Join the John Marshall House on an Urban Slavery Walking tour. Visit six proximal locations in downtown Richmond that define, illustrate, and place urban slavery into the city’s Early Republic landscape. The Urban Slavery Walking Tour runs up to 90 minutes, starting and ending at the John Marshall House (818 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA). […]
The Treason Trial of Aaron Burr: A Court End Tour Join us for a deep dive into one of America’s first great legal spectacles, the treason trial of Aaron Burr! In the summer of 1807, the national spotlight landed on Richmond’s Court End neighborhood as Chief Justice John Marshall deliberated the fate of accused traitor […]
Join the Hanover County Master Gardeners at Scotchtown on Friday September 5th from 10am-4pm! The Master Gardners will be on site to answer your questions as they work in the Scotchtown gardens. If you are a gardener, historian or just a nature enthusiast, you are bound to enjoy this program as we share information about […]
The Treason Trial of Aaron Burr: A Court End Tour Join us for a deep dive into one of America’s first great legal spectacles, the treason trial of Aaron Burr! In the summer of 1807, the national spotlight landed on Richmond’s Court End neighborhood as Chief Justice John Marshall deliberated the fate of accused traitor […]
Join the Cape Henry Lighthouse staff on September 5th at 7pm for a virtual program about the Battle of the Capes! With the Revolutionary War in full swing, Cornwallis had established a strong hold in Yorktown. General Washington called on General Rochambeau for assistance. The French Navy, under Admiral Comte De Grasse formed a blockade […]
The Treason Trial of Aaron Burr: A Court End Tour Join us for a deep dive into one of America’s first great legal spectacles, the treason trial of Aaron Burr! In the summer of 1807, the national spotlight landed on Richmond’s Court End neighborhood as Chief Justice John Marshall deliberated the fate of accused traitor […]
The Treason Trial of Aaron Burr: A Court End Tour Join us for a deep dive into one of America’s first great legal spectacles, the treason trial of Aaron Burr! In the summer of 1807, the national spotlight landed on Richmond’s Court End neighborhood as Chief Justice John Marshall deliberated the fate of accused traitor […]
Join the 7th Virginia Regiment as they reenact Patrick Henry’s appointment to the 1st Virginia Regiment prior to his departure to take command in Williamsburg! Witness the festivities on Saturday, September 13th from 10am-4pm. It is September 1775 and Virginia’s counties in accordance with the 3rd Virginia Convention’s instructions are recruiting to raise two regiments […]
Join the local Fire Department to honor the fallen men and women of 9/11 and climb the Cape Henry lighthouse in memorial. Ten tower climbs equals the amount of stairs climbed on that day. Yellow remembrance roses will be available for purchase on site and will be placed at the base of the lighthouse. A […]
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join Scotchtown’s historic interpreters for an hour-long focus tour that celebrates the diverse women in the Henry household, including mothers, sisters, daughters, and free and enslaved women.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join Scotchtown’s historic interpreters for an hour-long focus tour that celebrates the diverse women in the Henry household, including mothers, sisters, daughters, and free and enslaved women.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join Scotchtown’s historic interpreters for an hour-long focus tour that celebrates the diverse women in the Henry household, including mothers, sisters, daughters, and free and enslaved women.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join Scotchtown’s historic interpreters for an hour-long focus tour that celebrates the diverse women in the Henry household, including mothers, sisters, daughters, and free and enslaved women.
Lighthouse keeping was once a federal job, and a tough one at that! Join Preservation Virginia’s Cape Henry Lighthouse in an exploration of what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper in the 18th and 19th centuries, and how lighthouses are used today.
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.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join Scotchtown’s historic interpreters for an hour-long focus tour that celebrates the diverse women in the Henry household, including mothers, sisters, daughters, and free and enslaved women.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join Scotchtown’s historic interpreters for an hour-long focus tour that celebrates the diverse women in the Henry household, including mothers, sisters, daughters, and free and enslaved women.
Born March 18, 1766 in Yorktown, Virginia, Polly Marshall came of age alongside the new nation. After settling in Richmond with her husband, the future Chief Justice John Marshall, Polly built her life amongst the capital city’s elite.
We’re calling for volunteers! It’s time to dig in the dirt in our historic garden and as Grandma told us, “Many hands make light work!”. We would love to have you join us on Saturday, March 21st from 10AM-2PM as we prepare the beds, plant seeds, and get ready for the growing season. Feel free to come and go as you please.
Born March 18, 1766 in Yorktown, Virginia, Polly Marshall came of age alongside the new nation. After settling in Richmond with her husband, the future Chief Justice John Marshall, Polly built her life amongst the capital city’s elite.
Would you like to visit Bacon’s Castle at night and hear spooky stories from the past? Come for a guided tour through the Castle and hear tales of eerie happenings.
Would you like to visit Bacon’s Castle at night and hear spooky stories from the past? Come for a guided tour through the Castle and hear tales of eerie happenings.
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.
Explore lighthouse related STEAM activities at Cape Henry Lighthouse! From science to art all kids will get to take home a new bit of knowledge about lighthouses. This event is open to all school aged children.
Learn more about the three female light keepers who assisted in the keeping of Cape Henry as well as other notable female lighthouse keepers such as Ida Lewis, one of the most well-known. Learn about what it would take to be a female keeper and what life would have been like.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join Scotchtown’s historic interpreters for an hour-long focus tour that celebrates the diverse women in the Henry household, including mothers, sisters, daughters, and free and enslaved women.
Learn more about the three female light keepers who assisted in the keeping of Cape Henry as well as other notable female lighthouse keepers such as Ida Lewis, one of the most well-known. Learn about what it would take to be a female keeper and what life would have been like.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join Scotchtown’s historic interpreters for an hour-long focus tour that celebrates the diverse women in the Henry household, including mothers, sisters, daughters, and free and enslaved women.
Learn more about the three female light keepers who assisted in the keeping of Cape Henry as well as other notable female lighthouse keepers such as Ida Lewis, one of the most well-known. Learn about what it would take to be a female keeper and what life would have been like.
Lighthouse keeping could be a very lonely job which is why many lighthouse keepers brought along their families! Learn about the families, friends and even pets who helped to keep the lights shining throughout history, especially here at Cape Henry Lighthouse!
Did you know that lighthouse keeping wasn’t just a man’s job? Learn about the three lighthouse keeper’s, Julia A.P Harding, Mary Creekmore and Carrie Richardson at the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Explore Ida Lewis, one of the most well-known light keepers who amassed many daring rescues. We will be looking at employment records across the country to investigate pay equality across the profession of light keeping in the Lighthouse Service.
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!
The Hanover County Master Gardeners will be on site to take your questions as they work in the Scotchtown gardens. If you are a gardener, historian or just a nature enthusiast, you are bound to enjoy this program as we share information about composting, what we are growing, and the historical significance of the plants in our various gardens.
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!
Landing on the shores of the Cape, on April 26th 1607, the men and boys of the Virginia Company Charter claimed this land for Henry, son of King James. Compare and contrast primary sources of John Smith and George Percy, to discover the reasons behind the journey from Cape Henry to Jamestown. This program will show monuments currently dedicated to the first landing and its importance to our country’s beginnings.
Save the date to join us on April 11, 2026 as we celebrate spring, shearing of the sheep, and fiber production at Scotchtown’s 5th Annual Fiber Festival! Bring your family and join us as we celebrate spring, the shearing of the sheep, and fiber production at Scotchtown on Saturday April 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.!
Have you ever wondered what animals create a sand dune ecosystem? Students will explore the vast ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay and CapeHenry. Learning about all the animals, fuzzy or not so, that make the beach their home! General admission $8, Preservation Virginia members Free! This is a virtual program taking place over Zoom designed […]
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. This program offers a detailed overview of the Cape Henry area starting in 1607 and continuing to the present.
Would you like to visit Bacon’s Castle at night and hear spooky stories from the past? Come for a guided tour through the Castle and hear tales of eerie happenings.
*This event is open for active/retired military and DOD card holders only* Visitors over the age of 16 must have a valid REAL ID if accompanied by an active/retired. military or DoD card holder to attend this event. Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity! Watch the sunset over the Chesapeake Bay from the top of the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse. General Admission is required.
The Fresnel Lens revolutionized and assisted naval navigation with its invention in 1822. Join us on July 23rd at 7pm as we dive into the mechanics of how it projects light miles further than any other lens. Be introduced to the man who created the lens that changed navigation, Augustin Jean Fresnel, a French engineer.
Historian James D. Rice joins us for our kick off program on April 15th at Jamestown Settlement with a colorfully detailed account of the rebellion, highlighting how the central events of Bacon’s Rebellion and its aftermath are woven into the founding story of America.
From seagulls to bald eagles, Cape Henry is teeming with wildlife, especially birds. Join the Cape Henry staff as see what birds are gracing the skies, and learn why they are important to our ecosystem.
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.
In celebration of Historic Garden Week, come visit the oldest English Formal Garden in North America. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm we will offer special garden tours. An interpreter will acquaint you with the history of our garden as well as our plantings.
From seagulls to bald eagles, Cape Henry is teeming with wildlife, especially birds. Join the Cape Henry staff as see what birds are gracing the skies, and learn why they are important to our ecosystem.
In celebration of Historic Garden Week, come visit the oldest English Formal Garden in North America. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm we will offer special garden tours. An interpreter will acquaint you with the history of our garden as well as our plantings.
From seagulls to bald eagles, Cape Henry is teeming with wildlife, especially birds. Join the Cape Henry staff as see what birds are gracing the skies, and learn why they are important to our ecosystem.
In celebration of Historic Garden Week, come visit the oldest English Formal Garden in North America. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm we will offer special garden tours. An interpreter will acquaint you with the history of our garden as well as our plantings.
Join Cape Henry Lighthouse staff at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum for light breakfast refreshments and coffee while we dive into the world of Lady Lightkeepers! This event is hosted at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum located along the boardwalk. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the door, refreshments […]
This event is free and open to active/retired military/ DoD ID holders and their families. Become an Earth activist! Sign our Leave No Trace pledge, go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt and take home your very own pollinator plant. We are dedicated to becoming stewards for our planet and hope you will be too after spending time at the Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Join the Cape Henry Lighthouse staff for a virtual program about the creation of the lighthouse. Although the lighthouse was completed in 1792, the idea of a lighthouse on Cape Henry came to be decades earlier.
Join us at First Landing State Park at 2pm to talk about local wildlife at Cape Henry! Children will explore the vast ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay and Cape Henry. What is an ecosystem? What animals live here and how do they help each other survive? This event is family friendly and great for kids […]
Bring your students for a fun learning day at Bacon’s Castle! Participate in activities and programs on history and STEM subjects. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy our gardens and grounds.
What was the first insect documented by English colonists in Virginia? Why was a wildlife bill deemed too silly for the General Assembly in 1826? And what in the world is a “Virginia Nightingale?” Join us as we discover the surprising history of the animals in our own backyard during a Natural History Hike at […]
The Village Faire is returning to Bacon’s Castle! Turn back the clock and enjoy English tradition at its best with a celebration of spring and country life. Bacon’s Castle will be the unique setting for a memorable day out for families with old timey games, a maypole, children’s activities, vendors, food and beverages.
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!
Be one of the first people to join author and local social studies teacher Joseph Gorman as he presents the newly published book “African Americans of Hanover County, Virginia”. As part of the established and widely regarded History Press series, this book “celebrates the rich history and proud heritage of Hanover County African Americans”. Tickets are limited, get yours today!
Join the John Marshall House for the first Urban Slavery Walking tour of the season. Visit six locations downtown that define, illustrate, and place urban slavery in Richmond’s Early Republic history.
Landing on the shores of the Cape, on April 26th 1607, the men and boys of the Virginia Company Charter claimed this land for Henry, son of King James. This program will show monuments currently dedicated to the first landing and its importance to our country’s beginnings.
Join Cape Henry Lighthouse staff at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum for light breakfast refreshments and coffee as we talk about the history of the Cape Henry area, starting in 1607 all the way to present day. This event is hosted at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum located along the boardwalk. […]
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.
History is brewing in Virginia Beach! Join us at the Reaver Beach Brewing Co. taproom for a riveting presentation on the history of Prohibition in Virginia Beach. Your ticket includes one drink! Additional drinks can be purchased as desired. --- Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12. This event is hosted by Cape […]
Join us at First Landing State Park at 2pm to learn about the history of the Village of Cape Henry! The little known Village of Cape Henry was a bustling resort town in the early 1900’s. Access by an electric rail line and equipped with a casino, church, ice cream parlor, cottages and hotels. It […]
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!
Join Cape Henry Lighthouse staff at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum for light breakfast refreshments and coffee while we dive into the life of Jay D. Edwards, the last keeper of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse and the first keeper of the New Cape Henry Lighthouse. This event is hosted at the Virginia […]
Although the lighthouse was completed in 1792, the idea of a lighthouse on Cape Henry came to be decades earlier. Learn about the agreement between Virginia and Maryland, how the Founding Fathers are connected to the construction of the lighthouse and the process of building with the adjustments that had to be made to create the first federally funded public works project during this virtual program on Zoom.
Join us at First Landing State Park at 2pm to learn about the history of the creation of the lighthouse! The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project, find out the connections to multiple founding fathers and why it is the first federally funded public works project. This event is […]
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.
Pirates have been wreaking havoc and adventuring the world’s oceansfor hundreds of years. Join Preservation Virginia’s Cape Henry Lighthouse on Zoom in an exploration of some of the world’s more preposterous pirates.
Bring your binoculars and join us at Bacon's Castle in Surry, VA for a birdwatching bonanza! This beginner-friendly program will help you learn about the birds in our own backyard- with a dose of history too! All ages welcome. Guests should be prepared to walk outdoors on uneven ground. Included with general admission or $5 […]
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 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 of the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse. General admission is required and can be purchased on site. NOTICE: Due to current base security restrictions at Fort […]
Would you like to visit Bacon's Castle at night and hear spooky stories from the past? Come for a guided tour through the castle and hear tales of eerie happenings. Join our Haunted History Tour for a rare opportunity to walk through the 357-year-old halls at night. An interpreter will lead you through the house, […]
Would you like to visit Bacon's Castle at night and hear spooky stories from the past? Come for a guided tour through the castle and hear tales of eerie happenings. Join our Haunted History Tour for a rare opportunity to walk through the 357-year-old halls at night. An interpreter will lead you through the house, […]
Come see the beautiful tea caddy depicted while learning about motherhood and women’s history at Scotchtown, including the ways in which Patrick Henry’s mother and her religious convictions may have influenced his famous oratorical skills. This tour is included with your regular admission, and as always, Preservation Virginia members are free!
Join Cape Henry Lighthouse staff at the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum for light breakfast refreshments and coffee while we dive into the creation of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, the connections to multiple founding fathers and why it is the first federally funded public works project. This event is hosted at the Virginia […]
In this virtual program we will compare historic photos to what the same area would look like in present day. Learn about the history of the before photos and the changes that lead up to the after photo.
Join us at Bacon’s Castle for our May Bacon’s Rebellion at 350 Years Program – a garden salon featuring a panel of expert historians and archaeologists as they discuss how women participated in, and were affected by, Bacon’s Rebellion 350 years ago. Bacon’s Castle will also be open before and after the lecture for an open house style tour with featured stops with our panel experts.