St. James' House in Fredericksburg, VA

04/20/2026

⭐OPEN THIS WEEK! ⭐Among Fredericksburg’s most treasured landmarks stands St. James’ House, an elegant example of colonial architecture and a living testament to the city’s vibrant history. In conjunction with Historic Garden Week, we’re thrilled to invite you to our special Spring Opening to enjoy the enduring charm of one of the city’s most historic homes.

Built in the 1760s by James Mercer, St. James’ House is one of the city’s best-preserved colonial dwellings. With its period furniture and stunning art, the home offers visitors a rare glimpse into 18th-century life in Virginia. Enjoy guided tours and experience the beauty of the spring season in this historic gem. Tickets may be purchased on-line at the link below or in person. Admission: $10 and WHM members are free!

⭐St. James’ House Spring Opening
⭐Monday, April 20th to Saturday, April 25th
⭐1 to 4 p.m. daily
⭐1300 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA

https://bit.ly/St-James-Spring-Opening-Tickets

04/08/2026

Among Fredericksburg’s most treasured landmarks stands St. James’ House, an elegant example of colonial architecture and a living testament to the city’s vibrant history. In conjunction with Historic Garden Week, we’re thrilled to invite you to our special Spring Opening to enjoy the enduring charm of one of the city’s most historic homes.

🍃Monday, April 20th to Saturday, April 25th
🍃Daily: 1 to 4 p.m.
🍃1300 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA

Built in the 1760s by James Mercer, St. James’ House is one of the city’s best-preserved colonial dwellings. With its period furniture and stunning art, the home offers visitors a rare glimpse into 18th-century life in Virginia. Enjoy guided tours and experience the beauty of the spring season in this historic gem. Admission: $10 and Washington Heritage Museums members are FREE. Tickets may be purchased in person or on-line at the following link:

https://bit.ly/St-James-Spring-Opening-Tickets

03/23/2026

We think some introductions are in order…

As many of our followers may already know, back in December, our illustrious leader, Anne Darron, announced her decision to retire in May of this year. Following her announcement, the Board sprang into action, kicking off a thorough, multi-stage recruitment process to identify candidates who could fill Anne’s shoes and help bring WHM into an exciting new era.

We are proud to announce that we have found our new leader in Michelle Rose.

Michelle is a historic preservation expert with decades of experience, a passion for colonial history, and deep ties to the Fredericksburg region. Her past experience includes working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Historic Pleasant Grove Church & Museum. She even teaches historic preservation law at the Department of Historic Preservation at Mary Washington as an adjunct professor!

Please join us in welcoming Michelle Rose as the new executive director of Washington Heritage Museums!

For additional information about Michelle and the upcoming transition, read our official announcement here: https://bit.ly/4d42UQD

12/24/2025

12/04/2025

Among Fredericksburg’s most treasured landmarks stands St. James’ House, an elegant example of colonial architecture and a living testament to the city’s vibrant history. This holiday season, we’re thrilled to invite you to a special open house event that celebrates both the spirit of the season and the enduring charm of one of the city’s most historic homes.

Built in the 1760s by James Mercer, St. James’ House is one of the city’s best-preserved colonial dwellings. With period furniture and stunning art, the home offers visitors a rare glimpse into 18th-century life in Virginia. Enjoy guided tours and experience the warmth of the season in this historic gem. Admission is FREE, and all are welcome!

11/21/2025

As a heartfelt thank you to our supportive community, we invite you to experience the holiday season as it was centuries ago at our three holiday open house events. We look forward to sharing the spirit of the season—and a little bit of history—with you!

11/07/2025

Don't miss the chance to tour St. James' House, one of Fredericksburg's oldest homes! For one day only, you can visit this historic 18th-century home and admire its preserved architecture, exquisite period furniture, and stunning art.

🏵️When: Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m.
🏵️Where: St. James' House, 1300 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia
🏵️Admission: Adults - $10.00, Youth (6 - 17) - $5.00

SPECIAL NOTE: Virginia teachers (including homeschool teachers) and Washington Heritage Museum Members tour for free! Must present valid educator ID or WHM Membership Card.

Link for regular admission tickets: https://f.mtr.cool/dusdszfres

10/06/2025

We are now OPEN for tours at the St. James House - this week only from 1 to 4 p.m. daily. Secure your tickets on-line or in person. WHM members receive free admission!

https://washingtonheritagemuseums.networkforgood.com/events/91380-st-james-house-2025-fall-opening-october-6-to-11-1-4-p-m-daily

09/25/2025

Only twice a year, an extraordinary opportunity arises to explore the beautiful home and garden of one of Fredericksburg's early attorneys, James Mercer. Mercer was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, the first judge of the General Court in Fredericksburg, and the attorney who drew up the will of Mary Washington. He built the house on land once owned by Fielding Lewis, brother-in-law of George Washington.

The house is particularly noted for its fine collection of antique furniture and decorative arts. These artifacts were acquired by Daniel Breslin and William Tolerton, who lovingly restored St. James’ in the mid-1960s and eventually gave it to Preservation Virginia.

Tickets for this exclusive event will be available for purchase starting October 1st. Members of Washington Heritage Museums tour for free!

https://washingtonheritagemuseums.networkforgood.com/events/91380-st-james-house-2025-fall-opening-october-6-to-11-1-4-p-m-daily

06/03/2020

Beginning Monday, June 1, we will open pre-order for a variety of shade and sun loving perennials, trees, vines, herbs and ferns, all for $4 each. Specific varieties will be posted as the first comment below. Funds raised through this plant sale benefit the gardens at all Washington Heritage Museums’ sites. As we are recommending exact change, cash or check only, we gently ask that you round up your purchase. In addition to helping us safely host this community event, your donation will help us maintain our gardens during this challenging time. Contact-free curbside pickup will be by appointment on Saturday, June 6 between 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. at St. James' House, 1300 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Varieties are limited, so have your order ready for Monday's pre-order! Questions about availability, and orders can be emailed to our gardener, Jeannette Rose at [email protected].

04/23/2020

The Spring Opening | St. James' House was to have been this week. We miss the visitors we would have had, so we wanted to share some quick glimpses of the gardens with you. Did you know that all tours at St. James' House are given by Washington Heritage Museums volunteers? We appreciate all that they do to deliver informative tours about James Mercer, the house and its collections and gardens. Our volunteers are the very best!

03/16/2019

Our St. James' House volunteers have been so busy today, welcoming hundreds of students from Newport News, VA. We were happy to be a part of their Fredericksburg experience!