Voices of the Past: A Slave Dwelling Project Weekend
Join park staff and historic sites across Fredericksburg and Stafford to experience sites and stories associated with slavery in partnership with the Slave Dwelling Project organization. This is a collaborative event that Fredericksburg City has selected as a signature America 250 Event. This weekend brings together historic sites, descendant communities, scholars, and the public to explore the full and often underrepresented history of the area.
Through immersive programming—including overnight stays in extant slave dwellings, living history demonstrations, campfire conversations, and public events—the program activates historic spaces as places of dialogue, reflection, and connection. Central to this work is the intentional inclusion and elevation of descendant voices, creating opportunities for individuals and families to reconnect with ancestral spaces while helping to shape how these histories are interpreted and shared.
Visit the Voices of the Past: A Slave Dwelling Project Weekend website for the full list of events, event descriptions, and registration information.
Programming at Chatham
Saturday, September 12, 2026
3 pm - Laundry Demonstrations and the Story of Ellen Mitchell
Join park rangers and living historians for laundry demonstrations and to learn the story of laundress, Ellen Mitchell, who fundraised for her freedom.
Fees
The programs at the park are free and open to the public. Some event programs will be ticketed. See the event website for full descriptions of program costs and ticketing.
Location
The Chatham program will take place at 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg VA 22405. Other programs will take place at historic sites across the area. A shuttle will be available for transport between sites for Saturday's programming.
Schedule
Date:
Time:
There will be various programs over the course of the weekend at different sites. Visit the event website for a full description of programs.
Event Type
- Living History
- Partner Program
- Talk