Washington Heritage Museums

10/19/2026

Work is underway at the Mary Washington Monument site!

10/16/2026

The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop will be CLOSED on Saturday, October 17th for a very special event. We look forward to welcoming you back on Sunday, October 18th. Wishing Kate and Eric all the best!

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

We’re thrilled to see Fredericksburg featured in Southern Living as “America’s Most Historic City”—and as an especially wonderful place to visit in the fall. The feature spotlights all three Washington Heritage Museums sites: the Mary Washington House, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, and Rising Sun Tavern Museum. Come for the fall color; stay for a few centuries of history!

The past and present blend seamlessly in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a small town just over an hour from Washington, D.C. History is all around, but the town is just as alive with antique shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining.

10/13/2026

"In the noisy warmth of the tavern, as mugs of c***r clinked and voices rose in talk of liberty, the humble ham biscuit became something greater than food. It was Virginia's welcome to soldier and statesman alike—a small, flaky pledge that the Revolution was sustained not only on battlefields, but at the hearths and tables of ordinary people." —Excerpt from "Lost Recipes of the American Revolution" by Elizabeth Winslow.

🎫TICKETS for November's Tea Talk at the Rising Sun Tavern are now on sale!

DATE: Tuesday, November 10th
TIMES: 11:00 a.m. and 2 p.m.
PLACE: Rising Sun Tavern
TOPIC: Lost Recipes of the American Revolution
GUEST SPEAKER: Elizabeth Winslow

Image: Tavern room at the Rising Sun Tavern

https://washingtonheritagemuseums.networkforgood.com/events/106071-tea-talk-lost-recipes-of-the-american-revolution

10/12/2026

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our Bourbon and Boxwood sponsors!

Our 11th annual event was our most successful yet, setting records for funds raised, sponsorships secured, and tickets sold. Because of you, Washington Heritage Museums can continue to care for five historic sites and advance our mission to preserve, educate, and inspire.

Thank you for helping make this remarkable year possible!

10/10/2026

VOTE for Jebediah in the Historic category of Scarecrow Fest!

10/09/2026

If you love HISTORY, be sure to attend "Revolution on the Rappahannock" by Freedom Forge Foundation tomorrow! The main event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. at Pratt Park. Word has it that the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop leeches will make an appearance. 😊 FREE with suggested donation of $10.

Forge Ahead News - https://mailchi.mp/freedomforgefoundation/forge-ahead-news-sep-19415700
THIS WEEKEND! Revolution on the Rappahannock in Historic Falmouth, Virginia

10/09/2026

ONE DAY left to tour this historic gem!

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.

We are thrilled to invite you to our special Fall 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 from 1 to 4 p.m. daily and experience the beauty of the fall season!

Admission: $10 tickets may be purchased on-site or in advance at the link on our Calendar Events page. WHM members visit for free!

10/09/2026

History is on the menu at our next Tea Talk!

Join us at the Rising Sun Tavern as we welcome historian Elizabeth Winslow, author of the book, "Lost Recipes of the American Revolution." Along with our regular tea menu, guests will also sample several recipes from the book as Elizabeth brings the era to life through the stories of the soldiers, tavern keepers, women, enslaved cooks, and families whose experiences were reflected in the food of the period. Discover how tea culture shaped daily life before and during the Revolution, explore the social divide between Patriots and Loyalists, and hear real historical voices woven into a blend of culinary history and storytelling.

📅 Tuesday, November 10
🕚 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.
📍 Rising Sun Tavern Museum

MEET OUR SPEAKER
Elizabeth Winslow is a historical nonfiction author who brings overlooked voices of early America to life through archival research and engaging storytelling. She is the author of "Lost Letters of the American Revolution" and "Lost Recipes of the American Revolution." Her most recent book, "When Loyalty Was Treason," was just published in October of 2026. Winslow has also written the historical novel "Ashes to Liberty," and writes children’s fables exploring virtue, sacrifice, and moral clarity.

Special thanks to the historic Ironclad Inn for supporting our Tea Talk series. Traveling from outside Fredericksburg—or planning a special local getaway? The Ironclad Inn offers beautiful overnight accommodations just a couple of blocks from the Rising Sun Tavern.

🎟 Tickets for this event will go on sale this Monday, October 12th at 9 a.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, follow the link below:
https://washingtonheritagemuseums.networkforgood.com/events/106071-tea-talk-lost-recipes-of-the-american-revolution

IMAGE: Banquet room at the Rising Sun Tavern