Washington Heritage Museums

06/19/2026

On Juneteenth, we reflect on the promise of liberty and that all men are created equal. We honor the individuals who lived and labored at our historic sites.

At the Mary Washington House, the Rising Sun Tavern, St. James’ House, and the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, daily life depended on human hands and human lives whose names are too often missing from the historical record.

Their lives mattered, their stories matter, and their legacy deserves a place in the telling of our shared history.

06/18/2026

HUZZAH! Shout out to our colleagues at George Washington's Mount Vernon for including us in the Special Educator's Preview of the highly anticipated upcoming Young Washington Movie. While the film is Hollywood historical fiction, Angel Studios presents an exciting interpretation of a young, ambitious, and honorable George Washington during the French and Indian War. It is an exciting opportunity to reintroduce America's first president, the Colonial Era in which he lived, and the events foreshadowing America's War of Independence.

As we celebrate the 250th Birthday of our great nation, we hope the movie will inspire people of all ages to learn more about the complex stories of George, his mother Mary Ball Washington, as well as the Ball and Washington families.

Come visit George's hometown of Fredericksburg! Explore his childhood home at Ferry Farm, as well as his mother's house later in life, the Mary Washington House, among other local 18th-century sites.

Stay tuned for more insights on the film and more accurate historic facts on Mary Ball Washington, an amazing woman, who shaped her son George into the man who became the father of our nation.

George Washington's Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore

06/17/2026

Join us for the VA250 HISTORY FAIR at the Salem Branch, Central Rappahannock Regional Library this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. This special event is designed for attendees of all ages, offering a wide array of engaging demonstrations, games, activities and more. Washington Heritage Museums is happy to join with the following organizations to bring history to life and celebrate the incredible stories that have shaped America!

⭐George Washington Foundation
⭐Fredericksburg Spinners and Weavers Guild
⭐Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefield National Military Park
⭐Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society
⭐The James Monroe Museum
⭐Spotsylvania NSDAR

06/16/2026

Join us on FIRST FRIDAY at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop for a spirited evening and learn about the fascinating world of absinthe!

Step into an immersive evening that blends history, horticulture, and hands‑on learning. It will unfold 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 may be purchased at the following link:
https://bit.ly/Evening-of-Absinthe

06/14/2026

Every June 14, the United States pauses to honor one of its most enduring national symbols—the American flag. Flag Day isn’t just about stars and stripes; it’s a moment to reflect on the origins of our nation’s identity and the people who shaped it.

Flag Day traces its roots to June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress passed a simple but monumental resolution:

“Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

This declaration gave the young nation its first official flag design. But Flag Day itself wouldn’t be formally recognized until more than a century later. In 1885, a Wisconsin schoolteacher named Bernard Cigrand held what is considered the first organized Flag Day observance and by 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as National Flag Day. In 1949, Congress officially designated it as a national observance.

For us at Washington Heritage Museums, Flag Day is a particularly meaningful occasion. It marks the time when we undertake the symbolic action of replacing the flags in front of our three historic sites. As we hoist new flags, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and inspire future generations to uphold the principles that the flag represents.

06/12/2026

Special thanks to Laura Galke for her enlightening presentation this week, "Mary Washington: George's Much-Maligned Mother." Through her engaging storytelling, Laura sheds light on Mary's life, from the hardships she endured to the decisions she made and the hurdles she overcame.

For those that couldn't attend in person, we hope you enjoy this video. Whether you are familiar with Mary's story or not, it promises to change your perspective! Be sure to "like" the video and leave a comment to let us know your interests for future lectures.

We would also like to thank the Central Rappahannock Regional Library for partnering with us to host the event!

Special presentation by Laura Galke, Archeologist and Site Interpre...

06/11/2026

[June 11] in 1788, George and Martha Washington arrived in Fredericksburg for a family visit that offers a glimpse into both their private life and public experience.

Washington recorded the beginning of the visit in his diary with typical brevity: he and Martha "alighted at my Mothers and sent the Carriage & horses to my Sister [Betty] Lewis's-where we dined and lodged."¹ In just a few words, he mapped a network of family ties that defined Fredericksburg for the Washingtons. Mary Ball Washington lived there, as did Betty Lewis, making the town not just a stop on the road but a place with family routine, hospitality, and obligation.

During their stay, the Washingtons attended services at St. George’s Episcopal Church. There, the calm of worship was interrupted by sudden panic. Washington wrote "The Congregation being alarmed (without cause) and supposg. the Gallery at the No. End was about to fall, were thrown into the utmost confusion; and in the precipitate retreat to the doors many got hurt."²

The visit also included a quieter act of remembrance. While in Fredericksburg, Martha Washington noticed that her father’s tomb was, as George later wrote, “out of sorts.” John Dandridge, who had died in August 1756, was buried in St. George’s graveyard. In response, Washington paid £1 10s. "to have it done up again."³

Taken together, these diary notes show George and Martha Washington moving through Fredericksburg as son and daughter, brother and sister, churchgoers, and caretakers of family memory.

1.2.3. Diaries of George Washington (6 volumes, 1976-79) 5:340

1. Diaries of George Washington (6 volumes, 1776-79) 3:191

Images:
1) Carriage similar to the one Washington used to make his trip to Fredericksburg. Courtesy of Mount Vernon.

2) George Washington purchased this comfortable home on Charles Street for Mary where she spent the last seventeen years of her life.

3) Present day image of St. George's Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

4) Grave of John Dandridge, Martha's father, at St. George's Episcopal Church.

06/10/2026

TONIGHT!

Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg Branch Auditorium.

06/09/2026

⭐There's no better place to raise a glass to 250 years of independence than the historic 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 living history 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. Guests will also enjoy meeting a Revolutionary War veteran, a handbell demonstration, and activities presented by the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society.

Bring a friend, come ready to learn a little history and join us in honoring the spirit of independence—one toast at a time!

Image: Rising Sun Tavern historic interpreter William C. Buser.

06/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at yesterday’s Member Reception honoring Anne Darron and celebrating her remarkable career and retirement as Executive Director of Washington Heritage Museums.

Surrounded by family, Anne accepted a special proclamation from Mayor Kerry P. Devine on behalf of the City of Fredericksburg, recognizing her lasting impact on our community. WHM Board Chair Michael O’Mallley thanked Anne for her 15 years of leadership, and Gail Braxton shared warm reflections on Anne’s friendship and service.

To mark this significant milestone, the entire group raised their glasses in a champagne toast, celebrating Anne's achievements and wishing her all the best as she embarks on her next exciting chapter.

Special thanks to Jeanette Cadwallender, Andrea Hickman Meleski and Jan Bienack for their exceptional efforts in making the reception such a success!

Images:
- Mayor Dewine presents Anne with a special proclamation from the City of Fredericksburg.
- Beautiful floral centerpieces graced the reception tables.
- Reflections from Anne, who thanked those in attendance "for your dedication, generosity and your belief in the power of history to inspire, to teach and to connect us all."
- Anne with long-time mentor and friend, Gail Braxton.
- BOD Chair, Michael O'Malley, shares his gratitude for Anne's dedication to WHM.
- Friends, family and members of the community all wishing Anne well in her next chapter.
- Anne enjoying a moment with her supportive family.