Upcoming Events
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Free Admission for Virginia Teachers
October, November, and December 2025
Take part in a special opportunity to explore the Washington Heritage Museums with Free Admission for Virginia Teachers, available during October, November, and December 2025. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the 18th century—an engaging way to bring the past to life for your students as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.
This offer is open to all K-12 schoolteachers and homeschool educators in the state of Virginia. No date restrictions apply. A valid educator ID is required..
Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation
Mary Washington House
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​Exhibit included with admission - free for WHM members
Sundays 12-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday 11-4 p.m., CLOSED TUESDAYS
Through 12.15.25
​Virginia stood as the oldest, largest, most affluent, and most populous of Britain’s American colonies. Through their vision, leadership, and determination, Virginians played a pivotal role in shaping a new nation.
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Give Me Liberty celebrates Virginia’s central contribution to the American Revolution. The exhibition delves into the sweeping continental and global currents, alongside the efforts of both renowned and everyday individuals, that helped establish a groundbreaking model of democratic governance.
Today, the United States remains the world’s longest-standing democracy. We are heirs to the ideals born of the Revolution and the wisdom gained over two and a half centuries. The responsibility to uphold and advance American liberty now rests with us.
Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation is a collaborative production of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, presented by Virginia’s 250th Commission.
The Day is Ours!" General Hugh Mercer at the Battle of Princeton
Saturday, January 3, 2026
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Guest Speaker: Mark Maloy
Fredericksburg's own Hugh Mercer rose quickly in the Continental Army, becoming a brigadier general by late 1776. He played a pivotal role in the winter campaign at Trenton and Princeton, where he was mortally wounded by British bayonets—making him one of the earliest and highest-ranking martyrs for American independence. Historian and author, Mark Maloy, will delve into this dramatic campaign and Mercer’s final days. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book Victory or Death: The Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Speaker: Mark Maloy, Historian and Author of "Victory or Death: The Battles of Trenton and Princeton"
Dreaming of Duquesne: Hugh Mercer and the Scramble for the Ohio Country
Saturday, January 10, 2026
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Guest Speaker: Dr. Will B. Mackintosh
Discover the dramatic struggle during the French and Indian War, where the British colonies, the French, and Indigenous nations clashed for control of the Ohio Country. Learn more about Hugh Mercer as he found himself caught up in the fighting, forging influential relationships with Virginians that ultimately lead him to Fredericksburg. Speaker: Will B. Mackintosh, Professor of History, Department of History, American Studies and Sociology, University of Mary Washington
Revolutionary Remembrance: The Mercer Tricentennial
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop | FREE
Celebrate the 300th birthday of Brigadier General and physician Hugh Mercer! Born in Scotland in 1726, Mercer bravely fought at the Battle of Culloden during the Jacobite uprising before journeying to North America. After the French and Indian War, Hugh Mercer settled in Fredericksburg where he set up practice as a physician. His legacy continued through the American Revolution, where he made the ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Princeton in January 1777. Join us for a lively open house at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop in downtown Fredericksburg, VA. Meet and talk to Hugh Mercer (portrayed by Trip Wiggins) and learn about 18th-century medicine and treatments from Dr. Mercer’s assistants. Experience the spirit of the era with live bagpipe and fiddle performances then enjoy delicious birthday cake and apple cider. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to honor a true revolutionary hero!
From Battlefields to Family Bonds:
The Mercer-Weedon Story
Saturday, January 24, 2026
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Guest Speaker: Charles McDaniel
Step into the fascinating world of Revolutionary Fredericksburg, where the intertwined lives of General Mercer and General Weedon shaped both history and family legacy. Discover how these two patriots not only contributed significantly to the American Revolution but also forged deep personal bonds—marrying sisters and supporting each other’s families through times of hardship. Explore the story of the historic Sentry Box, built by General Weedon in 1786, and learn how the Mercer and Weedon families’ acts of courage and compassion left a lasting mark on their Fredericksburg community. Speaker: Charles McDaniel, Business leader, Weedon descendant, and current owner of the Sentry Box
Mary Washington: George’s Much Maligned Mother
Thursday, January 29, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg Branch
Speaker: Laura Galke
Join us on Thursday, January 29th for a special presentation by Laura Galke, Archeologist, and Mary Washington House Site Interpreter. Not long after turning eleven, George Washington faced a significant turning point. His father passed away, leaving his mother, now a widow, the daunting task of raising her five young children alone. In the twentieth century, narratives emerged that cast Mary Washington as a somewhat inept and self-absorbed figure - a parental hurdle that George had to overcome. This presentation seeks to shed light on Mary Washington's life, delving into her struggles and the consequential actions she took, while also acknowledging the family’s trials and celebrating their accomplishments. It is a story that recognizes the resilience and determination of a mother navigating a patriarchal society while trying to provide for and guide her children.
Hugh Mercer: Citizen and Patriot of Colonial Fredericksburg
Saturday, January 31, 2026
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Speaker: Rudy Lane
Discover the remarkable life of Hugh Mercer, a distinguished citizen of colonial Fredericksburg. This presentation explores Mercer’s contributions to the community, his role in shaping local history, and the legacy he left behind. Journey through the social and civic landscape of Fredericksburg to see how Mercer’s leadership and patriotism made a lasting impact on the city and its people. Speaker: Rudy Lane, Teacher, On-Air Personality and Son of the American Revolution