OCTOBER 2024 EVENTS NEWSLETTER
The Revolutionary Rumble
Virginia is gearing up to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Major General Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour, a historic event that captivated a nation and brought Americans together during a time of political and social division not unlike the present. Click here for an updated list of events celebrating his legacy in Virginia.
Through October 26
Hanover County
The American Revolution Experience
This innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation.
October 4
Albemarle County
Farm to Batteau
Get ready for an open fire, family-style, farm-to-table dinner out on America’s Founding River. This experience showcases the agricultural and historical richness of the Scottsville area, against the backdrop of the golden hour on the James River. Float down river hearing stories of the by-gone days of the James River Batteau. Aboard the most local of boats, guests will learn about the role these watercraft played in the settling of Virginia’s Piedmont and about the brave men that navigated them.
Hanover County
The Shelton Supper
This five-course candlelight supper is served in the historic Hanover Tavern Cage Bar and features exquisite recipes from the personal 1744 cookbook of Eleanor Parks Shelton, wife of Tavern owner John Shelton –the future parents-in-law of Founding Father Patrick Henry.
October 4 – 6
Fairfax County
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Taste unlimited samples from Virginia wineries and enjoy the sunset over the Potomac River after hours at George Washington’s estate.
Loudoun County
Waterford Fair
Shop, play, tour, and make memories during this 80-year-old tradition. The 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 from the Colonial age to now, local libations, and entertainment for all ages.
October 5
Charlotte County
Quarter Place Tribute at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
Join Patrick Henry’s Red Hill and members of the descendant community to honor the life and legacy of Red Hill’s enslaved population and their descendants.
Giles County
Battle of Point Pleasant DAR Remembrance & Wreath Laying
George Pearis Chapter NSDAR will host a wreath laying ceremony to remember local patriots that took part in the historic battle, which took place October 10, 1774.
Pittsylvania County
Tavern Day
This fun, educational, and family-friendly event will feature tours of the tavern, colonial and Revolutionary War era reenactors and living historians, music, food and more.
Montgomery County
250th Anniversary of Dunmore’s War – Southern Division
This encampment will portray a volunteer company of Virginians making up part of the Southern Division of troops led by Colonel Andrew Lewis for Dunmore’s War in late summer 1774 on the spot where they originally encamped. Lewis’s division traveled north (downstream) on the Kanawha River through what is now West Virginia and clashed with Shawnee forces at Point Pleasant in a day-long battle on October 10.
October 5 – 6
Fairfax County
18th-Century Trades: Metal Arts
Explore the craftsmanship of an array of 18th-century trades. Learn about Washington’s famous weathervane, see the intricate work of engraver, and watch blacksmiths at work.
October 6
Fredericksburg
Taste Through Time: Gingerbread
Come to Kenmore and tour the 1775 Great House and see, smell, and taste the famous gingerbread in the historic kitchen where guests can watch a cooking demonstration and learn about the history of Kenmore’s gingerbread. While you enjoy the presentation, partake in a sampling of gingerbread.
Stafford County
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community Day
Participants can tour the Washington House interpreted with American Sign Language. Before or after the tour, participants are encouraged to explore the grounds, garden, and Visitor Center galleries.
October 8
Virtual
Battle Brief – Following the French: Rochambeau’s Army in Virginia
During the last major campaign of the Revolutionary War in 1781, over 8,000 French troops under Lt. Gen. Comte de Rochambeau marched from New York to Virginia to fight in the victorious siege of Yorktown led by George Washington. They marched and sailed over 400 miles alongside their American allies, then returned on foot the next year. Join museum educator John Maass on a tour of these historic sites in Virginia where the French army helped America win its independence.
October 10
Culpeper County
Museum of Culpeper History – History Alfresco
Enjoy dinner catered by Distinguished Engagements of Sperryville, enjoy music from the early 19th century (and learn some dance steps of the time), bid on an assortment of exciting products and experiences in our live silent auction, and learn about the historic people and events that have touched this property since the colonial period.
York County
If This Be Treason…Dressing the Liberty Pole in 1774
Hear ye! Hear ye! Come to the County Committee of Safety meeting, and join us in a debate over the Articles of Association. In 1774, Virginia was divided between those who wished to stay loyal to the King of England and those who wished to rebel against the taxes on tea and other imported goods. Are you FOR or AGAINST the declared boycott?
Perhaps, you wish to remain NEUTRAL? Will you sign the Articles of Association and join the rebels in dressing the Liberty Pole?
October 12
Fairfax County
Family Hearth Cooking
Gunston Hall is excited to welcome child and adult duos for a two-and-a-half hour workshop in a hearth kitchen. This program is perfect for young people ages 8-16 with an adult for the ultimate hands-on experience with history. Each duo will make bread pudding, hot chocolate, and whipped cream from historic recipes.
Staunton
Beverley Manor DAR Chapter Dedication
The Beverley Manor Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in partnership with the Frontier Culture Museum, is celebrating the birth of our nation 250 years ago, with the planting of a black gum tree which is native to Virginia and the leaves turn a beautiful shade of red in the fall.
Virginia Beach
A Ghost Walke at the Upper Wolfsnare House
In 1759 Thomas Walke began construction on property his grandfather was granted in 1612. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see completion of the building. His son, Thomas Walke IV, moved into the house when it was completed in 1761. It is said that the spirit of Thomas Walke III occasionally visits the house he built, but never lived in. He has agreed to visit the house every half hour. Come visit the graveyard where you will see several familiar names. Hear the legend of Grace Sherwood, “The Witch of Pungo.” Learn about old mourning spells customs. Hear first hand ghost stories from former residents of the plantation house.
October 12 – 13
Fairfax County
18th-Century Trades: Building Trades
Explore the craftsmanship of an array of 18th-century trades. Learn about brick making, take a specialty tour that highlights the history of preservation at Mount Vernon, and watch the joiner from Colonial Williamsburg shape pieces of a future building.
King and Queen County
Rappahannock Pow Wow
Featuring Rappahannock tribe dancers, singers, vendors, artisans, and food.
October 13
Botetourt County
Founder’s Day Dinner
Dr. Sarah McCartney from the College of William & Mary, a renowned historian and expert on early American conflicts, will present on Lord Dunmore’s War, the Battle of Point Pleasant, and Botetourt’s role in it all. This pivotal event, sometimes considered the first battle of the American Revolutionary War, played a crucial role in shaping the history of our nation and our region.
Middlesex County
Middlesex County Museum to Host Arthur Lee Historian at Fall Fundraiser
Lansdowne was the home of diplomat Arthur Lee (1740-1792), the youngest son of Thomas Lee of Stratford Hall Lee helped to negotiate and signed the 1778 Treaty of Alliance, which allied France and the United States together during the American Revolutionary War. Stratford Hall’s Dr. Gordon Blaine Steffey will be discussing Lansdowne’s famous owner and resident and will give an interesting insight into his fascinating life.
October 17
Mathews County
Historical Lecture
Distinguished author Phillip Hamilton will present a lecture on life and death and victory in Revolutionary Virginia: George Washington, Henry Knox and the Yorktown campaign discussing the little-known intimate relationship between George and Martha Washington and Henry and Luce Knox
October 18
Gloucester County
Honoring French Soldiers of The Battle of The Hook
A memorial dedication ceremony in honor of the French soldiers who died at the 1781 Battle of the Hook.
October 19
Bedford County
Fall Harvest Dinner
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 multicourse dinner with wine pairings.
Fairfax County
Fall Harvest Festival
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. Watch wheat treading demonstrations in Washington’s innovative 16-sided threshing barn, and visit the Farrier to learn how horseshoeing was performed in the 18th century. See how laundry was done in the 18th-century and help in the process, and watch demonstrations of cooking, candle-making, and spinning.
York County
Yorktown Day
The day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a patriotic parade down Main Street to commemorate the victory at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform during the parade and at a special ceremony at the Victory Monument. In addition, visitors may tour the Nelson House, Yorktown Custom House, York County Historical Museum, Watermen’s Museum, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and the Battlefield roads.
Yorktown Market Days – Yorktown Victory Market
A specially-themed farmers market to celebrate the Victory at Yorktown. Red, white, and blue will be on full display as local artists will be selling patriotic handiwork such as glassware, paintings, and woodwork. Local vendors will be selling American and French favorites such as apples, cookies, meats, oysters, honey, macarons, and more.
October 25 – 26
Williamsburg
For 2026: Virginia’s Revolutionary Histories & Beyond
A conference exploring Virginia’s distinctive role and influence in local and global contexts. It leans into innovative approaches to that past through an increased commitment to education strategies and programs, immersive experiences on site at William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg, along with the traditional focus on leading scholarly work.
October 26
Fairfax County
Adult Hearth Cooking
Come to the hearth kitchen at Gunston Hall for the ultimate slow food experience as you learn to employ 18th-century cooking techniques and recipes to create period dishes. Use your hearth skills to investigate complex recipes while cooking over an open flame, take a tour of the house and meet other food enthusiasts.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Collect candy around the historic grounds and celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities.
Prince William County
Funeral of Colonel Thomas Blackburn
Col. Thomas Blackburn died in1807. Rippon Lodge Historic Site presents a special tour experience commemorating his passing. Guests learn about funerary practices during the late 18th century and early 19th century and witness his funeral service.
Winchester
Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia’s Quakers in Exile, 1777-1778
Author Norman E. “Ned” Donoghue II will tell the story of 20 visitors to Winchester in 1777, twelve of them among the wealthiest transatlantic merchants in Philadelphia, who were sent there by the Continental Congress. Pennsylvania militia brought them against their will in open wagons. They treated them like prisoners who had colluded with the British but there had been no trial and not even a public hearing,
York County
1774 Yorktown Tea Party: Colonial Costume & Dance Workshop
Learn the basic dance steps from the colonial era and discover the elegant clothing of a 1774 dance as we celebrate and prepare for the 250th Anniversary of the Yorktown Tea Party.
October 26 – 27
Fairfax County
18th-Century Trades: Health and Healthcare
Meet with an apothecary and learn how you would have eased your ailments in the 18th century. You’ll also hear from Dr. James Craik on tools used by 18th-century doctors.
October 27
Loudoun County
Outlander: The Revolutionary War & Beyond
This Outlander-inspired tea program includes a full afternoon tea, Outlander trivia, Revolutionary War commentary, a craft, and a raffle with lots of prizes! Celebrate the upcoming Season 7, Part 2 of Outlander AND learn a bit of Rev War history!
October 29
Albemarle County
Pursuits of Knowledge
“Discover the truth that a whole town buried” in Kalela Williams’ young adult fiction offering on Black history and heritage, Monticello’s first in a series of dynamic conversations with leading thinkers exploring Jefferson’s world, ideas, and legacy. Working in disciplines and genres ranging from biography to political history to young adult fiction, this fall’s speakers discuss their work and approaches to engaging the past in the present.
Save the Date!
On November 1, join us in Colonial Williamsburg to commemorate the reconstruction and opening of the historic Williamsburg Bray School – the oldest extant building dedicated to the education of Black children in the United States. Special keynote address by Sec. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian and founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.