Join us at First Landing State Park at 2pm to learn about lighthouse families! Hear about the families, friends and even pets who helped to keep the lights shining throughout […]
Have you ever wanted to wander through Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown appreciating the architecture of this 300-year-old house? Have you longed to see parts of the house not usually open to the public? To celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May, you can explore Scotchtown from the attic to the cellar with one of our historic interpreters during the 10 a.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission listed Smith's Fort on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. As part of the celebration of our 250th year of independence, Preservation Virginia's […]
Have you ever wanted to wander through Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown appreciating the architecture of this 300-year-old house? Have you longed to see parts of the house not usually open to the public? To celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May, you can explore Scotchtown from the attic to the cellar with one of our historic interpreters during the 10 a.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sea creatures big and small make the Chesapeake Bay home. Learn more about who makes up our under the sea ecosystem from the tiniest shrimp to the largest whales in this virtual program on Zoom with the Cape Henry Lighthouse Staff.
It’s a family reunion! Do you have a connection to Bacon’s Castle? Did your ancestor live or work here? We have a day planned just for you and your family with special tours, an update on preservation projects and a chance to meet your distant relatives! We’d love for you to join us!
Join Cape Henry Lighthouse staff at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum for light breakfast refreshments and coffee while we dive into British interactions during the War of 1812, […]
Cape Henry is known for over 400 years of history, starting with the first landing of the Jamestown settlers, to the Village of Cape Henry and the creation of Fort Story. Learn about the creation of the lighthouse and its experience throughout major events in the country’s history.
Join us at First Landing State Park at 2pm to learn about the life of Willis Agustus Hodges, Cape Henry Lighthouse's first African American lightkeeper. This event is free although […]
Have you ever wanted to wander through Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown appreciating the architecture of this 300-year-old house? Have you longed to see parts of the house not usually open to the public? To celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May, you can explore Scotchtown from the attic to the cellar with one of our historic interpreters during the 10 a.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
Have you ever wanted to wander through Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown appreciating the architecture of this 300-year-old house? Have you longed to see parts of the house not usually open to the public? To celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May, you can explore Scotchtown from the attic to the cellar with one of our historic interpreters during the 10 a.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
Standing since 1792, the Cape Henry Lighthouse has stood guard over the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay for many major wars. Examine primary sources describing British interactions during the War of 1812, reports of German U-Boats during World War II and hear the stories of all the wars in between. This program will highlight the lighthouse and its relationship with freedom. This virtual program will take place over Zoom.
*This event is open for military and DOD card holders only* Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity! Watch the sunset over the Chesapeake Bay from the top […]
Learn about the historic shipwrecks that plagued the Virginia coastline, including the Dictator, and how their presence is still being felt today in this virtual program designed just for kids!
Join us at First Landing State Park at 2pm to learn about civil war sea battles! Families are welcome and this event is ideal for children ages 6-12. This event […]
Have you ever wanted to wander through Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown appreciating the architecture of this 300-year-old house? Have you longed to see parts of the house not usually open to the public? To celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May, you can explore Scotchtown from the attic to the cellar with one of our historic interpreters during the 10 a.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
The little known Village of Cape Henry was a bustling resort town in the early 1900’s. Accessed by an electric rail line and equipped with a casino, church, ice cream parlor, cottages and hotels. It was the place to be along the oceanfront.
The Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission listed Smith's Fort on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. As part of the celebration of our 250th year of independence, Preservation Virginia's […]
Have you ever wanted to wander through Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown appreciating the architecture of this 300-year-old house? Have you longed to see parts of the house not usually open to the public? To celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May, you can explore Scotchtown from the attic to the cellar with one of our historic interpreters during the 10 a.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
Have you ever wanted to wander through Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown appreciating the architecture of this 300-year-old house? Have you longed to see parts of the house not usually open to the public? To celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May, you can explore Scotchtown from the attic to the cellar with one of our historic interpreters during the 10 a.m. tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
This event is free and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Join the Cape Henry Lighthouse on the lookout at the Cape Henry Memorial Park overlooking the ocean as we read a children’s book related to the ocean and lighthouse. Stick around for a fun quick craft that accompanies the book that you can take home!
Head to Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown and experience life in an 18th century American Revolution encampment! This program is included with a general admission ticket. Free for Preservation Virginia Members!
The little known Village of Cape Henry was a bustling resort town in the early 1900’s. Accessed by an electric rail line and equipped with a casino, church, ice cream parlor, cottages and hotels. It was the place to be along the oceanfront.
This event is included in general admission and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Stop by the Cape Henry Lighthouse to learn and practice knot tying skills, such as canoe hitches for tying up boats and classic knots such as the figure eight. Learn about how rope is made and why it was important to shipping and lighthouse keeping.
This event is free and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Join the Cape Henry Lighthouse on the lookout at the Cape Henry Memorial Park overlooking the ocean as we read a children’s book related to the ocean and lighthouse. Stick around for a fun quick craft that accompanies the book that you can take home!
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
This event is included in general admission and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Stop by the Cape Henry Lighthouse to learn and practice knot tying skills, such as canoe hitches for tying up boats and classic knots such as the figure eight. Learn about how rope is made and why it was important to shipping and lighthouse keeping.
This event is free and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Join the Cape Henry Lighthouse on the lookout at the Cape Henry Memorial Park overlooking the ocean as we read a children’s book related to the ocean and lighthouse. Stick around for a fun quick craft that accompanies the book that you can take home!
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
Scotchtown staff will be discussing foodways in the 1700s including exploring the kitchen garden and cooking multiple dishes throughout the day using 18th century recipes. The foods exhibited in this […]
This event is included in general admission and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Stop by the Cape Henry Lighthouse to learn and practice knot tying skills, such as canoe hitches for tying up boats and classic knots such as the figure eight. Learn about how rope is made and why it was important to shipping and lighthouse keeping.
This event is free and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Join the Cape Henry Lighthouse on the lookout at the Cape Henry Memorial Park overlooking the ocean as we read a children’s book related to the ocean and lighthouse. Stick around for a fun quick craft that accompanies the book that you can take home!
Join us for a lecture from Dr. Michael Blakey, National Endowment for the Humanities Professor of Anthropology, Africana Studies, and American Studies at the College of William & Mary, as he examines how the first opportunity for an America unblemished by the immorality of racial slavery and the injustices of class inequity was lost with Bacon’s 1676 Rebellion in Virginia, and had a long lasting effect on efforts to achieve an America with equal rights for all.
The little known Village of Cape Henry was a bustling resort town in the early 1900’s. Accessed by an electric rail line and equipped with a casino, church, ice cream parlor, cottages and hotels. It was the place to be along the oceanfront.
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
Happy Father's Day! Join our interpreters as they share recollections and stories about Patrick Henry from his children and grandchildren. --- This focus tour is included with regular admission pricing, […]
Join Preservation Virginia on June 21, 2026 for Founding Virginians: A 250th Bus Tour. This one-day bus tour will take you from the only original standing home of Patrick Henry, […]
This event is included in general admission and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Stop by the Cape Henry Lighthouse to learn and practice knot tying skills, such as canoe hitches for tying up boats and classic knots such as the figure eight. Learn about how rope is made and why it was important to shipping and lighthouse keeping.
Learn little known history about the Virginia Beach area, including witches, pirates and military facts! Learn about Fort Story, a prominent military base in Virginia Beach as they consider the history of the community.
Families are invited to visit Scotchtown for a special day of tours and hands-on programming! We are the residence of Patrick Henry from 1771-1778 where he conceived his famous “Liberty or Death” speech which he delivered at St. John’s Church in March 1775.
This event is free and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Join the Cape Henry Lighthouse on the lookout at the Cape Henry Memorial Park overlooking the ocean as we read a children’s book related to the ocean and lighthouse. Stick around for a fun quick craft that accompanies the book that you can take home!
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
Throughout the month of June, join our historic interpreters for a 45 minute long focus tour centered around the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Scotchtown during the Henry family’s residence. Learn more about who they were, the lives they lived, and what their daily experiences may have been like. This tour will be offered at 10 a.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month.
Join Scotchtown staff for a hands-on textile program where you will learn the basics of hand quilting. Make a simple 4 patch coaster to take home or try your hand […]
This event is included in general admission and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Stop by the Cape Henry Lighthouse to learn and practice knot tying skills, such as canoe hitches for tying up boats and classic knots such as the figure eight. Learn about how rope is made and why it was important to shipping and lighthouse keeping.
Are your littlest history buffs looking for some fun this summer? Preservation Virginia is excited to host our day camp this summer at our historic property, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown in Hanover County!
Are your littlest history buffs looking for some fun this summer? Preservation Virginia is excited to host our day camp this summer at our historic property, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown in Hanover County!
Are your littlest history buffs looking for some fun this summer? Preservation Virginia is excited to host our day camp this summer at our historic property, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown in Hanover County!
Rarely acknowledged in historical narratives, Virginia’s Indigenous nations shaped American history in countless ways, including the events surrounding Nathaniel Bacon’s 1676 insurrection. Our panel brings together the project team, drawing on traditional ecological knowledge alongside military history, environmental and archaeological evidence, and both traditional and non-traditional documents to highlight the Indigenous perspectives of what is now known as Bacon’s Rebellion. This event will take place on at 6PM on Wednesday, July 15th at Jamestown Settlement (2110 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185).
Bacon’s Rebellion began as a campaign of violence against the region’s Indigenous people carried out in defiance of the royal governor. The elite instigators of the insurrection garnered broad support by stoking prejudice and exploiting the desperation of struggling and marginalized groups, including many in the colony’s growing, and increasingly oppressed African population who saw in the uprising a chance for self-liberation.
Exactly one-hundred years before the Declaration of Independence, a group of rebels marched on Virginia’s capital and burned it to the ground in an attempt to depose a government they saw as elitist.
Join us at Bacon’s Castle for our annual Seventeenth Century Day! This year we will be joined by our Virginia Indian Tribal Partners – the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, the Rappahannock Indian Tribe, and the Nottoway Indian Tribe – and we will also host the Library of Virginia’s LVA On the Go van.