Past VA250 Events

 

Rev War Revelry: Old South Meetinghouse and the Boston Tea PartyRev War Revelry: Old South Meetinghouse and the Boston Tea Party
October 01, 2023 - October 01, 2023
Virtual

Join us as we welcome Revolutionary Spaces to discuss their plans for the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, including their new exhibit on the destruction of property in public protests. We will also discuss the important role the Old South ... Read More

The Boston Tea Party and the Making of America with Dr. Benjamin CarpThe Boston Tea Party and the Making of America with Dr. Benjamin Carp
September 17, 2023 - September 17, 2023
Virtual

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, we are excited to have Dr. Benjamin Carp author of the book "Defiance of the Patriots: The Boston Tea Party and the Making of America." Dr. Carp's book is one of the preeminent works on th... Read More

Founding Martyr Joseph WarrenFounding Martyr Joseph Warren
September 03, 2023 - September 03, 2023
Virtual

Dr. Joseph Warren is considered by many "the lost hero of the American Revolution." Warren was the brainchild of the revolution movement in Boston. Warren was involved in almost every major insurrectionary act in the Boston area for a decade, from th... Read More

All That Can Be Expected The Battle of Camden & the British High Tide in the South, August 16, 1780All That Can Be Expected The Battle of Camden & the British High Tide in the South, August 16, 1780
August 06, 2023 - August 06, 2023
Virtual

Join ERW historians and authors Rob Orrison and Mark Wilcox as they discuss one of the worst defeats in American history, the Battle of Camden. How did the hero of Saratoga end up the scapegoat in the south? Learn how a coincidence led to a great Bri... Read More

I CanI Can't Tell A Lie: A New Look at Parson Weems with Author and Historian James Bish
July 09, 2023 - July 09, 2023
Virtual

George Washington’s lifetime family associations, primarily his Ball family relations, were used by Washington's first biographer Parson Weems. James Bish's new book "I Can't Tell A Lie" looks into the Washington and Ball family associations, along... Read More

2nd Annual Independence Day Parade2nd Annual Independence Day Parade
July 04, 2023 - July 04, 2023
Craig County

Enjoy small town America in New Castle, Virginia when we celebrate the 247th anniversary of our nation’s Independence. The parade leaves Craig County Fairgrounds promptly at 10 AM and will close with prizes and recognitions at the Courthouse on Ma... Read More

Independence FireworksIndependence Fireworks
June 30, 2023 - July 01, 2023
Fairfax County

Watch a dazzling fireworks show at George Washington's estate! On June 30 and July 1, relax on the east lawn and watch fireworks soar over the Potomac River. Greet General Washington, enjoy live musical performances, and attend an evening wreath layi... Read More

Rev War Revelry: The Boston Tea Party Ships and MuseumRev War Revelry: The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
June 25, 2023 - June 25, 2023
Virtual

This December will see the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. To many historians, this event is the seminal event that leads to the American Revolution. Join us as we talk with staff of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum on the history of ... Read More

Women Waging War in the American Revolution: Annual Martha Washington LectureWomen Waging War in the American Revolution: Annual Martha Washington Lecture
June 13, 2023 - June 13, 2023
Fairfax County

Learn about women's diverse struggles for security and independence in the midst of the American Revolution during the Annual Martha Washington Lecture. Holly A. Mayer and Lorri Glover, contributors to the new book, Women Waging War in the America... Read More

"Our Flag Was Still There" Author Interview Tom McMillan"Our Flag Was Still There" Author Interview Tom McMillan
June 11, 2023 - June 11, 2023
Virtual

"Our Flag Was Still There details the improbable two-hundred-year journey of the original Star-Spangled Banner—from Fort McHenry in 1814, when Francis Scott Key first saw it, to the Smithsonian in 2023—and the enduring family who defended, kept, ... Read More

"From a Plan Drawn on the Spot": William Faden and the Battle of Brandywine"From a Plan Drawn on the Spot": William Faden and the Battle of Brandywine
June 08, 2023 - June 08, 2023
York County

Join the Williamsburg-Yorktown American Revolutionary Round Table, at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (200 Water St, Yorktown, VA), for its third in the 2023 speakers’ series. Andrew Outten will tell us about British cartographer Willi... Read More

George Washington Whiskey TastingGeorge Washington Whiskey Tasting
June 03, 2023 - June 03, 2023
Fairfax County

This event runs every Saturday from May 6th to September 30th, 2023. At this outdoor event, sample George Washington's whiskey and other distilled spirits made at Washington's Distillery. Sample 3 distilled spirits, made using 18th-century dist... Read More

Battle of Waxhaws: A Massacre?Battle of Waxhaws: A Massacre?
May 28, 2023 - May 28, 2023
Virtual

by Emerging Revolutionary War The Battle of Waxhaws, fought on May 29, 1780, was a lopsided British victory by Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton's British cavalry over American Colonel Abraham Buford's Continental forces in Waxhaws South Caroli... Read More

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset TourSpring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 19, 2023 - May 21, 2023
Fairfax County

Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia's finest wineries at Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival. Relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River as you experience George Washington’s estate after hours. Bottles of wine will be availa... Read More

Revolutionary War WeekendRevolutionary War Weekend
May 06, 2023 - May 07, 2023
Fairfax County

For one weekend only, Mount Vernon's serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals and Redcoats conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations, and engage in 18th-century tacticals. Meet the soldiers who are encamped... Read More

MotherMother's Day Tea
May 06, 2023 - May 06, 2023
City of Fredericksburg

Guests will learn about the ladies of the Lewis and Washington families and how tea practices and politics influenced their daily lives in 18th Century Virginia. Sip one of Kenmore’s signature teas from a teacup that you decorate yourself. Also p... Read More

Dog Days at Ferry FarmDog Days at Ferry Farm
April 22, 2023 - April 22, 2023
City of Fredericksburg

George sure loved his hounds, and so do we! Bring your furry friend to Ferry Farm for a day of fun. Explore the nature trails that lead around the fields and along the Rappahannock River with a discount on Ferry Farm’s grounds for the day, 10am-5pm... Read More

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community DayDeaf and Hard of Hearing Community Day
April 16, 2023 - April 16, 2023
City of Fredericksburg

Participants can tour Historic Kenmore interpreted by Abbie Castillo (using American Sign Language). Before or after the tour, visitors are encouraged to explore the grounds, garden, and Visitor Center galleries. Tour times are 1:00 p.m. and 2:00... Read More

Traitor in the Tidewater: Benedict Arnold’s Virginia Raid, 1781Traitor in the Tidewater: Benedict Arnold’s Virginia Raid, 1781
April 11, 2023 - April 11, 2023
Fairfax County

In early January 1781, the Revolutionary War struck Virginia with violence and destruction. British forces on land and water raided Patriot farms, military depots, foundries, and the state’s new capital, Richmond. The enemy force was led by none ot... Read More

Block PartyBlock Party
April 08, 2023 - April 08, 2023
City of Fredericksburg

Celebrate the preservation of Historic Kenmore! Guests will be invited to several educational stations throughout Historic Kenmore’s landscape. Kids under age 12 can enjoy an “egg scavenger hunt” during the event in honor of egg hunts held o... Read More

Of Skulls and Skeletons: Battlefield Clean-UpOf Skulls and Skeletons: Battlefield Clean-Up
April 06, 2023 - April 06, 2023
York County

Join the Williamsburg-Yorktown American Revolutionary Round Table, at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (200 Water St, Yorktown, VA), for its second in the 2023 speakers’ series. Dr. Robert A. Selig, author and lecturer, will present Of Sk... Read More

WomenWomen's History Month Tours
March 25, 2023 - March 26, 2023
City of Fredericksburg

In honor of Women’s History Month, join us for an hour-long focus tour that explores the lives of the women who called Ferry Farm and Kenmore home. Learn what life was like for different women in the 18th century as we delve into the worlds of Mary... Read More

George WashingtonGeorge Washington's Birthday Celebration
February 20, 2023 - February 20, 2023
City of Fredericksburg

Celebrate George Washington’s 291st birthday at his boyhood home with fun activities for the whole family! Meet “George Washington,” participate in our annual stone throwing contest, and eat birthday cupcakes – while supplies last. Guests ... Read More

Dismal FreedomDismal Freedom
February 16, 2023
City of Richmond

Join Brent Morris for a lecture examining the lives of the maroons living in the Great Dismal Swamp and their struggles for liberation. The massive and foreboding Great Dismal Swamp sprawls more than 2,000 square miles and spills over parts of Vir... Read More

Champagne and ChocolatesChampagne and Chocolates
February 11, 2023
Fairfax County

The Gunston Hall Docents’ Association invites you to join us them the seventh annual Champagne and Chocolates fundraiser at Gunston Hall. All proceeds will be used to fund research and educational programming at reconstructed enslaved dwellings in... Read More

Talking History - Meet John RollisonTalking History - Meet John Rollison
February 04, 2023
York County

Head to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown as actor James Cameron portrays 18th century York County, Virginia resident John Rollison, a property owning free man of color, and shares his experiences during the American Revolution. Cameron will... Read More

The Siege of Yorktown through French eyesThe Siege of Yorktown through French eyes
February 02, 2023
York County

Join the Williamsburg-Yorktown American Revolutionary Round Table, at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (200 Water St, Yorktown, VA), for its first in the 2023 speakers’ series. Dr. Iris de Rode, author and lecturer, will provide new insig... Read More

The Hero from Hopewell: The Rev. Curtis W. Harris and the Civil Rights MovementThe Hero from Hopewell: The Rev. Curtis W. Harris and the Civil Rights Movement
February 02, 2023
City of Richmond

Just three months before Curtis Harris was born, the Virginia State Legislature passed the Racial Integrity Act, which banned interracial marriage down to “a single drop” of African blood. Harris was the sixth child of an impoverished sharecroppe... Read More

ArnoldArnold's Raid on Richmond
January 05, 2023 - January 08, 2023
City of Richmond

Jan 5 7 pm Author Mike Cecere "Benedict Arnold's Raid on Richmond" Libby Mill Library, 2100 Libby Lake East Street, Henrico, VA 23230 Jan 7 9 am -4 pm Re-enactor demonstrations at Chimborazo Park, 3215 East Broad St, Richmond VA 23223 1 pm... Read More

Christmas Illuminations at Mount VernonChristmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
December 16, 2022 - December 17, 2022
Fairfax County

Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River. Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with Mansion Tours, Wintry Lights, the Winter Market, the Winter Encampment and finishing wi... Read More

Virginia House Open HouseVirginia House Open House
December 11, 2022 - December 11, 2022
City of Richmond

Kick off the season with a free afternoon of festive fun and see Virginia House decorated for the holidays! Owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society, Virginia House is located at 4301 Sulgrave Road in Richmond’s Windsor Farms neighb... Read More

Santa Comes To Rippon LodgeSanta Comes To Rippon Lodge
December 10, 2022 - December 10, 2022
Prince William County

You better watch out! You better not cry! Santa Claus is visiting Rippon Lodge for one afternoon only! Be on your best behavior and keep your name on the “Nice” list. Parents will be given special “Things Santa Should Know” cards upon arrival... Read More

Holiday Evening ToursHoliday Evening Tours
December 09, 2022 - December 30, 2022
City of Charlottesville

December 9 - 10, 16 - 19, 21 - 23, & 26 - 30 Join us for the rare opportunity to experience Monticello after dark, decorated with the style of holiday greenery found during Jefferson’s era. This tour offers an intimate look at how all people who... Read More

St. Nick at EndviewSt. Nick at Endview
December 08, 2022 - December 09, 2022
City of Newport News

Visit St. Nick in a private family setting! This annual event has been a holiday tradition for many. Admission is $5.00 per child and includes a pre-visit craft activity. Non-perishable food items are also requested for a local food bank. Reservation... Read More

Christmastide at Gunston HallChristmastide at Gunston Hall
December 03, 2022 - December 03, 2022
Fairfax County

Join us for this special visit to Christmases of the past. With games, live music, crafts, and more, peek into holiday celebrations at Gunston Hall in the 1920s and the 1780s. Explore what Christmas meant for all the different people–enslaved, inde... Read More

Wreath Making WorkshopsWreath Making Workshops
December 03, 2022 - December 06, 2022
City of Newport News

December 3, 10 AM – 12 PM December 6, 1 PM – 3 PM Adorn a grapevine wreath with period embellishments at this popular workshop. The $15.00 fee includes the wreath and all materials plus a guided holiday-themed tour of Endview. The program is ... Read More

Holiday Cheer at ScotchtownHoliday Cheer at Scotchtown
December 03, 2022 - December 03, 2022
Hanover County

Time to get into the holiday spirit at Scotchtown! Join us for holiday themed crafts, tours and much more! Story time at the top of every hour. Tickets include: o Open house tours o Costumed interpreters o Hot cider and cookies o Holiday Craft o... Read More

Holidays Through The AgesHolidays Through The Ages
December 02, 2022 - December 30, 2022
Prince William County

Stroll through seasonal celebrations of the past at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. With interiors and exteriors richly decorated for the holidays, guests enjoy an in-depth exploration of seasonal festivities over the centuries. Reservations suggeste... Read More

Yorktown Christmas Tree LightingYorktown Christmas Tree Lighting
December 02, 2022 - December 02, 2022
York County

The holiday fun kicks off with Yorktown’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This community tradition goes all the way back to 1945. That's the year that Reverend Claud G. Barkley, Pastor of Yorktown Baptist Church, and staff from the Coun... Read More

Wreath WorkshopsWreath Workshops
November 26, 2022 - December 04, 2022
City of Charlottesville

November 26, 27, 30 & December 2, 3, 4 Now in their 36th year, Monticello’s annual Wreath Workshops are once again back in-person for 2022. These fan favorite events will be led by Monticello Guide and Floral Designer, Lou Hatch, Monticello Cura... Read More

Holiday Food Drive for Love Outreach Food PantryHoliday Food Drive for Love Outreach Food Pantry
November 25, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Orange County

James Madison’s Montpelier is accepting donations to support the Orange County Love Outreach Food Pantry as they serve a community of families and individuals in need of assistance. The numbers are rising monthly and your donation, particularly dur... Read More

Mount Vernon by CandlelightMount Vernon by Candlelight
November 25, 2022 - December 18, 2022
Fairfax County

November 25 - 26, December 2 – 3, December 9 – 10, & December 18 Join us for a candlelit guided tour and hear about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Learn about the build-up to Revolution as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of th... Read More

For 2026: A Five-Year Conference SeriesFor 2026: A Five-Year Conference Series
October 28, 2022 - October 30, 2022
City of Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg, the Omohundro Institute, and William & Mary are joining together to host a series of five annual conferences to spotlight emerging research, connect a diverse public to scholars and research, and convene significant conversatio... Read More