Northern Neck 250

George Washington’s Forgotten Friend: The French Nobleman Who Helped Win American Independence
2026-08-29 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443, United States
George Washington’s Forgotten Friend: The French Nobleman Who Helped Win American Independence
August 29
1 p.m. in the Log House at George Washington Birthplace National Monument
As part of our continued celebration of America’s 250th, join us during National Park Week for a special presentation exploring the story of François‑Jean de Chastellux—one of George Washington’s most trusted allies and a key, yet often overlooked, figure in securing American independence.
Our guest speaker, Dr. Iris de Rode, is a historian specializing in the French role in the American Revolution and the history of the Franco-American alliance. She is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia. Her award-winning first book on François-Jean de Chastellux received the Prix Guizot from the Académie Française, and her research has appeared in leading academic journals and popular publications.
In addition to her scholarly work, de Rode serves as a historical advisor for museums, documentaries, and public history initiatives in both Europe and the United States. She was an advisor and on-screen historian for The American Revolution, the documentary series directed by Ken Burns. A frequent international speaker, she has lectured at universities, museums, historic sites, embassies, and cultural institutions, and regularly collaborates on projects commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. She is currently completing a new trade book on the Franco-American alliance during the Revolutionary War (Random House, forthcoming 2028).

Junior Ranger Day at George Washington's Birthplace
2026-08-22 10:00 - 16:00
Celebrate the end of summer by getting outdoors at George Washington Birthplace National Monument during Junior Ranger Day! On August 22nd, join us from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the fourth annual Colonial Games Tournament, where you can compete with friends and family in the kinds of games young George Washington might have played. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy demonstrations and special Junior Ranger activities presented by park partners and dedicated volunteers. It’s a perfect opportunity to play, learn, and celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the birthplace of our nation’s first president.

PNNMP Summer Speaker Series
2026-07-28 17:30 - 20:00 | St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5987 Richmond Road, Warsaw, 22572
Mark DiRienz, a former Preservation Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula (PNNMP) board member, historic preservationist, American antique collector and print specialist, will present George Washington’s life in historic period image; a sampling of rare and significant 19th century prints and engravings across the life of George Washington spanning from early childhood to his passing.

Stratford Hall's 2026 First Africans Day
2026-07-25 10:00 - 18:00 | Stratford Hall, 483 Great House Road, Stratford, VA, 22558, United States
You’re invited to First Africans Day, a powerful collaboration of reflection, celebration, and remembrance at Stratford Hall. Together, we honor the lives, stories, and contributions of the enslaved Africans and African Americans who shaped the history of this vital place in Early America. Explore these communities’ music, dance, foodways, and material culture across an unforgettable day-long experience.
Admission is free and includes access to the Great House, Grounds, and all First Africans Day activities, including:
·Opening Ceremony at the African American Cemetery, featuring Cheyney McKnight, Tanyah Dadze, Slam Stewart, and the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir
·Performance by the KanKouran West African Dance Company
·Keynote Speech by Adrienne Whaley, Director of Education & Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution
·Foodways in the Historic Kitchen with Dontavius Williams
·Interpretation of the Payne Cabin with Hope & Willie Wright
·Textile & Sewing Demonstrations with Nastassia Parker
·Domestic Enslavement Interpretation by Adam Canaday
·Historic Trades with Harold Caldwell
·Drum Circles with the African Diaspora Ensemble
·Storytelling & Open Mic in the Great House
·Closing Ceremony on the Stratford Beach
Stay tuned for the full event schedule and list of activities! Food trucks and water stations will be accessible throughout the event.

“A Perfect Frenzy”
2026-07-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
Author Andrew Lawler speaks on his 2025 book A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution. Wine and cheese reception with author and book signing. Tickets required.

Kinsale 4th of July Celebration
2026-07-04 17:00 - 22:00 | The Slips, 285 Kinsale Road, Kinsale, VA, 22488
Live music, food and drinks will be here at The Slips, where the crowd gathers to celebrate the 4th of July and watch fireworks launched at 9:15PM over the Yeocomico River. The Kinsale Waterfront Fund, along with the Yeocomico Club, The Slips, The Kinsale Market, and the Cople Volunteer Fire Department come together to put on this great community event, which is free and open to all.
Address: 285 Kinsale Road, Kinsale, VA 22488

Buried in the Back: Recent Research at George Washington Birthplace National Monument
2026-07-04 14:00 - 15:00 | George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443, United States
On America’s 250th birthday, uncover new insights into George Washington’s earliest years as we share discoveries from ongoing research at George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Chief of Cultural Resource Management Kerry González will present “Buried in the Back: Recent Research at George Washington Birthplace National Monument,” highlighting evidence that is reshaping our understanding of this historic landscape.
As part of this research reveal, attendees will also view conceptual interior and exterior renderings of George Washington’s birth home. These visualizations, grounded in new archaeological and historical analysis, offer a glimpse into how the site may have appeared during Washington’s childhood and new perspectives on the life of one of the nation’s founding families.
As we reflect on 250 years of American independence, we invite you to look deeper into a formative place and story that shaped one of the country’s most indispensable figures.
This presentation begins at 2 p.m. in the park’s Log House.

Ampersand: Music of the New Nation
2026-07-03 13:00 - 14:00
Ampersand brings “Music of the New Nation” to the Memorial House Museum at the George Washington Birthplace Monument.
Ampersand’s special Revolutionary War-era program, “Music of the New Nation” focuses on the experience of the home front and everyday people as they faced the battle for independence. Included are songs about the stirrings of revolution; the experiences of colonists in different walks of life; songs from soldiers on both sides of the conflict; a fiddle tune written by an enslaved person, and protest songs written at the time. This trio of musicians brings guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer, cello, and penny whistles to underscore rich vocal harmonies and great joy in sharing this traditional music with modern audiences.

Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
2026-07-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
Patriotic celebration and reading of the Declaration of Independence inside Historic Christ Church. With the Cobbs Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Foundation Celebration
2026-06-27 11:00 - 17:00 | Westmoreland State Park, 145 Cliff Road, Montross, 22520
Westmoreland Park is turning 90! In addition to America celebrating its 250th anniversary this summer, Westmoreland is celebrating 90 years of being a Virginia state park. We would like to invite YOU to join us in celebrating these important milestones and learn more about the rich history of the Northern Neck while you’re here! There will be food and drink vendors, along with activities, games, demonstrations and more provided by Westmoreland State Park and other local organizations!
If you have any questions or want to know more about this event, please reach out to us over email or phone.

Hands-On History Day at Historic Christ Church & Museum
2026-06-26 08:30 - 12:30 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
Step back in time with this exciting program in colonial Virginia history. Make a brick by hand, write with a quill pen, make a grave rubbing, play colonial games, create a silhouette portrait, build a brick wall and more. Enjoy a pizza party for lunch and take home a souvenir bookmark, Museum Activity Book, and knapsack. Ages 6-12. Space is limited; pre-registration required:
Email the Organizer

“Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation” June 22 - August 3
2026-06-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
Special traveling exhibition from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture explores the unique and essential people, events and sites in Virginia that helped bring liberty and democracy to a nation. June 22 – Aug. 3: 10 am–4 pm (Sun. 1-4 pm)

Juneteenth - NNK Family Folktales & Legends
2026-06-20 12:00 - 18:00 | Ma Margaret’s House B & B, 249 Greenfield Road, Reedville, 22539
Genealogy, Storytelling & Live Entertainment

Washington's Call to Command
2026-06-20 10:00 - 2026-06-21 16:00 | George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443, United States
Commemorate the moment Washington accepted his call to command at George Washington Birthplace National Monument on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21.
Join us for Washington’s Call to Command as we commemorate the 251st anniversary of George Washington’s appointment as the first Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. This two‑day program opens at 10 AM with a Presentation of the Colors, a wreath‑laying ceremony, and a Musket Salute performed by the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore a living Soldier Camp complete with equipment displays and daily musket‑firing demonstrations. Historian Jim Mullins will present a detailed firearms display highlighting weapons of the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. Black Horse Forge, a veteran‑support blacksmithing guild, will operate the park’s historic forge, offering a close look at traditional metalworking. Foodways and foraging practices will come to life through campfire cooking demonstrations, while pop‑up educational activities will be available throughout the Memorial Area and Visitor Center. The Visitor Center, Memorial House Museum, and grounds, will remain open throughout the event.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Holley Graded School
2026-06-19 12:00 - 17:00 | Holley Graded School, 2439 Northumberland Highway, Lottsburg, 22511
We are excited to invite you to celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the Holley Graded School Juneteenth Event!
This family-friendly celebration will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 12 PM to 5 PM at Holley Graded School, located at 2439 Northumberland Hwy, Lottsburg, Virginia 22511. We will be honoring the history and significance of Juneteenth with a day full of education, entertainment, and togetherness.
Guests of all ages can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including:

Games, storytelling, and mini educational workshops
Face painting, horse riding, and line dancing
A lively dance contest and music
Guest speakers and local vendors
Raffles for door prizes and giveaways

Delicious food will be available for purchase, and free popcorn will be provided for everyone to enjoy throughout the celebration. Admission to this event is free, and we look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate African American heritage and unity in an uplifting atmosphere.
For more information, please feel free to reach out to:

Garfield Parker: 804-761-0768
Desyree Hooper: 813-843-3808
Zina Fallin: 804-580-1011

We hope to see you there for an unforgettable Juneteenth experience!

Speaker Series: George Washington and the Presidential Title Controversy of 1789
2026-06-14 14:00 - 16:00 | George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443, United States
Join Dr. Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazon for an engaging exploration of one of the earliest and most revealing debates in American history—the 1789 controversy over the president’s title. Drawing from her book For Fear of an Elective King, she will uncover why Congress and the public fiercely argued over whether George Washington should be addressed as “His Highness” or simply “President.” Her talk will highlight how this seemingly ceremonial question exposed deep anxieties about power and the fragility of the new republic. Attendees will learn how Washington’s own choices shaped the presidency, as well as reinforced certain ideals.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazon is an expert on the early presidency and is a thought leader in her field.
She received her doctorate from George Washington University and found a welcome intellectual environment at the First Federal Congress Project (FFCP) in Washington D.C. where she was Visiting Scholar, contributing to a project to document of all material related to America’s first Congress under the new Constitution, which is now a part of the Washington National Library at Mount Vernon in Virginia.
She has been interviewed by National Public Radio and has had opinion pieces in The Economist and The Boston Globe. She has appeared several times on C-SPAN and lectures on the presidency, the evolution of executive power, and the Washington administration. Her book, For Fear of an Elective King, has been recommended by sources as varied as Vanity Fair, Presidential Studies Quarterly, The Journal of the Early Republic and The American Historical Review. She is also author of
She is the author of For Fear of an Elective King: George Washington and the Presidential Title Controversy of 1789, a richly researched account of how a seemingly small question—what to call the president—became a defining moment for our country and executive legitimacy.

Hannah Lee Corbin, Widow
2026-06-13 19:00 - 2026-06-28 15:00 | Colonial Beach Playhouse, 108 Hawthorn Street, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443, United States
An original play at Colonial Beach Playhouse about the Lee Family of Westmoreland County during Revolutionary times. Opens Saturday, June 13 and runs through Sunday, June 28. Performances Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance at cbplayhouse.org.

James Monroe Birthplace and Boyhood Home - Fleece to Fabric Event
2026-06-13 13:00 - 16:00 | James Monroe Birthplace and Boyhood Home, 4460 Monroe Highway, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443
Discover the skills and artistry that helped weave the tapestry of America’s history. Explore how both native and imported fibers were grown, gathered, and prepared in Colonial Virginia. Learn how 18th century Virginians transformed those fibers into thread and yarn – materials that became the foundation of everyday necessities and the extraordinary creations of early American life. Also join us to a discussion on colonial medicine and how some of the practices used then are being used today.

Fleece to Fabric: Exploring Early American Fiber and Textile Art
2026-06-13 13:00 - 16:00 | James Monroe Birthplace and Boyhood Home, 4460 Monroe Highway, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443
Discover the skills and artistry that helped weave the tapestry of America’s history. Explore how both native and imported fibers were grown, gathered, and prepared in Colonial Virginia. Learn how 18th-century Virginians transformed those fibers into thread and yarn-materials that became the foundation of everyday necessities and the extraordinary creations of early American life.

"Black Freedom Suits and the Declaration of Independence"
2026-06-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
The Declaration of Independence asserted that “all men are created equal” and have natural rights and the right of self-government by consent. Slavery contradicted these core principles of the Declaration of Independence as America’s creedal document. Using the Declaration of Independence as their “North Star,” they launched “freedom petitions” and “freedom suits,” making a claim on natural rights with unexpected and surprising outcomes. Part one of the 2026 Spring Speaker Series. Tickets required.

Washington Parish Museum Oak Grove Virginia Northern Neck 250 Celebration
2026-06-07 12:00 - 16:00 | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Oak Grove, 2961 Kings Highway, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443, United States
WASHINGTON PARISH MUSEUM:
You all are invited and welcomed to visit the Washington Parish Museum special opening on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. as part of a Northern Neck 250 (NNK250) Celebration. The Museum is located behind St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Parish Hall, Oak Grove; 2961 Kings Highway; Colonial Beach, VA 22443. Washington Parish Museum features graphic displays and artifacts honoring the Episcopal Church history from the 1600s to present. The Washingtons, Monroes, and Lees are a few of the early American Families who helped establish the Washington Parish in Westmoreland County VA. The Museum is open on the last Saturday of every month, April through October, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
More information and pictures! https://www.stpetersoakgrove.org/home/about/washington-parish-museum

Tour of Historic Yeocomico Church
2026-06-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Yeocomico Church, 1233 Old Yeocomico Road, Kinsale, VA, 22488
Originally constructed in 1655, this is the oldest active church in Virginia and has been the place of worship for generations of families like the Lees, Washingtons, and Monroes. Historian and Restorationist Dave Butt will lead a free tour beginning at 3PM, followed by refreshments (including Martha Washington’s famous rum punch) provided by the church.

Virginia Resolved
2026-06-06 - 2026-06-07 | Stratford Hall, 483 Great House Road, Stratford, VA, 22558, United States
Commemorate the 250th anniversary of Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence with Stratford Hall, Westmoreland County, and VA250! Plan for a weekend of revolutionary activity: https://tickets.stratfordhall.org/section/virginia-resolved-ed8k
Saturday, June 6
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM The Great House, Grounds and Visitor Center will be open for regular admission, with the inclusion of the VA250 mobile museum.
5:00 – 7:30 PM Country dinner buffet with family-style seating in the Stratford Hall Dining Room. Advance reservation required. Get tickets: https://tickets.stratfordhall.org/event/virginia-resolved-buffet-dinner-s6lqxc
6:00 PM RSVP to let us know you’re coming and bring your friends and family for a FREE celebration, including:

VA250 Mobile Museum

DJ music

Food trucks

Wine sales from Ingleside Vineyards

Beer sales from the Al Pugh Distributing truck

FREE RSVP: https://tickets.stratfordhall.org/event/virginia-resolved-free-evening-program-11yrhh
8:00 – 9:30 PM The Virginia Resolved stage program, featuring:

Patriotic music performances by The United States Navy Concert Band

Richard Henry Lee and his Resolution for Independence

Speakers and Keynote by Carly Fiorina, VA250 National Honorary Chair

An incredible fireworks show over the Great House!

No outside food or drinks; lawn chairs and picnic blankets encouraged. Visitors ages 21+ must present a valid ID when purchasing wine and beer. Due to the fireworks, we kindly request that dogs remain at home.
Sunday, June 7
Get tickets now for this can’t-miss day of living history at Stratford Hall. Tickets are $15 ages 14+, $10 ages 6-13, and free for ages 5 & under: https://tickets.stratfordhall.org/event/virginia-resolved-wluzjn
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Great House, Grounds, Visitor Center and VA250 Mobile Museum Open
12:00 – 4:00 PM Virginia Resolved Living History Program:

Citizenship Ceremony at 12:00 PM

Discussions with Richard Henry Lee and Hannah Corbin Lee

1st and 4th Continental Light Dragoon Cavalry Drills

Sons of the American Revolution Musket Demonstrations

Colonial Music by Ampersand

Patawomeck Eel Pot Demonstrations

Colonial Foodways Demonstrations in the Historic Kitchen

Chocolate Demonstrations in the Gift Shop

Colonial Games and Activities

Community Partner Booths

Montross Middle School Art Show & Performances

Food Trucks

Free admission (proper identification required at check-in): Westmoreland County residents, Friends of Stratford members, Blue Star Families, and Museums for All participants.

RILL 2026: Virginia in 1776
2026-06-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
On the eve of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, this course examines Virginia in the year 1776. Incorporating primary documents and images, the course looks at the pivotal roles Richard Henry Lee, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and others played in Virginia and nationally as the Revolution entered its second year. Offered in partnership with Rappahannock Community College’s Rappahannock Institute for Lifelong Learning program (RILL). Instructor: Robert Teagle, HCC&M Executive Director. Registration here: rappahannock.edu/foundation/lifelong-learning

Memorial Day Service
2026-05-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
Sponsored by the Northern Neck Chapter, Military Officers Association of America; the Foundation for Historic Christ Church, and Grace Church, Kilmarnock.

3rd Annual Kinsale Market Sizzle 5K Run or Walk - America 250 edition
2026-05-23 07:00 - 10:30 | Kinsale Market, 11 Steamboat Landing, Kinsale, 22488
Heat up the track and bring the fire as we race to celebrate America 250 and the 3rd anniversary of the Market. The 5K route will take you through town, along the water and through the local winery. We look forward in donating a portion of the proceeds to benefit our local volunteer fire department. Each runner will receive a branded 5K shirt for participating in the event.

Speaker Series: When the Declaration Was News
2026-05-17 14:00 - 16:00 | The Rappahannock Indigenous Conservation & Education Center, 2570 Newland Road, Warsaw, VA, 22572, United States
Publishing for the 250th anniversary of the United States, When the Declaration of Independence Was News focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain. It explores how the Declaration was communicated to people in the new nation and around the Atlantic world and reveals the stories of the many people involved in the process of declaring independence, from printers to soldiers to diplomats to translators.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Emily Sneff is an early American historian and leading expert on the Declaration of Independence. A graduate of John Hopkins University and the University of William and Mary, her interest in the Declaration of Independence began at the American Philosophical Society, where she was a member of the museum’s curatorial team for a series of exhibitions on Thomas Jefferson. Her career also led her to Harvard University where she was the Research Manager of the Declaration Resources Project.
She is currently a consulting curator for exhibitions planned for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration at the Museum of the American Revolution and the American Philosophical Society. Her recently published book, When the Declaration Was News, traces the dissemination of the Declaration of Independence through the United States and around the Atlantic in the summer and fall of 1776. You can learn more about Dr. Sneff’s work on her website, emilysneff.com.

Plein Air
2026-05-15 10:00 - 2026-05-16 12:00 | James Monroe Birthplace and Boyhood Home, 4460 Monroe Highway, Colonial Beach, VA, 22443
Plein Air Event (the act of painting outdoors) will take place on May 15, 16, and 17th in conjunction with Colonial Beach Creative Arts Center. This event will welcome local artists to come to the grounds to create art while observing the beautiful scenery and replica house. We are excited to welcome local artist Bob Smith on May 15th at 10am to kick-off the event. Visitors are encouraged to visit during the weekend to experience the creative vibe of our local artists.

Colonial Tea
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:30 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
Enjoy a bubbly welcome on the patio, with elegant instrumental music and Historic Christ Church as the backdrop. Then take your seat inside the Bayne Center at a table beautifully styled and set with a tantalizing selection of finger foods, including savory and sweet options, along with a variety of teas. Our guest speaker will bring Abigail Adams to life with a first-person reenactment. Hailed for her famous admonition that the Founding Fathers “remember the ladies” in their new laws, Adams was not only an early advocate for women’s rights but also a vital confidant and advisor to her husband John Adams, the nation’s second president. Tickets $55 each, $100 per couple, $300 for a table of 6, $400 for a table of 8. Seating is limited!

Festival For The Brave
2026-05-02 - 2026-05-03 | 10-7 at Big Land, 311 Prospect Hill Road, Montross, 22520
Get ready to rock for a cause this year as we celebrate the USA’s 250th Anniversary in Montross, VA! Experience the ultimate fusion of music and mission at our veteran nonprofit festival—a high-energy tribute to those who answered the call. Live Music, Food Trucks, Local Vendors & more!
