Visit Mount Vernon for an enchanted evening of festive lights and an 18th-century holiday experience. See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, and meet holiday guest,... Read More

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. No groups larger than 15 ... Read More

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 lived on the Monticello mountaintop – enslave... Read More

Experience the Holidays at Colvin Run Mill Experience the holiday spirit at historic Colvin Run Mill. Delight in the magic of the winter season with joyful activities and sweet treats that capture the essence of the holidays. Santa at the Mill, Cho... Read More

Tours are December 14, 19, and 21 at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy Poplar Forest decked out for the holidays on this special daytime tour that focuses on holiday traditions of the Jefferson time period. These hour-long, docent guided tours explore how Jefferso... Read More

Dinners are December 14th and 21st at 6:30 p.m. Step back in time to experience the magic of Christmas past at a seated holiday dinner in Thomas Jefferson’s villa. Join Mr. Jefferson, as portrayed by actor Bill Barker, to celebrate the season wi... Read More

Enjoy historical holiday fun with hands-on interpretive programs, cooking demonstrations and musical entertainment. At Jamestown Settlement, learn about the English tradition of the Lord of Misrule – “grand captain of all mischief” – at 11 a.... Read More

Enjoy historical holiday fun with hands-on interpretive programs, cooking demonstrations and musical entertainment. At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, enjoy the festive recipes and sounds of Christmas through traditional carols and music ... Read More

Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment, a working blacksmith shop, and Christmas carolers. Vis... Read More

We invite guests to join us as we illuminate the night sky above our beautiful colonial capital. In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovere... Read More

Try your hand at popular card games of the period, learn about the music of the enslaved, and hear from Washington's closest friends about how the season was celebrated at his home. ... Read More

Take advantage of a small-group evening experience at Highland this December. Visitors will enjoy a curator-led, exclusive tour of the 1818 Presidential Guesthouse and exhibits amid festive holiday decorations and music. Wear your holiday best for a ... Read More

Take advantage of a small-group evening experience at James Monroe's Highland this December. Visitors will enjoy a curator-led, exclusive tour of the 1818 Presidential Guesthouse and exhibits amid festive holiday decorations and music. Wear your holi... Read More

Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia history and culture, presents a special storytelling presentation, "Stories from the People of the Longhouse," on December 28-29, at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Through vivid descriptions, rhythmic vo... Read More

Make a pomander ball to fill your home with holiday scents, listen to the music of the season, and participate in a holiday story time. Included with admission and free for members.... Read More

In January, 1781, General Benedict Arnold led British troops in capturing the new capital of Virginia. This annual event returns, focused on the Revolution in Richmond and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Four days of activities will... Read More

Did you know Benedict Arnold led more than 1,000 British and Hessian troops through Henrico in January 1781? Travel back in time to visit a small Revolutionary War encampment of local militia to learn more about their uniforms, gear, and life of the ... Read More

Experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of a colonial Christmas … and the uncertainty of Revolution. In Twelfth Night at Kenmore, it is early January 1776 and the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis will celebrate... Read More

Drop in throughout the day to experience life in a local Patriot militia encampment. What's a powder magazine and why does it need to be guarded? Learn about the local militia's defense as British troops fought their way through Henrico into Richmond... Read More

Drop in throughout the day to experience life in a local Patriot militia encampment. What's a powder magazine and why does it need to be guarded? Learn about the local militia's defense as British troops fought their way through Henrico into Richmond... Read More

Join us at the Tribal Grounds from 7 pm - 11 pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month beginning November 11th, 2023 until March 9th, 2024. All proceeds benefit cultural programs sponsored by the Cultural and Environmental Restoration Steering Committee.... Read More

For over two hundred years, Eliza Monroe has been portrayed as a hysterical and temperamental woman who abandoned her country and fled to France. The tale, however, did not ring true to author Barbara VornDick. She spent years researching Eliza, util... Read More

Join us as we follow the life of London Pleasants from enslavement to self-emancipation in Henrico County. Learn about his time as a Black Loyalist and fate after the American Revolution. Information: sch107@henrico.gov... Read More

The word pocket comes from a French word meaning pouch. A version of pouch-type pockets persisted for millennia until the 16th century when they were fashioned to wearer's girdles or belts. Today’s discussion by textile expert Renee Starling highli... Read More

In 1819 John Adams came across a stunning story in his hometown newspaper that he described to his political frenemy Thomas Jefferson as “one of the greatest curiosities and one of the deepest mysteries that ever occurred to me . . . entitled the M... Read More

Today is the 244th anniversary of the Revolutionary War engagement between local patriot militia forces and British regular soldiers under Benedict Arnold along Cypress Creek. Join us as we present the story of this historic small battle portraying t... Read More

Join us on January 18, 2025 for a 250th anniversary commemoration of this important moment in the history of Southwest Virginia. The program begins with a procession up Shenandoah Avenue to the steps of the museum and will include remarks from VA2... Read More

Put on your dancing slippers and dance your way back in time 250 years ago to a time of powdered wigs and lavishly trimmed waistcoats. Dancing was popular and common pastime of colonial Americans, which served recreational, social, and political purp... Read More

On January 26 at 2:00 p.m. the Pittsylvania Historical Society and the Danville/Pittsylvania County Rev 250 Committee are presenting a special program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the formation of Pittsylvania County's Committee of Safety a... Read More

In this featured Black History Month event, 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 ... Read More

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. Meet on t... Read More

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... Read More

Join us at the Tribal Grounds from 7 pm - 11 pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month beginning November 11th, 2023 until March 9th, 2024. All proceeds benefit cultural programs sponsored by the Cultural and Environmental Restoration Steering Committee.... Read More

Following the 1st Continental Congress, the localities across all Colonies issues ‘Resolves’ 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 ... Read More

Enjoy an evening at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum and experience the music and dance of an 18th century social. Ticketed event ... Read More

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 s... Read More

A Revolutionary War encampment will be set up across from Beth Car Baptist Church located at 25 Church Street, Halifax, VA. This portion of the Friday events runs from 12PM to 4PM and will give the community the opportunity to see how our ancestors l... Read More

Museum Curator, Matt Abbott will present a program on the British perspective of the Crossing of the Dan. This program will start at 6PM. The Museum is located at 1540 Wilborn Avenue in South Boston, VA.... Read More

Following an American victory at the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina in January 1781, General Nathanael Greene’s southern army outran British forces under Lord Cornwallis as both armies raced northward across the Carolinas. In what became know... Read More

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 w... Read More

This month George Washington would have turned 293 years old! 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, ... Read More

Join us for a presentation about the life and times of the United States’ 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.... Read More

Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed following the 1622 Indian Attack. Today, Fort Boykin constitutes an example of military architecture of the Civil War era. Join us for this fre... Read More

Join Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall House on a tour of “Lost Alexandria.” Explore parts of the historic neighborhoods of The Berg & Parker-Gray. Learn why these buildings were not preserved. Tour begins at Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. Th... Read More

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... Read More

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. Information: sch107@henrico.gov... Read More

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. Meet on t... Read More

Explore the significant role women have played in the field of historic preservation, particularly through historic house museums. Preserving homes connected with the nation’s past allowed women to enter the public sphere through socially acceptabl... Read More

Join us at the Tribal Grounds from 7 pm - 11 pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month beginning November 11th, 2023 until March 9th, 2024. All proceeds benefit cultural programs sponsored by the Cultural and Environmental Restoration Steering Committee.... Read More

It is March 1775 at Scotchtown in Hanover Virginia and Patrick Henry is contemplating the impactful speech he would soon deliver to the Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church. For the 250th anniversary of this momentous occasion, experience inter... Read More

It is March 1775 at Scotchtown in Hanover Virginia and Patrick Henry is contemplating the impactful speech he would soon deliver to the Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church. For the 250th anniversary of this momentous occasion, experience inter... Read More

Experience maritime history at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum. Join the historical reenactment group, Brethren of the Coast, as they regale us with maritime history and stories from the Revolutionary War era and beyond. Brethren of t... Read More

On March 23, 1775, at the Second Virginia Convention that took place in St. John’s 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 Vi... Read More

A little known party of thirty-three Royal Navy sailors marched with Braddock's army in the 1755 expedition to attack Fort Duquesne that ended as a disastrous failure on the banks of the Monongahela. In Braddock's Tars: Common Sailors and the Braddoc... Read More

Feature Speakers and Topics: Edward G. Lengel – Head of Faculty – Independent Scholar Alex Cain – “The Shot Heard Round the World: New Interpretations on Lexington and Concord” Gary Ecelbarger – “Howe vs. Washington in the First Six ... Read More

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. This tour begins at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight.... Read More

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. Meet on t... Read More

Bring your family and join us as we celebrate spring, the shearing of the sheep, and fiber production at Scotchtown! Sheep shearer Dave from Delly’s Delights Farms will be here answering all your questions about our sheep, the process of shearin... Read More

Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Join a celebration 250 years in the making! On the occasion of the 250th birthday of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, the 2025 Virginia International Tattoo wil... Read More

Have you ever wanted to experience life in an 18th-century American Revolution encampment? Join us for another Scotchtown signature 250th event as Patrick Henry’s Hanover Independent Company gathers at Scotchtown before heading to Williamsburg to ... Read More

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. Meet on t... Read More

Born May 11, 1751, in Isle of Wight County, Josiah Parker was an American politician, Revolutionary War officer, local militia commander, member of the Continental Congress and Virginia planter who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. Today�... Read More

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. Meet on t... Read More

The Hanover 250th Commission presents "A Revolution in Art Expo — A Common Call to All." The expo coming in summer 2025 promises to be an exhilarating showcase of American Revolution inspired art. This event will feature innovative works from em... Read More

In conjunction with the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commemoration, all Virginians are encouraged to join in a statewide Independence Day bell-ringing ceremony as America gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday. Assist us as we ring the courthou... Read More

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. This tour begins at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight.... Read More

Today is the 231st anniversary of the town's second most dramatic event—the confrontation between accused "privateer" John Sinclair and U.S. Cavalry commander John Marshall, future Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Join us to learn the detai... Read More

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. Meet on t... Read More

The term "Hessian" refers to the approximately 30,000 German troops hired by the British to help fight during the American Revolution. Today, on the 250th anniversary of the first landing of German soldiery in America as “auxiliaries” of King Geo... Read More

Within our "Culpeper Hosts a Hero" weekend, we will be celebrating the 1st Franco-American alliance with a friendly polo tournament between US Armed Forces and French Armed Forces. This is a sanctioned USPA Military Event, hosted by the Culpeper Min... Read More

To commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit, several organizations have combined efforts for a full of events! Event details are still being formulated, so stay tuned. On Saturday morning the Military Reception will be held at Greenwood ... Read More

Join the Culpeper Minute Men (host) in celebrating the bicentennial of the arrival of Our Nation’s Guest by dancing the night away on Saturday, August 23, 2025 in the historic downtown Culpeper. Meet General Lafayette, his son George Washington, C... Read More

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 inclu... Read More

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. Meet on t... Read More

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 Co... Read More

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. This tour begins at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight.... Read More

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. Meet on t... Read More

Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed following the 1622 Indian Attack. Today, Fort Boykin constitutes an example of military architecture of the Civil War era. Join us for this fre... Read More

The Battle of Great Bridge took place on December 9, 1775, in Great Bridge over a narrow bridge that crossed the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. The bridge was a key part of the main road connecting Norfolk to North Carolina, and the battle u... Read More

Join us for an interactive event that explores the historic intellectual clash between two of the 18th century’s most influential thinkers: the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, and Thomas Jefferson. This event will delve i... Read More

Join us for an interactive event that explores the historic intellectual clash between two of the 18th century’s most influential thinkers: the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, and Thomas Jefferson. This event will delve i... Read More

Jayne Blair will be the guest speak at the annual Greene County Historical Society's Meeting. She is a member of the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) . She will present "The US Constitution - How & Why We Got It". ... Read More

Around 1758, Scottish merchant James Hunter commenced an iron manufactory a short distance up the Rappahannock River from Falmouth. His business grew into what is arguably the largest manufacturing facility in colonial America. During the American Re... Read More

This is a 2 day event to highlight the story of Hunter's Iron Works. James Hunter’s Iron Works, also known as Rappahannock Forge, was located east of Falmouth. It was Stafford’s major industrial enterprise and one of Virginia’s and America... Read More

In June 2026, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region will welcome an international fleet of tall ships, military vessels, and character ships to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. This milestone maritime festival - Sa... Read More

Montpelier Chapter, NSDAR will have a walking unit in the Greene County 4th of July parade in 2026. The chapter members will be passing out miniature scrolls of the Declaration of Independence to the parade attendees. ... Read More

Get ready for an exciting adventure through time at our annual Dino Festival! Join us for this interactive family festival celebrating amazing giants from all major eras of prehistoric life. Virginia Museum of Natural History Associate Curator of Pal... Read More