Calendar of Events 2009
Winter Events
January 11 (Sun.): Winter Big Woods Walk
Tour the James Madison Landmark Forest. A 200-acre old-growth forest that lies behind the Mansion's back lawn. 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.
February 12 (Thu.): Lecture on Paul Jennings
Enjoy an evening in the Grand Salon of the Visitor Center and learn about Paul Jennings, a former Madison slave. 4:00 p.m. Wine and cheese reception at 5:00 p.m. Free. Open to the public.
February 16 (Mon.): President's Day
Celebrate President’s Day with a tour of the home of the Father of Constitution and President James Madison.
February 22 (Sun.): Freedman's Farm Tour and Confederate 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.
Spring Events
March 16 (Mon.): James Madison's 258th Birthday Celebration
Attend a poignant commemorative ceremony with the United States Marine Corps laying a wreath on James Madison’s grave. Free admission.
March 30-April 3 (Mon.-Fri.): Archaeology Expedition Field Program
Assist with an actual excavation! Worked with trained professional archaeologists as they excavate the recently discovered Madison-era North Kitchen. Reservations (540) 672-2728 x160.
April 5 (Sun.): Spring 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.
April 20-24 (Mon.-Fri.): Archaeology Expedition Field Program
Assist with an actual excavation! Worked with trained professional archaeologists as they excavate the recently discovered Madison-era North Kitchen. Reservations (540) 672-2728 x160.
May 2-3 (Sat.-Sun.): Montpelier Wine Festival
Sample award-winning Virginia wines and relax on Montpelier's splendid 2,650-acre grounds while enjoying speciality foods, children's activities, kite contests, vendors, crafters and more! Please call (540) 672-5216, as well as www.orangevachamber.com.
May 11-June 12 (Mon.-Thu.): James Madison University 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.
May 17 (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.
May 20 (Wed.): Dolley Madison's Birthday
Enjoy the gracious hospitality of America's first First Lady on her birthday with free cake for all, and free admission for anyone born on this date.
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 22-26 (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 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 6-10 (Mon.-Fri.): Gilmore Camp
Join rising 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 8, 15, 22, 29 (Wed.): Summer Fun!
Hey kids! Spend your Wednesday mornings playing colonial games like Capture the Flag, Montpelier Mystery, Playing Possum, Worms, and Bees! Programs designed for ages 4-6, and 7-12. 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 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.
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 5 (Wed.): Summer Fun!
Hey kids! Spend your Wednesday mornings playing colonial games like Capture the Flag, Montpelier Mystery, Playing Possum, Worms, and Bees! Programs designed for ages 4-6, and 7-12. Advance registration required. (540) 672-2728 x401.
August 10-14, August 31-September 4 (Mon.-Fri.): Archaeology Expedition Field Program
Assist with an actual excavation! Worked 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.
Fall Events
September 17 (Thu.): Constitution Day
Free admission all day. (540) 672-2728.
October 5-9 (Mon.-Fri.): Archaeology Expedition Field Program
Assist with an actual excavation! Worked 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 10-11 (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 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 Field Program
Assist with an actual excavation! Worked 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.