October 2025 Events Newsletter
The Revolutionary Rumble
This October sees events commemorating 250 years of the U.S Navy, events celebrating the fall season, and of course, 244 years since the decisive victory at Yorktown.
See below for more events happening this month and don’t forget to check out the VA250 lineup of shirts, hats, and more at store.va250.org.
ACCOMACK COUNTY
October 4
Cheer on participants in the exciting skillet throwing and keg rolling competitions, admire the entries in the baking and photography contests, and marvel at the impressive antique tractor parade. Don’t miss the fast-paced oyster shucking contest, engaging children’s activities, a variety of local vendors, and more!
ALBEMARLE COUNTY & CHARLOTTESVILLE
October 4, 11, 18 & 25
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Guided Walking Tour
Beginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour led by the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and the removal of four controversial Charlottesville monuments in 2021. Surrounded by beautifully preserved buildings, learn why the city was Albemarle County seat and how the historic downtown area grew around Court Square and beyond.
October 11
October Fall Plant Sale at CHP
Join us at the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants (CHP) for a seasonal plant sale. The Monticello nursery will have a variety of flowers, trees, shrubs, and seeds available for purchase.
October 15
Democracy360: Join the Conversation: Democracy in Action
Join a diverse group of changemakers who are building and strengthening democracy from the ground up-in neighborhoods, community organizations, polling places, and even on the ballot. In this interactive session, audience members meet the Karsh Institute of Democracy’s practitioner fellows and learn about the innovative work they’re leading in communities across the country.
Democracy360: Join the Conversation: Common Ground, Common Sound
Across cultures and throughout history, music has brought people together to communicate, reflect, and connect. Part community concert and part participatory rhythm session, this event welcomes everyone-no experience required-to join in a shared civic act through sound. Enjoy performances by Corey Harris, Rain Man, Chi Amen Rah, the Albemarle High School Drum Line, and more. Bring a drum or percussion instrument if you have one-some will be available on site-or simply join in with your hands.
Democracy360: Becoming America: Past, Promise, and the Path Ahead at 250
Audiences will enjoy an exclusive advance screening from Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary series, The American Revolution, followed by a conversation reflecting on the nation’s founding and what it means today.
October 16
Democracy360: Building the American Dream: Work, Tech, and Community in a Shifting Economy
As the nation nears the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we ask ourselves: How does the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness hold up today?
Democracy360: Washington Week with The Atlantic
PBS News’ weekly news analysis series comes to The Paramount! Moderator Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, is joined at the roundtable by Atlantic staff writers Tom Nichols, Vivian Salama, and Nancy Youssef to provide analysis of the week’s major news stories. This special episode will be livestreamed by Washington Week and PBS News.
October 17
Democracy360: The Law, Institutions, and the American Experiment
This timely conversation explores the rule of law and the democratic institutions that uphold it as cornerstones of democratic life and defining forces in the 250-year-old American experiment. How have the Constitution, courts, and long-standing norms responded in moments of strain, and how do they continue to evolve in a period of significant political and legal volatility? Panelists explore how democratic systems react to pressure, adapt over time, and protect the rights and freedoms at the heart of democracy’s promise.
Democracy360: Stories That Bind Us: A Conversation With Beth Macy
Join Beth Macy, the acclaimed author of Dopesick and Factory Man, for a powerful conversation about the forces shaping America’s rural and urban communities and the stories that bind us. The discussion, moderated by Karsh Institute Executive Director Melody Barnes, draws from Macy’s forthcoming memoir, Paper Girl, which traces her journey from a small Ohio town to the national stage. Macy explores how economic upheaval, cultural tensions, and political polarization have reshaped not only her hometown but the country as a whole-and invites us to reckon with the divides that challenge our shared future.
October 18
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.
October 22
Pursuits of Knowledge: Rick Atkinson on The Fate of the Day
Join Monticello in conversation with Rick Atkinson, discussing the second volume of his landmark American Revolution trilogy, where George Washington’s army fights on the knife edge between victory and defeat.
October 25
Visions of Progress Catalog Launch
Join us for the public unveiling of Visions of Progress: Portraits of Dignity, Style, and Racial Uplift, a companion catalog to a 2022-2023 exhibition at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, curated by a team led by UVA history Professor Emeritus John Edwin Mason.
ALEXANDRIA
October 14
George Washington was the only Founder to present a plan to free his enslaved workers, but he lived with slavery and off slavery throughout his life. In this assessment of Washington and slavery, Professor Henriques attempts to examine the dilemma Washington (and the nation) faced and what his actions, or lack of actions, reveal about the man and the country he founded. After the lecture, a book signing will be held in the Museum Shop.
October 17
Did you know the rise of paranormal programming in Alexandria coincided with the bicentennial in 1976? Learn why some spirit-full legends made the cut and morphed into ghost stories while others faded away.
October 18
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. The walk begins at the Alexandria Visitor’s Center (221 King Street) in Old Town. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
BEDFORD COUNTY
October 10
Archaeology Behind the Scenes Tours
An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thomas Jefferson would surely be fascinated by the more than 400,000 artifacts found on the Poplar Forest grounds since 1986. Join Poplar Forest’s archaeologists for a walking tour focused on the latest archaeological dig sites and discoveries on the plantation, including a rare up-close look at some of the artifacts in the Poplar Forest Archaeology Lab.
October 25
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 dinner with wine pairings catered by Peakland Catering.
BOTETOURT COUNTY
October 10
This year’s program will feature Stephen Wilson, Executive Director of the Historic St. John’s Church Foundation in Richmond, who will present “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! Patrick Henry’s Iconic Speech 250 Years Later.”
October 24 – 25
Haunted History: A Fincastle Ghost Tour
“The Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc., in partnership with Historic Fincastle, Inc., is excited to announce the return of the annual Haunted History Walking Tour in Fincastle for 2025. This popular fall event explores the town’s rich and eerie past, offering both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to experience the darker side of Fincastle’s history.
BRISTOL
October 17 – 18
See Bristol’s history come alive. Hear the stories of how the cities of Bristol TN and VA got started. Learn how our ancestors lived.
CAMPBELL COUNTY
October 4
Step back in time and celebrate Virginia’s 250th! Come watch reenactors portray local Bedford County.
October 10
Step back in time at this immersive, theatrical event! The Campbell County Public Library System invites you to a special tour of the Avoca Museum property, where you’ll encounter compelling voices from America’s Revolutionary era in Central Virginia.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
October 4
4th Annual Quarter Place Tribute
Join us for a fun-filled day at Red Hill exclusively for homeschool families from 10:30am-12:30pm on September 26, 2025.
CHESAPEAKE
October 16
The Elizabeth River: The River Tells a Story Past and Present with Amy Waters Yarsinske
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 region and the lives and livelihoods of its people for millennia.
October 25
Historic Candlelight Ghost Tour
Join our docents as they take you on a stroll along the historic battlefield and share spine-tingling stories of the Battle of Great Bridge and the Great Dismal Swamp.
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY
October 4
“Valley Forge of the South” – Chesterfield 250th Sign Unveiling & Living History
The program will begin with the unveiling of the signs, followed by 18th-century living history demonstrations, and an exhibit on the history of the barracks inside Castlewood. Don’t miss this unique experience, come and be a part of history!
October 17
Symposium Tour: United At What Cost: Petersburg in War and Peace, 1781 and 1865
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.”
CLARKE COUNTY
October 18
Join us as we discuss whiskey’s impact on the lives of these revolutionaries, how it became America’s favorite spirit, and learn just what happened during the Whiskey Rebellion. We will be sampling two of Eight Shires Coloniale Distillery’s recipes, crafted with heritage ingredients using the same methods as our colonial forefathers.
CULPEPER COUNTY
October 17
Test your knowledge of Culpeper, VA History, Colonial Times and The American Revolution at Beer Hound Brewery’s Patriot’s Pursuit of Trivia Night!
October 18
Salubria Oktoberfest and History Faire
This inaugural event launches Culpeper’s 250th History Week as part of the county’s VA250 commemorations.
FAIRFAX COUNTY
October 5
Fall Cider Making at Colvin Run Mill
Experience the taste of fall with a private, hands-on cider-making session for up to eight people at Colvin Run Mill. Learn to use an old-fashioned cider press and make your own fresh cider to take home.
October 10
Fall Wine Festival at Mount Vernon
Taste unlimited samples from Virginia’s finest wineries at Mount Vernon’s Fall Wine Festival.
October 14
Battle Brief – Lafayette’s Well Conducted Retreat: The Battle of Barren Hill, 1778
In the Spring of 1778, Continental Army commander George Washington entrusted the young Marquis de Lafayette with a strong detachment of his forces at Valley Forge to gather information about the British army around Philadelphia. Learn from Museum historian John Maass how the French general conducted his first independent operation and how he narrowly avoided disaster at Barren Hill, along the banks of the Schuylkill River.
October 18, 19
Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon.
October 19
Watch live demos of 1800s-era crafts and trades. Meet modern artisans keeping tradition alive. Basket weaving, broom making, wood carving, spinning, dyeing, cider making and distilling. During your visit, stop at the historic water-powered mill in motion, explore the Miller’s house and buy fresh grains at the general store.
October 25
Sensory-Friendly Family Morning at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon invites neurodivergent individuals and their families to explore the estate for a sensory-friendly morning.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Collect candy around the historic grounds and celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities.
FLOYD COUNTY
October 18
Jascksonville Burial Ground Tour with Gino Williams
Join FCHS President Gino Williams on a tour of the Jacksonville Burial Ground, notable for its historical significance as well as its unparalleled view of the region’s skyline.
FREDERICK COUNTY
October 12
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.
October 19
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.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
October 3
Battle of The Hook: Commemoration Ceremony
Gloucester County will proudly honor the American and French soldiers who fought and died for American independence at the 1781 Battle of the Hook. The ceremony will feature musical performances, speeches, a keynote address from a member of the French military, and a moment of silence. Family friendly and open to the public.
October 12
Tavern Concert: Music of the Revolution
Enjoy an afternoon of 18th and early 19th century compositions inspired by the American Revolution performed in the historic setting of our 1770 tavern ballroom.
October 18
Communion of Hearts: Adrienne el Gilbert – Historical Drama
Following on the heels of General Lafayette’s triumphant Farewell Tour (1824-1825), we find him communing, as he often did, with his dear departed wife, Adrienne. They share with us their thoughts, their reminiscences, and their love.
October 26
Exhibit Dedication and Opening Reception: The History of Gloucester
Join the Gloucester Museum of History for the unveiling and dedication of its newly completed second-floor exhibit.
GOOCHLAND COUNTY
October 4
2nd Annual Run to the Revolution 5K
Don’t miss this opportunity to run on a historical farm once owned by Thomas Jefferson and where British General Cornwallis last camped before heading to his surrender in Yorktown.
HANOVER COUNTY
October 25
The Stuff of Nightmares – A Gothic Literature Experience
Crumbling castles, dark foreboding landscapes, supernatural and mysterious characters, disturbing and horrifying stories!
October 26
First Responder Appreciation Day
To say thank you to our first responders and their families, today we are offering free admission and refreshments to all EMS, Police Officers and Firefighters. Make your reservation and we will see you at Scotchtown!
HENRICO COUNTY
October 18
Did you know The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has connections to the Revolutionary War? Historian Mark Wilcox will compare the book, the 1999 movie version, starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, with the reality of the 1770s. Then grab some popcorn and enjoy the movie.
October 21
Un/Bound: Free Blacks in Virginia & Henrico
Listen to little-known stories highlighting several free Black individuals from Henrico County. While at the center visit the traveling exhibition, Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865, from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture before or after the presentation.
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
October 10
LUNCH & LEARN: Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy!
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 United States Congresses.
October 17
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 might get a little spooky at times.
October 18
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.
JAMES CITY COUNTY
October 21
Stars, Stripes & Strategy: VA250 Briefing
Get ready to celebrate, connect, and strategize with the best in the business. Join Visit Williamsburg and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce for an evening of patriotic networking, strategic insights, and an unforgettable celebration of our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.
October 22
Director’s Series: Michele Norris
Join Christy S. Coleman, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation executive director, as she sits down with Michele Norris, is an award-winning journalist and one of the most recognized voices in radio, serving as host of National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” for a decade.
October 24
Family Frights at Jamestown Settlement
As the sun goes down, Jamestown Settlement’s outdoor areas transform for one special weekend into friendly and frightful settings with trick-or-treating, creepy crafts and games, festive music, face painting, decorated houses and ships.
LOUDOUN COUNTY
October 3
he fair is a celebration of heritage crafts and all things Americana with demonstrating fine heritage and contemporary artisans, a juried art show, historic properties tour special exhibits and presentations on Waterford history.
October 16
Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from Loudoun
Raise a glass with Nicholas Cresswell! Learn about the life, travels, and observations of Cresswell, an English visitor to Loudoun and America as the Revolutionary War broke out.
October 28
A 250-Year History of the United States Army
Retired Army Brigadier General Gerry Galloway presents the Army’s contributions to society, including post-war recovery activities and stories from the 23 million soldiers who served.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
October 11
Step Back in Time With George Washington
Experience a Dramatic Performance of George Washington, featuring a skilled historical interpreter portraying Washington during the pivotal years between the end of the French and Indian War and the dawn of the American Revolution.
POQUOSON
October 25
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 served to identify troops owing allegiance to nine different crowns of Europe as well as the newly established United States.
PORTSMOUTH
October 11
250 Years of U.S. Navy Medicine
This lecture is number three of a four-part speaker series from the Friends of the Naval Shipyard Museum. This lecture will focus on 250 Years of U.S. Navy Medicine.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
October 25
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 colonial games, make crafts and more.
RICHMOND
October 4
The 2025 Conrad M. Hall Symposium for Virginia History
The VMHC’s varied and vibrant program of events will embrace this historic anniversary while highlighting our nation’s unfinished pursuit of a more perfect union.
October 8
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 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.
Lecture: “I do not like to talk about it, or even think about it” – George Washington and Slavery
Join historian Peter Henriques for a fascinating lecture on George Washington and slavery.
October 11
Collections Up Close – Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation
In this series, VMHC staff curate displays featuring some of the museum’s millions of artifacts and manuscripts that are not currently on exhibit. In addition to a themed presentation, guests are led on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s storage areas to examine the museum’s collection up close while interacting with VMHC staff members.
October 13
Please join us at The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond for a special ceremony honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding the U.S. Navy. This event is free and open to the public. U.S. Army active duty, veterans, and family members are invited to Veterans Hall for a reception following the program.
October 15
Based on extensive contemporary accounts and long-ignored scholarship, Midnight on the Potomac brings a fresh perspective to the last, fraught months of the nation’s costliest war.
October 30
Lecture: Poplar Forest – Thomas Jefferson’s Villa Retreat
In 1809, Thomas Jefferson retired from a long public life. Most people have little knowledge of what he did in that well-deserved retirement. Knowing that he could not get his essential quiet time at Monticello, he had begun construction of Poplar Forest in 1805 while still president.
SMYTH COUNTY
October 19
“Meet” Lord Dunmore with Michael Henningsen
On October 19th, Michael Henningsen will portray Lord Dunmore and give a history of the significance of the Abingdon Muster Grounds. Michael is a historical interpreter at the Muster Grounds. This event is free to attend.
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY
October 1
Learn how to hand-sew like they did in the 18th century! Sew a drawstring bag while learning various hand-stitching techniques.
STAFFORD COUNTY
October 11
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.
1775 -2025: 250 Years of Marine Corps History and Heroes
Presented by Wes Barta, Christine Russ, and Task Force ONTOS of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Explore the 250 years of the United States Marine Corps, from the defense of the New Republic and birth of the USMC as a Global Expeditionary Force to the first and second World Wars, to Korea and Vietnam.
October 18
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.
October 19
First Oval Office Project at Stratford Hall
Witness General George Washington’s Revolutionary War encampment come to life at Stratford Hall on Sunday, October 19th from 10 am to 5 pm! This unique, one-day program will offer visitors the chance to learn from costumed historic interpreters and explore handsewn, full-scale reproductions of Washington’s sleeping and office marquee, dining marquee, baggage tent, camp bed, furniture, and more that were part of his mobile headquarters while on campaign.
October 22
Indigenous People and Virginia in the American Revolution
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’s frontiers played in shaping its support for an independent United States. It will also consider how and why Virginia Indians participated in that struggle for independence.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY
October 3
NNK250 Discovery Symposium: “We the People”
This year’s NNK250 Discovery Symposium: “We the People” will take place October 3-4 with a medley of events highlighting new and exciting research findings on Northern Neck topics. Attendees are welcome to join us for any individual event, or get a $25 All-Access Pass for the whole weekend!
October 5
2025 James Monroe Day Ceremony at the Birthplace
Please come to the annual ceremony honoring fifth President and Revolutionary War hero James Monroe. The ceremony is held annually at his restored Birthplace in Westmoreland County, outside of Colonial Beach. Local and state leaders give comments commemorating Monroe, and lineage societies present wreaths in his honor. The Birthplace Visitor Center and restored Birthplace House will be open, and refreshments and light food will be provided afterwards.
WILLIAMSBURG
October 4
Experience the 57th Annual An Occasion For The Arts in Williamsburg – a true arts extravaganza. It is the area’s premier art and music festival. Stroll through an exceptional showcase of juried visual artists representing a wide variety of styles and mediums. Hear your favorite local musicians, check out the Youth Art Show, featuring students from around the area, and view fabulous original art. Something for everyone!
October 24
For 2026: Wartime Transformations
William & Mary, in partnership with the Omohundro Institute for Early American History & Culture and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, will co-host the fourth edition of its signature For 2026 conference, “Wartime Transformations,” at the W&M School of Education.
YORK COUNTY
October 18
Yorktown Remembrance Ceremony for British and Loyalist Soldiers
The public is invited to participate in a ceremony honoring the British and Loyalist soldiers who fought in the Siege at Yorktown.
Celebrate America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown on October 18 &19 with artillery firings, exhibits and interpretive programs examining the significance of the American and French alliance.
October 19
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.
VIRTUAL
October 7
Battle Brief – Lafayette’s Well Conducted Retreat: The Battle of Barren Hill, 1778
In the Spring of 1778, Continental Army commander George Washington entrusted the young Marquis de Lafayette with a strong detachment of his forces at Valley Forge to gather information about the British army around Philadelphia. Learn from Museum historian John Maass how the French general conducted his first independent operation and how he narrowly avoided disaster at Barren Hill, along the banks of the Schuylkill River.
