09/28/2026
St. James' House will be open for tours next week!
We love this time of year as we anticipate our exciting signature event, Bourbon and Boxwood, along with an amazing line-up for our Silent Auction. Not only that, but we have a full schedule planned, just the first week of October!
🩷 Mary's Ribbons Breast Cancer Awareness Month
OCTOBER 1 TO 31 - We invite you to remember and honor the brave individuals who have faced breast cancer—and those who continue the fight today. It was here, in 1789, that Mary Ball Washington passed away after a long and painful battle with breast cancer. Guests are encouraged to tie a pink ribbon at the historic Mary Washington House. This simple, heartfelt gesture raises awareness and offers space for personal remembrance. Complimentary pink ribbons are available during regular museum hours.
⭐ SPEAKER SERIES: The Two Mercers, 10 to 11 a.m.
OCTOBER 1 - Historian Trip Wiggins will explore the possible connection between Dr. Hugh Mercer and the Honorable James Mercer in this engaging presentation about two remarkable historic figures who were far more than simply a country doctor and a lawyer. Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL). Event is FREE and open to the public.
🍂 FIRST FRIDAY: Medicinal Mulling - A Pumpkin Spice Experience. 5 to 8 p.m.
OCTOBER 2 - Join us for a family friendly First Friday program at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. Explore the surprising history of familiar fall spices—including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, and black pepper—and learn how Dr. Hugh Mercer may have used these ingredients medicinally in the 18th century. Guests can watch a short demonstration, smell and compare the spices, and use a mortar and pestle to mix a small take-home pumpkin spice blend perfect for flavoring apple c***r, coffee, tea, or warm milk. FREE with registration recommended.
🥂 BOURBON AND BOXWOOD - Our Signature Event, 6 to 9 p.m.
OCTOBER 3 - Raise a glass to 250 years as we honor America’s legacy! Attend this annual, sell-out event: a spirited garden party with live music, plentiful food, signature cocktails and mocktails, bourbon tastings, silent auction, fantastic guests, and an outstanding way to financially support all five WHM historic properties and their educational programs. This year, we are proudly celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence and we hope you will join us for this grand event at the Mary Washington House and Garden. Sponsorships and tickets are still available!
🏠 FALL OPENING at St. James’ House
OCTOBER 5 - Monday, October 5 to Saturday, October 10, 1 to 4 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to tour St. James' House, one of Fredericksburg’s oldest homes. For one week only, you can visit this historic 18th-century home and admire its preserved architecture, exquisite period furniture, and stunning art. | Admission: $10; Tickets may be purchased in advance or on-site.
For more information, please head over to our website and access the Calendar of Events!
