FEBRUARY 2025 EVENTS NEWSLETTER
The Revolutionary Rumble
Your monthly guide to events commemorating Virginia’s key role in the founding of our nation as we approach America’s 250th birthday.
ALL MONTH
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Black History Month
Join us for Black History Month as we shine an even brighter light on our year-round African American programming. Discover these American stories of resilience and explore the lives of those that lived, loved, and strove to create a better future.
Colonial Williamsburg: Black History Month at Campbell’s Tavern
Celebrate Black History Month with a thoughtfully curated dinner menu at Christiana Campbellâs Tavern. Inspired by African American influences on Colonial cuisine and culture, this special offering honors tradition and history through expertly crafted dishes.
Colonial Williamsburg: Judith and Daniel
Judith and Daniel, an enslaved couple, anxiously await their reunion after a year apart. Learn the tragic story of their separation and why this happy reunion of husband and wife may not be permanent.
James City County
Connecting the past and present through vivid intersections of contemporary art and 17th-century history, the Black Artist Showcase at Jamestown Settlement will display visual works from Virginia artists showcasing the significance of Black History Month.
James City County & York County
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown present gallery exhibits, rare artifacts and films that recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America, from the first-known Africans in Virginia in 1619 to the role of African Americans in the Revolutionary War.
FEBRUARY 1
Alexandria
An Intimate Evening with George Washington
Join General Washington at the beautiful and historic Duvall House, where he was feted by leading Alexandrians upon his triumphant return from the Revolutionary War in 1783. The General will share his most poignant memories of the war and answer questions about his life and times. Libations and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Charles City County
Battle of Charles City Courthouse
A commemorative event honoring the historical significance of Charles City County in the American Revolution as part of the Virginia 250 Celebration. Join us for a meaningful and engaging program that reflects on our shared history and its impact on the region. Featuring a portrayal of Benedict Arnold and a musical performance by the Charles City Elementary School Chorus.
Henrico County
History Bingo: Henrico Black History Month Edition
Learn more about Henrico’s African American History in this game of bingo. Come for the fun and prizes, and leave with knowledge of how Black Henricoans contributed to our past, shape our present, and will impact our future.
FEBRUARY 2
Alexandria
George Washington’s Alexandria Tour
Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This popular two-hour guided walking tour will visit sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues including Christ Church, Light Horse Harry Lee’s house, the Lord Fairfax home, Washington’s townhouse, Gadsby’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Wise’s Tavern, the Carlyle House, Market Square, Ramsay House, the Apothecary Shop, and Gentry Row.
Isle of Wight County
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.
FEBRUARY 2-16
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: All Things Are Possible
Meet with Robert Carter III, who in 1791 owned more enslaved people than any other Virginian. His inner struggles and new-found faith will lead him to an extraordinary decision, followed by an equally remarkable action. Knowing what is right and then doing it was just as difficult in the 18th century as it is today, but not for those who truly believe that “all things are possible.”
FEBRUARY 3
Virginia Beach
VB250 Speaker Series: An Evening With Author Andrew Lawler
Try to imagine what it was like in Virginia Beach (then Princess Anne County) 250 years ago. Residents had to decide if their loyalties were to King George and England or to their Virginia home. Virginiaâs Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, brought British troops and a regiment of formerly enslaved recruits here to suppress rebellion and bully locals into oaths of loyalty. When the local militia stood up to Dunmore at Kemps Landing (Kempsville) in November 1775, they were overmatched and the first Patriots to die in battle in revolutionary Virginia happened there. Dunmore issued a proclamation at Kemps Landing offering freedom to enslaved persons that would fight for King George, creating a different dimension to what revolution, independence, and freedom might mean for Virginians. Author Andrew Lawler is presenting his account of these events and more. Lawlerâs new book, “A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis that Spurred the American Revolution,” recounts the events of 250 years ago and the Revolutionary War unfolding in southeastern Virginia.
FEBRUARY 3 – 17
Williamsburg
Nation Builders Discuss Slavery
Join two Nation Builders to discuss how they viewed the complicated tragedy that was the institution of slavery. Speak with the Nation Builders, and the historians who portray them, to give context to the ins and outs of their 18th-century world.
FEBRUARY 4 & 11
Virtual & Fort Belvoir
Battle Brief – George Washington and the 1758 Forbes Campaign
During the French and Indian War, Virginiaâs young Col. George Washington served in three military campaigns to defeat French and Indian forces at the Forks of the Ohio (todayâs Pittsburgh). The first two expeditionsâin 1754 and 1755âwere unmitigated disasters for Virginia and British forces. In 1758, however, Washington led colonial troops in a successful Anglo-American campaign led by British General John Forbes to capture and destroy the French stronghold at the Forks called Fort Duquesne. Hear from John Maass, historian and museum educator, how the third try to oust the French from the Ohio River Valley was difficult but ultimately victorious.
FEBUARY 4-25
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Black Artists and Artisans Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit âI made thisâ: Works by Black Artists and Artisans.
FEBRUARY 5 – 26
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Measure of a Manâs Worth
It is June, 1776. For the last 11 months, the Rebels have occupied the Governor’s Palace, safeguarding its treasures while the war raged throughout North America. Benjamin, an enslaved man belonging to Mr. Wythe, is sent to deliver a special meal to the Palace Commander. Upon arrival, he runs into Major James Innes, a man he has known since childhood. The Major reveals that the Fifth Virginia Convention has voted to declare independence. What does this transformation mean for Benjamin, the enslaved people of Virginia, and most notably his friends, the 57 enslaved men and women who still live in the Palace?
FEBRUARY 6
Richmond
As the American Revolution broke out in New England in the spring of 1775 dramatic events unfolded in Virginia that proved every bit as decisive as the battles of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill in uniting the colonies against Britain. Virginia, the largest, wealthiest, and most populous province in British North America was led by Lord Dunmore. But the Scottish earl lacked troops, so when patriots imperiled the capital of Williamsburg, he threatened to free and arm enslaved Africans to fight for the Crown. Virginiaâs tobacco elite was reluctant to go to war with Britain but was outraged at this threat to their human property. Dunmore fled the capital to build a stronghold in the port of Norfolk. As enslaved people flocked to his camp, skirmishes broke out. With a patriot army marching on Norfolk, the royal governor freed those enslaved and sent them into battle against their former owners. In retribution, furious rebels burned Norfolk to the ground on January 1, 1776. The portâs destruction and Dunmoreâs emancipation prompted Virginiaâs patriot leaders to urge the Continental Congress to split from Britain, breaking the deadlock among the colonies and leading to adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Chronicling these stunning and widely overlooked events in full for the first time, A Perfect Frenzy offers a striking new perspective on the American Revolution that reorients our understanding of its causes, highlights the radically different motivations between patriots in the North and South, and reveals the seeds of todayâs racial divide.
FEBRUARY 6 – 27
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Quilting DIY Craft
Discover the story of Emma Russell, quilter, and enjoy a mini-quilting project.
FEBRUARY 8
Chesapeake
Enjoy an evening at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum and experience the music and dance of an 18th century social.
Hanover County
Winds of War Approach: Patrick Henryâs Militia at Hanover Tavern
Following the 1st Continental Congress, the localities across all Colonies issues âResolvesâ to state their demands of the Crown, and the local Militias stepped up their readiness for potential conflict with England. Join the Virginia Line as we portray the Company of Hanover County Militia, led by local legend Captain Patrick Henry. This muster and drill even will take place at the Historic Hanover Tavern, and demonstrate the tactics, drill, and discipline of the local residents as they answer the call to the approaching âWinds of War.â
Loudoun County
Trafficked to Louisiana: The Untold Story of the People Enslaved at Oak Hill
In 1838, 40 men, women and children were sold from President Monroeâs Oak Hill plantation in Loudoun County. They were trafficked south, along the coast, and up the Mississippi River to Iberville Parish to work on a sugar plantation called Alhambra. Emily Stanfillâs research led her across multiple states and through thousands of documents as she learned the fate of Oak Hillâs enslaved community. Join us on February 8th as Emily shares her research story and what she has uncovered about the Bakers, Gantts, Harrises, Berrymans, and others.
Virginia Beach
Willis Augustus Hodges Historic Marker Unveiling Ceremony
A public historical marker unveiling ceremony for Willis Augustus Hodges (1815-1890) will include a keynote address by Cassandra Newby-Alexander, professor of Virginia Black history and culture at Norfolk State University. Hodges was born in Princess Anne County to Charles and Julia Hodges, free people of color. He moved between New York and Virginia before the Civil War and became an outspoken abolitionist, cofounding the weekly antislavery newspaper the Ramâs Horn in Brooklyn in 1847. In Princess Anne after the war, he opened a school and was a Republican Party leader. The first Black man to win an election in the county, he served in the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1867-68, where he was among the most prominent of its 24 Black members and advocated racial equality. Hodges served two terms on the county Board of Supervisors and was a keeper of the Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Virtual
This free online series illuminates what kinds of food were eaten by different people in colonial Virginia. Each session you will discover how to prepare a new simple recipe. Every 45-minute class spotlights a dish eaten by one of the following groups: the Mason family, people enslaved at Gunston Hall, and the white laborers, shopkeepers, and tenant farmers of Virginia. Participants will learn how social class and wealth affected what food people had access to.
FEBRUARY 9
Alexandria
George Washington’s Alexandria Tour
Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This popular two-hour guided walking tour will visit sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues including Christ Church, Light Horse Harry Lee’s house, the Lord Fairfax home, Washington’s townhouse, Gadsby’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Wise’s Tavern, the Carlyle House, Market Square, Ramsay House, the Apothecary Shop, and Gentry Row.
Henrico County
Quasi-Freedom: Henrico’s Register of Free Blacks
In the first three decades after the Revolutionary War, Virginia ranked first with the largest free Black population. To monitor this population, Virginia law required each free Black person to register in their locality. Much of Henrico’s register survives and reveals the little known history of this group of people. Join us as we explore these surviving documents and discover more about the free individuals living in an enslaved society.
Northampton County
An Afternoon with the Marquis de Lafayette
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation presents renowned history maker and nation builder The Marquis de Lafayette as portrayed by Mark Schneider in Cape Charles’s Historic Palace Theatre
FEBRUARY 11
Alexandria
Unearthing History: Mount Vernon’s Cherry Discoveries
Find out more about the amazing treasure trove of 250-year-old bottles and perfectly preserved cherries and berries that Mount Vernon archaeologists unearthed from under the Mansion in 2024! The Mount Vernon archeology team will talk about how this extraordinary discovery provides a powerful glimpse into 18th century culture.
Virtual
Battle Brief: George Washington and the 1758 Forbes Campaign
During the French and Indian War, Virginia’s young Col. George Washington served in three military campaigns to defeat French and Indian forces at the Forks of the Ohio (today’s Pittsburgh). The first two expeditionsâin 1754 and 1755âwere unmitigated disasters for Virginia and British forces. In 1758, however, Washington led colonial troops in a successful Anglo-American campaign commanded by British General John Forbes to capture and destroy the French stronghold at the Forks called Fort Duquesne. Hear from John Maass, historian and National Museum of the United States Army educator, on how the third try to oust the French from the Ohio River Valley was difficult, but ultimately victorious.
FEBRUARY 13
Halifax County
The British Perspective of the Crossing of the Dan
Most scholars of the American Revolutionary War believe the war for independence was won in the South. However, one of the most neglected episodes of the war was The Crossing of the Dan, just west of South Boston in Halifax County, Virginia. In the past few decades, historians have begun to recognize this as a critical moment in the war, so much so that the events have been labeled a turning point in the American Revolution. What happened during the crossing of the Dan, and why is it considered to be so important?Museum Curator, Matt Abbott will present a program on the British perspective.
FEBUARY 14
Halifax County
Searching for Spaces and Places 1781: Gen. Greene Outmaneuvers Gen. Cornwallis
A Revolutionary War encampment will be set up and will give the community the opportunity to see how our ancestors lived in 1781. Aside from the camp, there will be people dressed in period uniforms that are able to answer your questions. LeRae Umfleet from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will present an update on the current status of Greeneâs Race to the Dan National Parks Service Grant Corridor Study.
FEBRUARY 15
Alexandria
George Washington Birthday Parade
Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade in the country! This year’s parade theme is George Washington: America’s Commander-in-Chief, marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War and founding of the United States Army.
Bedford County
An Introduction to Woodworking with Poplar Forest’s Restoration Department
Thomas Jeffersonâs Poplar Forest has been meticulously restored back to its Jefferson-era appearance after 40 years of dedicated work by the Poplar Forest Restoration Department. Using tools available to Jeffersonâs free and enslaved workman, our skilled craftsmen have restored all the elements of the house so what you see today, is what Jefferson would have seen once the house was completed. And now you can learn all about the process of historic woodworking directly from the craftsmen themselves. Join Austin Englund, Restoration Supervisor for this course in all things woodworking. Tour the Poplar Forest workshop, learn about the tools we used to restore the house, and prepare yourself for your own woodworking projects.
Halifax County
Crossing of the Dan 244th Commemoration
Following an American victory at the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina in January 1781, General Nathanael Greeneâs southern army outran British forces under Lord Cornwallis as both armies raced northward across the Carolinas. In what became known as the Race to the Dan, a few weeks later, on February 14, 1781, became âThe Crossingâ when Greeneâs army crossed the Dan River to safety near South Boston.
Virginia Beach
Commemoration of the Skirmish at Jamesâs Plantation
The Great Bridge and Norfolk Chapters SAR and Princess Anne County Chapter DAR invite you to join us for the first commemoration of the Skirmish at Jamesâs Plantation which took place on February 15th, 1781, between a Hessian force under Captain Johann Ewald and the Princess Anne County Militia commanded by Captain Amos Weeks.
Westmoreland County
Commemorating the Lives: African & African American Culture at Stratford Hall
Learn more about the history and cultures of the enslaved Africans and African Americans who lived and labored at Stratford Hall.
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Presidentsâ Weekend
Take advantage of the long weekend to visit the place where it all began. Before they were presidents, Virginians George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were shaped by their experiences in Williamsburg. Meet them and discover the roles that each played in Virginiaâs colonial capital and how that prepared them to be Commanders in Chief.
FEBRUARY 15 – 16
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: An Evening with the Presidents
Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison this Presidents’ Day weekend for a special evening event. The Presidents will explore how their administrations navigated party, faction, and the vast differences that challenged America during their times. Recognizing that throughout our history, the United States has been a nation divided politically with different opinions and points of viewâin our infancy as it is today.
FEBRUARY 15 – 17
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Visit a Nation Builder
Step into the past with a Nation Builder. Through stories, discussion, and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges they faced in Williamsburg and beyond.
Colonial Williamsburg: Firing of the Noon Gun
In the life of Continental soldiers, the noon gun signaled a cessation of morning drills and work parties and a start to preparing the midday meal.
Colonial Williamsburg: Musket Demonstration
The musket was the best tool for warfare in the 18th and early-19th centuries. A member of Colonial Williamsburgâs Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket using a loading procedure from an 18th-century military manual that was common for the period. Experience the sounds and smells a soldier experienced during the Revolution.
FEBRUARY 15 – 28
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Black History Month at King’s Arms Tavern
Celebrate Black History Month with a specially curated lunch menu at Kingâs Arms Tavern. Featuring dishes inspired by African American influences on Colonial cuisine and culture, this menu honors tradition through thoughtfully crafted flavors.
FEBRUARY 16
Alexandria
Whatâs in a Name: The Syphax Family Legacy
Join genealogist and family historian, Stephen Hammond, for a presentation titled “What’s in a Name: the Syphax Family Legacy” that will summarize his Syphax family history, old and new. Steve speaks to a variety of audiences to inspire and educate while helping to heal and repair a Nation still impacted by the repercussions of the Civil War 160 years ago. Come away inspired by ways you can support African-American history both locally and nationally.
Richmond
In Honor of Presidents Day Reenactment
Witness Patrick Henry convince his fellow delegates to take up arms against the King!
Virtual
Humans in Shackles: An Atlantic History of Slavery
Join Stratford Hall for a virtual lecture with Dr. Ana Lucia Araujo. She is Professor of History at the historically Black Howard University in Washington DC. She specializes in the history and memory of slavery and the Atlantic slave trade and is interested in the visual and material culture of slavery.
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Presidential Brunch
Join us in the Terrace Room of the Williamsburg Inn for a sophisticated brunch inspired by the favorite dishes of our Founding Fathers. Indulge in a culinary journey that pays homage to history while delivering a modern twist on classic flavors.
FEBRUARY 16 – 17
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Salute to the Presidents
Join us to celebrate the presidency with the Fifes & Drums of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia State Garrison Regiment, and Nation Builders George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. This commemoration will recognize those citizens who have served in the office of the President of the United States over the centuries and the states of their birth.
FEBRUARY 17
Fairfax County
Free Admission to Mount Vernon for George Washingtonâs Birthday
Guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the first floor of the Mansion while preservation work is ongoing. Experience the architecture of the Mansion as never before and hear from preservation and interpretive staff as you walk through rooms normally closed to the public. This event also includes a tribute at George Washington’s tomb and a military demonstration on the Bowling Green.
Stafford County
George Washington’s Birthday Celebration
Celebrate George Washingtonâs 293rd birthday at his boyhood home with fun activities for the whole family! âGeorge Washingtonâ will be on hand to celebrate his birthday. Kids (and adults!) can play colonial games on the lawn. Along the riverfront throughout the day, everyone can try their hand at the annual stone-throwing contest, to reenact Georgeâs fabled stone throw. Guests can explore several educational stations throughout the Ferry Farm property. Engage with Archaeologists, reenactors, and other experts while learning about Ferry Farm, the Washington Family, and the enslaved people who lived there.
FEBRUARY 18
Henrico County
Hands-on History: Happy Birthday George Washington
Join us for family-friendly crafts, activity stations, and trivia. Enjoy some birthday cake while learning more about the life and times of our fellow Virginian, Revolutionary War leader, and first president.
FEBRUARY 19
Prince William County
Take a Sip of History: Presidents in Northern Virginia
Join the staff of Prince William Historic Preservation at Tin Cannon Brewing Company for a celebration of United States Presidential history in Northern Virginia. This region has long been home to presidents, presidential landmarks, and significant moments in American history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to learn from our panel of historians while enjoying craft beer, this event offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and local flavor.
FEBRUARY 20
Virtual
Book Talk – “Till the Extinction of This Rebellion,” by Eric Sterner
Author Eric Sterner continues his research and writing into the often-overlooked Western theater of the Revolutionary War. His latest book focuses on the frontier campaigns of Virginiaâs George Rogers Clark of 1778â79, in what was known as the Illinois Country, and their effect on the War of American Independence.
FEBRUARY 21
Fairfax County
Cocktails by Candlelight: Game Night
Weâre ready to help you learn how to play 18th-century games. Many people in the 18th century played a variety of card, dice, and board games. Letters, journals, and even existing game pieces can tell us a lot about the games they played in George Mason’s lifetime. A number of them are predecessors to games we still play today. Learn how to play games like the Game of the Goose and Whist over a glass of wine or an 18th-century treat during this exciting night out at Gunston Hall. Game masters will be on hand to offer game recommendations, teach you how to play, and help you have a great time.
FEBRUARY 21 – 22
Fairfax County
VA250 Mobile Museum Experience Visits Mount Vernon
A hands-on, interactive, and immersive âmuseum on wheels,â the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled âOut of Many, Oneâ is housed in a quad-expandable tractor trailer that is traveling throughout Virginia and beyond. The mobile museum brings key stories of Virginiaâs rich history to schools, museums, local events, fairs, and more, highlighting every region of the state. Stop by and learn why Virginia’s History is America’s Story!
FEBRUARY 22
Alexandria
Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria-The Berg & Parker-Gray
In honor of Black History Month, Lee-Fendall House and Carlyle Historic Park bring a new “Lost Buildings” walking tour, focused in the Berg and Parker-Gray neighborhoods. The City of Alexandria has seen older buildings and spaces being restored, preserved, and reused in different ways. However, there were many buildings that were not preserved and have been lost to time. Explore the Berg and Parker-Gray neighborhoods of Alexandria and stop at locations where historic buildings once stood.
Bedford County
Discover Your Roots: A Beginnerâs Guide to Genealogy
Join Thomas Jeffersonâs Poplar Forestâs African American Advisory Group for this special talk and workshop uncovering how you can get started with your genealogy and how you can use family treasures to learn about your family history.
Fairfax County
George Washington’s Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the first floor of the Mansion while preservation work is underway. Experience the architecture of the Mansion as never before and hear from preservation and interpretive staff as you walk through rooms normally closed to the public. Observe a moving ceremony in which people from across the world become U.S. citizens and hear a concert by the United States Air Force Strings.
Isle of Wight County
Join us for a presentation about the life and times of the United Statesâ first president. Afterwards, we will walk to his statue on Main Street and to the Smithfield Inn for a discussion of his surveying days in colonial Virginia.
James City County
Tour one of the first Free Black Settlements in the United States right here in Freedom Park. Come hear historical facts, information about the land and tour the settlementâs dwellings that are historically accurate of the early 1800s.
After Angelo, named for one of the first African women in Jamestownâs historical record, returns for its seventh year celebrating African American culture and heritage through art, performance and community conversation.
FEBRUARY 22 – MARCH 2
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburgâs Spring Homeschool Days
During these special times, homeschoolers and their families can discover history brought to life at a special discounted rate. Join us to visit the historic sites where Revolutionary ideas were shaped, meet the tradespeople whose craftsmanship supported the War for Independence, and so much more. Use our virtual tours, educational videos, activity sheets, and behind-the-scenes blogs to supplement your visit.
FEBRUARY 23
Lancaster County
Material Culture and the Making of America
Over the course of the eighteenth century, Anglo-Americans purchased an unprecedented number and array of goods. This presentation investigates diverse artifacts from portraits to gravestones, dressing furniture, and prosthetic devices to explore how elite American consumers assembled objects to form a new civil society on the margins of the British Empire. Artifacts emerge as key players in the formation of Anglo-American communities and eventually of American citizenship. Deftly interweaving analysis of images with furniture, architecture, clothing, and literary works, Dr. Jennifer Van Horn reconstructs the networks of goods that bound together consumers in early America. Moving beyond emulation and the desire for social status as the primary motivators for consumption, Van Horn shows that Anglo-Americansâ material choices were intimately bound up with their efforts to distance themselves from Native Americans and African Americans.
FEBRUARY 25
Suffolk
The City of Suffolk will welcome General Lafayette at the Suffolk Visitor Center, the former site of the Nansemond County Courthouse where he arrived in 1825. Lafayette will travel down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage along the same route into town that he traveled 200 years ago. The Southside Community Band will entertain with music that Lafayette knew and loved. The mayor will formally welcome Lafayette and read the proclamation of Lafayette Days in Suffolk and Somerton.
Lafayette Bicentennial Banquet
Enjoy a festive evening at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront as we commemorate the return of General Lafayette to Suffolk. This event will echo the banquet at which Lafayette was entertained on February 25, 1825. Lafayette, portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg’s Mark Schneider, will be the guest of honor. He will be formally welcomed during the opening reception, where the Mayor of Suffolk’s Proclamation of Lafayette Days will be read. We will begin the dinner with the same thirteen toasts given 200 years ago! Music of the Regiment will perform with the instruments and repertoire that Lafayette himself knew.
FEBRUARY 27
Henrico County
Historically Speaking: Black Revolutionary Soldiers
In this featured Black History Month event, historian John Pagano of Henricus Historical Park focuses on the role played by Black Virginians who camped, marched, and fought side by side with their neighbors in pursuit of liberty and independence from English rule.
FEBRUARY 28
Henrico County
Pearl Meets a Spy Called James
In this puppet show and story time, Pearl learns about James Lafayette, an enslaved spy during the American Revolution. Discover the pivotal role James played in ending and the Americans winning the war.
Looking Ahead
Patrick Henryâs Speech: 250th Anniversary
On March 23, 1775, at the Second Virginia Convention that took place in St. Johnâs Church in Richmond, Patrick Henry gave a rousing speech to the Virginia delegation that is credited with convincing the convention to pass a resolution delivering Virginia troops for the Revolutionary War. 250 years later, St. Johnâs Church is putting together a series of reenactments in the very same spot where this pivotal moment in American
