Upcoming Events

Mary’s Ribbons – Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 1 to 31, 2026
Daily: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
This October, we invite you to remember and honor the brave individuals who have faced breast cancer – and those who continue the fight today. It was here, in 1789, that Mary Ball Washington passed away after a long and painful battle with breast cancer. Guests are encouraged to tie a pink ribbon in front of the historic Mary Washington House. This simple, heartfelt gesture raises awareness and offers space for personal remembrance.

FIRST FRIDAY
Medicinal Mulling: A Pumpkin Spice Experience
Friday, October 2, 2026
5 to 8 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Join us for Medicinal Mulling: A Pumpkin Spice Experience, a hands-on First Friday program at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. Explore the surprising history of familiar fall spices—including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, and black pepper—and learn how Dr. Hugh Mercer may have used these ingredients medicinally in the 18th century. Guests can watch a short demonstration, smell and compare the spices, and use a mortar and pestle to mix a small take-home pumpkin spice blend perfect for flavoring apple cider, coffee, tea, or warm milk. This cozy seasonal program blends history, fragrance, and flavor for an evening that is both educational and fun!

SPEAKER SERIES: The Two Mercers
Thursday, October 1, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Historian Trip Wiggins will explore the possible connection between Dr. Hugh Mercer and the Honorable James Mercer in this engaging presentation about two remarkable historical figures who were far more than simply a country doctor and a lawyer. Free and open to the public.

Bourbon and Boxwood
Saturday, October 3, 2026
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Mary Washington House
Raise a glass to 250 years as we honor America's legacy! Washington Heritage Museums announces the eleventh annual Bourbon and Boxwood event, on October 3, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. (Please note the new time!) This year, we are proudly celebrating the historic 250th anniversaries of both Virginia and the United States, and we hope you will join us for this grand event. Bourbon and Boxwood, the name, evokes George Washington’s success as a distiller and Mary Washington’s love of boxwood gardens. Bourbon and Boxwood, the event, is a beautiful garden party that brings together dedicated supporters from near and far, featuring live music, plentiful food and drinks, and a silent auction. Most importantly, this event serves as an outstanding way to financially support all five of WHM’s historic properties and their beneficial educational programs. Washington Heritage Museums is truly grateful to all our donors and sponsors. Your individual generosity and corporate partnerships are crucial to the success of WHM. Your support is essential for the preservation of these historic museums, educational programs, and ongoing research that delves into the stories and lives that have shaped this great nation. WHM does not receive ongoing city, state, or federal funds; our operations are entirely funded through the generosity of donations, sponsorships, grants, memberships, and museum admissions. We invite you to make a meaningful impact by choosing to sponsor the Bourbon and Boxwood event. Your sponsorship not only supports this community and these museums but also ensures the preservation of our shared history. Be sure to explore the 2026 Sponsorship Packet for detailed information on how you can be part of this extraordinary event.
.png)
St. James’ House Fall Opening
Monday, October 5th to Saturday, October 10th
1 to 4 p.m. daily
St. James' House
Among Fredericksburg’s most treasured landmarks stands St. James’ House, an elegant example of colonial architecture and a living testament to the city’s vibrant history. We are thrilled to invite you to our special Fall Opening to enjoy the enduring charm of one of the city’s most historic homes. Built in the 1760s by James Mercer, St. James’ House is one of the city’s best-preserved colonial dwellings. With its period furniture and stunning art, the home offers visitors a rare glimpse into 18th-century life in Virginia. Enjoy guided tours and experience the beauty of the fall season in this historic gem. Admission: $10 Tickets may be purchased on-site or in advance (on-line sales will be available Monday, September 21, 2026).
.png)
TEA TALK - Saving America's Revolutionary Past: Women in Preservation
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Mary Washington House
Join us for a very special Tea Talk on Tuesday, October 20th as we welcome public historian Amanda Roper. Amanda will explore the often-overlooked role women have played in preserving America’s historic places, cultural heritage and collective memory. From George Washington’s Mount Vernon to the Mary Washington House and the Mary Washington Monument, Amanda will reveal how women have protected not only treasured landmarks, but also the voices, identities, and experiences that connect past and present.
.png)
Homeschool History Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Discover colonial life at our first annual Homeschool History Day—your passport to the past! Washington Heritage Museums invites homeschool families with students ages 6 and up to enjoy immersive, educator-led tours at our three historic sites: Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Mary Washington House and Rising Sun Tavern.
In celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, students and educators may visit one, two, or all three museums for just $2.50 per person, per museum. Interpreters wearing period attire will engage with students as they explore different facets of colonial life, offering a glimpse into Revolutionary-era Fredericksburg, Virginia.

SPEAKER SERIES: A Colonial Virginia Fashion Show
Thursday, November 5, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Presented by members of the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society. Discover what people in the Fredericksburg area wore in the 18th century, with period fashions for men and women. Free and open to the public.

SPEAKER SERIES: The Past, Present and Future
Thursday, December 3, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Learn how Washington Heritage Museums has evolved, what it offers today, and its plans for the future. Gail Braxton, Anne Darron, and Michael O’Malley will share insights into the organization’s history, programs, and vision for preserving and interpreting local heritage. Includes the WHM Annual Meeting. Free and open to the public.

