Historic Smithfield

05/28/2026

📖 Story Hour is back at Historic Smithfield — and this time, we're bringing history to life for your little ones! 🐑

We're teaming up with Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum to read "How The Sheep Helped Win the War" — the true story of how President and Mrs. Wilson placed a flock of sheep on the White House lawn during WWI, raising nearly $100,000 for the Red Cross. 🇺🇸

Perfect for ages 5–9, this free event includes a fun hands-on activity after the story.

📅 Friday, June 5
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 1000 Merry Oak Way, Blacksburg, VA
(Enter through the Gift Shop in the historic gardens!)

We'd love to see you there! 💛

05/28/2026

840+ people have already experienced the magic of Historic Smithfield in 2026 - from ballet performances on the grounds to hands-on history programs. And we're just getting started! Support the programs that bring our community together this Give Local NRV, June 24–25. 🎭

👉 https://www.givelocalnrv.org/organization/Smithfield-Preston-Foundation

05/27/2026

Join the educational fun at the Blacksburg Library, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, Va this Monday!

Uncover artifacts just like an archaeologist using chocolate chip cookies! Join us for Cookie Archaeology, Monday, June 1st, 3:30 at the Blacksburg Library. Recommended for ages 5-12.

05/22/2026

🪖⚔️ Sign your kids up for a Revolutionary summer! ⚔️🪖
Does your 8–12 year old love history, adventure, and hands-on learning? Historic Smithfield's Summer Camp 2026: A Revolutionary Summer Adventure is the perfect week for them!

📅 July 27–31 | 9am–12pm each day
📍 Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg, VA
💰 $220 (all supplies provided!)

Campers will step back in time to Virginia's 18th-century frontier and experience what life was really like during the American Revolution — trying traditional skills, going on outdoor adventures, tackling history-themed challenges, and even doing some immersive role-playing. It's a week packed with teamwork, creativity, and discovery they'll be talking about all school year!

🔗 Register now before spots fill up! Link in comments.

Tag a parent who needs to see this! 👇

05/22/2026

For genealogists and researchers!

The Library of Virginia is pleased to announce we have a new digital collection online just in time for the VA250 celebrations! The Land Office Military Certificates collection documents the second step of a three-step process for Revolutionary War veterans to obtain bounty land in return for their service.

The certificates are printed forms filled in with the name of the individual, his rank, whether he served in a state or a continental line unit and the length of such service. In 2022, we digitized the microfilm, which includes the records for around 7,500 Virginia Revolutionary War veterans' claims. We are excited that these records, so important to our understanding of the experiences of those who fought for independence, are now freely available online.

https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/collectionDiscovery?vid=01LVA_INST:01LVA&collectionId=81192215680005756&lang=en

VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission

05/20/2026

Visit the Gray Gallery at the Meadowbrook Museum before May 31 to see artwork on display of several historic sites in Shawsville and Elliston – including some built before the Civil War. For more information: https://meadowbrookmuseum.org/s-e-historic-sites-art-exhibit-0326/

05/19/2026

We're getting closer and closer to A Most Horrid Conspiracy debut!!! Seats are already selling fast so be sure to go to Attic Productions box office to secure your spot! Believe us when we tell you that this story is WILD and you're going to want to hear about how a Botetourt spy and a barrel of rum helped shape the the direction of the Revolutionary War!

05/18/2026

Historic Smithfield will be closed on May 23, June 8, June 20, and July 25 for private events. Thank you for understanding.

05/17/2026

Meku!

We are beginning our mą:ta:xe planting this weekend at the Indigenous Community Garden (ICG) on Sunday, May 17th!

Join us as we come together to plant, learn, and continue the important work of seed saving for our communities and future generations. This gathering is free and open to everyone — all are welcome to participate, connect, and share in community.

Snacks and beverages will be provided. We look forward to growing with you!