Calendar of Events 2010

For the most recent information please contact (540) 672-2728.

Fall Events

September 1-30: Constitution Month

Start a new tradition with Constitution Month. Enjoy brand-new mansion tours, weekend visits with "James" and "Dolley," the inaugural 5K Constitution Run, Constitution Day, and more.

September 1 (Wed.): New Tours at Montpelier

See James and Dolley Madison's beloved home in a brand-new way. Get to know the Father of the Constitution and the woman who inspired the title "First Lady" on the first floor. Then visit the second floor for an insider's view of the "Presidential Detective Story," the world-wide search for the furnishings that once graced Montpelier.

September 4-5, 11-12 (Sat.-Sun.): Spend the Weekend with the Madisons

James and Dolley are home for the summer! See Dolley on Saturdays and James on Sundays. For more information see the Montpelier Blog.

September 5-12 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expedition & Excursion

Become a member of the archaeological Research Team. Learn how to dig from experienced, professional archaeologists as you trowel Montpelier's historic soils to unearth evidence for the stables and slave quarters to the south of the mansion. For more information visit montpelier.org/archaeologyprograms, call (540) 672-2728 x160 or email mreeves@montpelier.org.

September 12 (Sun.): Inaugural James Madison's Montpelier Constitution 5K Run

Join us for the inaugural James Madison’s Montpelier Constitution 5K Run on the storied Montpelier grounds. Kids will have their own 1K, Dolley’s Dash, following the 5K. There will also be a doggie run. Registration is $20 for adults in advance and $25 for adults onsite. Children may register for $10 in advance or onsite. Registration for dogs is $10 in advance or onsite. For more information, visit Bad to the Bone.

September 17 (Fri.): Constitution Day

Celebrate Constitution Day with a visit to Montpelier, the place James Madison envisioned the Constitution. Enjoy a dialogue between the Father of the Constitution ("James Madison") and the author of the Declaration of Independence ("Thomas Jefferson"), costumed interpreters, a fife and drum corps, 300 school children, a recitation of the Preamble of the Constitution, and a chance to "sign" the Constitution. Admission will be free all day.

September 18-19 (Sat.-Sun.): Spend the Weekend with the Madisons

James and Dolley are home for the summer! See Dolley on Saturdays and James on Sundays. For more information see the Montpelier Blog.

September 21 (Tue.): The State of the Constitution—What Americans Know Panel Discussion

Join Montpelier President Michael C. Quinn, NPR Senior News Analyst Cokie Roberts, University of Baltimore School of Law and Constitutional Scholar Michael Meyerson, and the Center for Civic Education Executive Director Chuck Quigley for a panel discussion on The State of the Constitution: What Americans Know survey results. The panel will take place at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. at 7:00 p.m.

October 2-3 (Sat.-Sun.): Fall Fiber Festival and Sheep Dog Trials

View fiber arts displays, demonstrations, and workshops by the Fall Fiber Festival of Virginia, Inc. Information: email fallfiber02@hotmail.com or visit www.fallfiberfestival.org.

October 3-9, 17-23 (Sun.-Sat.): Archaeology Expeditions & Excursions

Become a member of the archaeological Research Team. Learn how to dig from experienced, professional archaeologists as you trowel Montpelier's historic soils to unearth evidence for the stables and slave quarters to the south of the mansion. For more information visit montpelier.org/archaeologyprograms, call (540) 672-2728 x160 or email mreeves@montpelier.org.

October 17 (Sun.): Fall Big Woods Walk

Tour the 200-acre old-growth James Madison Landmark Forest known as the "Big Woods," designated a National Natural Landmark. 2:00 p.m. (540) 672-2728.

November 6 (Sat.): Montpelier Hunt Races

Experience the thrill of steeplechase horse racing at the 76th 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) 661-0196, or visit www.montpelierraces.org.

November 11 (Thurs.): Veterans Day at Montpelier

Montpelier salutes all veterans with free admission for those who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. (540) 672-2728.

November 14 (Sun.): Freedman's Farm Tour, and Confederate Winter Camp Site Walking Tour

Tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, born a slave at Montpelier, followed by a walking tour of the 1863-1864 Confederate winter encampment site. 2:00 p.m. (540) 672-2728.

December 3-4 & 5 (Fri.-Sun.): A Candlelight Christmas at Montpelier

Tour the mansion by candlelight for a very special introduction to the Holiday season for you and your family.