Hugh Mercer Birthday Celebration
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Noon – 4:00 PM
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
FREE
Celebrate the birthday of Brigadier General and physician Hugh Mercer! Born in Scotland in 1726, Mercer fought at the Battle of Culloden during the Jacobite uprising and later immigrated to North America. During the American Revolution, Mercer died of wounds suffered at the Battle of Princeton in January, 1777. Celebrate his 298th birthday with an open house at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop in downtown Fredericksburg, VA. Hear live period tunes as you enjoy a complimentary tour and refreshments.
Half-Price Admission Day,
In Honor of Washington’s Birthday
Monday, February 17, 2025
11 AM – 4:00 PM
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern
In honor of Washington's Birthday (observed) guests will receive discounted admission of $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for youth! Our museums will be open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Happy Birthday, George!
Saturday, February 22, 2025
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Mary Washington House
Activities included with admission
Join our costumed interpreters at the Mary Washington House as we celebrate the birth of our nation's first president! Included with your standard admission ticket are free cake and crafts for children. Cake and crafts will be offered while supplies last.
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In the Museum Store, enjoy 10% off all books with “George” in the title!
WHM Speaker Series
March 6, 2025
10:00 AM
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Join WHM for the Speaker Series. With a variety of topics, there is something to interest everyone! Our speakers and subjects will be announced soon. In the meantime, we hope you will enjoy watching some of our past lectures on the WHM YouTube Channel.
WHM Speaker Series
April 3, 2025
10:00 AM
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Join WHM for the Speaker Series. With a variety of topics, there is something to interest everyone! Our speakers and subjects will be announced soon. In the meantime, we hope you will enjoy watching some of our past lectures on the WHM YouTube Channel.
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St. James’ House Spring Opening
Monday, April 28 to Saturday, May 3, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Daily
Tour the beautiful home and garden of one of Fredericksburg's early attorneys, James Mercer. The house is particularly noted for its fine collection of antique furniture and decorative arts acquired by Daniel Breslin and William Tolerton. Together, they restored St. James’ in the mid-1960s and eventually bequeathed it to Preservation Virginia. St. James’ House now serves as the headquarters for Washington Heritage Museums.​
$10 adult admission, discounted admission available.
WHM members tour free. Tickets available in April.
WHM Speaker Series
May 1, 2025
10:00 AM
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Join WHM for the Speaker Series. With a variety of topics, there is something to interest everyone! Our speakers and subjects will be announced soon. In the meantime, we hope you will enjoy watching some of our past lectures on the WHM YouTube Channel.
Games in the Garden
Saturday, May 17, 2025
11 AM to 1 PM
Mary Washington House
FREE outdoor activities, and museum tours available with paid admission
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​Step into the Mary Washington House Garden to enjoy games as they were played in the 18th century! Some are rarely played today, while others we know now by different names. Children will enjoy testing their skills while playing these fun, hands-on games!
Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Friday, July 4, 2025
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
FREE, museum tours available with admission ticket
Join Washington Heritage Museums at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop as we celebrate our independence with the annual live reading of the Declaration of Independence. Living historians will read this historic document from the steps in front of this 18th-century building in a moving experience you won't want to miss!
Registration will open April 2025
Twilight History at Washington Heritage Museums
Monday, July 28 to Thursday, August 3, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location varies by evening
Young historians will enjoy the gift of historic games & activities this summer! This four-evening program is designed engage students with hands-on experiences that explore local history. Programs will rotate between four of Fredericksburg’s most historic sites, including the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Rising Sun Tavern, Mary Washington House, and Mary Washington Monument. This a great chance for parents to relax and enjoy downtown Fredericksburg during Fredericksburg’s Restaurant Week!
$150 per registrant, $125 for WHM Members.
Participants must be 8 to 12 years of age during the program.
