Calendar of Events 2009
Summer Events
June 15-19 (Mon.-Fri.): Natural History Day Camp — "Mud Camp"
Join other rising 3rd–4th graders at Montpelier’s Mud Camp! Explore some of the 2,650 acres of creeks, fields, and woods. Be prepared to get dirty and have fun! For more information please call (540) 672-2728 x401.
June 21 (Sun.): Rebuilding Montpelier's Civil War Huts
Come and see local Civil War reenactors of the 3rd Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia rebuild several period huts using the same construction techniques and materials that Confederate troops would have used in the depths of the winter of 1863-1864. Watch a live fire demonstration of Civil War-era weapons. The encampment lies behind the Gilmore Cabin: A Freedman's Farm on Route 20 opposite the main entrance to Montpelier.
June 22-26 (Mon.-Fri.): Natural History Day Camp — "Mud Camp"
Join other rising 5th-6th graders at Montpelier’s Mud Camp! Explore some of the 2,650 acres of creeks, fields, and woods. Be prepared to get dirty and have fun! For more information please call (540) 672-2728 x401.
June 29-July 24: SUNY Plattsburgh Archaeology Field School
Watch archaeologists and students uncover the recently discovered Madison-era North Kitchen. For more information contact Dr. Matthew Reeves, Director of Archaeology, on (540) 672-2728 x160.
July 1 (Wed.): Summer Fun — Hands-On Montpelier
Spend a hands-on morning around the mansion in the Tool Tent, the Kitchen, and an archaeological site. Ages 7-12. Advance registration required. (540) 672-2728 x401.
July 6-10 (Mon.-Fri.): Gilmore Camp
Join rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders as they learn about the life of a newly emancipated family at the Gilmore Farm. Activities include farm chores, cookings, crafts, and more. (540) 672-2728 x401.
July 8th (Wed.): Summer Fun — Somethin' Fishy
Gills and buoys, join us for fintastic adventures! Ages 4-6. Advance registration required. (540) 672-2728 x401.
July 12 (Sun.): Summer Big Woods Walk
Tour of the James Madison Landmark Forest. A 200-acre old-growth forest lies just beyond the back lawn of the Mansion. Designated by the U.S. Department of Interior as a National Natural Landmark, the "Big Woods" is recognized as the best example of an old-growth forest in the Piedmont. Meet at the Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m.
July 15 (Wed): Summer Fun — Madison's Lost Treasures II
Follow cryptic clues and scour Montpelier to find Ameica's true "National Treasures." Ages 7-12. Advance registration required. (540) 672-2728 x401.
July 19 (Sun.): Rebuilding Montpelier's Civil War Huts
Come and see local Civil War reenactors of the 3rd Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia rebuild several period huts using the same construction techniques and materials that Confederate troops would have used in the depths of the winter of 1863-1864. Watch a live fire demonstration of Civil War-era weapons. The encampment lies behind the Gilmore Cabin: A Freedman's Farm on Route 20 opposite the main entrance to Montpelier.
July 22 (Wed.): Summer Fun - For the Birds!
Learn something to crow about when you explore the world of our feathered friends. Ages 4-6. Advance registration required. (540) 672-2728 x401.
July 23-26 (Thu.-Sun.): Orange County Fair
Join local farmers, craftsmen, cooks and gardeners for an annual celebration of rural life in the Virginia Piedmont. Sponsored by the Orange County Fair Board and the 4-H Club. (540) 661-5393 or visit www.orangecountyvafair.com.
July 29 (Wed.): Summer Fun — Water Walkers
Adventure awaits as we hike down one of Montpelier's creeks! Ages 7-12. Wear old sneakers and long pants, please! Advance registration required. (540) 672-2728 x401.
July 31-August 2 (Fri.-Sun.): Civil War Camp Reenactment and Living History
See reenactors of the 3rd Regiment of the Army of Northern Viriginia as they interpret camp life at Montpelier. After you have seen what camp life is like, take the trail to the Civil War camp and onto the Gilmore Cabin: A Freedmans Farm where you can see period huts being reconstructed. Located behind the former Visitors Center on Route 20.
August 2 (Sun.): Rebuilding Montpelier's Civil War Huts
Come and see local Civil War reenactors of the 3rd Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia rebuild several period huts using the same construction techniques and materials that Confederate troops would have used in the depths of the winter of 1863-1864. Watch a live fire demonstration of Civil War-era weapons. The encampment lies behind the Gilmore Cabin: A Freedman's Farm on Route 20 opposite the main entrance to Montpelier.
August 2 (Sun.): Freedman's Farm Tour and Confederate Winter Camp Site Walking Tour
Tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, born a slave at Montpelier, followed by a walking tour of the 1863-64 Confederate winter encampment site. (540) 672-2728 x441.
August 3-7, August 10-14, August 31-September 4 (Mon.-Fri.): Archaeology Expedition
Assist with an actual excavation! Work with trained professional archaeologists as they excavate the recently discovered Madison-era North Kitchen. For reservations and more information, please call (540) 672-2728 x160.
August 16 (Sun.): Rebuilding Montpelier's Civil War Huts
Come and see local Civil War reenactors of the 3rd Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia rebuild several period huts using the same construction techniques and materials that Confederate troops would have used in the depths of the winter of 1863-1864. Watch a live fire demonstration of Civil War-era weapons. The encampment lies behind the Gilmore Cabin: A Freedman's Farm on Route 20 opposite the main entrance to Montpelier.
Fall Events
September 17 (Thu.): Constitution Day
Celebrate Constitution Day at the home of the fourth president of the United States and the woman who inpired the title First Lady. Free admission all day. (540) 672-2728.
October 3-4 (Sat.-Sun.): Fall Fiber Festival and Sheep Dog Trials
View fiber arts displays, demonstrations, and workshops by the Fall Fiber Festival of VA, Inc. Information: email fallfiber02@hotmail.com or visit www.fallfiberfestival.org.
October 5-9 (Mon.-Fri.): Archaeology Expedition
Assist with an actual excavation! Work with trained professional archaeologists as they excavate the recently discovered Madison-era North Kitchen. For reservations and more information, please call (540) 672-2728 x160.
October 9 (Fri.): Wine Tasting at Montpelier
Stroll the North Terrace after hours, just as James and Dolley did, while sampling the best of Virginia wines. Reservations required. 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. $40/person. (540) 672-2728 x104.
October 18 (Sun.): Fall Big Woods Walk
Tour of the James Madison Landmark Forest. A 200-acre old-growth forest lies just beyond the back lawn of the Mansion. Designated by the U.S. Department of Interior as a National Natural Landmark, the "Big Woods" is recognized as the best example of an old-growth forest in the Piedmont. Meet at the Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m.
October 19-23 (Mon.-Fri.): Archaeology Expedition
Assist with an actual excavation! Work with trained professional archaeologists as they excavate the recently discovered Madison-era North Kitchen. For reservations and more information, please call (540) 672-2728 x160.
November 7 (Sat.): Montpelier Hunt Races
Experience the thrill of steeplechase horse racing at the 75th running of the Montpelier Hunt Races on the historic grounds of James Madison's Montpelier. Come early to see the Jack Russell Terrier races, stick horse races, dog agility demonstrations, and other entertainment. For details on corporate packages, tailgating, and tickets, please call (540) 672-0027, or visit www.montpelierraces.org.
November 11 (Wed.): Veterans Day at Montpelier
Montpelier salutes all veterans with free admission for those who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information please call (540) 672-2728 x104.
November 15 (Sun.): Freedman's Farm Tour and Confederate Winter Camp Site Walking Tour
Tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, born a slave at Montpelier, followed by a walking tour of the 1863-64 Confederate winter encampment site. (540) 672-2728 x441.
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