly event is free and open to the public using our shuttle system. Attractions: New Lighthouse Tours, Food Trucks, Kids Activities, Vendor Booths... Read More

Raise a glass to America's favorite Frenchman on the 200th anniversary of his visit to Leesburg. Doors Open at 6:30 PM. Presented by Historians on Tap.... Read More

Hear from Dr. Kelley Fanto Deetz as she shares her research that led to her book, Bound to the Fire: How Virginia's Enslaved Cooks Helped Invent American Cuisine. About the talk: In grocery store aisles and kitchens across the country, smiling ... Read More

What's Happening? Join members of the VMHC education team for thirty-minute highlight tours as they offer you an introduction to our newest exhibition, Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation. FAQs: Do I need to register for this e... Read More

Pay tribute to the oldest military decoration in the U.S. at the home of its founder, George Washington. Join Mount Vernon and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the estates official National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Cerem... Read More

Enjoy a day at Lee Hall Mansion that is all about balloons! This family-friendly program will include a balloon-themed puppet show and hands-on history and science tables. You will also be able to take a guided tour of the historic house and learn ab... Read More

Living History Encounters 10 a.m. – Noon: Meet Lafayette and some of his military companions 1 – 3 p.m.: Meet James and Elizabeth Monroe, dear friends of Lafayette Hands-On History Activities 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Aristo... Read More

Join our yoga instructor for an hour long Yoga Class on Carlyle House’s Magnolia Terrace. A gentle flow yoga class. We will build heat with sun salutations then progress to balance, deep stretching and finally relaxation. Please bring water, a towe... Read More

Tour through the historic tavern led by students 4th grade and older; includes activity stations about period clothing and chocolate making. ... Read More

The wife of second U.S. President John Adams, Abigail Smith Adams is famous for her admonition to her husband to "remember the Ladies," and was a woman well ahead of her time. One of the most prolific and eloquent letter-writers of her time, Adams wa... Read More

Witness Patrick Henry Convince his Fellow Delegates to Take Up Arms Against the King!... Read More

Join us at Highland on Sunday, August 10, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., for a sneak peek at Gabriel, a soaring new musical production by Richmonders Jerold Solomon, Foster Solomon and Ron Klipp. Learn about the creation process of Gabriel from performers, ... Read More

August of 1825 saw thousands of excited citizens crowd the steps of the Leesburg Courthouse as numerous toasts celebrated the visit by American Revolutionary hero the Marquis de Lafayette as part of a nation-wide tour. Exactly 200 years later, join V... Read More

In 1613 one of the most famous events in early American history happened on the Northern Neck, at the Patawomeck village of Passapatanzy in modern-day King George County. The kidnapping of Pocahontas has been portrayed in history and popular culture ... Read More

The term "Hessian" refers to the approximately 30,000 German troops hired by the British to help fight during the American Revolution. Today, on the 250th anniversary of the first landing of German soldiery in America as "auxiliaries" of King George ... Read More

NASCAR Saturday night racing returns to the River City! During this weekend, the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will be visiting outside the track.... Read More

What's Happening? Join members of the VMHC education team for thirty-minute highlight tours as they offer you an introduction to our newest exhibition, Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation. FAQs: Do I need to register for this e... Read More

Do you have what it takes to be a spy? Solve secret messages, follow clues, and try to traverse the property without getting lost or captured! Information: leh@henrico.gov... Read More

Historical Re-Enactments Featuring 60-minute performances and 15-minute Q&As! The Marquis de Lafayette Performed by Charles Wissinger Living Historian Charles Wissinger presents the Marquis de Lafayette, the marvelously fascinating gentleman fr... Read More

Two-day Native American cultural celebration, including music, dance, food, educational exhibits, displays and crafts. The pow wow is located at the end of Pembroke Lane, which runs off Godwin Boulevard (across from Oakland Elementary School) in the ... Read More

Join us for a one-hour tour where we explore exhibitions in our contemporary gallery or the history of Charlottesville through our permanent exhibition, Pride Overcomes Prejudice. Tours are given by our Center for Local Knowledge and our Learning and... Read More

Bring your little ones to Lee Hall Depot for Tots & Trains! This fun morning outing includes a train-themed story and a craft in our freight room. We will also have a photo opportunity available with a surprise train visitor and will play a game! ... Read More

Jamestown Settlement honors the legacy of the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619 with reflections of history and modern perspectives through an African American lens. Learn more at jyfmuseums.org/events/programs-activities/first-a... Read More

Join Patrick Henry Jolly on a pop-up Lantern Tour of Red Hill on Saturday, August 16, at 7:00 pm. Patrick will show visitors around the historic grounds, including Quarter Place, the Henry House, and the Henry family cemetery. Space is limited to 25 ... Read More

Join guest Interpreter Dr. William Hartland on Saturday, August 16th, as he shares the truly scary world of medicine in the 18th century. After the presentation, Scotchtown staff will lead you on a guided tour through the manor house where Henry, his... Read More

Tour through the historic tavern led by students 4th grade and older; includes activity stations about period clothing and chocolate making. ... Read More

On August 17th, Dan Kegley and Isaac Freeman will be doing a joint program on two of their ancestors titled, "Salling and Sinclair - Adventurers and Settlers." Salling and Sinclair were some of the earliest settlers in the region. This event is free ... Read More

When did freedom come to those enslaved at the plantations of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park? Join a National Park Service ranger to explore the park's connections to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.... Read More

Witness Patrick Henry Convince his Fellow Delegates to Take Up Arms Against the King!... Read More

Save the Date for the VA250 Mobile Museum visit to Culpeper. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive "museum on wheels," the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled "Out of Many, One" is housed in a quad-expandable tractor trailer that is traveling t... Read More

Join us for a talk by historian and author Brent Tarter, who will discuss Dunmore’s War of 1774. Consisting of one battle only, the event was either the last of the colonial Virginia wars with members of First Nations tribes or the first battle of ... Read More

Join us on August 21, 2025, at 7 PM, as the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note perform at the National Museum of the Marine Corps! The Airmen of Note, stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., is one of six musical ensembles that f... Read More

While our daily tours give visitors a good overview of life on the Thoroughgood property, our weekly summer Focus Tours provide a deeper dive into specific areas of interest. Please click on the individual tour titles below for a detailed description... Read More

Step aboard a hand-built James River batteau and experience Virginia's past like never before. At James River Batteau Company, we craft unforgettable evenings that blend the region's rich, often-forgotten history with the pleasures of local food, liv... Read More

Commemorate #VA250 in Richmond with the Valentine! Explore Richmond’s Federal-era history on this walking tour of the Valentine Museum’s Court End Neighborhood. In the years following the American Revolution, Court End became an affluent area whe... Read More

Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from po... 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 Es... Read More

CCHA is proud to partner with other local historical organizations as we welcome back The Slave Dwelling Project to the Burwell-Morgan Mill as part of the Hungry for History program. Members of the Slave Dwelling Project will be on hand to discuss th... Read More

Commemorate the first African Landing at Fort Monroe with a special, meaningful program. Join the Fort Monroe National Monument, City of Hampton, Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fort Monroe Authority, and Project 1619, Inc. on Saturday, Augu... Read More

The Cemetery Preservation Workshop is a free program designed to educate volunteers on the necessary training needed to safely preserve and protect historic tombstones and markers. This program promotes engagement and preservation of the church ceme... Read More

What's Happening? Join members of the VMHC education team for thirty-minute highlight tours as they offer you an introduction to our newest exhibition, Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation. FAQs: Do I need to register for this e... Read More

Spend the weekend in Culpeper celebrating General Lafayette's triumphant return! Co-Hosts and Event Sponsors - American Friends of Lafayette, Liberty Hall Polo Club, SAR Culpeper Minute Men Chapter, DAR Culpeper Minute Men Chapter, Town of Culpepe... Read More

Established in 1976 - the year of the U.S. Bicentennial! - the Rockbridge Community Festival is a one-of-a-kind festival and features local vendors, including arts and crafts, local organizations, family fun, live music, and great vendors! Admissi... Read More

Celebrate Virginia’s largest native fruit at Historic Endview's fifth annual Pawpaw Festival, presented in partnership with the Virginia Peninsula Master Naturalists! Enjoy free pawpaw tastings, raffles for pawpaw saplings, and for a $5 donation... Read More

Dive into the revolutionary world of 1770s Southwest Virginia with this immersive living history experience brought to you by The Town of Wytheville Department of Museums. Demonstrations: -Costumed interpreters demonstrating both Patriot and Bri... Read More

Join us for this exclusive opportunity commemorating our region’s significant contributions to the American Revolution. This immersive historical experience, brought to you by the Town of Wytheville Department of Museums, will help to further our ... Read More

Join us in the heart of Horse Country for a once-in-a-generation sporting event that honors America’s first alliance. The Colonial Allies Challenge Cup is an international military polo tournament featuring active-duty officers from the United Stat... Read More

Witness Patrick Henry Convince his Fellow Delegates to Take Up Arms Against the King!... Read More

Thomas Balch Library will host Daniel J. Sieh presenting "Asia and Asians in the 18th Century Mid-Atlantic." Asia was known for centuries in Europe, and the British were keen to profit off the exotic goods through commerce. This trade was far from... Read More

Support Chesterfield’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution! Visit a hands-on interactive museum on wheels that highlights key stories of Virginia’s rich history. The museum will be open Wednesday August 27-Saturday Aug... Read More

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is unveiling its new Administration & Research Center, which includes the expanded Edith C. Poindexter Collections Rooms and the new Peggy P. Bowen Archaeology Lab. Join us at 11:00 A.M. f... Read More

Join our yoga instructor for an hour long Yoga class on Carlyle's Magnolia Terrace. Afterwards, enjoy a mocktail with yoga participants and staff. Mocktails will change based on the month and will be announced on our social media! Yoga Happy Hours ar... Read More

Commemorate #VA250 in Richmond with the Valentine! Step into the past in Shockoe Bottom, one of Richmond’s oldest historic districts, to learn about the struggles for freedom that shaped our nation. Join Richmond’s most experienced guides as we e... Read More

What's Happening? Join members of the VMHC education team for thirty-minute highlight tours as they offer you an introduction to our newest exhibition, Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation. FAQs: Do I need to register for this e... Read More

Do you know your Hamiltruths from your Hamilfictions? Find out in our new trivia game where we will test your knowledge of the hit musical versus the real life of Alexander Hamilton. Be sure to check out the travelling exhibit, Founding Frenemies: Ha... Read More

The Ordnance Training Support Facility contains 250 years of Army materiel, from tanks to self-propelled guns, troop transports, howitzers and surface-to-air missiles. Typically the facility is only used for Soldier training, but in observance of the... Read More

Tour through the historic tavern led by students 4th grade and older; includes activity stations about period clothing and chocolate making. ... Read More

Bought by the Hite family with her two young boys, Judah was the Hites' enslaved cook at the time of her death in 1836. Rare primary source documents from the Hite family reveal insights into her life. This program is also scheduled for Sunday, Oc... Read More

Witness Patrick Henry Convince his Fellow Delegates to Take Up Arms Against the King!... Read More

Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at the house he deemed “the best dwelling house in the state” as we delve into topics he found particularly fascinating: from the arts to agriculture, literature to wine, philo... Read More

The 12th Annual Maupintown Film Festival returns to Charlottesville's historic Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, September 5-7, 2025, with a powerful lineup of films that celebrate the bold resistance and enduring beauty of Black his... Read More

Commemorate #VA250 in Richmond with the Valentine! American Revolutionary Patrick Henry once shouted the legendary words, "Give me liberty or give me death!" in this iconic Richmond district. Join the most experienced guides in Richmond to explore th... Read More

Join us for a deep dive into one of America’s first great legal spectacles, the treason trial of Aaron Burr! In the summer of 1807, the national spotlight landed on Richmond’s Court End neighborhood as Chief Justice John Marshall deliberated the ... Read More

Today in 1757, the Marquis de Lafayette was born. Join us for this event...and a celebratory dessert. On the 267th anniversary of Lafayette’s birth, we will tell the story of how this young French general helped win our War of Independence to ... Read More

Take a step back in time to see what life was like in the British Camp before the arrival of the American and French forces on September 28, 1781. Yorktown's Historic Main Street will be transformed with military drills, camp life demonstrations, cos... Read More

Join us for an educational and fun tour of Government Island Park. The tour will include historical details about the limestone industry in Stafford County by historian, Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor, demonstrations of the mining process by past Stafford C... Read More

Join the Friends of Green Spring Gardens (FROGS) and test your knowledge at our Sensational Sports Themed Trivia Night! Grab your family and friends and join us at the Gazebo for an evening of fun. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for your team. This i... Read More

SAVE THE DATE! In central Virginia, the underlying bedrock is typically concealed beneath the region's verdant green hills, but at Highland and in the Blue Ridge foothills the bedrock records a long and exciting history that goes back more than a ... Read More

This annual event hosted by the Norfolk Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, representing Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth, is open to the public. Senior military officers from France, Britain, and the US will This gather to commemorate... Read More

Step into the solar system, become the planets, and discover how 18th-century scientists viewed the stars (or skies).... Read More

Join us for a 45-minute guided walking tour of the town as we explore how the youngest residents of Williamsburg are represented in the laws of the time. ... Read More

What was the lesson of a Virginia student like? What skills did a colonial English society value? How did the day of an enslaved black student differ from other children living in Williamsburg? Join us at the Bray School and participate in a reading ... Read More

The same plants grown at George Washington's estate can now adorn your garden. Shop for seasonal color and heirloom plants along with native perennials, trees, and shrubs grown at Mount Vernon. The exclusive General's Choice plant line features pl... Read More

Join us for a deep dive into one of America’s first great legal spectacles, the treason trial of Aaron Burr! In the summer of 1807, the national spotlight landed on Richmond’s Court End neighborhood as Chief Justice John Marshall deliberated the ... Read More

South Boston, VA - A Pomeroy Marker Dedication Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025. This will start at 11:00AM. Oak Ridge Cemetery 2712 North Main Street South Boston, VA 24592 Color Guard members are asked to attend in uni... Read More

From the site's pre-colonial existence to the present day, Windsor Castle tells the fascinating history of the development of Smithfield. Join us for this walking tour through history as we explore the house and several of the outbuildings. Meet on t... Read More

Join George Washington's Mount Vernon for a 10-miler and 5K race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Cross the finish line with the Mansion in view and receive a t-shirt and medal. The Finish Festival will offer music, food and beve... Read More

Surviving records show that the Hite Family enslaved at least 276 people at Belle Grove between 1783 and 1851. Join a National Park Service ranger to learn what archeologists found out about the plantation's enslaved community. This program is als... Read More

Join us as we welcome America's 5th president, James Monroe, back to Aldie Mill, a place he knows well from his residence at nearby Oak Hill. Colonel Monroe, as he prefers to be known, will discuss the August 1825 visit by his friend and Revolutionar... Read More

Join us for "Farewell to Lafayette," an all-day commemorative event marking the close of the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824–1825 Farewell Tour of the United States. The day will honor Lafayette’s legacy and reflect on his enduring influence on Ame... Read More

Genealogy is everywhere-online, on screens, and through organizations and conferences and more. But technologies aside, genealogy was everywhere in the eighteenth century, too. And while we may think of eighteenth-century Americans as largely the s... Read More

Step aboard a hand-built James River batteau and experience Virginia's past like never before. At James River Batteau Company, we craft unforgettable evenings that blend the region's rich, often-forgotten history with the pleasures of local food, liv... Read More

Home Educators’ Living History Day at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. Join us for a fun-filled day at Red Hill exclusively for homeschool families from 10:30am-12:30pm on September 12, 2025. The picturesque grounds will be open for tours, which inclu... Read More

Explore the world of portraits at Jamestown Settlement. Create a family portrait with a green screen, draw a portrait based on one that you see, and decide whose portraits are missing from history. Family Days are designed to engage the whole family... Read More

Visit camps of local militia, camp followers, and Hessians on the beautiful grounds of Abram's Delight Museum. Free and open to the public. ... Read More

Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Hear live music from the colonial era, play 18th-century games, and watch craftspeople demonstrate period crafting techniques. Artisans from acro... Read More

Join the 7th Virginia Regiment as they reenact PH’s appointment to the 1st Virginia Regiment prior to his departure to take command in Williamsburg! It is September 1775 and Virginia’s counties in accordance with the 3rd Virginia Convention's... Read More

Join fellow astronomers, star-gazing enthusiasts, and Red Hill staff for a Star Party on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 8pm. Telescopes will be available for viewing or feel free to bring your own! Admission is free, but please register in advance. ... Read More

Gabriel Neville will speak about "The Hite and Bowman Families in the Virginia Continental Line" in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the Independence of the United States. Gabriel Nevil... Read More

Join us for the inaugural meeting of the Loudoun VA250 & Birch Tree Books' Reality Reads book club! Nathaniel Philbrick's "Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy" will be our featured book as we try to answer the question, does ... Read More

Join us on Tuesday, September 16th for an engaging Tea Talk as we delve into the fascinating legacy of the oldest patriotic organization in the United States. Founded in 1783, the Society was created by officers of the Continental Army who served tog... Read More

Join Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to witness a Naturalization Ceremony welcoming 30 new American citizens in honor of Constitution Day, the day... Read More

Join Christy S. Coleman, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation executive director, as she sits down with James Pepper Henry, chair of the Kaw Nation and one of the nation’s leading public historians. The program is the fourth in the six-part Director’s S... Read More

Learn the powerful story of Judith Jackson, an enslaved woman who sought freedom by joining with British forces during the Revolutionary War. Historian and author Adam Xavier McNeil shares Judith's incredible story and those of other enslaved mothers... Read More

The Walter W. Craigie Speaker Series Presents Dr. Rosemarie Zagarri Women and Politics in Revolutionary America Includes a pre-talk reception with a chance to meet the speaker. Reception begins at 5:30 PM. Beer, wine, and light hors d’oeu... Read More

The Cemetery Preservation Workshop is a free program designed to educate volunteers on the necessary training needed to safely preserve and protect historic tombstones and markers. This program promotes engagement and preservation of the church cemet... Read More

Bound Away: One Woman's Journey as an Irish Indentured Servant Carol Jarboe as Maggie Delaney Carol Jarboe performs as the fictional character Maggie Delaney, an Irish indentured servant who gains passage to the new world in the early 1700s, only... Read More

Join us on Saturday, September 20th for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, education, and community at Yorktown Battlefield as we gather for an exclusive sneak peek screening of acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns's highly anticipated documentary, "T... Read More

Join us for a one-hour tour where we explore exhibitions in our contemporary gallery or the history of Charlottesville through our permanent exhibition, Pride Overcomes Prejudice. Tours are given by our Center for Local Knowledge and our Learning and... Read More

At this outdoor event, sample George Washington's whiskey and other distilled spirits made at Washington's Distillery. In 1799, George Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, making it one of the largest whiskey distilleries in Ame... Read More

Mount Vernon invites neurodivergent individuals and their families to explore the estate for a sensory-friendly morning. Take a special self-guided tour of the historic area, explore the rooms on-view in the Mansion, and participate in hands-on a... Read More

The destruction of Washington in 1814 by the invading British challenged President James Monroe and architect Benjamin Latrobe with the task of rebuilding the destroyed edifices of the city's public buildings. As symbols of the aspirations of the Rep... Read More

Home Educators’ Living History Day at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. Join us for a fun-filled day at Red Hill exclusively for homeschool families from 10:30am-12:30pm on September 26, 2025. The picturesque grounds will be open for tours, which inclu... Read More

Commemorate #VA250 in Richmond with the Valentine! American Revolutionary Patrick Henry once shouted the legendary words, "Give me liberty or give me death!" in this iconic Richmond district. Join the most experienced guides in Richmond to explore th... Read More

In 1775, a group of Baptist Believers met in the south western part of Buckingham County, Virginia in an area known as Maynard's Corner and formed what is today known as Liberty Chapel Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Elder Gabriel Walker, who... Read More

Lecture by author Peter Stark.... Read More

At this outdoor event, sample George Washington's whiskey and other distilled spirits made at Washington's Distillery. In 1799, George Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, making it one of the largest whiskey distilleries in Ame... Read More

Hear the amazing story of Abba and Frank Thornton. Enslaved by the Hites, they bore a 35-member family. They saw some of those family members reach freedom.... Read More

The Rockbridge Historical is proud to partner with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, by hosting the traveling exhibit, "GIVE ME LIBERTY: Virginia and the Forging of a Nation," from September 30, 2025 to October 28, 2025, at the RHS Museum (10... Read More

SAVE THE DATE! Today’s landscape is formed in part by human activities past and present. Highland and the on-campus Institute for Integrative Conservation have collaborated on a series of high-impact projects that have built new perspectives on Hi... Read More

Colonel Thomas Blackburn died in 1807. Guests will learn about his death and funeral practices during special tours and a performance recreating his funeral.... Read More

This exhibit will explore the lives of free Black Virginians from the arrival of the first captive Africans in 1619 to the abolition of slavery in 1865. Through powerful objects and first-person accounts, visitors will discover how Virginia’s peopl... Read More

With more content and research moving online, the Library seeks to make digital documents as accessible as possible by crowdsourcing their transcription. Volunteers will transcribe handwritten pages and historical newspapers by reading the text and t... Read More

Today—in advance of the October 13 anniversary—we recognize the beginning of the United States Navy with the story of Isle of Wight County’s own Revolutionary War hero, experienced maritime authority and member of the first six U... Read More

Presented by Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor of the Stafford County Historical Society. Aquia Creek was at one point a major commercial waterway from the mid-1600s up until the early 1900s, in contrast to its modern geography. Three deep-water landings recei... Read More

Surviving records show that the Hite Family enslaved at least 276 people at Belle Grove between 1783 and 1851. Join a National Park Service ranger to learn what archeologists found out about the plantation's enslaved community.... Read More

Award-winning author, historian, and Great Bridge native Amy Waters Yarsinske takes you through three centuries of the Elizabeth River's impact on Virginia and Hampton Roads as you explore how this living body of water has shaped the geography of our... Read More

They say “Dead men tell no tales,” but that’s not true! Come out and hear the stories of those buried in Virginia’s oldest continuous cemetery at St Luke’s Historic Church & Museum. This is NOT a ghost tour but it mig... Read More

Join Pamplin Historical Park’s Zachary Pittard, Director of Education & Interpretation and Aaron Stoyack, Park Ranger, for a tour examining "United At What Cost: Petersburg in War and Peace, 1781 and 1865." Follow the events and visit sites from t... Read More

Join Lucia Butler and Margaret Dudley, Staff Archaeologists at Red Hill, as they discuss the summer 2025 archaeological excavation of two cabins on Quarter Place. About the talk: On Quarter Place, the remains of two log cabins offer a glimpse into ... Read More

Join us as we explore this 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st century site and share the story of its beginnings as well as a few tales of capers and duels. This tour begins at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight.... Read More

Two Revolutionaries were behind the creation of the Burwell Morgan Mill: Lieutenant Colonel Nathanial Burwell and General Daniel Morgan. Burwell was an enterprising planter-distiller deeply involved in commerce of the day, opening his own distillery ... Read More

In time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution, discover new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution through the folk art of Oscar de Mejo created during the 1976 Bicentenni... Read More

Huzzah! Join in the festivities to commemorate the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 and the Revolutionary War victory that paved the way for America and her freedom. The day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a patriotic parade down Main Stre... Read More

Presented by Dr. Jason Sellers, University of Mary Washington. The colonial unrest that led to the American Revolution offered opportunities for diverse Americans to pursue freedom. This program will discuss the roles Native nations on Virginia�... Read More

One of America's first foodies, Thomas Jefferson had a taste for fine wines and gourmet foods. Join the president, as portrayed by actor Bill Barker, in his private retreat to raise a glass to a successful harvest season and enjoy a multi-course dinn... Read More

Regimental colours, the flags carried into battle to identify the individual regiments that made up the armies of the day, were important military accoutrements throughout the eighteenth century, particularly in North America, where regimental flags ... Read More

Visit Rippon Lodge for a full day of Revolutionary history. Learn about Washington's Army's March to Yorktown through Prince William County. Meet civilian camp followers, militia, free African American soldiers, native traders and others. Play colon... Read More

Mount Vernon invites neurodivergent individuals and their families to explore the estate for a sensory-friendly morning. Take a special self-guided tour of the historic area, explore the rooms on-view in the Mansion, and participate in hands-on a... Read More

This lecture is the last lecture of a four-part speaker series from the Friends of the Naval Shipyard Museum. This lecture with talk about the 250 Years of Service to the U.S. Navy. This week's speaker will be Marcus Robbins, Norfolk Naval Shipyar... Read More

Presented by Jarod Kearney of the James Monroe Museum. Many family artifacts are passed down from generation to generation. Understanding the proper way to store, care for, preserve, and protect these items are critical to their prolonged continuance... Read More

Local historian, Rich Gillespie will lead a historic walking tour, Leesburg, Loudoun and the American Revolution on Saturday, November 1, beginning at 10 a.m. This two-hour event will begin at the Thomas Balch Library parking lot. In the decade that ... Read More

From the site's pre-colonial existence to the present day, Windsor Castle tells the fascinating history of the development of Smithfield. Join us for this walking tour through history as we explore the house and several of the outbuildings. Meet on t... Read More

Visit the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum to enjoy 18th century living history along with the visit of the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience. ... Read More

Nov. 7 noon - kickoff with Rotary flags, food trucks and music Nov. 8 USMC Ball with pageant Nov. 9 Veteran Organizations Open House... Read More

The Give Me Liberty exhibit will explore the unique and essential Virginia people, events, and sites that helped bring liberty and democracy to a nation. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it will highlight the co... Read More

Heritage Day returns for its 14th anniversary and features cider pressing, mill grinding, re-enactors, blacksmithing and more. This year's festivities will also feature numerous other historic organizations from around the area and will incorporate ... Read More

Our Veterans Day programming begins at 10 a.m. with a ceremony on Palace Green honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This stirring tribute is presented in partnership with the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons o... Read More

Mark your calendars for a historic journey as Virginia Beach comes alive on Saturday, November 15, 2025, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Skirmish at Kemp's Landing! On November 15 in 1775, patriots faced off against British forces in a d... Read More

n the late 19th century, Prince William County witnessed a tragic and violent episode of vigilante justice. The story revolves around a group of tenant farmers accused of robbery and murder, crimes that unsettled the local community. With tensions ru... Read More

Celebrate National Gingerbread Cookie Day on November 21 by going back in time 250 years! Munch on some gingerbread cookies while listening to the children's book, Gingerbread for Liberty. Discover the fascinating story of how a gingerbread baker hel... Read More

Long before microwaves, electric stoves and refrigerators, early Virginians prepared meals in clay pots and iron kettles and preserved food by smoking and salt curing. This Thanksgiving holiday, explore culinary practices and cooking techniques of th... Read More

Long before microwaves, electric stoves and refrigerators, early Virginians prepared meals in clay pots and iron kettles, and preserved food by smoking and salt curing. This Thanksgiving holiday, dig into the foodways of 17th- and 18th-century Americ... Read More

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. See how early Americans decorated with fresh greens for the holidays as you... Read More

Stroll through seasonal decorations that reflect the historical time periods of the house. ... 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

Don’t just learn about Revolutionary history--experience it! Join us as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Great Bridge, which took place December 9, 1775. Often called "Virginia’s Bunker Hill," this short but intense battle wa... Read More

Join us for this very special historic Christmas celebration at one of the oldest homes in Clarke County. The night will feature cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, music, and a silent auction. Festive cocktail attire required. ... Read More

The Battle of Great Bridge took place on December 9, 1775, in Great Bridge over a narrow bridge that crossed the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. The bridge was a key part of the main road connecting Norfolk to North Carolina, and the battle u... Read More

Dinners held on December 13 and 20 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 with a... Read More

Presented by Connie S. Schroeder. Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, was the only member of the British peerage to permanently reside in British America and owned the Northern Neck Proprietary in the Colony of Virginia. A close friend of Ge... Read More

At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, enjoy 18th-century holiday traditions with interpretive programs. Hear accounts of Christmas and winter in military encampments during the war and glimpse farm holiday preparations. In the Continental Ar... Read More

Presented by Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor of the Stafford County Historical Society. Stafford County has played a vital role in the founding of this nation, from the original settlements of the families of our Founding Fathers to the construction of a num... Read More

Presented by Gretchen Goodell Pendleton of The George Washington Foundation. The Foundation will share their archival digitization project that is beginning in earnest this year, along with the material culture reflected in the primary documents, inc... Read More

Join us for an interactive event that explores the historic intellectual clash between two of the 18th century's most influential thinkers: the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, and Thomas Jefferson. This event will delve int... Read More

VIRGINIA MUSICAL THEATRE PRESENTS THE TONY AWARD WINNING MUSICAL 1776 Just in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 brings history to life with wit, drama, and stirring music. Set in the sweltering summer of 1776... Read More

Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation will explore the unique and essential Virginia people, events, and sites that helped bring liberty and democracy to a nation. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, ... Read More

Presented by Dr. Gaila Sims of the Fredericksburg Area Museum. In 1824 and 1825, 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 ... Read More

Presented by Kathi Lynn Austin of the Freedom Forge Foundation and Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor of the Stafford County Historical Society. During the American Revolutionary War, James Hunter was one of the largest producers of arms and supplies to the Con... Read More

Bring the family to Battersea to view the encampment, participate in activities, tour the Villa and watch the battle reenactments which will take place on both days! Free admission. Food and Beverages available for purchase. See full schedule be... Read More

Presented by Gail S. Watson of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Falls Church Chapter. Researching genealogy can prove difficult across all mediums, but many individuals experience setbacks when examining their ancestral history in the years ... Read More

Presented by Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor of the Stafford County Historical Society. Aquia Creek was at one point a major commercial waterway from the mid-1600s up until the early 1900s, in contrast to its modern geography. Three deep-water landings recei... Read More

Presented by Dr. Jason Sellers, University of Mary Washington. The colonial unrest that led to the American Revolution offered opportunities for diverse Americans to pursue freedom. This program will discuss the roles Native nations on Virginia�... 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's ear... Read More

Presented by Dr. Will Mackintosh, Associate Professor at the University of Mary Washington. Looking backwards, the political decision to break with Great Britain and declare independence looks obvious. Because we all know what happened over the next ... Read More

Presented by Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor of the Stafford County Historical Society. Stafford County has played a vital role in the founding of this nation, from the original settlements of the families of our Founding Fathers to the construction of a num... Read More

To help commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States, for seven days in June 2026, more than 55 ships from 20 nations will engage with residents and visitors in ports and harbors across the Chesapeake Bay region in events and programs symbolic... Read More

Each year, Spotsylvania County hosts its Stars & Stripes Spectacular on the Saturday before July 4. Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence by joining us for this popular patriotic festival, featuring historical tours, live musi... 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

What could be more patriotic than spending America's 250th on the grounds of George Washington's Boyhood Home? Celebrate Independence Day the Revolutionary Way with acres of activities for all ages! Play colonial games, tour the Washington House,... Read More

Get ready for an exciting adventure through time at our annual Dino Festival! Join us for this interactive family festival celebrating amazing giants from all major eras of prehistoric life. Virginia Museum of Natural History Associate Curator of Pal... Read More

Presented by Shannon Combs-Bennett. DNA testing in genealogy can be a confusing and complicated process, but, when understood, can provide insight into your genetic origins and help you find new family connections. Moreover, it may showcase which reg... Read More

Come witness the dramatic interpretation of the signing of the Dissenters' Petition that occurred throughout Virginia in 1776. The petition had 10,000 names and the signers were from many walks of life.... Read More