September 2025 Events Newsletter
The Revolutionary Rumble
Happy Labor Day! As the school year kicks off and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, Virginia is gearing up for a month of meaningful events across the Commonwealth.
On September 17, Constitution Day, VA250 will host a signature event, “To Support & Defend,” recognizing the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The event will take place at Virginia Military Institute, Virginia’s historic military college with deep military traditions and a commitment to national service.
On September 20, the Yorktown Battlefield will be hosting “We The People,” a Revolutionary Festival and a special sneak peek screening of Ken Burns’s “The American Revolution” documentary on the site where that battle took place. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss.
On September 27, Run Richmond 16.19, organized by The Djimon Honsou Foundation, will take place in Richmond. Join our team! Let’s walk or run and get healthy again as we engage the rich history of America. Made in Virginia at Run Richmond 1619… explore the historic sites and many peoples who contributed to the making of America.
See below for more events happening this September and don’t forget to check out the VA250 lineup of shirts, hats, and more at store.va250.org.
September 5 – 7
Maupintown Film Festival: Bold & Beautiful
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 history and culture.
September 6
Deep History: Geologic Perspectives at Highland
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 billion years. Join William & Mary Geology Professor Chuck Bailey for an exploration of Deep Time and the important geological connections to the landscape and human history of Virginia.
September 12 & 26
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.
September 17
Pursuits of Knowledge: Jill Lepore on We the People
In celebration of Constitution Day, join us on Monticello’s iconic West Lawn for a conversation with best-selling author and Harvard professor Jill Lepore, discussing her new book We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution, a stunning new history of the U.S. Constitution, for a troubling new era.
September 20
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.
Step into history and honor the legacy of America’s founding principles in the very place they were shaped. This year’s Constitution Day celebration promises a full day of discovery, inspiration, and family fun set against the backdrop of James Madison’s beloved home. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious explorer, or looking for a meaningful weekend outing-Montpelier has something for everyone!
September 21
Book Talk: The Virginia Continental Line in the Revolution’s Southern Campaigns
John C. Settle will present his new book, based on original research, into the Virginia soldiers serving in the Continental Line in the last years of the Revolutionary War. His work reveals struggles with supply lines, shortage of food and uniforms, as well the war-fatigue of the Southern states after so many years.
ALEXANDRIA
September 6
Carlyle House Family Fun Day – Read-a-Book Revel
From 12-3pm, you can sit in on story time that starts at the top of the hour and participate in crafts and other activities that relate to the theme of the month.
Sensational Sports Trivia Night
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.
September 7
Farewell to Lafayette: A Bicentennial Tribute
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 American liberty, democracy, and friendship. Welcomed with great fanfare across the new republic, including multiple visits to Woodlawn, Lafayette’s journey was a powerful reaffirmation of the Franco-American bond. Now, two hundred years later, we bid him farewell with history, storytelling, and community.
September 11
The Veteran Service Organization Carry the Load visits the Alexandria National Cemetery (1450 Wilkes Street) to “scrub the tombstones” of over 4,200 Veteran graves.
September 13
Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
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.
September 20
Alexandria Women’s History Walks
Did you know Alexandria was home to one of the most revered female fundraisers of the American Revolution, or that President Woodrow Wilson sent an Alexandria women on a mission aboard a U.S. battleship? Join Alexandria Celebrates Women (ACW) on a three-mile trek throughout the city.
APPOMATTOX COUNTY
September 27 – 28
250th Anniversary Celebration for Liberty Chapel Baptist Church
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 was a Baptist missionary to the Native Americans in the area, the church grew and flourished. On September 27th and 28th, 2025, we will be celebrating our 250th birthday and we invite you to join us in this celebration.
BEDFORD COUNTY
September 5
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, philosophy to natural sciences, and more. Each talk in the series includes a wine and cheese reception following the presentation.
September 13
Roots and Reconnection Festival
Join the Poplar Forest’s African American Advisory Group, interpretation and archaeology staff, and the Board of Directors for the Roots and Reconnection Festival, a special event to honor, celebrate, and educate about the life, culture, and history of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked on the plantation, as well as the culture and life of African Americans today.
September 17
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 in 1787 the American Constitution was signed into law.
BUENA VISTA, ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY & LEXINGTON
September 3
VMI Convocation – Keynote by Carly Fiorina, Honorary Chair, VA250
Carly Fiorina, businesswoman and politician, and national honorary chair of the VA250: American Revolution Commission will address the Corps of Cadets and faculty at the academic convocation at Virginia Military Institute on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 10:30 a.m. in Cameron Hall on Main Street. The event is free and open to the public.
September 9
This year’s first community staging of “A Braver Campus Dialogue (ABCD) Workshop” will focus on the topic: “How Can We Improve the Local Economy?”
September 17
To Support & Defend: VA250 Constitution Day Event
VA250 is proud to host a Constitution Day event “To Support & Defend” honoring the 250th Anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corp at Virginia’s premiere military college, Virginia Military Institute.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
September 12 & 26
Home Educators’ Living History Day
Join us for a fun-filled day at Red Hill exclusively for homeschool families from 10:30am-12:30pm on September 26, 2025.
September 13
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!
CHESAPEAKE
September 4
Andrew Lawler Lecture and Book Signing
Join author and historian Andrew Lawler as he discusses his book A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution. Books will be available in the museum gift shop and Mr. Lawler will be available for book signings following the lecture.
September 13
Celebrate the remarkable legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette at a lively fundraising gala co-hosted by the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation and the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation.
September 13
Visit the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum and enjoy crafts and activities for children, learn about the Constitution and what it means today.
September 18
Norfolk to Nova Scotia: Judith Jackson’s Crooked Road to Freedom with Adam Xavier McNeil
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 who faced an impossible choice-risk everything for freedom, or remain home in bondage.
September 27
3rd Annual Three Tun Tavern Night
Join our Tavern Keeper for an entertaining evening at the Three Tun Tavern in Great Bridge. Experience the revelry of an 18th century tavern, listen to itinerant musicians, enjoy food, drink, toasts, trivia, and much more.
FAIRFAX COUNTY
September 6
Fall Plant and Garden Sale at Mount Vernon
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.
September 7
Join George Washington’s Mount Vernon for a 10-miler and 5K race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
September 13
Luke Adams Glass Art Signing at Mount Vernon
Shop a wide assortment of colorful hand-blown glass pumpkins and gourds and have your one-of-a-kind piece signed by the artist, Luke Adams. The gourds are made exclusively for Mount Vernon.
September 13 – 14
Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon
Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans.
September 14 – 28
Fall Cider Making at Frying Pan Farm Park
Experience the taste of fall with a private, hands-on cider-making session for up to eight people at Colvin Run Mill or Frying Pan Farm Park. Learn to use an old-fashioned cider press and make your own fresh cider to take home.
September 19
Sip on period cocktails and sample historic foods while you enjoy the serenity of Mason Neck by candlelight. Situated in the heart of the historic property, this event offers the perfect opportunity to relax with friends, loved ones and makes the perfect date night!
September 20
Sensory-Friendly Family Morning at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon invites neurodivergent individuals and their families to explore the estate for a sensory-friendly morning.
September 20, 27
George Washington Whiskey Tasting
At this outdoor event, sample George Washington’s whiskey and other distilled spirits made at Washington’s Distillery.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
September 12
Veterans Appreciation Night at Franklin County High School
Veterans and a guest will receive free admission to Franklin County High School’s first home football game versus Patrick Henry High School. Veterans will be recognized on the field prior to the game and treated to a meal following the recognition ceremony.
September 14
‘Bringing History to Life’ at the Jubal Early Homeplace
The Friends of Lucy Breckinridge are pleased to welcome the Fincastle Company: 18th Century Living History Interpreters to the Jubal Early Homeplace in the first of our ‘Bringing History to Life’ series.
FREDERICK COUNTY
September 7
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.
September 13
Encampment of Revolutionary War Units
Visit camps of local militia, camp followers, and Hessians on the beautiful grounds of Abram’s Delight Museum.
September 14
The Hite and Bowman Families in the Virginia Continental Line
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.
September 27
Lecture by author Peter Stark.
September 28
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.
FREDERICKSBURG
September 7
Taste Through Time: A Scoop of History!
Delve into the chilly delights of 18th-century ice cream in the Historic Kitchen at Kenmore, where a simple dessert reveals a complex past.
September 16
TEA TALK – The Society of the Cincinnati
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 together in the American Revolution. George Washington became the Society’s first president general, leading his officers from war to peace.
September 27
Block Party at Historic Kenmore
Celebrate the 250th Year of Historic Kenmore! All are invited to our annual block party with historic trade demonstrations, exhibits, lawn games, crafts, tours and more. Explore several educational stations throughout Kenmore’s landscape by engaging with archaeologists, living historians, and other experts to learn about the 250-year history of Kenmore and its preservation.
HALIFAX COUNTY
September 6
South Boston, VA – A Pomeroy Marker Dedication Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025. This will start at 11:00AM.
HANOVER COUNTY
September 13
Henry Takes Command with the 7th Virginia Regiment – A 250th Signature Program
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!
September 26
The Revolutionary Road Through Scotchtown, a 250th Signature Event
Have you ever wondered if the colonial or continental armies marched through or camped at Scotchtown during the revolutionary war? Join historian and author John Pagano for an evening presentation of his research into Lafayette’s army and campaigns including their march through Scotchtown in 1781!
September 26 – October 5
The annual State Fair of Virginia will offer over 300+ hours of exceptional family entertainment, thrills, agricultural education, food and drinks, shopping, and more. The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will be visiting the State Fair from Sept 29 through Oct 1.
HENRICO COUNTY
September 11
Historians on Tap: Revolutionary Drama
Historians Bert Dunkerly, Joe Rizzo, and Kate Gruber will explore the little-known stories, scandals, betrayals, and bold personalities behind the fight for American independence.
September 28
The U.S. Army: 250 Years of Continuity and Change
Dr. Joel Christenson, Director of the John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis at VMI, will present a talk on the evolution of the U.S. Army in honor of its 250th anniversary.
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
September 6
LUNCH & LEARN: Joyeux Anniversaire, Marquis de Lafayette!
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 include an overview of his life and legacy as well as information on his connections to Isle of Wight County, his participation in the American Revolution and his lifelong passion for human rights.
September 6 – 7
17the Century Living History Event
The 17th century was a time of violent upheaval and social unrest. St. Luke’s Historic Church & Museum will explore these colonial conflicts in an upcoming living history event.
September 7
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.
September 20
Cemetery Preservation Workshop
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 cemetery through education and practical experience.
September 27
The witchcraft mania that swept through Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, while significant, has tended to overshadow the historical records of the persecutions of alleged witches in other colonies. Join us as Historian Carson Hudson explores the often-misunderstood subject of witchcraft persecution in early Virginia.
JAMES CITY COUNTY
September 13
Portraits of Jamestown Family Day
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.
September 17
Director’s Series: James Pepper Henry
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 Series, offering enlightening conversations surrounding our shared legacies of American history.
LOUDOUN COUNTY
September 7
An Afternoon with James Monroe
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.
September 15
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 George Washington still matter?
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
September 13
VA250 Mobile Museum visit the Robert Russa Moton Museum
The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will be visiting the Robert Russa Moton Museum from Fri, Sept 12 to Sat. Sept 13
September 13
The Heart of Virginia Festival that takes place in Farmville VA that celebrates the arts, music, food and our community.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
September 25
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 Republic, they had to be more than functional, they had to be beautiful. Local historian Paul Kreingold details Latrobe and Monroe’s search for the ideal stone and their fight to use it to rebuild the chambers of the House and Senate.
PULASKI COUNTY
September 20
Patrick Henry: Hear History Come Alive
Everyone knows the famous seven words of Patrick Henry, but now you can hear them presented in the context of which they were delivered. Patrick Henry Jolly is a fifth great grandson of the American Patriot, and will be presenting his ancestor’s famous “Liberty or Death” speech at the Radford Public Library.
RICHMOND
September 5 – 6
The Treason Trial of Aaron Burr: A Court End Tour
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 fate of accused traitor Aaron Burr.
September 5 & 26
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. Join the most experienced guides in Richmond to explore the revolutionary history of the Church Hill neighborhood – from historic St. John’s Church to Benedict Arnold’s raid on Richmond and beyond.
September 10
Lecture: Lineage-The Power and Promise of Genealogy in Early America
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 subject of genealogy research, they were active participants in what was a foundational interest and practice in their own time.
September 19
Women and Politics in Revolutionary America
Includes a pre-talk reception with a chance to meet the speaker. Rosemarie Zagarri is a Professor of History at George Mason University. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University and specializes in Early American history.
September 27
A warm welcome to the 4th edition of RUN RICHMOND 16.19-a vibrant celebration of movement, culture, and community. Our run-or-walk event is open to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, taking you on an inspiring journey through over 400 years of Black history. From the rolling start to “The Hill We Climb”, every step carries the weight of history and the promise of progress.
ROANOKE
September 18
Join the Historical Society of Western Virginia, which operates both the Roanoke History and O. Winston Link Museums, for its annual fundraiser at Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, Virginia, on September 18, 2025. Enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, book signing, and a lecture from bestselling author Andrew Lawler, as he speaks on his most recent book “A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis that Spurred the American Revolution.”
SMYTH COUNTY
September 21
Documenting Revolutionary War Patriot Burials in Smyth County, Virginia
Join the Smyth County Museum in celebrating VA250! John Likins will present a program on a mapping project he as been working on to better document Smyth County cemeteries, particularly burial sites of Revolutionary War Patriots within the county.
STAFFORD COUNTY
September 6
Government Island Walking Tour
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 County Historical Society President, Rick MacGregor, as well special stories for the children by the historian largely responsible for the park’s creation, Jane Conner.
September 9
VA250 Book Group: From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points in the Revolutionary War by John R. Maas
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library is hosting four book discussions in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial. The first will be held at the historic Rising Sun Tavern in Fredericksburg and will discuss From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points in the Revolutionary War, by John R. Maas.
September 18
Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening at George Washington’s Ferry Farm for 18th Century Game Night! Discover how people from all walks of life passed the time with games during the 1700s.
VIRGINIA BEACH
September 6
244th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of the Virginia Capes
The Battle of the Capes, fought on September 5, 1781, was a pivotal naval engagement during the American Revolutionary War. This clash between the French fleet, commanded by Admiral de Grasse, and the British fleet marked a turning point in securing American independence.
WILLIAMSBURG
September 6 – 21
Colonial Williamsburg: Homeschool Hands-On – Bray School
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 lesson using the same books that Bray Scholars used.
Colonial Williamsburg: Homeschool Tour – Children and the Law
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.
September 6 – 20
Colonial Williamsburg: Homeschool Hands-On – 18th-Century Astronomy
Step into the solar system, become the planets, and discover how 18th-century scientists viewed the stars (or skies).
September 8 – 17
Colonial Williamsburg’s Colonial Dance
“Virginians will dance or die,” wrote an 18th-century diarist. Prepare to experience one of the favorite pastimes of Colonial Virginians. Join the Colonial Williamsburg Dance Ensemble as they discuss various 18th-century dances, from country dances to minuets, and how dancing fit into the social life of Virginians. Watch as the ensemble demonstrates their favorite dances, and then join them on the dance floor to participate in the fun.
September 17
Bells Across America is an annual event commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution. On September 17 at exactly 4 PM-the moment the Constitution was signed in 1787-bells will ring out across the nation, echoing the joyful peals that once filled the air in Philadelphia on that historic day.
Constitution Day at Colonial Williamsburg
Celebrate the adoption of the U.S. Constitution by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Join us for in-depth discussions, and the best of Colonial Williamsburg’s historical interpretation, bringing the history of America’s governing document to life.
YORK COUNTY
September 6 – 7
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, costumed interpreters, and more!
September 20
We the People: A Yorktown Battlefield Event
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, “The American Revolution,” before it premieres on TV.
September 20
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 to lose her family in the process. Maggie’s tale will bring to light the difficult journey that many of our ancestors took to secure them-selves in a new land.
