Coming up at the Museum

Special Events for 2008

Sunday, April 27, 2008, 1 - 4 p.m., OPEN HOUSE TO CELEBRATE THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF JAMES MONROE

     In honor of the 250th anniversary of James Monroe’s birth in April, the public is invited to an open house at the museum to view the new exhibitions created to celebrate this special year.   Crewmembers from the U.S.S. James Monroe will display artifacts from the ship, and guests will be entertained by the spirited folk music of Syllabub.  Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear the Monroe’s pianoforte, played only on special occasions at the museum, and have a piece of birthday cake cut by the “President” himself!

Monday, May 26, 2008, 12 Noon, 14TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY AT THE MASONIC CEMETERY OF 1784

     Revolutionary and Civil War veterans buried in the Cemetery are remembered as well as others from Fredericksburg’s past.  The event is open to the public without charge and is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Historic Masonic Cemetery, Fredericksburg Lodge #4, A.F.& A.M., and the James Monroe Museum.  A solemn procession to the Hugh Mercer Monument follows the memorial service.

Saturday, September 20, 2008, 12 Noon - 5 p.m., 19TH ANNUAL FREDERICKSBURG WELSH FESTIVAL

     The East Coast’s only Welsh festival celebrates James Monroe’s Welsh heritage on his mother’s side and is held in the block in front of the Museum.  Entertainment includes Welsh and Celtic music, crafts and vendors, activities for the children, and a museum open house.  The event is co-sponsored by the Welsh Society of Fredericksburg and the James Monroe Museum. 

Saturday, October 11, 2008, 7 p.m., 4TH ANNUAL JAMES MONROE BALL

            This colonial ball is co-sponsored by the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society and the James Monroe Museum and will be held in the Great Hall of the Woodard Campus Center of the University of Mary Washington.  Light refreshments will be served during the intermission.  Reservations are required, and additional information will be available on the RCHS website, www.rchsinc.org .

Saturday, December 6, 2008, 9:30 a.m. - 12 Noon, DECK the HALLS 2008, HOLIDAY DECORATING PRESENTATION with JAN WILLIAMS

     Jan Williams, noted floral consultant and owner of Jan Williams Florals, begins the holiday season by demonstrating how to create extraordinary holiday decorations from native evergreens and plants.  This year is the 28th presentation of this entertaining and inspiring program that has become a tradition in Fredericksburg’s celebration of the holidays.  The event is held on the University of Mary Washington Campus, and reservations are required.  Call 540-654-1043 for further information and tickets.

Saturday, December 6, 2008, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., ANNUAL A MONROE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

     Holiday festivities at the museum commence with an open house with period music and light refreshments.  Visitors will be welcomed by “President Monroe," and staff will be on hand to guide through the galleries.  The museum will be decorated for the season by a local garden club.  Free and open to the public.