Calendar of Events 2012
Please note that this calendar should be viewed as preliminary. For the most recent information please contact (540) 672-2728.
Continuing Events
June 1, 2011-December 31, 2012: New Mansion Exhibits
Interpretive exhibits that provide a glimpse into life at Montpelier, beginning with James Madison's boyhood memories of moving into the family's new home, through his research and writing the framework of the Constitution, and his post-presidential retirement years with Dolley by his side at his beloved Montpelier.
June 15, 2011-April 30, 2012: "Dolley Madison's Life Through Fashion: Dressing the Part" Exhibit
Visit Montpelier to see the Dolley Madison costumes from the PBS documentary "Dolley Madison: America's First Lady." Explore the meaning of fashion to the woman who inspired the title "first lady." (540) 672-2728.
Winter Events
January 22-28 (Mon.-Sat.): Ceramic Workshop
The Ceramics Workshop is a unique, week-long experience focused on the conservation and restoration of ceramics recovered during the archaeological investigations of Montpelier. For more information visit montpelier.org/archaeologyprograms, call (540) 672-2728 x160 or email mreeves@montpelier.org.
February 1 (Wed.): "A Slave in the White House: Paul Jennings and the Madisons" Lecture and Book Signing
Join author Elizabeth Dowling Taylor for the nation's first lecture on her new book "A Slave in the White House: Paul Jennings and the Madisons." Hear about the fascinating life of Paul Jennings, who was born a slave at Montpelier, helped rescue George Washington's portrait before the British burned the White House, and served as the enslaved manservant to James Madison. Jennings eventually achieved his freedom through Daniel Webster and worked in the U.S. Pension Office. He became a prominent, property-owning citizen in the newly established nation's capital. Jennings authored the first White House memoirs: "A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison." Taylor will sign copies of her new book after the lecture. Book Talk in the Grand Salon at the Visitor Center. 5:00 p.m.
February 18 (Sat.): Freedman's Farm and Civil War 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.
March 16 (Fri.): James Madison's 261st Birthday Celebration
Celebrate the 261st birthday of the Father of the Constitution with free admission all day. Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Madison in their home throughout the day. Also, attend a poignant wreath presentation ceremony in the Madison Family Cemetery. Free admission. (540) 672-2728.
Spring Events
April 15 (Sun.): Working Woods Walk
Venture beyond the mansion and the lawn to the woods of Montpelier. This two-hour tour of the Montpelier Demonstration Forest Trail will help visitors understand society's dependence on forests now and during the Madisons' time. The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center. (540) 672-2728.
April 15-April 21 (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 20-22 (Fri.-Sun.): Spring Civil War Weekend
Visit Montpelier for a weekend of skirmishes, dress parades, and Civil War history, where General Samuel McGowan's South Carolinians encamped during the winter of 1863-1864. Watch re-enactors use Civil War-era tools and techniques to rebuild the huts once occupied by McGowan's troops. Also, tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, who was born a slave at Montpelier and emancipated after the Civil War. (540) 672-2728.
April 22 (Sun.): Spring Big Woods Walk
See Spring come to life! Take in the sights and sweet smells of blossoming plants on your guided tour of the 200-acre old-growth James Madison Landmark Forest known as the "Big Woods." The forest is designated a National Natural Landmark. The Big Woods Walk will begin at the Montpelier Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m. (540) 672-2728.
April 22-April 28 (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 28 (Sat.): Montpelier Garden Week Tour
Celebrate Historic Garden Week with a tour of Montpelier's Annie duPont Formal Garden, featuring formal walkways, sweeping beds, an herb garden, and magnificent marble lions and urns. Established in Madison's time, the Garden was renovated by Annie duPont in the early 1900s. (540) 672-2728.
April 29-May 5 (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.
May 5 & 6 (Sat.-Sun.): Montpelier Wine Festival
Sample award-winning vintages from more than 20 of Virginia's finest wineries at the home of the Father of the Constitution. The festival showcases distinctive arts and crafts; specialty food vendors; live music; "cooking with wine" classes; children's entertainment and rides; and tastings all day. Register at
May 19 (Sat.): Civil War Hut Construction
See re-enactors rebuild the huts occupied by General Samuel McGowan's South Carolinians during the winter of 1863-1864. The re-enactors will use the same construction techniques as McGowan's men.10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Located on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Train Depot. (540) 672-2728.
May 20 (Sun.): Dolley Madison's Birthday
Celebrate the birthday of the woman who inspired the title "first lady!" Enjoy birthday cake and punch with Dolley in the morning. Then visit the mansion for Dolley's "birthday salon." Free admission for anyone who shares Dolley's name or birthday! (540) 672-2728.
Summer Events
June 16 (Sat.): Civil War Hut Construction
See re-enactors rebuild the huts occupied by General Samuel McGowan's South Carolinians during the winter of 1863-1864. The re-enactors will use the same construction techniques as McGowan's men.10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Located on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Train Depot. (540) 672-2728
June 18-22 (Mon.-Fri.): Mud Camp (rising 3rd & 4th graders)
Kids, spend a week playing outside and getting dirty at Mud Camp! Each day you will take hikes, play outdoor games, and even wade through streams! Call (540) 672-2728 x401 to register.
June 25-29 (Mon.-Fri.): Mud Camp (rising 5th & 6th graders)
Kids, spend a week playing outside and getting dirty at Mud Camp! Each day you will take hikes, play outdoor games, and even wade through streams! Call (540) 672-2728 x401 to register.
July 8 (Sun.): Summer Big Woods Walk
Beat the heat at Montpelier! Hike shaded trails on your guided tour of the 200-acre old-growth James Madison Landmark Forest known as the "Big Woods." The forest is designated a National Natural Landmark. The Big Woods Walk will begin at the Montpelier Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m. (540) 672-2728.
July 15 (Sun.): Working Woods Walk
Venture beyond the mansion and the lawn to the woods of Montpelier. This two-hour tour of the Montpelier Demonstration Forest Trail will help visitors understand society's dependence on forests now and during the Madisons' time. The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center.
July 15 (Sun.): Summer Family Barbecue and Picnic
Catch up with family and friends during a leisurely barbecue on James and Dolley's back lawn. Enjoy fabulous local barbecue while listening to live music. Barrel train rides for the kids too! (540) 672-2728.
July 21 (Sat.): Civil War Hut Construction
See re-enactors rebuild the huts occupied by General Samuel McGowan's South Carolinians during the winter of 1863-1864. The re-enactors will use the same construction techniques as McGowan's men. 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Located on Route 20 across from the Montpelier Train Depot. (540) 672-2728.
July 26-28 (Thu.-Sat.): 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.For more information, please call (540) 661-5393 or visit
August 5-11 (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.
August 12-18 (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.
August 17-19 (Fri.-Sat.): Summer Civil War Weekend
Visit Montpelier for a weekend of skirmishes, dress parades, and Civil War history, where General Samuel McGowan's South Carolinians encamped during the winter of 1863-1864. Watch re-enactors use Civil War-era tools and techniques to rebuild the huts once occupied by McGowan's troops. Also, tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, who was born a slave at Montpelier and emancipated after the Civil War. (540) 672-2728.
August 19-25 (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.
August 26-September 1 (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.
Fall Events
September 16-22 (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 (Mon.): Constitution Day (official)
Celebrate the signing of the Constitution with a visit to Montpelier! See James Madison's lifelong home. Visit the second floor Old Library and glimpse the same Blue Ridge Mountains he gazed upon as he imagined the document that defines our nation. (540) 672-2728.
September 22 (Sat.): Montpelier Constitution Day Celebration
Celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Constitution with a 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. Enjoy mansion tours, visits with "James" and "Dolley," special games for kids, and an evening of fireworks and music on the mansion lawn. (540) 672-2728.
October 6-7 (Sat.-Sun.): Fall Fiber Festival and Montpelier 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 7-13 (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.
October 14 (Sun.): Fall Big Woods Walk
See the first sights of fall at Montpelier. Take in the colorful autumn leaves on your guided tour of the 200-acre old-growth James Madison Landmark Forest known as the "Big Woods." The forest is designated a National Natural Landmark. The Big Woods Walk will begin at the Montpelier Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m. (540) 672-2728..
October 21 (Sun.): Working Woods Walk
Venture beyond the mansion and the lawn to the woods of Montpelier. This two-hour tour of the Montpelier Demonstration Forest Trail will help visitors understand society's dependence on forests now and during the Madisons' time. The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center..
October 21-27 (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.
November 3 (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 17 (Sat.): Freedman's Farm and Civil War Camp Site Walking Tour
Tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, who was 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 7-9 (Fri.-Sun.): Candlelight Evening at James Madison's Montpelier
Tour the mansion by candlelight for a very special introduction to the holiday season for you and your family. 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (540) 672-2728.
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