Ready to make history one mile at a time? Walk or Run 250 Miles to Celebrate America’s 250th!

Lace up your sneakers and get moving in the free Run America 250 Challenge: a country-wide virtual walk/run event celebrating 250 years of American history!

Between July 4, 2025 and July 5, 2026 we’re challenging you to walk or run 250 miles—anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re hitting the trails, the treadmill, or your neighborhood sidewalk, every mile brings us closer to honoring America’s incredible journey since 1776.

How you hit 250 miles is totally up to you! From grocery runs to evening dog walks, teeing off on the golf course to exploring scenic trails, every step counts.

Registration for the Run America 250 Challenge opens July 4, 2025, and it’s completely free to join! Sign up by April 30, 2026, to start working toward your 250-mile goal and a commemorative medal.

To log your miles, make sure you’ve downloaded the RaceJoy app. This is how we’ll track your progress so that you can get your well-earned medal! Use the app’s GPS feature to log your miles in real-time, or enter your miles manually into the RaceJoy app. This will help make it easy for you to track your progress and help you reach your goal!

Register Here!

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library is hosting four book discussions in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial. The first will be held at the historic Rising Sun Tavern in Fredericksburg and will discuss From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points in the Revolutionary War, by John R. Maas. This work, published to coincide with the 250th anniversary, provides a sweeping narrative of five critical military events that changed the outcome of the Revolutionary War, including the Yorktown Campaign of 1781.

This book discussion, led by both librarians and historians, will provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss the key moments of the Revolutionary War in a home built by George Washington’s youngest brother, Charles, in 1760.

Contact the Porter Adult Services Desk at 540-372–1144 x7339 for a copy to be held for you or sent to another branch for your convenience. A library card is not required to reserve this book. Limited copies are available.

Future VA250 Book Club Dates:

September 9th, 2025 – From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points in the Revolutionary War by John R. Maas
Meets at The Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

January 26th, 2025 – The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson
Meets at the Fredericksburg Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

April 27th, 2026 – A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon
Meets at Porter Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 2001 Parkway Boulevard, Stafford, VA 22554
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

July 27th, 2026 – This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America’s Revolutionary War in the South by Alan Pell Crawford
Meets at The Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Saturdays and Sundays
June 6, 7, 13, & 14
Rain Dates: June 20 & 21

Grounds open at 5:30 p.m.
Performances begin at 6:30 p.m.

The 23rd annual Shakespeare on the Lawn event returns to Historic Kenmore this June with a reimagined performance of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Presented by Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble and directed by Heather McIntosh, this tragedy is full of ambition, power, and walking the line of fate and free will.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Come early and enjoy your own picnic on the lawn. Soft drinks and water available for purchase on site.
Sponsored by Lewis Insurance.

ADMISSION
Adults: $20
Students: $10
Children under 6: Free

LOCATION
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Email [email protected] or call 540-370-0732 with any questions.

Dig up artifacts! Meet real archaeologists! Witness the wonders of the “science of history.” It’s a hands-on opportunity to learn how to grid the site, dig up artifacts, and keep field notebooks. Campers will meet real archaeologists, visit the lab, and practice mending artifacts. Throughout the week, they’ll build a newfound knowledge of the mysteries beneath their feet as they explore the storied landscape of Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home.

Campers get a crash course in the entire archaeological process and discover the importance of archaeology to understanding George Washington’s life and the history of Ferry Farm.

For campers ages 8-12.

COST
$200.00 per camper, plus processing fees.
Advance registration and payment required, as camp space is limited. Registration deadline is 4 p.m., Monday, May 25.

Please note our refund policy regarding camps: 2+ weeks before, 90% refund (10% administration fee). 2 weeks before, 50% refund. 1 week before, 0% refund.

After registering, you should receive a confirmation email from SimpleTix. You will receive further communication from the Education Department at The George Washington Foundation in May as we get closer to the camp season. This will include a camper registration and emergency contact form.

Location:
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Questions? Email [email protected]
or call 540-370-0732 x1206.

The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is back in Stafford with the Tour Stafford Preview, bringing some of the nation’s most promising junior golfers to compete on the beautiful greens of Augustine Golf Club.

This four-day tournament features elite boys and girls ages 12–19 as they showcase their skills, sportsmanship, and competitive drive in a nationally recognized AJGA event. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a proud supporter of youth sports, or just looking for an exciting local event, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to see future stars in action.

Leading up to our nation’s 250th anniversary, we will charge a “Revolutionary” admission rate of $2.50 per person on Wednesdays in June to visit our “History Paintings in Progress: Gari Melchers’ Mural Studies” exhibition and tour the historic home Belmont. The studio and galleries will be open from 11 am – 4 pm. House tours are available at the top of the hour on a first-come, first-served basis

Join us on Thursday, June 18 at 7 PM as the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters take the stage. As the Navy’s official chorus, the Sea Chanters perform a wide range of music—from sea shanties and patriotic standards to Broadway and contemporary selections—delivering a dynamic and engaging vocal performance.

Concerts are held outdoors on the Museum’s entry plaza, weather permitting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The Museum, Tun Tavern and Museum Store will remain open until 6:45 PM. Outdoor concessions will be available. No alcoholic beverages permitted on Museum grounds.

In the event of inclement weather, schedule or location changes may occur. Select performances may be moved indoors with seating provided.

Presented by Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor of the Stafford County Historical Society. Stafford County has played a vital role in the founding of this nation, from the original settlements of the families of our Founding Fathers to the construction of a number of privately owned architectural buildings still standing to this day to the early industries of commercial fishing, quarrying, and iron manufacturing. The locations discussed feature the people associated with them, their stories, and how they relate to our history, along with an overview of the communities who lived in Stafford across the years, with particular interest to the once bustling seaport of Falmouth.

Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor is the author of They Called Stafford Home, among other works related to the rich history of Stafford County. A life-long Staffordian, Jerrilynn continues to heavily contribute to historical and genealogical studies of the people and places of this County. She is a secretary of the historical society and a frequent lecturer on various historical topics to numerous regional historical organizations.

Leading up to our nation’s 250th anniversary, we will charge a “Revolutionary” admission rate of $2.50 per person on Wednesdays in June to visit our “History Paintings in Progress: Gari Melchers’ Mural Studies” exhibition and tour the historic home Belmont. The studio and galleries will be open from 11 am – 4 pm. House tours are available at the top of the hour on a first-come, first-served basis.

Uncover the past and explore the science of history during Family Archaeology Day at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This interactive educational program is perfect for kids in grades K-5 and their caregivers. Together, you’ll discover what it means to be an archaeologist while learning about the people who lived at Ferry Farm.

During each session, your junior archaeologists will see real artifacts found at Ferry Farm and learn more about what archaeology can teach us. They will then put their new knowledge to the test as they dig for artifacts at our simulated dig site, learning excavation techniques and the importance of careful observation. After the dig, you and your family can step back in time with a family-friendly tour of the Washington House. Following the program, participants are welcome to visit our active dig site and talk to real archaeologists about their findings!

Times:
Session 1: 10:00am – 11:30am
Session 2: 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Admission:
$10 per child participant
$5 per adult attendee
All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Advanced registration for all attendees is required, as space is limited.  

Location:
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 540-370-0732.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27 and join us from 9 AM to 12 PM for the Summer Classic Car Show! This free, family-friendly event is open to the public.

Event Schedule:
8:00 – 9:00 AM: Registered Vehicle Check-in
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Car Show Open to the Public

Vehicle Registration:
Registration is free and open to vehicles 25 years or older. Only registered vehicles will be permitted in the reserved parking area. Register by Thursday, June 25 at midnight.

While you’re here, explore the Museum (open 9 AM – 5 PM), including galleries, the Medal of Honor Theater, Rifle Range, Museum Store, and on-site dining at Tun Tavern or Devil Dog Diner. Outdoor concessions will also be available.

Please Note: Alcohol and personal sales are not permitted on Museum grounds.

Join us for a fun-filled day at The Salt and Light Market, an awesome in-person event where local flavors and friendly vibes come together. Explore unique stalls, discover handmade treasures, and enjoy tasty bites while mingling with great folks. Whether you’re hunting for cool crafts or just want to soak up the positive energy, this is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the good times and bright smiles!

Celebrate America’s 250th with a special joint performance on Thursday, July 2 at 7 PM by  U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps “The Commandant’s Own” U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps. This concert brings together centuries of military musical tradition in a dynamic and patriotic program.

Concerts are held outdoors on the Museum’s entry plaza, weather permitting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The Museum, Tun Tavern and Museum Store will remain open until 6:45 PM. Outdoor concessions will be available. No alcoholic beverages permitted on Museum grounds.

In the event of inclement weather, schedule or location changes may occur. Select performances may be moved indoors with seating provided.

Red, white, and ready to celebrate 🎉 The Fourth of July in Stafford County is bursting with history, culture, and all-day patriotic energy, and getting around couldn’t be easier thanks to the trolley.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., enjoy free trolley service with convenient pick-ups at the downtown Fredericksburg visitor center, the Eagle’s Lodge Parking Lot, and George Washington’s Ferry Farm. It’s the easiest way to explore multiple sites, skip the parking shuffle, and keep your July 4 plans moving smoothly.

Please note: the trolley does not provide transportation to John Lee Pratt Memorial Park for the fireworks later in the evening. Plan accordingly, then spend your daytime hours riding easy, exploring freely, and soaking up all the holiday spirit Stafford has to offer!

Check out the trolley schedule here!

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 Kilmarnock Pipe Band, the Wil Gravatt Band, demonstrations by the Patawomeck Indian Tribe, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the Fredericksburg Area Museum, James Monroe Museum, Washington Heritage Sites, James Ingram who interprets of 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.

Kids can enjoy a display of dinosaur and other fossils, a live archaeological excavation, play colonial games, watch living history, take Washington House tours, food trucks, craft-making, and more.

11:00 am – Inspiring Speeches and Flag Retirement Ceremony

Tickets to be purchased at the gate.

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 [email protected] or call 540-370-0732.

FREE PARKING
Eagles Lodge Lot
21 Cool Springs Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

This camp teaches children what life was like in the 18th century, when colonists were on the cusp of war. Through immersive hands-on activities, children learn about colonial life, maritime practices, and the challenges of war. Campers will play colonial games, explore historic trades, learn from real historical objects, and even design and test their own model ships. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to walk in the footsteps of George Washington at both museum sites while exploring the lives of Revolutionary soldiers, sailors, and civilians. This camp alternates locations between Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm.

For campers ages 8-12.

COST
$200.00 per camper plus processing fees. Advance ticket purchase required, as program space is limited. Sign-up deadline is 4 p.m., Monday, June 29.

Please note our refund policy regarding camp: 2+ weeks before, 90% refund (10% administration fee). 2 weeks before, 50% refund. 1 week before, 0% refund.

After registering, you should receive a confirmation email from SimpleTix. You will receive further communication from the Education Department at the George Washington Foundation in June as we get closer to the camp season. This will include a camper registration and emergency contact form.

Locations:
This camp alternates location each day between George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore.

George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Questions? Email [email protected]
or call 540-370-0732 x1206.

This summer, we’re bringing the music indoors with the BoltRiders Surf Rock Band in the Pavilion. Enjoy the performance in our scenic event space, and explore the art galleries before the event and during intermission (5:30–6:00 pm and 7:00–7:15 pm). Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. to reserve your seats, call the Visitor Center at 540-654-1844 and provide the total number in your party.

Stafford will host the 5th Annual Team USA vs. Team Scotland Amateur Golf Championships for the first time in 2026 at The Gauntlet Golf Club. This two-day national championship brings together amateur golfers from across the country for high-level competition.

The event is open to all amateur golfers, with top performers earning the opportunity to represent Team USA, and spectators are welcome to attend and watch the championships. Participants also have the chance to win a trip to St Andrews, one of the most historic golf destinations in the world.