Fredericksburg Area Events

WHM Speaker Series

April 6, 2023, 10:00 AM

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theater

FREE and open to the public

African American History in Stafford County, by Frank White, Local Historian

Frank White, a local historian, will be speaking about the African American history of Stafford County, Virginia. He will touch on people such as John DeBaptiste, who operated a ferry from Falmouth to Fredericksburg at the turn of the 19^th century, through Senator Edward Brooke, born in 1919, who became the first Black Senator to join the Senate since Reconstruction. Though not a resident, Brooke had family ties to Stafford County. He will also talk about notable sites in Stafford County from the early 19^th century through the mid-20^th century.

St. James’ House Spring Opening

Monday, April 17 – Saturday, April 22

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Daily

$5.00 per adult, $3.00 for youth 6-18, FREE for WHM members

St. James’ House is open to the public for tours just two weeks a year so you won’t want to miss this opportunity!

Tour the St James’ House during Historic Garden Week in Virginia to see its beautiful collection of antiques and decorative arts. Be sure to stroll the handsome gardens after your tour.

The house was originally home to James Mercer, an attorney. Mercer was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, the first judge of the General Court in Fredericksburg, and the attorney who drew up the will of Mary Washington. Mercer built the house on land once owned by Fielding Lewis, brother-in-law of George Washington.

The house is particularly noted for its fine collection of antique furniture and decorative arts acquired by Daniel Breslin and William Tolerton who, together, restored St. James’ in the mid-1960s and eventually bequeathed it to Preservation Virginia. Washington Heritage Museums then received the property and its collections by deed of gift in 2012. St. James’ House serves as the headquarters for Washington Heritage Museums.

For tickets and information: https://washingtonheritagemuseums.networkforgood.com/events/54636-st-james-house-spring-opening or call 540-373-5630.