Calendar of Events 2010
Please note that this calendar should be viewed as preliminary. For the most recent information please contact (540) 672-2728.
Winter Events
February 15 (Mon.): President's Day
Celebrate President's Day with a tour of the home of the Father of the Constitution, President James Madison. (540) 672-2728.
February 21 (Sun.): The Montpelier Train Depot—In the Time of Segregation
Attend the dedication of Montpelier's new exhibit devoted to African American life in Orange County during the "Jim Crow" era. The exhibit is located in the newly restored Montpelier Train Depot. Dedication Ceremony at 2 p.m. Reception and lectures by C. Thomas Chapman, James Madison's Montpelier Research Coordinator and Peter Wallenstein, Professor of History, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to follow. Admission to the Dedication Ceremony is free. Admission to the lectures and reception is $30 per person for members of the general public; $10 for Friends of Montpelier and members of the Orange County African American Historical Society. Please call (540) 672-2728 x200 or e-mail ssimpson@montpelier.org for reservations.
February 28 (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.
Spring Events
March 16 (Tue.): James Madison's 259th Birthday Celebration
Attend a poignant commemorative ceremony with the United States Marine Corps laying a wreath on James Madison’s grave. Free admission. (540) 672-2728.
March 28-April 3 (Mon.-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.
April 11 (Sun.): Spring Big Woods Walk
Tour the 200-acre old-growth James Madison Landmark Forest known as the "Big Woods," designated a National Natural Landmark. (540) 672-2728.
April 11-17, 25 April-May 1 (Mon.-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.
April 17 (Sat.): Garden Week at James Madison's Montpelier
Tour the elegant two-acre Annie duPont Formal Garden—with magnificent marble urns, lions and carvings. (540) 672-2728.
April 30 (Fri.): New Forest Trail Opens on Arbor Day
Walk the new educational forest trail connecting to the existing Landmark Forest trail that will demonstrate best practices for cultivating and managing forests. (540) 672-2728.
May 1 & 2 (Sat.-Sun.): Montpelier Wine Festival
Sample award-winning wines and relax on Montpelier's splendid 2,650-acre grounds while enjoying specialty foods, children's activities, kite contests, vendors, crafters and more! For more information see www.montpelierwinefestival.com.
May 9 (Sun.): Mother's Day
Celebrate Mother's Day with a tour of the home of Nelly "Mother" Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison. (540) 672-2728.
May 16 (Sun.): Freedman's Farm Tour, and Confederate Winter 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.
May 17-June 18 (Mon.-Fri.): James Madison University Archaeology Field School
Montpelier has hosted an archaeological field school every summer for 22 years through James Madison University, and in 2002 added a second field school through the State University of New York system. This 23rd year will see students return to excavate the "Stable Barn Quarter," looking for evidence for the 19th-century stables and the associated slave quarters. For more information click here, call (540) 672-2728 x160, or email mreeves@montpelier.org.
May 20 (Thurs.): Dolley Madison's Birthday
Celebrate the birthday of the woman who inspired the title "First Lady." Free cake for all, and free admission for anyone born on this date. (540) 672-2728.
Summer Events
June 14-18 (Mon.-Fri.): Natural History Day Camp — "Mud Camp"
Join other rising 3rd–4th graders at Montpelier’s Mud Camp! Explore some of the 2,650 acres of creeks, fields, and woods. Be prepared to get dirty and have fun! (540) 672-2728.
June 21-25 (Mon.-Fri.): Natural History Day Camp — "Mud Camp"
Join other rising 5th–6th graders at Montpelier’s Mud Camp! Explore some of the 2,650 acres of creeks, fields, and woods. Be prepared to get dirty and have fun! (540) 672-2728.
June 23-July 28 (Mon.-Fri.): SUNY Plattsburgh Archaeology Field School
Montpelier has hosted an archaeological field school every summer for 22 years through James Madison University, and in 2002 added a second field school through the State University of New York system. This 23rd year will see students return to excavate the "Stable Barn Quarter," looking for evidence for the 19th-century stables and the associated slave quarters. For more information click here, call (540) 672-2728 x160, or email mreeves@montpelier.org.
June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 (Wednesdays): Summer Fun!
Hey kids! Spend your Wednesday mornings playing colonial games like Capture the Flag, Montpelier Mystery, Playing Possum, Worms, and Bees! Programs designed for ages 4-6, and 7-12. Advance registration required. (540) 672-2728.
July 11 (Sun.): Summer 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.
July 22-25 (Thu.-Sun.): Orange County Fair
Join local farmers, craftsmen, cooks and gardeners for an annual celebration of rural life in the Virginia Piedmont. Sponsored by the Orange County Fair Board and the 4-H Club. (540) 661-5393 or visit www.orangecountyvafair.com.
August 1 (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.
August 1-7, 8-14, 22-28 (Mon.-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.
Fall Events
September 5-12 (Mon.-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 17 (Fri.): Constitution Day
Celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Constitution with a free visit to Montpelier, the lifelong home of James Madison: Father of the Constitution, architect of the Bill of Rights and President of the United States. Free admission all day. (540) 672-2728.
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, 17-22 (Mon.-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.
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