Events

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!

Times:
Session 1: 10:00am – 11:30am
Session 2: 12:00pm – 1:30pm

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.

Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening at George Washington’s Ferry Farm for 18th Century Game Night! Discover how people from all walks of life passed the time with games during the 1700s. Walk through the replica Washington House and its grounds, where we’ll teach you how to play classic games like Shut the Box, Ye Royal Game of the Goose, Whist, Mancala, and outdoor lawn games. It’s a great way to learn about history while having a blast with your family and friends! Come play, learn, and make lasting memories together!

Families are welcome to explore the property and rooms of the Washington House at their own pace.  Visitors may stop along the way to play the historical games or just observe and learn.

ADMISSION
Adults $10
Students (Ages 6-17) $5
Children (Under Age 6) Free
Advanced ticket purchase is required as space is limited.

DATE & TIME
Friday, August 28, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm

LOCATION
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

If you have questions, please call 540-370-0732 or email Learn@gwffoundation.org.

The Slave Dwelling Project: Voices of the Past is coming to the Fredericksburg region to present a series of living history demonstrations, lectures, and special events in collaboration with Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Mary Washington House, James Monroe Museum, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, City of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg Area Museum, Stafford County, and the Moncure Conway House.

On Saturday morning from 10-11, Ferry Farm will host a special presentation by Joseph McGill, Jr. the founder of the Slave Dwelling Project in Charleston, SC. McGill and the Slave Dwelling Project have brought much needed attention to these often-neglected structures that are vitally important to the American built environment. McGill will be at the Ferry Farm Slave Quarter on Saturday morning.

Tickets will be available in advance online or on-site. More details coming soon.

More information on the Slave Dwelling Project.
More information on the weekend’s events in Stafford and Fredericksburg.

Call for entries!
This year’s theme is America the Beautiful.

It’s never too soon to start planning your gingerbread house creation for Ferry Farm’s 40th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit. Show off your gingerbread skills this year with a house that captures the beauty of America. Whether inspired by amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties, vast shining seas, or other land features, the possibilities are endless, and your interpretation of the theme can be whatever you can imagine! No entry fee.

Each exhibitor receives four free passes to the Wee Christmas Exhibit at Historic Kenmore and the Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm.

Entry Categories:
Ages 2-5
Ages 6-10
Ages 11-14
Ages 15-17
Ages 18 and over
Special Needs
Family
Professional

Drop-off dates: November 21-28 at the Ferry Farm Visitor Center. Exhibit runs November 29 – December 30, 2026, in the Ferry Farm Visitor Center Gallery.

Judges will select 1st through 3rd place ribbons and prizes within each category on November 30. Exhibit visitors will select a People’s Choice during the month of December, winner to be announced on Ferry Farm’s social media December 28.

Entry form and more details.