Events
Please note that photography is taken during all Foundation events and may be used for social media, marketing, and promotional purposes.
Embark on a delightful journey into the world of tea with Tea Time at Kenmore! Arrive to a selection of exquisite teas to choose from, each bearing the distinct flavor and aroma that Kenmore is renowned for. To add a personal touch to the experience, you’re invited to decorate your own teacup, infusing your creativity into every sip. Following tea and light refreshments, guests are welcome to meander through the picturesque gardens, tour the historic House, and visit educational stations that explore the art of tea parties, the intertwining history of tea and politics, and the diverse cultural practices surrounding this beloved beverage.
Whether seeking knowledge or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, this educational program promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. Please note that while this program offers an immersive tea experience, it is not a formal tea service but rather an educational program with light refreshments served. This event is rain or shine. If the weather is not suitable, the tea will be moved indoors.
Space is limited; tickets must be purchased in advance.
TICKETS
$20 per person
DATE & TIMES
Saturday, May 10, 2025
10:00am to 12:00pm
1:00pm to 3:00pm
LOCATION
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Ave
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
If you have any questions, please contact us at 540-370-0732 or learn@gwffoundation.org.
Families and individuals with special needs are invited to visit Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home, for a sensory-friendly experience. Join us from 10 AM to 12 noon on Sunday, May 18—when we will be closed to the general public—to explore the replica Washington House; walk along the Rappahannock River; and learn about the lives of George, his mother Mary, other Washington family members, and the enslaved community who lived here in the eighteenth century.
The first 50 people to register will receive a complimentary sensory bag from Ferry Farm and Paragon Autism Services!
Twenty-minute guided tours of the Washington House will be offered at 10:10 AM, 10:20 AM, and 10:30 AM. From 11 AM to 12 noon, the house will be open for self-paced walkthrough tours, with historic interpreters available to answer questions. Preregistration is required for guided and walkthrough tours. The guided tours will be capped at 15 tours. Forty-five walkthrough tour tickets will be available.
Touch and smell boxes will be available in the visitor center, which also features the introductory exhibit The Science of History at Ferry Farm, showcasing colonial and Civil War artifacts excavated at Ferry Farm. Visitors can peek into the Archaeology Lab, home to some of the thousands of artifacts found at Ferry Farm.
Need to take a break? A sensory room will be available.
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to eat while on-site.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Day Archaeology Tours
Interested in how we know what we know about Ferry Farm and George Washington’s time here? Participants can tour the Ferry Farm archaeology lab and dig site with an American Sign Language interpreter. Before or after the tour, participants are encouraged to explore the grounds, garden, and Visitor Center galleries. Tour times are 9:30am and 11:00am.
Please note that this does not include a tour of the replica Washington House. Washington House Tours with ASL interpretation are given annually on the first Sunday of October.
Ferry Farm admission fee applies. Advanced registration is strongly recommended as space is limited.
Please arrive to Ferry Farm 10-15 minutes before your tour begins. You will check-in at the Visitors Center, where staff will welcome you.
DATE & TIMES
Friday, May 23, 2025
9:30am and 11:00am
ADMISSION
$9 for Adults
$4 for Students (Ages 6-17)
Free for Children under 6
LOCATION
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
If you have questions, email learn@gwffoundation.org or call 540-370-0732.
Where: George Washington’s Ferry Farm
When: Friday, May 30, and Friday, June 27, 2025
Times:
Session 1: 10:00am – 11:30am
Session 2: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Description:
Uncover the past and explore the science of history during Family Archaeology Day at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This interactive educational program is perfect for kids in grades K-5 and their caregivers. Together, you’ll discover what it means to be an archaeologist while learning about the people who lived at Ferry Farm.
During each session, your junior archaeologists will see real artifacts found at Ferry Farm and learn more about what archaeology can teach us. They will then put their new knowledge to the test as they dig for artifacts at our simulated dig site, learning excavation techniques and the importance of careful observation. After the dig, you and your family can step back in time with a family-friendly tour of the Washington House. Following the program, participants are welcome to visit our active dig site and talk to real archaeologists about their findings!
Admission:
$10 per child participant
$5 per adult attendee
All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Advanced registration for all attendees is required, as space is limited.
Location:
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Questions? Email learn@gwffoundation.org
or call 540-370-0732.
Mini Mornings at the Museum: Explore the Garden at Ferry Farm
Join us on June 4 at Ferry Farm for an early summer walk through our garden. Find out what is growing this year and the stages of a plant’s life! We will have story time, explore the garden, and make a themed craft to take home! Following the program, children and their caregivers are invited to take an abbreviated tour through the historic house and explore the visitor center gallery.
DATE & TIME
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
10:15AM to 11:15AM
ADMISSION
$6 for children
Free for adult chaperones
LOCATION
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Ave
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
If you have questions, please call 540-370-0732 or email learn@gwffoundation.org.
Shakespeare on the Lawn at Kenmore
Saturdays and Sundays: June 7, 8, 14, 15
Grounds open at 5:30 p.m.
Performances begin at 6:30 p.m.
The 22nd annual Shakespeare on the Lawn event returns to Historic Kenmore this June with a reimagined performance of William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor. Presented by Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble and directed by Adrienne Daly, this comedy is sure to entertain as the women are wise, the men are fools, and the laughs come cheap.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Come early and enjoy your own picnic on the lawn!
ADMISSION
Adults 18+: $20
Students 6-17: $10
Children under 6: Free
LOCATION
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Email learn@gwffoundation.org or call 540-370-0732 with any questions.
Archaeology Camp
Dig up artifacts! Meet real archaeologists! Witness the wonders of the “science of history.” It’s a hands-on opportunity to learn how to grid the site, dig up artifacts, and keep field notebooks. Campers will meet real archaeologists, visit the lab, and practice mending artifacts. Throughout the week, they’ll build a newfound knowledge of the mysteries beneath their feet as they explore the storied landscape of Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home.
Campers get a crash course in the entire archaeological process and discover the importance of archaeology to understanding George Washington’s life and the history of Ferry Farm.
For campers ages 8-12.
COST
$175.00 per camper plus processing fees.
Advance registration and payment required, as camp space is limited. Registration deadline is 4 p.m., Monday, May 26.
Please note our refund policy regarding camps: 2+ weeks before, 90% refund (10% administration fee). 2 weeks before, 50% refund. 1 week before, 0% refund.
After registering, you should receive a confirmation email from SimpleTix. You will receive further communication from the Education Department at the George Washington Foundation in May as we get closer to the camp season. This will include a camper registration and emergency contact form.
Location:
Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Questions? Email learn@gwffoundation.org
or call 540-370-0732 x1206.
Where: George Washington’s Ferry Farm
When: Friday, May 30, and Friday, June 27, 2025
Times:
Session 1: 10:00am – 11:30am
Session 2: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Description:
Uncover the past and explore the science of history during Family Archaeology Day at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This interactive educational program is perfect for kids in grades K-5 and their caregivers. Together, you’ll discover what it means to be an archaeologist while learning about the people who lived at Ferry Farm.
During each session, your junior archaeologists will see real artifacts found at Ferry Farm and learn more about what archaeology can teach us. They will then put their new knowledge to the test as they dig for artifacts at our simulated dig site, learning excavation techniques and the importance of careful observation. After the dig, you and your family can step back in time with a family-friendly tour of the Washington House. Following the program, participants are welcome to visit our active dig site and talk to real archaeologists about their findings!
Admission:
$10 per child participant
$5 per adult attendee
All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Advanced registration for all attendees is required, as space is limited.
Location:
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Questions? Email learn@gwffoundation.org
or call 540-370-0732.
American Revolution Camp
This camp teaches children what life was like in the 18th century, when colonists were on the cusp of war. Through immersive hands-on activities, children learn about colonial life, maritime practices, and the challenges of war. Campers will play colonial games, explore historic trades, learn from real historical objects, and even design and test their own model ships. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to walk in the footsteps of George Washington at both museum sites while exploring the lives of Revolutionary soldiers, sailors and civilians. This camp alternates locations between Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm.
For campers ages 8-12.
COST
$175.00 per camper plus processing fees. Advance ticket purchase required, as program space is limited. Sign-up deadline is 4 p.m., Monday, June 30.
Please note our refund policy regarding camp: 2+ weeks before, 90% refund (10% administration fee). 2 weeks before, 50% refund. 1 week before, 0% refund.
After registering, you should receive a confirmation email from SimpleTix. You will receive further communication from the Education Department at the George Washington Foundation in June as we get closer to the camp season. This will include a camper registration and emergency contact form.
Locations:
This camp alternates location each day between George Washington’s Ferry Farm & Historic Kenmore.
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Questions? Email learn@gwffoundation.org
or call 540-370-0732 x1206.