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.
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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 at the link below.
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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.
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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.
TEA TALK - Lost Recipes of the American Revolution
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Join us at the historic Rising Sun Tavern for our November Tea Talk with author and historian Elizabeth Winslow, inspired by her book, Lost Recipes of the American Revolution. Guests will sample several recipes from the book as Elizabeth brings the era to life through the stories of the soldiers, tavern keepers, women, enslaved cooks, and families whose experiences were reflected in the food of the period. Discover how tea culture shaped daily life before and during the Revolution, explore the social divide between Patriots and Loyalists, and hear real historical voices woven into an engaging blend of culinary history and storytelling.
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.
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Holiday Open House at the Rising Sun Tavern
Friday, December 4, 2026
5 to 8 p.m.
Step into the magic of the 18th century as the Rising Sun Tavern is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Experience the magic of live period music, savor seasonal refreshments, and browse unique holiday gifts perfect for the history lover in your life. We look forward to sharing the spirit of the season—and a little bit of history—with you. FREE and open to the public. FREE and open to the public.
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Holiday Open House at the Mary Washington House
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Noon to 5 p.m.
Discover the charm of an 18th-century Christmas at the Mary Washington House! Experience the holiday season as it was centuries ago—with complimentary tours, live music, Mary’s famous gingerbread, warm apple cider and exclusive holiday sales at the museum store. FREE and open to the public.