Events & Programs

The Early Pleistocene Fossil Fauna and Flora at Stratford Hall – A Steadily Expanding Story”

Saturday, October 7, 2023   1;30 – 3:30 p.m.

Join presenters, Dr. Robert Weems and Bryan Landacre of the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center as they discuss the story preserved within the Bacons Castle Formation found within the cliffs high above Stratford Hall’s beach. By analyzing the pollen and animal fossils recovered from the cliffs and beach, Dr. Weems and Mr. Landacre will reconstruct the paleoecology of an interglacial age that occurred approximately 1.6 million years ago. Long unrecognized and unexplored, the fossil animals and plants found in the Bacons Castle Formation provide a clear picture of what the Stratford Hall region was like during the Early Pleistocene.

For an additional cost, following the presentation, Dr. Weems and Mr. Landacre will join participants down at the Potomac River for an hour-long fossil walk. Space will be limited.

This program will be offered in-person and virtually.  On the day of, tickets available at the gate will be for the lecture only. Pre-registration is required to attend virtually and for the Potomac River fossil walk.

Event Pricing:

Zoom Lecture Attendance: $10.00

In-Person Lecture Attendance: $20.00

Friends of Stratford member In-Person Lecture Attendance: $15.00

In-Person Lecture & 1-hour Fossil Walk – $30.00

Register in advance!

Christmastide Weekend

December 8 – 10, 2023

Join us for the annual Christmastide celebration at Stratford Hall. New this year, come experience a weekend full of activities while taking in the spirit of the season.

Fall Family Fun Day 

Saturday, November 4, 2023 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Celebrate fall at Stratford Hall!

On Saturday, November 4th,  we are hosting Fall Fun Day! Pumpkin painting, colonial games, wagon rides, and more! Plus, explore the Great House with the new children’s audio tour: Who Lived at Stratford Junior. Take in all the fall beauty while walking the nature trails or strolling along the beach of the Potomac River. The Pull Up Food Truck – A Taste of the Northern Neck will be offering lunch!

Event Pricing:

Cost: $5 (ages 6+); 5 and under free

Register in advance! (Tickets available at the door)

2024 Fossil Hunting Excursions at Stratford Hall

Dating from the Miocene Epoch – approximately 17 to 10 million years ago, the Stratford Cliffs are part of a rare geological phenomenon ranking among the most important fossil research sites in the Mid-Atlantic region. Whether you are a seasoned collector, or this is your first experience, Stratford Hall is the place for you! Spend a day hunting for fossils along the shores of the Potomac, explore the Stratford Cliffs, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors!

Excursions are rated at a moderately strenuous to strenuous activity level requiring long periods of walking, hiking, standing, stooping, and bending. If you wish to access the further extremities of the beach, this will include climbing over or under washed up debris or felled trees. Minimum age requirements for all fossil hunting excursions are 8 years old. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Event Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Cost: $35 per adults and $30 per child (ages 8 to 13)

Age requirements: 8+ years of age

Availability: 40 slots (35 adults, 5 children)

Additional information will be provided via email prior to your visit. Please contact Kelly Childress at kchildress@stratfordhall.org with any questions regarding Stratford Hall’s fossil hunting excursions.

     Colonial Milling & Brewing

African American Foodways Cooking Demonstration

Tobacco Pipes & Culture in the Colonial Era 

African American Foodways Cooking Demonstration

Food, Politics & Colonial Women

Colonial Maps, Trade & the Atlantic World

Colonial Foodways Cooking Demonstration

The Lees & Liquor

Colonial Christmas Cuisine

Colonial Chocolate in the Atlantic World