Rising Sun Tavern Museum

10/22/2026

Handprints from the past!

10/14/2026

Raise a glass to history—Southern Living named the Rising Sun Tavern a must-see stop in Fredericksburg, “America’s Most Historic City”!

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

10/09/2026

Next month’s Tea Talk will be at the Tavern!

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

10/06/2026

09/30/2026

Two weeks ago it was Pirates and Punch, this Friday is Pumpkin Spice at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop!

Stir up history with a cozy blend of fall spices!

In preparation for the PUMPKIN SPICE CRAWL by Fredericksburg Main Street on October 24th, the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop will be staying open late this First Friday! We'll be hosting a FREE family-friendly program, Medicinal Mulling: A Pumpkin Spice Experience - come any time between 5 to 8 p.m.

Families will be able to 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.

This cozy seasonal program blends history, fragrance, and flavor for an evening that is both educational and fun!

The event is free and pre-registration is encouraged at the link below. Donations are welcome to help cover program costs.

https://washingtonheritagemuseums.networkforgood.com/events/105561-medicinal-mulling-a-pumpkin-spice-experience

09/29/2026

Join us this Thursday for our first Speaker Series of the Fall season! Historian Trip Wiggins will explore the possible connection between Dr. Hugh Mercer and the Honorable James Mercer. This engaging presentation will explore two remarkable historical figures who were far more than simply a country doctor and a lawyer. FREE and open to the public.

09/28/2026

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 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!
https://www.washingtonheritagemuseums.org/calendar

09/26/2026

All proceeds of the Silent Auction assist in the preservation, educational programs and ongoing research at our five historic sites, including the Rising Sun Tavern!

The Bourbon & Boxwood Silent Auction is LIVE! 🎉
Ready to bid? Our auction is open now through 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 — and you can participate from anywhere! Winners do not need to be present to claim their prizes, so start bidding and share the auction with your friends and family near and far (to access the Silent Auction, follow the link below).

AUCTION DETAILS
🕘 Bidding closes at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, October 3

📦 Items not picked up that evening may be collected October 5–9, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

📍 Pickup is at the Washington Heritage Museums offices, 1500 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg

🚚 Items containing alcohol cannot be shipped. All other items can be shipped at the purchaser’s expense. Please call the WHM office to arrange shipping.

THERE'S STILL TIME to be part of Bourbon & Boxwood in person! Purchase your tickets and/or sponsorship and join us in celebrating while helping to support the important work of Washington Heritage Museums. We look forward to raising a glass with you!

https://bit.ly/Bourbon-and-Boxwood-2026

09/22/2026

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, Washington Heritage Museums is proud to begin a new chapter of stewardship for the Mary Washington Monument.

We invite the public to join us for a special groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mary Washington Monument site as we celebrate this meaningful milestone, honor Mary Washington’s legacy, and look ahead to the future of one of Fredericksburg's most meaningful historic sites.

We are deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity, leadership, and dedication helped make this moment possible. We hope to see you there!

NOTE: Please bring a lawn chair for your comfort. Parking is available at Common Ground Christian Church located at 1501 Washington Avenue.