July 2025 Events Newsletter
The Revolutionary Rumble
Hope you had an amazing Fourth of July! This year’s celebration kicked off a whole year of 250th anniversaries for historic events that happened right here in Virginia. Perfect time to start exploring!
Photo caption: The Neighborhood Walking Tour with The Valentine; Richmond, VA
NOW THRU JULY 31
Hanover County
Experience the intersection of art and history as we commemorate 250 years of American independence. From colonial homes to landscape scenes, discover how local artists interpret our Revolutionary history!
JULY 9
Isle of Wight County
Summer Series Part II: Revolutionary Minds
The Enlightenment Philosophers – Locke, Rousseau, Sidney, Montesquieu, how did these 17th and 18th Century thinkers help pave the road to the Revolution? St. Luke’s Executive Director will dive into the influence of the Enlightenment on Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, and other Revolutionary minds. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Richmond (Virtual Event)
With more content and research moving online, the Library seeks to make digital documents as accessible as possible by crowdsourcing their content transcription. Volunteers will transcribe handwritten pages and historical newspapers by reading the text and typing it into digital form. Join us for a virtual volunteer session to learn how you can help make historical documents more searchable and usable for researchers now and in the future.
Richmond
Book Talk with Alan Pell Crawford | This Fierce People
Crawford’s book explores the overlooked story of the critical aspect of America’s Revolutionary War that was fought in the South, showing that the British surrender at Yorktown was the direct result of the southern campaign, and that the battles that emerged south of the Mason-Dixon line between loyalists to the Crown and patriots who fought for independence were, in fact, America’s first civil war.
JULY 10 – 12
Fairfax County
The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience Visits Vienna
Support Vienna’s Celebration of the USA250 Anniversary! Visit a hands-on interactive museum on wheels. This mobile museum highlights key stories of Virginia’s rich history. Brought to you by Historic Vienna Inc. and the Freeman Store & Museum.
JULY 10
Henrico County
Finding Your Revolutionary Ancestors
Do you think you have ancestors who fought in or supported the American Revolutionary War? Learn how to successfully research and document the lineage and service of your ancestors.
JULY 11
Alexandria
Trivia Night at Historic Sites
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 pop culture to history.
Richmond
Roots of Revolution: Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood Walking Tour\
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 explore this historic neighborhood that was both the center of the domestic slave trade and the birthplace of American religious liberty.
Lexington
First Friday Summer Speaker Series: VA250
July 11 kick-offs the local Rockbridge VA250 Celebration, commemorating America’s Revolutionary War, and the revolutionary experiences that have spanned two and half centuries of local and national history, since “The Spirit of ’76.”
JULY 12
Smyth County
Early Industry in Smyth County
Join the Octagon House Foundation in celebrating VA250! Learn about the early industry of Smyth County, specifically the role enslaved people had in early local industry. The VA250 event is free to attend.
Newport News
Celebrate National Kitten Day at Lee Hall Depot
Chessie the railroad cat is eager to welcome you to Lee Hall Depot to celebrate National Kitten Day! This family-friendly program will include a Chessie-themed puppet show, photo ops with Chessie, and a Chessie the cat craft. For even more fun, the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter will have kittens and cats available all day to pet, play with, and adopt!
Clarke County
Join us for our 9th Annual Colonial Kids Day. Interactive activities include blacksmithing, craft making, colonial games, a scavenger hunt, the history of the Mill, living history interpretations, and grinding in action.
JULY 12, 19 & 26
Alexandria
Specialty Tour: Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies
Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens.
Richmond
Give Me Liberty Highlight Tours
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.
JULY 13, 20 & 27
Alexandria
Family Day with Young Historians
Tour through the historic tavern led by students 4th grade and older; includes activity stations about period clothing and chocolate making.
JULY 13
Richmond
Meet the Marquis de Lafayette, following a 1:30 pm reenactment.
Stafford County
Join us for an elegant afternoon tea at Gari Melchers Home and Studio to benefit the University of Mary Washington Museums.
Hanover County
A Conversation with Author Dr. Jon Kukla & Judge David B. Caddell Jr.
Henry was an early advocate for independence who burst onto the scene with his argument against the Crown in the Parsons’ Cause. As a newly-elected Burgess, he vigorously opposed the Stamp Act and encouraged non-importation of British goods.
JULY 14 – 18
Fredericksburg & Stafford County
This camp teaches children what life was like in the 18th century, when colonists were on the cusp of war. Through immersive hands-on activities, children learn about colonial life, maritime practices, and the challenges of war. Campers will play colonial games, explore historic trades, learn from real historical objects, and even design and test their own model ships.
JULY 16
Richmond
The first twenty-one months of the American Revolution-which began at Lexington and ended at Princeton-was the story of a ragged group of militiamen and soldiers fighting to forge a new nation.
JULY 17
Chesapeake
“Tidewater Militiamen vs. The Ethiopian Regiment” with Woody Holton
Woody Holton, author of “Liberty Is Sweet: The Hidden History of the American Revolution,” explores the lesser-known stories of the American Revolution highlighting the contributions of ordinary citizens and free and enslaved Black individuals in the pursuit of independence.
JULY 18
Richmond
Abigail Adams with Dr. Woody Holton
Dr. Woody Holton, Professor of History at University of South Carolina, joins us to talk about his book Abigail Adams, winner of the 2010 Bancroft Prize, among the most prestigious awards in the field of American history writing.
America’s Founding Story: Church Hill Neighborhood Walking Tour
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.
Richmond and the Republic: Court End Neighborhood Walking Tour
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 where power players gathered in close proximity to the newly-established Virginia State Capitol. On this downtown walking tour, discover stories of the nation-builders who made their homes in the center of the City of Richmond.
Alexandria
Specialty Tours: Those Who Signed the Fairfax Resolves?
On July 18, 1774, 25 gentlemen from Fairfax County (including Alexandria) signed the Fairfax Resolves which rejected the British Parliament’s claim of supreme authority over the American colonies. John Carlyle, George Mason, and George Washington are names still known today but who were the others and what stakes did they have in signing this document?
Prince William County
Walking Tours of Historic Prince William Towns: Haymarket
Tour Haymarket, the second town in the county to be incorporated in 1882 with a rich history spanning as far back as the 18th century.
Staunton
Extracurricular Nights: An Evening with Crockett’s Battalion
Join our semiquincentennial celebrations this summer! We have special after-hours programming for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Test yourself- would you have been a patriot or a loyalist? Join in the defense of Virginia and enlist in Lt. Colonel Joseph Crockett’s Western Battalion.
JULY 19
Fairfax County
Archaeology Family Day Mount Vernon
Explore how archaeology has shaped what we know about the Washingtons, the lives of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon, and the 18th century.
Children’s Book Talk at Mount Vernon: First Ladies Make History
Explore the lives and legacies of the first ladies at a reading of the award-winning new children’s book, First Ladies Make History.
Newport News
Tots and Trains at Lee Hall Depot
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 perform a Chessie the Cat themed puppet show and have a few extra interactive moments!
Charlottesville
Saturday Public Tour at JSAAHC
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 Engagement curators.
Isle of Wight County
Isle of Wight Courthouse Complex Walking Tour
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.
Prince William County
Ben Lomond Civil War Hospital Lantern Tours
Following the Battle of First Manassas, Ben Lomond was used as a hospital where surgeons treated the wounded throughout the night. Every inch of space in the house was used to care for hurt and dying soldiers. Tour the hospital in the dark and discover the aftermath of the Civil War’s first major battle through the words of those who experienced war’s horrors.
JULY 20
Smyth County
Betsy Sayers – “Pathfinders & Patriots: Smyth County Prehistory through 1832”
On July 20th, Betsy Sayers will present a program on the history of Smyth County. Betsy is a historian and authored a book on Smyth County History titled, “Pathfinders and Patriots” that outlines the prehistory of Smyth County up until its formation in 1832.
Fairfax County
Mill in Motion at Colvin Run Mill
Explore Colvin Run Mill to see how it operated in 1811. Hear and feel the Mill grinding grain. Learn about Oliver Evans and his first US patents that revolutionized food production. Try your hands at simple machines. Visit the 19th century Miller’s House and stop by Colvin Run General Store to purchase our ground grain.
JULY 21
Prince William County
Museum Family Day: Rippon Lodge Game Day
Bring the family to explore Colonial history through fun, historic games, and activities at Rippon Lodge. Programs include outdoor and indoor experiences.
JULY 22
Norfolk
The Forgotten War: Teaching Korea in the Classroom Teacher Institute
On Tuesday, July 22nd, the MacArthur Memorial will host a summer teacher institute for local Hampton Roads educators on teaching the history of the Korean War and its on-going impact on current global events.
Isle of Wight County
LUNCH & LEARN: John Sinclair v. General John Marshall, 1794
Today is the 231st anniversary of the town’s second most dramatic event- the confrontation between accused “privateer” John Sinclair and U.S. Cavalry commander John Marshall, future Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
JULY 24
Prince William County
Prince William Lecture Series: “Atrocities at Bull Run” by Harry Smeltzer
Using firsthand accounts from both sides, historian Harry Smeltzer will discuss these and other incidents associated with the first battle which, at the time, were considered evidence of aberrant behavior.
Stafford County
U.S. Navy Concert Band – MCHF Summer Concert Series
The United States Navy Concert Band, the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, presents a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. As the original ensemble of the Navy Band, the Concert Band has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for more than 95 years.
JULY 25 – 29
Washington County
VA250 Mobile Museum Experience Visits the Virginia Highland Festival
The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will be stopping by Abingdon, VA for the Virginia Highland Festival.
JULY 25 & 27
Albemarle County
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, live music, and the serene beauty of the James River.
JULY 25
Richmond
VMHC Movie Mythbusting LIVE! The Patriot
As part of the VMHC’s 250th initiative, join the VMHC for a special in-person version of our popular Movie Mythbusting series. Guests will enjoy a live screening of the Revolutionary War epic The Patriot (2000), starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger, with live commentary from VMHC staff on what’s true, what’s not, and unique connections to the VMHC collection.
Frederick County
Isaac Hite, Jr., historical owner of Belle Grove Plantation, fought in the War of Independence. How did he, his family members, and neighbors come to rebel against their king? A National Park Service ranger will discuss both Isaac Hite’s and the Shenandoah Valley’s role in the American Revolution.
JULY 26
Washington County
Charlie Barnette of the Historical Society of Washington County brings his skills as a cemetery preservationist to Abingdon’s historic Sinking Spring Cemetery, dating to 1776, for a free workshop during the Virginia Highlands Festival.
Each year during the Festival, members of the Historical Society of Washington County stage guided “Living History” tours at Sinking Spring. Interpreters, many wearing period attire, tell the fascinating stories of some of the cemetery’s permanent residents.
William King Historical Marker Dedication
A new historical marker will be dedicated on Court Street in Abingdon on Saturday, July 26, and the public is invited to attend.
Fairfax County
Alliances in the American Revolution: Public Lectures & Educators’ Workshop at Mount Vernon
Hear two public lectures from historians that explore the international involvement of the French and Spanish during the American Revolution, including how alliances were formed and how they impacted the war.
Frederick County
250th Anniversary of Daniel Morgan’s Beeline March
Join the Col. James Wood II Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution to march from the statue of Daniel Morgan at the Old Stone Church on W. Piccadilly Street.
Westmoreland County
Join us for a powerful day of reflection, celebration, and remembrance as we honor the stories and contributions of the enslaved Africans and African Americans who shaped the history of Stratford Hall.
Henrico County
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.
JULY 27 – 28
Washington County
Conversation with Thomas Jefferson and Martha Washington
Our area’s connections with Jefferson and Washington are numerous. Jefferson, of course, served as Secretary of State in Washington’s administration and helped forge the structure of our nation’s government and economy.
JULY 28 – 31
Fredericksburg
Imagine a place where history comes alive, where the past is not just a series of dates and events, but a vibrant tapestry of stories, activities and adventures. From colonial games, military drills, scrimshaw crafts, faux brick bonding and even making kid-friendly syllabub – children are not merely spectators. They become active participants in the revolutionary moments that shaped our world. Let’s make history together!
JULY 31
Alexandria
Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace – Happy Hour
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 are a fundraiser for new exhibit cases in the museum and sponsored by the Friends of Carlyle House.
Hanover County
Speaker Series: The Virginia Continental Line in the Revolution’s Southern Campaign
Author John Settle discusses his new book that uses primary sources and first-hand accounts to give voices to the honorable, but often forgotten, veterans of the Virginia Line.
