UPCOMING EVENTS
Event cancellations and updates will be announced via our Facebook page.
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St. James’ House Spring Opening
Monday, April 22 – Saturday, April 27, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily
Tour the beautiful home and garden of one of Fredericksburg's early attorneys, James Mercer. The house is particularly noted for its fine collection of antique furniture and decorative arts acquired by Daniel Breslin and William Tolerton. Together, they restored St. James’ in the mid-1960s and eventually bequeathed it to Preservation Virginia. St. James’ House now serves as the headquarters for Washington Heritage Museums.
$10 admission, discounts available
WHM members tour free
Meet the Gardener
Tuesday, April 23 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Mary Washington House
Stop by to meet the new WHM Garden Manager, Ian Bugay! We are delighted to have him fill this important role. Guests will meet Ian, enjoy what is in bloom at the Mary Washington House, learn more about our 2024 plans for the garden, and how they can support each of the WHM gardens.
WHM Speaker Series | “Virginia’s Presidents: A History & Guide"
Heather S. Cole, author
Thursday, May 2 at 10:00 AM
Central Rappahannock Regional Library Auditorium
This free lecture is sponsored by Lewis Insurance Associates.
The use of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s meeting facility does not constitute either the library’s endorsement or sponsorship of the program or the organizer’s policies and beliefs.
130th Anniversary Wreath Laying
Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 PM
Mary Washington Monument | 1500 Washington Ave
The Mary Washington Monument was dedicated in 1894 by women for a woman, the first of its kind in the United States. This commemorative program will include a keynote address by Laura Galke, live patriotic music, presentation of the colors by the Spotsylvania JROTC, tours of the Caretaker's Lodge, and a Mother's Day wreath laying by Mayor Kerry Devine.
We encourage you to bring your own cut flowers to lay at the Monument after the wreath laying in honor of the maternal figures in your life, Mary Ball Washington, and all the women that worked tirelessly to fund the building of the Monument.
Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for your comfort. Parking will be available at First Christian Church at 1501 Washington Avenue. This commemoration will be celebrated rain or shine.
Games in the Garden
Saturday, May 11 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Mary Washington House
Stop by and enjoy games as they were played in the 18th century! While some we don't hear much about today, others we know by different names. Guests will also have the chance to decorate their own paper hand fan to keep them cool.
FREE activities
Museum tours available for a fee
Wreath Laying at the Hugh Mercer Monument
Monday, May 27 at 1:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Rudy Lane
A hero of the Revolutionary War, Hugh Mercer served as a brigadier general under George Washington and practiced as a physician in Fredericksburg from about 1761 to 1776. There will be a bagpipe accompaniment as part of a ceremony to honor General Mercer's sacrifice to our liberty at the Battle of Princeton in 1777.
For your comfort, we suggest that you bring a lawn chair.
FREE
Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Thursday, July 4 at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, & 3:00 PM
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Join Washington Heritage Museums at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop as we celebrate our independence with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Living historians will read this historic document live from the steps in front of this 18th-century building. This is a moving experience you won't want to miss!
FREE
Museum tours available for a fee
Family Fun at the Rising Sun Tavern
Thursday, July 4 at 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM
Join us on the lawn behind the Rising Sun Tavern as costumed interpreters will read children’s books on the American Revolution and this historic day in our nation’s history. Bring the family for fun activities themed around the Fourth of July.
FREE
Museum tours available for a fee
Twilight History
Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25 at 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Give your young historian the gift of authentic games & activities this summer! Washington Heritage Museums is pleased to host another week of Twilight History programs designed to give students the perfect hands-on experience with local history. Programs will be held at a different historic site each night, including the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, the Rising Sun Tavern, the Mary Washington House, and the Mary Washington Monument. This a great chance for parents to relax and enjoy downtown Fredericksburg! Participants must be aged 8 to 12 years. Youth aged 15 and older may be interested in volunteering as a Camp Apprentice: Sign Up Now!
$115 registration, $95 for WHM members
Music by Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir
Food by Dori Farrell Catering
Bourbon and Boxwood
Saturday, September 28 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join us at the Mary Washington House under the stars for our signature fundraising event. Enjoy a great evening in and around the gardens with live music, wonderful people, bourbon tastings, delicious food and libations, and an exciting silent auction all while we raise funds for the maintenance, preservation, and educational programs of all five WHM properties. This event sells out each year and is one you don’t want to miss.
Check back soon for announcements on sponsorship, ticket sales, and the silent auction!
