"Black Freedom Suits and the Declaration of Independence"
2026-06-11 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

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.

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.

“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)

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

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.

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.

“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.

John H. Hunt II Chesapeake History Forum: Lady Frances Berkeley and the 350th Anniversary of Bacon's Rebellion
2026-10-11 16:00 - 18:30 | VA
In the wake of Bacon’s Rebellion, join Lady Frances Berkeley, wife of Virginia’s Royal Governor, as she composes a letter to her husband while guiding you through a brief history of the recent political upheavals that saw Jamestown laid to ash. Will King Charles offer justice to Sir William Berkeley and clear him from the accusations of wrongdoing? Historian and thespian Amy Stallings transports you back to this tumultuous period in the Chesapeake in a stunning first-person performance you do not want to miss!
Enjoy fresh oysters, shrimp, handcrafted cocktails and a light supper at this annual program that honors longtime Foundation for Historic Christ Church volunteer and board member John Hunt, an avid mariner and student of the Chesapeake, who with his wife Page spent decades exploring the Bay before his passing in 2021.
Seating is Limited. Tickets available here: Lady Frances Berkeley – Chesapeake History Forum

The Holly & The Ivy
2026-12-07 15:30 - 17:00 | Historic Christ Church, 420 Christ Church Road, Weems, VA, 22576, United States
The Holly & The Ivy with the Chesapeake Chorale. Celebrate the season at Historic Christ Church with traditional songs, carols, and music. Join in this seasonal songfest in the beautifully “greened” church. Dress warmly. Refreshments follow. Admission: 2 non-perishable food items for the Healthy Harvest Food Bank
