Events & Programs

Upcoming Events & Virtual Programs

18th-Century Carpentry Demonstration with Harold Caldwell

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Join us in Stratford Hall’s 1738 workshop to watch Harold Caldwell of Colonial Williamsburg as he demonstrates 18th-century carpentry. Caldwell will be making a bed, using timber from Stratford Hall and all period tools and techniques.

Included with regular audio tour or grounds pass admission. Purchase tickets today!

Hands On History Days

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Calling all educators! Are you a K-12 schoolteacher, an homeschool group organizer, or the leader to a community youth organization that’s interested in bringing your students to Stratford Hall? Come explore our 1,800-acre site by registering for one of our Hands On History Days. These educational programs include five 30-minute, experiential learning activities that allow students to explore different facets of Stratford through the lenses of history and science. Discover what life was like in colonial Virginia while taking a docent-facilitated audio tour of the Great House and historic area. Learn about colonial foodways and the influence of enslaved chefs on the creation of American cuisine while watching an 18^th-century cooking demonstration with Dontavius Williams. Experience the music of the African Diaspora through drumming demonstrations by Slam Stewart. And engage with our knowledgeable museum educators about the scientific studies of Paleontology and Archaeology at Stratford Hall.

Pre-registration is required. Space may be limited. Please contact Kelly Childress, Director of Education, at kchildress@stratfordhall.org or (804) 493-1972 with any questions regarding Stratford Hall’s educational programs. To register a group for one of our upcoming Hands On History Days please contact Matthew Torres, Programs Coordinator, at mtorres@stratfordhall.org or (804) 493-1380.

Can’t come to us, then let us come to you! Inquire about our in-person and virtual educational program opportunities today!

May 6, 2023

Spend a beautiful spring day at Stratford Hall located in the Northern Neck of VA. Relax and enjoy locally crafted beer, wine, spirits, barbeque, live entertainment and more while experiencing this unique historic setting.

Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale Through May 4: $20

Day of Event Ticket Pricing: $30

Option to purchase Souvenir Pilsner Glass for $10

The admission ticket gains you access into the festival to enjoy the event, musical entertainment, historic demonstrations, the vendor market, and exploration of the 1800 acre property. All alcohol and food purchases (Tastings, glasses, and bottles) will be made directly to the brewery, distillery, winery and food truck of your choice.

Purchase Early Bird Tickets Today!

Family Fun Camp 2023

Friday June 16 – Sunday, June 18

Register now for our 2023 Summer Family Fun Camp, recommended for children ages 8 to 12! Family Fun Camp includes a 2-night, 3-day package which includes meals, lodging, and a ton of fun! Step away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a weekend with your family while experiencing the beauty and rich history of the Northern Neck.

Schedule:

Friday: Check in at 1:00 pm, then join us for an off-site fieldtrip to Menokin, the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee – one of the two Lee brothers who signed the Declaration of Independence and grew up at Stratford Hall. During our visit, you will have the opportunity to tour the site, visit the gift shop and participate in a special activity put together by Menokin’s museum staff. Following our outing, we will return to Stratford for dinner and game night.

Saturday: Kick off the morning with a hearty breakfast in Stratford Hall’s dining room, followed by a private fossil hunting excursion along the Potomac River and a special fossil craft to take home as a memento of your visit. Please note, that our fossil excursions are rated at a moderately strenuous activity level requiring long periods of walking, hiking, standing, stooping, bending and occasional climbing over washed up debris or felled trees. Minimum age requirement for paleo excursions is 8 years of age and all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

After the morning session, enjoy lunch on-site then spend the afternoon exploring Stratford Hall’s visitor center, gift shop and historic area. Take a special group tour of the Great House, followed by an educational demo about honeybees and historic candle making. Finish off the evening with dinner, a fun souvenir workshop, and roasting marshmallows by a campfire before slipping off to dreamland!

Sunday: Conclude your stay with breakfast in the dining room, and another special off-site field trip before you and your family head home from your fun-filled weekend in the Northern Neck!

Pre-registration is required for this camp and space is limited. Please contact Mary Bowman, Outreach Coordinator, at mbowman@stratfordhall.org or 804-493-1968 to register today!

Valentine’s Dinner with Denson’s Chesapeake Bay Farm to Table

Saturday, February 11, 2023

5 pm (SOLD OUT) or 7:30 pm Seating Times

Make Valentine’s Day extra special with a romantic evening in Stratford Hall’s dining room. A four-course meal will be prepared by Denson’s Chesapeake Bay Farm to Table, featuring locally sourced produce, seafood, and meats.

Choose one starter course, appetizer, entrée, and dessert when making reservation.

Full menu curated by Denson’s:

Wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle during the dinner.
$100 per person. Price includes tax & gratuity.

Pre-registration is required. To make a reservation, please contact Lesley Brooks at lbrooks@stratfordhall.org or (804) 493-1967.

Make it a weekend getaway you’ll love with a stay in one of our guest houses at the special winter rate of $110 per night. Lodging guests will receive special rates to explore the Great House and grounds. Make a reservation today at www.stratfordhall.org/lodging.

Fossil Hunting Excursions at Stratford Hall

Sunday, May 7, 2023 (Registration opens April 1, 2023)

Sunday, June 4, 2023 (Registration opens May 1, 2023)

Saturday, July 22, 2023 (Registration opens June 1, 2023)

Saturday, August 5, 2023 (Registration opens July 1, 2023)

Sunday, October 1, 2023 (Registration opens September 1, 2023)

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.