Stratford Hall Historic Preserve

Easter Eggstravaganza 2026
2026-04-04 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Stratford Hall, 483 Great House Road, Stratford, Virginia, 22558
Join Stratford Hall and the local Northern Neck Lodge No. 32 of the Fraternal Order of Police for a free Easter Eggstravaganza, including egg hunt and activities, on the Great House Oval! Activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 1:00 p.m. The Easter egg hunt will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. Special prizes will be awarded to the most egg-ceptional collectors!
Following the egg hunt, enjoy a complimentary hot dog lunch while supplies last. Courtesy of Northern Neck Lodge No. 32 of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Important details:

Plan to arrive between 10 – 10:30 a.m. for the egg hunt.
Bring your own basket for the egg hunt.
There will be designated egg hunt locations for children ages 0-2 years; 3-4 years; 5-6 years; 7-8 years; 9-10 years; and 11-12 years.
Don’t forget your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny.
Be sure to drop off your empty eggs before you leave!

Admission and activities for the Easter Eggstravaganza are free, though we’d love to know you’re coming!
RSVP TODAY!
Admission does not include entrance to the Bunny Breakfast Buffet or the historic Great House.
Mark your calendars and hop on over to Stratford Hall for a day of Easter fun!

Plant Sale
2026-04-04 10:00 - 2026-04-26 17:00 UTC
During your next stop at Stratford Hall, be sure to visit the Gift Shop to explore our Plant Sale options available April 4 – 26! We’ll have heirloom vegetables, culinary herbs, perennials, trees, and shrubs–all straight from the Stratford Hall greenhouse. The selection of plants will vary during the sale, so come back weekly for new items!
Gift Shop Hours April 4 – May 26:
Monday – Friday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission is not required to visit the Gift Shop or Plant Sale.

Historic Garden Week in the Northern Neck
2026-04-22 10:00 - 17:00 UTC
Stratford Hall is honored to once again participate in the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week! On Wednesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Garden Club of the Northern Neck ticket holders receive FREE grounds admission (Great House self-guided audio tours not included). Simply arrive at the Visitor Center and show your ticket! Explore the restored East Garden and browse our Plant Sale, offered April 4 – 26. A selection of heirloom vegetables, culinary herbs, perennials, trees, and shrubs–straight from the Stratford Hall greenhouse–will be on sale at the Gift Shop. The selection of plants will vary during the sale, so come back weekly for new items!
To learn more and join the tour, visit gcvirginia.org/historic-garden-week/tours/northern-neck. For questions, please contact northernneck@vagardenweek.org.
Guests interested in purchasing admission to the Great House are encouraged to visit our ticketing page or the Stratford Hall Visitor Center.

Stratford Hall’s gardens have a long and rich history. When the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation signed an agreement with The Garden Club of Virginia in 1929 to restore the gardens at Stratford Hall, all that remained of the East Garden was a flat area overgrown with weeds, a few ancient beech trees, and a crumbling brick wall of uncertain origins. But we know from a letter written in 1790 by Thomas Lee Shippen, grandson of Stratford Hall’s builder, that there were “gardens, vineyards, orangeries and lawns which surround the house.”
In 1933, the Garden Club of Virginia installed a boxwood garden to the east of the Great House. This marked the Club’s second restoration and was designed by Morley J. Williams, nicknamed the father of Colonial Revival gardens.
The East Garden has been modified over the years with the most recent work, based on archaeology and research, completed in the summer of 2019. Working in conjunction with landscape architect firm Rieley and Associates of Charlottesville VA, the Garden Club of Virginia and Stratford Hall completed the restoration of the upper tier of the East Garden according to a design of a mid-18th century plantation garden.
The garden currently showcases juxtaposed authentic 18th-century and Colonial Revival garden designs. Fruit trees, annuals, perennials, and heirloom vegetables have been planted to complete the restoration showcasing one of the most visually stunning and accurate displays of 18th-century landscape in the country.

Virginia Resolved 2026
2026-06-06 18:00 - 2026-06-07 16:00 UTC
Start your summer where the Revolution started.
Mark Your Calendar for Virginia Resolved: June 6 & 7
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence with Stratford Hall Historic Preserve, Westmoreland County, and the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission! Plan for a weekend of revolutionary activity–living history interpreters and demonstrations, cavalry drills, historic speeches, a citizenship ceremony, fireworks, and plenty of food, music, and family fun. Stay tuned for more details and the full event schedule.
Visit Our Signature Event Page For More Details!

2026 Teachers Seminar
2026-07-09 - 2026-07-12
Riotous Assemblies: From Resistance to Revolution
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Stratford Hall Teachers Seminar.

Hosted by Stratford Hall in partnership with Preservation Virginia from July 9–12, 2026, “Riotous Assemblies” will explore how enslaved, ordinary, and elite people contested imperial power.

Moving beyond simple narratives of the founders, this seminar examines the diverse mechanisms of popular dissent that shaped the path to independence—from boycotts and petitions to crowd actions, clandestine networks, and material sabotage. Participants will not only investigate the history of the 18th century but also discuss the continuing relevance of these tactics in free societies today.

APPLY NOW
Why Apply?

Broaden the Narrative: Investigate how resistance was forged across class and racial lines.

Place-Based Inquiry: Walk the landscape where the Lees and the enslaved community navigated the shifting tides of revolution. Travel-study destination TBA.

Pedagogy Focus: Work with master teachers to translate these complex themes of power and protest into dynamic classroom lessons.

What does the Seminar include? Onsite presentations from leading scholars, an immersive travel-study excursion (stay tuned for location announcement!), and dedicated K–12 workshops translating historical insights into dynamic classroom lessons.

What’s covered? Meals, excursion costs, and single-room accommodations onsite at Stratford Hall are provided at no charge. We do request a $50 nonrefundable deposit to reserve your space upon acceptance to the Seminar.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 1
APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31
INVITATIONS TO PARTICIPATE APRIL 5
DEADLINE TO ACCEPT APRIL 10 (with $50 nonrefundable deposit)
ADMISSIONS FROM WAITLIST APRIL 15
ADMISSIONS CLOSED APRIL 20

First Africans Day
2026-07-26 10:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
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

Fossil Excursion
2026-08-16 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Registration opens at 7:00 p.m. EST on July 19. Get tickets here.
Dating from the Miocene Epoch – approximately 15 to 6 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 River, explore the Stratford Cliffs, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors.
Excursions last approximately 6 hours, weather permitting. During these trips, participants are accompanied by Stratford Hall employees and/or volunteer guides and given access to the restricted area of the beach which includes approximately 2.5 miles of riverfront.
Fossil hunting excursions are designed so that participants can set their own pace dependent upon their experience level and physical abilities. However, we do rate our fossil hunting excursions at a moderately strenuous activity level. Trips involve long periods of standing and walking, crossing slick or uneven surfaces, climbing over and/or under downed trees, and wading in water. Due to changes in weather conditions, water levels, and the influence of tides there are portions of the beach that may not be accessible at all by foot.

Please read our full FAQ document(opens in a new tab) and note the following regarding check-in:

Guests should arrive at the Visitor Center prior to 9 a.m.
The door to the Visitor Center will not open before 9 a.m.
Guests must complete a release form and a collections management policy prior to going down to the beach, or they will not be given permission to go beyond the ropes.

Group sizes are approximately 40 participants per trip. Please be aware that while there are guides available during these excursions to ensure guest safety and assist with fossil hunting tips and identification, we do not classify these as “guided” experiences as the ratio of participants to guides is typically 7:1. Minimum age requirement for all fossil hunting excursions is 8 years old. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Fossil hunting excursions are weather dependent activities and Stratford Hall reserves the right to cancel excursions at any time. A full refund will be given unless the cancellation is due to inclement weather, in which case a reschedule date will be provided. All participant cancellations require a 48-hour email notice before the excursion takes place. Absence from an excursion is nonrefundable. Refunds are the sole discretion of Stratford Hall and will be considered in such cases where there is an illness or emergency. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to Mary Bowman at mbowman@stratfordhall.org.

Wine & Oyster Festival
2026-09-19 10:00 - 2026-09-20 16:00 (America/New_York)
Enjoy tastings from over a dozen Virginia wineries and access to coastal oysters, distilleries, live music, artisan booths, food trucks, family fun, car shows & more!

Early Bird Wine Tasting Tickets: $35 (July 1 – September 18)
General Admission Wine Tasting Tickets: $50
Non-Tasting Tickets: $25
Children Ages 7-12: $10
Children Ages 6 & Under: FREE
Get Tickets Here
Visit Festival Homepage

Fossil Excursion
2026-09-26 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Registration opens at 7:00 p.m. EST on August 29. Get tickets here.
Dating from the Miocene Epoch – approximately 15 to 6 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 River, explore the Stratford Cliffs, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors.
Excursions last approximately 6 hours, weather permitting. During these trips, participants are accompanied by Stratford Hall employees and/or volunteer guides and given access to the restricted area of the beach which includes approximately 2.5 miles of riverfront.
Fossil hunting excursions are designed so that participants can set their own pace dependent upon their experience level and physical abilities. However, we do rate our fossil hunting excursions at a moderately strenuous activity level. Trips involve long periods of standing and walking, crossing slick or uneven surfaces, climbing over and/or under downed trees, and wading in water. Due to changes in weather conditions, water levels, and the influence of tides there are portions of the beach that may not be accessible at all by foot.

Please read our full FAQ document(opens in a new tab) and note the following regarding check-in:

Guests should arrive at the Visitor Center prior to 9 a.m.
The door to the Visitor Center will not open before 9 a.m.
Guests must complete a release form and a collections management policy prior to going down to the beach, or they will not be given permission to go beyond the ropes.

Group sizes are approximately 40 participants per trip. Please be aware that while there are guides available during these excursions to ensure guest safety and assist with fossil hunting tips and identification, we do not classify these as “guided” experiences as the ratio of participants to guides is typically 7:1. Minimum age requirement for all fossil hunting excursions is 8 years old. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Fossil hunting excursions are weather dependent activities and Stratford Hall reserves the right to cancel excursions at any time. A full refund will be given unless the cancellation is due to inclement weather, in which case a reschedule date will be provided. All participant cancellations require a 48-hour email notice before the excursion takes place. Absence from an excursion is nonrefundable. Refunds are the sole discretion of Stratford Hall and will be considered in such cases where there is an illness or emergency. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to Mary Bowman at mbowman@stratfordhall.org.

Fossil Excursion
2026-10-10 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Registration opens at 7:00 p.m. EST on September 12. Get tickets here.
Dating from the Miocene Epoch – approximately 15 to 6 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 River, explore the Stratford Cliffs, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors.
Excursions last approximately 6 hours, weather permitting. During these trips, participants are accompanied by Stratford Hall employees and/or volunteer guides and given access to the restricted area of the beach which includes approximately 2.5 miles of riverfront.
Fossil hunting excursions are designed so that participants can set their own pace dependent upon their experience level and physical abilities. However, we do rate our fossil hunting excursions at a moderately strenuous activity level. Trips involve long periods of standing and walking, crossing slick or uneven surfaces, climbing over and/or under downed trees, and wading in water. Due to changes in weather conditions, water levels, and the influence of tides there are portions of the beach that may not be accessible at all by foot.

Please read our full FAQ document(opens in a new tab) and note the following regarding check-in:

Guests should arrive at the Visitor Center prior to 9 a.m.
The door to the Visitor Center will not open before 9 a.m.
Guests must complete a release form and a collections management policy prior to going down to the beach, or they will not be given permission to go beyond the ropes.

Group sizes are approximately 40 participants per trip. Please be aware that while there are guides available during these excursions to ensure guest safety and assist with fossil hunting tips and identification, we do not classify these as “guided” experiences as the ratio of participants to guides is typically 7:1. Minimum age requirement for all fossil hunting excursions is 8 years old. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Fossil hunting excursions are weather dependent activities and Stratford Hall reserves the right to cancel excursions at any time. A full refund will be given unless the cancellation is due to inclement weather, in which case a reschedule date will be provided. All participant cancellations require a 48-hour email notice before the excursion takes place. Absence from an excursion is nonrefundable. Refunds are the sole discretion of Stratford Hall and will be considered in such cases where there is an illness or emergency. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to Mary Bowman at mbowman@stratfordhall.org.
