Upcoming Events
A Special Dedication at the Apothecary
Friday, May 22, 2026
4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Please join us at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop to celebrate and honor Genevieve Bugay with a garden bench dedication on Friday, May 22, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. This is a surprise—please help us keep it under wraps! Genevieve’s influence is woven into every corner of the Apothecary Shop. Through her leadership and vision over the past 40 years, a modest museum became a vibrant place for living history, education, and community. This dedication recognizes the care, creativity, and welcome she has shared with countless visitors—and the legacy that will continue to educate, inspire, and connect generations to come. Light refreshments of cookies and lemonade will be served. We will have a guest book to sign; cards are welcome (please, no gifts).
Wreath Laying at the Mercer Monument
Monday, May 25, 2026
1 p.m.
Washington Avenue
We invite you to join us for a truly special and meaningful Memorial Day event, where we come together as a community to remember and honor the legacy of Hugh Mercer. This year, we also recognize the tricentennial of his birth in 1726. The commemoration will take place with a special wreath-laying ceremony on Monday, May 25th at 1 p.m. at the Mercer Monument on Washington Avenue. Hugh Mercer was not only a Revolutionary War hero who served valiantly as a brigadier general under the leadership of George Washington, but he was also a dedicated physician who practiced in Fredericksburg from approximately 1761 to 1776. His commitment to our nation's freedom was unwavering, and he made the ultimate sacrifice at the historic Battle of Princeton. This is a free event and will feature bagpipe accompaniment by Mike Galu. Our guest speaker, Ethan Burgess, will share insights on Mercer’s life and legacy. Ethan grew up in the Ferry Farm neighborhood and studied history at Longwood University. In 2018, he developed an interest in public history by giving tours at the Rising Sun Tavern. He served as Site Manager in 2019 and returned to the Washington Heritage Museums as Membership & Office Manager from 2022 to 2024. He currently works at Stratford Hall as Director of Communications and serves as Assistant Secretary for Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge No. 4 and Vice Chair of the Fredericksburg Memorials Advisory Commission. For your comfort, we suggest that you bring a lawn chair
Member Reception Honoring Anne Darron
Sunday, June 7, 2026
3 to 5 p.m.
Mary Washington House Garden
Please join Washington Heritage Museums on Sunday, June 7th for a truly special Member Reception paying tribute to our retiring Executive Director, Anne Darron. This will be an opportunity to celebrate Anne’s years of remarkable leadership, share memories, and wish her well in her next chapter.
This gathering is open to all WHM members, as well as Anne’s friends and family. Given that this is a special tribute reception, it will differ from our usual member gatherings and there is no need to bring items to share – everything will be provided. We suggest business casual wear suitable for an outdoor gathering – rain or shine!
To honor Anne and her extraordinary dedication to Washington Heritage Museums, consider helping to fulfill the Monumental Vision Campaign—a legacy she worked tirelessly to advance throughout her tenure at WHM.
If you would like to make a gift in her name to support the transformation and long‑term preservation of the Mary Washington Monument site for generations to come, please donate using the following link: https://bit.ly/marywashingtonmonument
All gifts to the Monumental Vision Campaign made between now and June 7th will be recognized in honor of Anne. This is a meaningful opportunity to support her continued vision for the Monument. We hope you will join us to recognize Anne and celebrate all she has meant to Washington Heritage Museums.
Please RSVP to reserve your free ticket no later than Wednesday, June 3rd.
Mary Washington: George’s Much Maligned Mother
NEW DATE! Wednesday, June 10, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg Branch
Speaker: Laura Galke
Join us 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.
Twilight History for Kids
Monday, June 22nd to Thursday, June 26th, 2026
6 to 8 p.m.
Explore American history while walking in the footsteps of George Washington, his family and the people of Fredericksburg during the time of the American Revolution. Enjoy hands-on activities, creative projects and lively games at Fredericksburg's most iconic sites: Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and Mary Washington Monument. Discover 18th-century food, medicine and daily life as you visit the places Washington knew well. This four-evening program features mostly outdoor, small-group activities, and children (ages 8 to 12) will experience a different historic site each night. Give your young historian an unforgettable summer adventure as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence!
Libations and Liberty: A Toast to Independence
Friday, July 3, 2026
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rising Sun Tavern
Independence Day isn’t just a date – it’s a story, a debate, and a decision that changed the course of history. Historically, taverns served as crucial venues where our founding fathers debated and resolved to establish an independent nation. Before the house at 1304 Caroline Street became a tavern, the first owner, Charles Washington, signed the Leedstown Resolves – one of the first acts of resistance to the Stamp Act. So, there’s no better place to raise a glass to 250 years of independence than the historic Rising Sun Tavern!
For our celebration, the Rising Sun Tavern will partner with 1781 Brewing Company and Wilderness Run Vineyards to host a special “Libations and Liberty” event on the eve of Independence Day, Friday, July 3rd. Guests can enjoy a tasting lineup featuring four different beers and two types of wine—plus a moment of shared history: abbreviated tours will be given at the tavern, and every hour, on the hour, we will raise a toast to our founding ideals and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of independence.
This is a FREE event with a suggested donation of $2.50 per person (for our 250th!). Please register for the event at the link below. Rising Sun Tavern tours will take place all day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and beer / wine will be available for purchase in the courtyard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a friend, come ready to learn a little history and join us in honoring the spirit of independence—one toast at a time!
A 250th Fourth of July
Saturday, July 4, 2026
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ferry Farm
Be part of America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This family-friendly Americana-themed Independence Day event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation in a setting rich with Revolutionary history. Join us for a day filled with games, hands-on activities, crafts, living history demonstrations, reenactors, and engaging programs presented by community organizations from across the region. Fabulous Fourth offers a meaningful and memorable way to honor our shared heritage and the enduring spirit of independence. Celebrate our nation’s 250th along with the area’s historic sites and educational entities. With dozens of things to see and do, guests will be entertained by performances and demonstrations by the Wil Gravatt Band, demonstrations by the Patawomeck Indian Tribe, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the Fredericksburg Area Museum, James Monroe Museum, National Park Service, Washington Heritage Museums, Art Cart for Kids, Civil War reenactors, historic food preparers, James Ingram interpreting the lives of enslaved sailors, and many others! Returning performers include a George Washington reenactor, Enduring Freedom, the 23rd USCT, and the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society. Also witness a live archaeological excavation, watch living history in action, take a Washington House tour, and grab a bite from food trucks. Kids can enjoy a hands-on dig of dinosaur and other fossils, play colonial games, make crafts, and more. 11:00 am – Inspiring Speeches and Flag Retirement Ceremony Just $3 per person, ages 3 and up. Purchase tickets on-site, no advance ticket sales. Free shuttles will run between the Eagles Lodge parking lot on Cool Springs Road and the Ferry Farm and Fourth in Fredericksburg events. Handicap parking only available on-site at Ferry Farm. Event is rain or shine. No pets, no weapons, no coolers, and no alcohol permitted. Questions? Email learn@gwffoundation.org or call 540-370-0732. FREE PARKING Eagles Lodge Lot 21 Cool Springs Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Event sponsored by Hirschler and Keiter.
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Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Saturday, July 4, 2026
11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s freedom with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. Living historians will read live from the steps in front of the 18th century building at 11am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Join us for this FREE community event as we honor the enduring legacy of the Declaration. It’s a fun Fourth of July tradition for the entire family!
An Evening of Absinthe at the Apothecary
Friday, August 7, 2026
5 and 7 p.m.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Tickets for this event will go on sale Monday, June 8, 2026.
Step into the fascinating world of absinthe during this immersive evening that blends history, horticulture, and hands‑on learning. The experience unfolds in three engaging parts, beginning with a guided garden tour where you’ll discover the plants traditionally used to make absinthe, including anise, fennel, wormwood, lemon balm, and hyssop.
From there, explore the rich history of absinthe—from its origins as a medicinal to its evolution into the iconic green liquor. Along the way, common myths surrounding absinthe will be dispelled, shedding light on how and why it gained its mysterious reputation.
The evening concludes with a demonstration of how absinthe is made, followed by a tasting of absinthe accompanied by a simple charcuterie-style spread of cheese and crackers. This is a unique opportunity to learn how a once‑forbidden spirit was crafted, used, and enjoyed through the centuries.
This is an adult 21+ event with two sessions: 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 each and non-refundable after four days of purchase.
Bourbon and Boxwood
Saturday, October 3, 2026
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Mary Washington House
Raise a glass to 250 years as we honor America's legacy! Washington Heritage Museums announces the eleventh annual Bourbon and Boxwood event, on October 3, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. (Please note the new time!) This year, we are proudly celebrating the historic 250th anniversaries of both Virginia and the United States, and we hope you will join us for this grand event. Bourbon and Boxwood, the name, evokes George Washington’s success as a distiller and Mary Washington’s love of boxwood gardens. Bourbon and Boxwood, the event, is a beautiful garden party that brings together dedicated supporters from near and far, featuring live music, plentiful food and drinks, and a silent auction. Most importantly, this event serves as an outstanding way to financially support all five of WHM’s historic properties and their beneficial educational programs. Washington Heritage Museums is truly grateful to all our donors and sponsors. Your individual generosity and corporate partnerships are crucial to the success of WHM. Your support is essential for the preservation of these historic museums, educational programs, and ongoing research that delves into the stories and lives that have shaped this great nation. WHM does not receive ongoing city, state, or federal funds; our operations are entirely funded through the generosity of donations, sponsorships, grants, memberships, and museum admissions. We invite you to make a meaningful impact by choosing to sponsor the Bourbon and Boxwood event. Your sponsorship not only supports this community and these museums but also ensures the preservation of our shared history. Be sure to explore the 2026 Sponsorship Packet for detailed information on how you can be part of this extraordinary event.
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Homeschool History Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
10 a.m. to 4 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.
Look for more information and ticket sales beginning on June 15, 2026!