Calendar of Events
Join Us for a Special Event!
Please note: For the most recent information please contact 540.672.2728.
Special Interest Tours
Specialty Tours are available April - Oct. 31 reservation and additional fee may be required. Visit the tour page for a list of tours, dates, and fees.
Exhibits
A Young Nations Stands: James Madison & the War of 1812
A special exhibit at James Madison’s Montpelier will tell the story of James Madison’s Presidency and wartime struggle. 540.672.2728.
Battleship Exhibit
Saddle up for the adventurous ride of Battleship, the first American racehorse to win England's Grand National steeplechase in 1938, brought to the UK by Marion duPont Scott from the stables at Montpelier. Overcoming small stature and a young jockey, Battleship tamed the course known as "Suicide Lane," and validated duPont Scott's independent pursuit of her true passion. Visitor Center. Free admission.
Spring Events
May 13- June 14 (Mon.-Fri.): James Madison University Archaeology Field School
Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
May 18 (Sat.): Civil War Hut Living History
Pull up a seat at the campfire alongside Civil War soldiers at Montpelier's authentic recreation of Samuel McGowan's 1863 winter encampment. Interact with re-enactors who bring all aspects of the soldier's experience to life at this free all-day event. 8:00.–4:00 p.m. Located on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Station Train Depot.
May 18 (Sat.): Dolley Madison's Birthday
Celebrate the birthday of the woman who inspired the title "first lady!" Enjoy cupcakes and punch with Dolley at 11:30 a.m. Then visit the mansion for Dolley's "birthday salon" at 2 p.m. Free admission for anyone who shares Dolley's name or birthday!
June 15 (Sat.): Civil War Hut Living History
Pull up a seat at the campfire alongside Civil War soldiers at Montpelier's authentic recreation of Samuel McGowan's 1863 winter encampment. Interact with re-enactors who bring all aspects of the soldier's experience to life at this free all-day event. 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Located on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Station Train Depot.
June 17 - 21 (Mon.-Fri.): Natural History Day Camp, aka Mud Camp (rising 3rd & 4th graders)
Send your child to the ultimate day camp experience for aspiring ecologists and outdoor enthusiasts. Mud camp takes advantage of Montpelier's acres of forests, fields and streams for hiking, outdoor games, crafts, learning, and play...in the mud! Call (540) 672-2728 x 401 to register.
Summer Events
June 24 - 28 (Mon.-Fri.):Natural History Day Camp, aka Mud Camp (rising 5th & 6th graders)
Send your child to the ultimate day camp experience for aspiring ecologists and outdoor enthusiasts. Mud camp takes advantage of Montpelier's acres of forests, fields and streams for hiking, outdoor games, crafts, learning, and play...in the mud! Call (540) 672-2728 x 401 to register.
July 1 - 26 (Sun.-Sat.): SUNY Plattsburgh Archaeology Field School
Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
July 10 - 12 (Wed. - Fri.): Constitutional Structure Seminar
Gain the perspective of Madison and the founders regarding the Separation of Powers through primary source documents and early case studies. This residential seminar is led by Dr. Benjamin A. Kleinerman, professor, author, and expert on the subject of executive power in the American Constitution. Registration required, limited availability. (540) 672-2728.
July 14 (Sun.): Summer Big Woods Walk
Explore the summer under the towering canopy of Montpelier's 200-acre Landmark Forest, also known as the "Big Woods." Enjoy a gentle one-mile hike while admiring hardwoods that have persevered for centuries over native plants and wildlife in this designated National Natural Landmark. (Adult admission + $5 ) The Big Woods Walk will begin at the Montpelier Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m.
July 20 (Sat.): Civil War Hut Living History
Pull up a seat at the campfire alongside Civil War soldiers at Montpelier's authentic recreation of Samuel McGowan's 1863 winter encampment. Interact with re-enactors who bring all aspects of the soldier's experience to life at this free all-day event. 8 :00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Located on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Station Train Depot.
July 21 (Sun.): Working Woods Walk
Venture deep into the Montpelier Demonstration Forest on a two-hour hike. Learn from experts about conservation and cultivation strategies that generate mutual benefit to man and nature, both in the Madison's time and today. (Adult admission + $5 ) The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center.
August 2 - 4 (Fri.-Sun.): Summer Civil War Encampment
Montpelier will host a summer encampment of Civil War re-enactors to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia encamping at Montpelier following their retreat from Gettysburg. This weekend encampment will feature a summer camp, artillery, infantry and cavalry maneuvers. Free. Located across from the Montpelier Station Train depot in the parking lot beside the Esso Building on Route 20.
August 4 - 10 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition Program
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to become a member of the Montpelier archaeological research team. Explore slave quarters and landscape features while gaining hands-on experience in excavation and post-excavation analysis. Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
August 11 - 17 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition Program
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to become a member of the Montpelire archaeological research team. Explore slave quarters and landscape features while gaining hands-on experience in excavation and post-excavation analysis. Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
August 17 (Sat.): Civil War Hut Living History
Pull up a seat at the campfire alongside Civil War soldiers at Montpelier's authentic recreation of Samuel McGowan's 1863 winter encampment. Interact with re-enactors who bring all aspects of the soldier's experience to life at this free all-day event. 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Located on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Station Train Depot. (540) 672-2728
August 17 (Sat.): Civil War Trail & Gilmore Farm Walking Tour
Walk in the footsteps of McGowan's Brigade on Montpelier's Civil War Trail, carving a path through archaeological remains of this Confederate winter camp to a reconstructed camp street. Conclude at the cabin and farm of George Gilmore, born into slavery at Montpelier in 1810 and turned farmer and landowner after Emancipation, on the site of an abandoned Confederate hut. Free. The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Civil War Trail parking lot on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Station Train Depot. 540.672.2728.
August 18 - 24 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition Program
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to become a member of the Montpelier archaeological research team. Explore slave quarters and landscape features while gaining hands-on experience in excavation and post-excavation analysis. Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
August 25 - 31 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition Program
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to become a member of the Montpelier archaeological research team. Explore slave quarters and landscape features while gaining hands-on experience in excavation and post-excavation analysis. Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
September 8 - 14 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition Program
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to become a member of the Montpelier archaeological research team. Explore slave quarters and landscape features while gaining hands-on experience in excavation and post-excavation analysis. Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
September 17 (Tues.): Constitution Day (official)
Celebrate the signing of the Constitution with a visit to Montpelier! See James Madison's lifelong home. Visit the second floor Old Library and glimpse the same Blue Ridge Mountains he gazed upon as he imagined the document that defines our nation.
September 17 (Tues.): Claude Moore Lecture at National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Join staff and friends of Montpelier at the National Archives in our nation's capital for this annual "State of the Constitution" address, focusing on public education, dialogue and policy as they relate to the constitutional foundation of our nation. Free to members.
September 21 (Sat.): Montpelier Constitution Day Celebration
Create memories that will last a lifetime for your family and friends, celebrating the birthday of the U.S. Constitution at Montpelier. Enjoy mansion tours, visits with "James" and "Dolley", special games and activities for children, capped off by entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display over the mansion lawn. 10:30 a.m. until dark. $10.00 per car, $5.00 per car for Orange County residents.
Autumn Events
September 22-28 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition Program (Alumni Program)
The Montpelier Archaeology Expedition programs offer interested members of the public a week-long opportunity to become a member of the archaeological research team. Expeditions have been offered for more than two decades with many of the same volunteers returning year after year. Contact Matt Reeves for more information. mreeves@montpelier.org
October 5 - 6 (Sat.-Sun.): Fall Fiber Festival and Montpelier Sheep Dog Trials
See the grounds of Montpelier at their autumn finest amid the family fun events of the Fall Fiber Festival and Montpelier Sheepdog Trials. Activities for all ages include workshops and hands-on craft demonstrations, competitions and specialty vendors. For more information: fallfiberfestival@gmail.com.
October 6 - 12 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition Program (Alumni Program)
The Montpelier Archaeology Expedition programs offer interested members of the public a week-long opportunity to become a member of the archaeological research team. Expeditions have been offered for more than two decades with many of the same volunteers returning year after year. Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
October 11-13 (Fri.-Sun.) - Center for the Constitution Seminar
Course description tbd
October 20 (Sun.): Fall Big Woods Walk
Make this the year you experience the fall foliage at the peak of its display in Montpelier's 200-acre Landmark Forest, also known as the "Big Woods." Bring your camera to capture the colors on this gentle one-mile hike amid the towering old-growth forest in this designated National Natural Landmark. The Big Woods Walk will begin at the Montpelier Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m.
October 20-28 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition Program
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to become a member of the Montpelier archaeological research team. Explore slave quarters and landscape features while gaining hands-on experience in excavation and post-excavation analysis. Contact Matt Reeves for more information mreeves@montpelier.org
October 27 (Sun.): Working Woods Walk
Venture deep into the Montpelier Demonstration Forest on a two-hour hike. Learn from experts about conservation and cultivation strategies that generate mutual benefit to man and nature, both in the Madisons's time and today. Adult admission + $5.00. The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center.
November 2 (Sat.): Montpelier Hunt Races
Experience the thrill of steeplechase horse racing at the 79th running of the Montpelier Hunt Races on the historic grounds of James Madison's Montpelier. For details on corporate packages, tailgating, and tickets, please call (540) 672-0027, or visit www.montpelierraces.org. Gates open at 9:00 a.m.
November 3 ( Sun.): Civics Education Summit
Ticketed event by invitation only.
The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution invites you to join Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and her iCivics.com organization for a strategy summit developing plans for America's online civic education for the next 25 years.
November 15-17 (Fri.-Sun.): Center for the Constitution Seminar
Course Description tbd.
November 16 (Sat.): Civil War Trail & Gilmore Farm Walking Tour
Walk in the footsteps of McGowan's Brigade on Montpelier's civil War Trail, carving a path through archaeological remains of this Confederate winter camp to a reconstructed camp street. Conclude at the cabin and farm of George Gilmore, born into slavery at Montpelier in 1810 and turned farmer and landowner after Emancipation, on the site of an abandoned Confederate hut. The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Civil War Trail Parking Lot on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Station Train Depot. Free.
December 6 - 7 and 13-14 (Fri.-Sat.): Christmas Candlelight Tour
Tour the mansion by candlelight for a very special introduction to the holiday season for you and your family. Tickets are $25.00 in advance, $35.00 at the door, $10.00-children 6-14, children under 6 - free.
