News Release

2025 History at Sunset at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP

History at Sunset programs take place throughout the park, like this 2024 program at Ellwood.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 25, 2025

Contact: Mary O'Neill, 540-693-3200

FREDERICKSBURG, VA. — Join Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park for its annual History at Sunset series. Programs take place outdoors and are free to all visitors. Come prepared with bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and water.

Programs occur every other Saturday evening and start at 6:30 pm. Each lasts 90 minutes. 

July 5 – Summer 1862: The Occupation of Fredericksburg

During the summer of 1862, Union soldiers occupied Fredericksburg and experienced life around people whose perspectives on the war were vastly different from their own. For Fredericksburg’s civilians, the occupation put a spotlight on war’s ability to impact a community and be a catalyst for change. This program explores the ways the 1862 occupation of Fredericksburg challenged the assumptions of soldiers and civilians about the nature of the Civil War and shaped how they understood their place in it.
This will be a stationary program on the Chatham lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Park at Chatham, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405.

July 19 – Old Salem Church

At the beginning of its history Old Salem church was a house of worship for a community of enslavers and the people they enslaved. In time, this structure became a refuge from war for Fredericksburg’s civilians, the epicenter of a battle, and finally a protected historic landscape. Join us inside Old Salem Church for a program that explores the many-faceted history of this storied place.
Park at (new) Salem Baptist Church, 4044 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. Accessible parking available at Old Salem Church lot.

August 2 – Fact and Fiction: Exploring Red Badge of Courage at Chancellorsville

Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage tells the story of a young Civil War soldier’s first taste of combat—capturing the fear, doubt, and courage that come with it. Lauded by some veterans and criticized by others, the novel has long sparked debate for its vivid, emotional portrayal of war. But how closely does it reflect the true experiences of soldiers who fought at Chancellorsville? Join park staff for a 2.5-mile walking tour as we compare Crane’s fictional narrative with the real voices of those who lived the battle.
Park at Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center, 9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.

August 16 – Lore, Legacy, and Liability at the Slaughter Pen Farm

Speculation abounds regarding the convoluted events on the southern end of the Fredericksburg battlefield that eventually resulted in a congressional investigation. Join us for this 1.5 mile walk where we examine the intentions of the commanders, implications of their decisions, and how their actions have been regarded by the participants and historians.
Park in the field at Slaughter Pen Farm, 11190 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg VA 22408.