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.
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WHM Speaker Series:
Collecting, Preserving & Sharing Stories: Rappahannock Heritage Center
November 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
​Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theater
Speakers: Florence Barnick, Chair; and Roy McAfee, Vice-Chair of the Heritage Center.
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Tea Talk – Tales of a Tavern Keeper
November 11, 2025
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
Rising Sun Tavern
Step into the 18th century at the Rising Sun Tavern Museum on Tuesday, November 11th, for a captivating Tea Talk with historical reenactor Lee Ann Rose. With decades of theatrical experience, Rose brings iconic American women to life in a spirited portrayal of a colonial tavern keeper.
Tavern Talk: 18th-Century Virginia Foodways
November 15, 2025
5 to 6:00 p.m.
Rising Sun Tavern
​Join us and immerse yourself in the culinary world of 18th-century Virginia at the Rising Sun Tavern Museum. With an array of period cookbooks in hand, BL will guide us through the flavors and ingredients that graced the tables of Virginians centuries ago. BL was instrumental in the creation of the hearth cooking program at George Mason's Gunston Hall and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her craft. She has demonstrated open hearth cooking both at Gunston Hall and for the Fairfax County Adult & Community Education. Beyond her extensive expertise in historical culinary practices, she has served as a docent at Gunston Hall for thirty-seven years. Attendance is complimentary; however, donations are graciously accepted. Due to limited seating availability at the Tavern, reservations are essential to secure your spot. Please note that this event will not feature live cooking, however it will offer a rare glimpse in the culinary heritage of early America.
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Holiday Colonial Tea
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
12 to 2:00 p.m.
Ironclad Inn
Welcome the holidays with a very special afternoon tea on Tuesday, December 2nd, at the historic Ironclad Inn.
Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Inn, adorned with elegant holiday decorations, while you listen to beautiful music by professional harpist Kathleen Allison. Delight in an array of delicious holiday treats, including savory bites, sweet confections, and fine teas—all served with plenty of holiday cheer! We are thrilled to welcome Aaron Mastin, costume and production designer for television and movies —and also a WHM Site Interpreter—as our guest speaker. Aaron will share fascinating insights into colonial fashion, exploring it from every angle and from the inside out! The ticket price for this fundraiser tea is $60 per person and includes a Full Tea with a selection of savories and sweets, hot tea, live music, and a presentation by our guest speaker.
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WHM Speaker Series & Annual Meeting
Revitalizing History: A Comprehensive Plan for the Mary Washington Monument Landscape
December 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
​Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theater
Speaker: Sally Harman, Principal of Field Design
The speaker's presentation will follow the brief WHM Annual Meeting.
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Holiday Open House at the Rising Sun Tavern
Friday, December 5, 2025
5 - 8 p.m.
Rising Sun Tavern | FREE
As a heartfelt thank-you to our supportive community, we invite you to enjoy a free evening tour of the Rising Sun Tavern Museum. Step into the charm of the 18th century as the tavern is beautifully decorated for the holidays, just as it would have been centuries ago.
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.
Holiday Open House at the Mary Washington House
Sunday, December 7, 2025
12 noon – 5 p.m.
Mary Washington House | FREE
Step into the magic of an 18th-century Christmas at the Mary Washington House! Experience the holiday season as it was centuries ago—craft your own orange pomander, a cherished tradition of the era, and meet members of the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society as they bring history to life with demonstrations of colonial crafts.
Enjoy the enchanting sounds of Veronica Allison’s harpsichord performance, filling the house with the melodies of the past. Then, warm up with hot cider and Mary Washington’s famous gingerbread while browsing the museum store’s exclusive holiday sale with extended hours—a perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for loved ones.
This FREE festive event is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with friends and family. Do not miss this chance to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of an 18th-century Christmas!