Historic Blenheim/Civil War Interpretive Center

Historic Blenheim/Civil War Interpretive Center Official Page of Historic Blenheim & the Civil War Interpretive Center, administered by City of Fair The modern Interpretive Center is available for rental.

3610 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax VA 22030
The Civil War Interpretive Center is OPEN Tuesday- Saturday, 11-3. A free, guided tour of the first floor of the Historic Blenheim house and grounds is available at 1 pm Tuesday - Saturday. Space is currently limited, so parties between 4-7 people please call ahead to reserve space. Parties of 8 require a separate scheduled tour for a small fee. Front Desk: (703

) 591-0560

Historic Blenheim - built c. 1858 by secessionist Albert Willcoxon - is known for its exceptional collection of Union soldiers' Civil War graffiti. To date, over 110 of these soldiers, hailing from 7 states, have been indentified. The Civil War Interpretive Center illustrates the lives of the Union soldiers who came through the house, as well as the effect of war in Fairfax. A life scale reproduction of the inaccessible attic, showcasing many of the best signatures, is a highlight of the gallery. Historic Blenheim offers several programs with a Civil War focus throughout the year. Our premier program is Civil War Day, a living history event, annually held the last Saturday in April. Group tours for students, scouts and adults are available by advanced reservation - please call (703) 591-6728 for more details. Rentals are administered by the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation department. Please call (703) 385-7858 for rental information, or see http://fairfaxva.gov/parksrec/BlenheimReservation.asp

While we’re closed to the public in January there’s lots of work to do behind the scenes. You can still walk our pathway...
01/16/2023

While we’re closed to the public in January there’s lots of work to do behind the scenes. You can still walk our pathways and check out our interpretative landscape signs during light hours.

12/23/2022
Fun happenings already !
12/04/2022

Fun happenings already !

Decking the halls in preparation for this Sunday Noon - 4 pm. Come for all the terrific activities - and meet Victorian...
11/29/2022

Decking the halls in preparation for this Sunday Noon - 4 pm. Come for all the terrific activities - and meet Victorian Santa.

We are open this Wednesday Nov 23 and Saturday Nov 26 - bring visiting family to see us!
11/22/2022

We are open this Wednesday Nov 23 and Saturday Nov 26 - bring visiting family to see us!

Psssst - We heard a rumor Santa Claus is coming to Historic Blenheim, sporting his Victorian finery ! Save the date for ...
11/17/2022

Psssst - We heard a rumor Santa Claus is coming to Historic Blenheim, sporting his Victorian finery ! Save the date for “Christmas in Camp and Making Do at Home” - December 4, Noon - 4.

We are OPEN today on Veterans Day -join us for our usual 1 pm tour to see Civil War Federal soldier’s graffiti in the B...
11/11/2022

We are OPEN today on Veterans Day -join us for our usual 1 pm tour to see Civil War Federal
soldier’s graffiti in the Blenheim House. We thank them posthumously for their service.

Next Wednesday we host Historic Fairfax City, Inc. for their annual meeting. Free and open to all! City of Fairfax Gover...
11/02/2022

Next Wednesday we host Historic Fairfax City, Inc. for their annual meeting. Free and open to all! City of Fairfax Government

Taste of the Vine kicking off at Historic Blenheim- it’s a beautiful night for fundraising for our historic properties !...
10/07/2022

Taste of the Vine kicking off at Historic Blenheim- it’s a beautiful night for fundraising for our historic properties ! Historic Fairfax City, Inc.

OOOH look at some of the great Silent Auction items Historic Fairfax City, Inc. has to offer at Taste of the Vine starti...
10/06/2022

OOOH look at some of the great Silent Auction items Historic Fairfax City, Inc. has to offer at Taste of the Vine starting Friday Night at 6:30! You can buy tickets at the door. City of Fairfax Government

It's just a couple of days away- we can't wait for Historic Fairfax City, Inc.'s A Taste of the Vine fundraiser to retur...
10/03/2022
Taste of the Vine

It's just a couple of days away- we can't wait for Historic Fairfax City, Inc.'s A Taste of the Vine fundraiser to return! Wine, food, and great silent auction items! 🍇 City of Fairfax Government

Come and sample wines from a local winery, enjoy the silent auction and support Historic Fairfax City Inc.!

See you at 2 pm!
09/24/2022

See you at 2 pm!

TODAY: 2 p.m., Historic Blenheim/Civil War Interpretive Center— FREE
Thomas Nelson Conrad, Confederate Spy

Info: fairfaxva.gov, search "Conrad"
See you at the museum!
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
Historic Fairfax City, Inc.
Fairfax City Parks and Recreation

Did you catch our last fascinating History Talk, "Civil War Veterans and Opioid Addiction in the Postwar Decades" ? If n...
09/20/2022
History Talk: Civil War Veterans and Opioid Addiction in the Postwar Decades

Did you catch our last fascinating History Talk, "Civil War Veterans and Opioid Addiction in the Postwar Decades" ? If not, check it out!

Dr. Jonathan S. Jones gives an in-depth presentation on how Opioids affected the lives of Civil War Veterans.For more information and upcoming events, visit ...

Taste of the Vine Fundraiser is BACK! Join Historic Fairfax City Inc. at Historic Blenheim October 7.
09/15/2022
Taste of the Vine

Taste of the Vine Fundraiser is BACK!
Join Historic Fairfax City Inc. at Historic Blenheim October 7.

Come and sample wines from a local winery, enjoy the silent auction and support Historic Fairfax City Inc.!

Thrilled to be featured as a site on these gorgeous new murals at Scout on the Circle !
08/11/2022

Thrilled to be featured as a site on these gorgeous new murals at Scout on the Circle !

We are so pleased to be welcoming students back for field trips! City of Fairfax Government City of Fairfax Schools
05/18/2022

We are so pleased to be welcoming students back for field trips! City of Fairfax Government City of Fairfax Schools

We’re looking forward to being one of the sites for the annual Virginia Garden Week Fairfax tour Tuesday April 26 , alo...
04/24/2022
Everything You Need to Know About Historic Garden Week

We’re looking forward to being one of the sites for the annual Virginia Garden Week Fairfax tour Tuesday April 26 , along with the Ratcliffe-Allison Pozer house! Our special tours will be gardener focused for this event. 🌸🌷🌺🌼

Celebrate Historic Garden Week in Virginia with stunning home and garden tours in Fairfax.

Final image of a great day - our new signing wall covered with 21st century names, inspired by our 19th century soldier...
04/24/2022

Final image of a great day - our new signing wall covered with 21st century names, inspired by our 19th century soldier graffiti. From the tall to the small , we hope y’all enjoyed at Historic Blenheim ! City of Fairfax Government Historic Fairfax City, Inc.

So much happening at ! Still lots of time to come enjoy. Park at Fairfax High School and take the free shuttle to our ...
04/23/2022

So much happening at ! Still lots of time to come enjoy. Park at Fairfax High School and take the free shuttle to our site ! City of Fairfax Government Historic Fairfax City, Inc.

New faces and returning favorites will be here Saturday for Fairfax History Day ! Here’s just a few folks we’ll be glad ...
04/21/2022

New faces and returning favorites will be here Saturday for Fairfax History Day ! Here’s just a few folks we’ll be glad to have back interpreting 19th century history. Join us for this terrific family friendly event - info link in comments. City of Fairfax GovernmentCivil War Trails, Inc.Historic Fairfax City, Inc.

New to the Civil War Interpretive Center - exhibit enhancements, graffiti board and signage just in time for Fairfax His...
04/19/2022

New to the Civil War Interpretive Center - exhibit enhancements, graffiti board and signage just in time for Fairfax History Day ! City of Fairfax Government Historic Fairfax City, Inc. Civil War Trails, Inc.

04/15/2022
Fairfax History Day is Back!

One week from tomorrow - we are getting excited !

Fairfax History Day returns to Historic Blenheim with fun for the whole family and hands-on experiences from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23. This annual event was canceled the past two years due to the pandemic, and organizers and participants are excited for its return.

Spring is returning at Historic Blenheim - and so is Fairfax History Day ! SAVE THE DATE April 23, to join us for day of...
03/03/2022

Spring is returning at Historic Blenheim - and so is Fairfax History Day ! SAVE THE DATE April 23, to join us for day of living history interpreting the 19th century. More info soon !

We had some avian friends join us at tour time today. (Vultures on chimneys captured by our volunteer docent Bob Moran)
02/11/2022

We had some avian friends join us at tour time today. (Vultures on chimneys captured by our volunteer docent Bob Moran)

Just a few of the fun treats we are adding to our collections. Come by tomorrow 11-3 for one more day of unboxing !
02/02/2022

Just a few of the fun treats we are adding to our collections. Come by tomorrow 11-3 for one more day of unboxing !

Check out our new acquisition of historic textiles ! Our staff will be unpacking various boxes, measuring the garments, ...
02/01/2022

Check out our new acquisition of historic textiles ! Our staff will be unpacking various boxes, measuring the garments, preparing condition reports, and cataloguing and photographing everything this week. We invite you to stop by to watch and learn how the textiles will help enhance our interpretation at Historic Blenheim, Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, and Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House.

Please stop by anytime between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., February 1, 2, and 3 and spend a few minutes with us in the Multi-Purpose Room.

So pleased to announce 1 pm house tours are back ! (Space is limited- parties of 4-7 people please call to reserve space...
07/22/2021

So pleased to announce 1 pm house tours are back ! (Space is limited- parties of 4-7 people please call to reserve space. Parties of 8 require a separate scheduled private tour for a small fee. )

07/01/2021

We will be closed
Saturday July 3

Enjoy the City of Fairfax Independence Day parade !

Beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle (Very Hungry Caterpillar and many more ) recently passed away. Know...
05/29/2021

Beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle (Very Hungry Caterpillar and many more ) recently passed away. Known for his vibrant images , Mr. Carle also left us a clue to interpret some of our graffiti.

While the Blenheim house remains closed , we will see you back in the Civil War Interpretative Center starting tomorrow!
05/03/2021

While the Blenheim house remains closed , we will see you back in the Civil War Interpretative Center starting tomorrow!

Photos from R.B. Toth Associates LLC's post
04/30/2021

Photos from R.B. Toth Associates LLC's post

03/19/2021
Recorded Past Programs | City of Fairfax, VA

If you missed recent programs, you can find those that were recorded here -including Bryan Cheeseboro's talk on The 1st USCI.

Historic Resources Director Susan Inskeep Gray explores the major milestones of Fairfax public schools from 1870 through today. Watch the video here.

Address

3610 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA
22030

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 3pm
Wednesday 11am - 3pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm
Friday 11am - 3pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

(703) 591-0560

Website

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Videos

Making HardTack
Making HardTack

Check out this how-to for making Civil War style HardTack.

Graffiti, Grub and Go!

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3610 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax VA 22030 Open Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 3 pm. Interpreive Center Onyy - guided tours of house temprorarily suspended. FREE Front Desk: (703) 591-0560 Historic Blenheim - built c. 1858 by Albert Willcoxon - is known for its exceptional collection of Union soldiers' Civil War graffiti. To date, over 110 of these soldiers, hailing from 7 states, have been indentified. The Civil War Interpretive Center illustrates the lives of the Union soldiers who came through the house, as well as the effect of war in Fairfax. A life scale reproduction of the inaccessible attic, showcasing many of the best signatures, is a highlight of the gallery.

TOURS AND PROGRAMS listed below are temporarily suspensed.

A free, guided tour of the first floor of the house and grounds is available at 1 pm Tuesday - Saturday. Historic Blenheim offers several programs with a Civil War focus throughout the year.

Group tours for students, scouts and adults are available by reservation - please call (703) 591-6728 for more details. The modern Interpretive Center is available for rental. Rentals are administered by the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation department. Please call (703) 385-7858 for rental information, or see http://fairfaxva.gov/parksrec/BlenheimReservation.asp

Nearby museums

Other Community Museums in Fairfax

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Comments

We’re looking forward to being one of the sites for the annual Virginia Garden Week Fairfax tour Tuesday April 26 , along with the Ratcliffe-Allison Pozer house! Our special tours will be gardener focused for this event. 🌸🌷🌺🌼
New to the Civil War Interpretive Center - exhibit enhancements, graffiti board and signage just in time for Fairfax History Day ! City of Fairfax Government Historic Fairfax City, Inc. Civil War Trails, Inc.
One week from tomorrow - we are getting excited !
Spring is returning at Historic Blenheim - and so is Fairfax History Day ! SAVE THE DATE April 23, to join us for day of living history interpreting the 19th century. More info soon !
We’ll see you (virtually) at 2 pm today !
We had some avian friends join us at tour time today. (Vultures on chimneys captured by our volunteer docent Bob Moran)
Just a few of the fun treats we are adding to our collections. Come by tomorrow 11-3 for one more day of unboxing !
Check out our new acquisition of historic textiles ! Our staff will be unpacking various boxes, measuring the garments, preparing condition reports, and cataloguing and photographing everything this week. We invite you to stop by to watch and learn how the textiles will help enhance our interpretation at Historic Blenheim, Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, and Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House.

Please stop by anytime between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., February 1, 2, and 3 and spend a few minutes with us in the Multi-Purpose Room.
So pleased to announce 1 pm house tours are back ! (Space is limited- parties of 4-7 people please call to reserve space. Parties of 8 require a separate scheduled private tour for a small fee. )
We will be closed
Saturday July 3

Enjoy the City of Fairfax Independence Day parade !
Beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle (Very Hungry Caterpillar and many more ) recently passed away. Known for his vibrant images , Mr. Carle also left us a clue to interpret some of our graffiti.
While the Blenheim house remains closed , we will see you back in the Civil War Interpretative Center starting tomorrow!
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