A Washington Christmas

December 27, 2011 (Tuesday):

10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Washington family celebrated the 12 days of Christmas which begins on Christmas Day. The Memorial House will be decorated for the holidays and filled with colonial music. The plantation will be busy with demonstrations and activities performed by costumed interpreters. The park will be illuminated at dusk with candles.

*For more information on the event click here *

2012 Calendar of Events, George Washington Birthplace National Monument

George Washington's Birthday
February 18, 19, and 20th (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)

We celebrate not only the 280th birthday of George Washington (February 22, 1732) but also the anniversary of the George Washington Birthplace Association (Wafefield Association February 11, 1923) and the creation of George Washington Birthplace National Monument (January 30, 1930).

A variety of activities are being planned each day by the National Park Service, George Washington Birthplace, and the George Washington Birthplace National Monument 4-H Heritage Club. Check the local media or call ahead for specific activities on a particular day.

Junior Surveyors' Day
April 21, 2012 (Saturday)
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

265 years ago, in 1747, a 15 year old George Washington would make his first known survey. The land he surveyed would become part of George Washington Birthplace National Monument.

A variety of living history demonstrations and hands on 18th century surveying activities will be offered to commemorate Washington the surveyor.

Every day is Junior Ranger Day and candidates from 5-12 can earn the coveted George Washington Birthplace Junior Ranger badge and a special Junior Surveyor Certificate.

80th Anniversary of the Dedication of George Washington Birthplace National Monument
May 12 and 13, 2012 (Saturday and Sunday)

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

With activity, flourish, and celebration, the George Washington Birthplace Association formally handed over the deed to Washington's Birthplace to the United States Department of the Interior on May 14, 1932.

With similar enthusiasm, park staff and volunteers will demonstrate a variety of 18th century spring activities like sheep shearing, tobacco planting, hearth cooking, and blacksmithing.

Washington's Birthplace Reunion
June 29, 30, and July 1, 2012 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

George Washington Birthplace National Monument staff, volunteers, and Association members past and present; Washington family descendents and park neighbors; and descendents of anyone who ever lived or worked on what is now George Washington Birthplace National Monument are urged to contact the park to participate in this historic reunion.

First in War: The Oneida Tribe Helps Washington Again
July 14, 2012 (Saturday)
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Members of the Oneida Nation visit the Birthplace to demonstrate the historic military and life skills that their ancestors employed to help General George Washington win the American Revolution.

Constitution Commemoration
September16, 2012 (Sunday)
2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the 225th anniversary of the United States Constitution. As George Washington presided, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787. A lecture by a noted scholar will be presented.

First in Peace: George Washington the Farmer
October 20, 2012 (Saturday)
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Born on a farm, George Washington longed to return to agriculture. During the short periods of private life he enjoyed, he not only managed the 5 farms of Mount Vernon, but also became one of America's premier agricultural innovators.

We celebrate Washington's love of farming with a variety of harvest activities to prepare for the winter.

Twelve Drummers Drumming: The Twelfth Day of Christmas
January 5, 2013 (Saturday)
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Washington family celebrated the 12 days of Christmas which begins on Christmas Day and ends on January 5th. George and Martha Washington were married on Epiphany, January 6, 1759.

The Memorial House will be decorated for the holidays and filled with colonial music. The plantation will be busy with demonstrations and activities performed by costumed interpreters. Visitors will have an opportunity to play a variety of African drums. The park will be illuminated at dusk with candles.

*To download and/or print a copy of the special event flyer click here

*All scheduled events or programs are subject to change. Please call the park at (804) 224-1732 to confirm all activities.*