First Africans Day

Archival records show that in July of 1738, seventy enslaved West Africans consigned to Thomas Lee of Virginia arrived in the south Potomac aboard the Liverpool Merchant. Some helped to create and sustain what would become Stratford, others were sold to neighboring plantations. Each year, we remember these “first Africans” and honor all the ancestors once enslaved here by commemorating their lives, cultures, contributions, and resilience.

Admission is free and includes access to the Great House, grounds, and all First Africans Day activities including:

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony at the African American Cemetery with Cheyney McKnight, Tanyah Dadze, Slam Stewart, and the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Keynote Speech in the Council House by Adrienne Whaley, Director of Education & Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Performance by the KanKouran West African Dance Company on the Great House Lawn

12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Historic Area Activities

Foodways with Dontavius Williams in the Historic Kitchen (ends at 3:00 p.m.)
Payne Cabin interpretation with Willie & Hope Wright
Historic trades with Harold Caldwell at the Southwest Outbuilding
Textiles with Nastassia Parker in the Great House Spinning and Weaving Room
2:00 p.m. Tobacco demonstration with Harold Caldwell at the Southwest Outbuilding

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Drum circle with SlamOne & Music of the African Diaspora in the East Garden

4:00 p.m. Chronicles of Adam with Dontavius Williams and open mic in the Great House Great Hall

5:15 – 5:45 p.m. Closing Ceremony on the Stratford Beach

Tours & Galleries: Self-guided Great House audio tours will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.) with the Stratford at the Crossroads Gallery and the new Mary Belin duPont Laird Gallery in the Visitor Center open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check-in & Parking: Admission is free, no tickets are required for entry. Parking is available at the Visitor Center for activities in the Historic Area, near the African American Cemetery for the Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speech, and at the Stratford Beach for the Closing Ceremony. Please note the Stratford Beach will be closed until 11:00 a.m.

Food & Drink: Water stations will be available throughout the site. Visitors are welcome to bring a personal water bottle. Outside food and other beverages are not permitted. Our food truck partners will be in the Historic Area from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., including

Aimee’s Sandwiches
A & B’s Creamery & Treats
DoveShack’s Smoked BBQ