Washington Heritage Museums, own and manage four historic house museums in downtown Fredericksburg. These historic homes are:
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline St.
This eighteenth-century building was restored to house the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, a museum of medicine, pharmacy, and military and political affairs. Dr. Mercer practiced medicine for 15 years in Fredericksburg, before leaving to join the Revolutionary army. He died at the Battle of Princeton.
Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St.
George Washington’s youngest brother Charles built this home in about 1760. It became a tavern in 1792, operating for 35 years as a stopover for travelers in the bustling port town of Fredericksburg.
St. James’ House, 1300 Charles St.
St. James’ House serves as the headquarters for Washington Heritage Museums. It is open Garden Week in April, the first full week in October and by appointment for group tours.
Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles St.
George Washington purchased this house in 1792 for his mother. Mary Ball Washington spent her last 17 years in this home.
Special events are held each year in these house museums. The 2016 schedule follows.
April 2016
15 – Tax Talks at Rising Sun Tavern, 1 – 4 p.m.
A discussion about the most interesting tax rules of the Colonial Period and how they compare to today. Included with admission.
16 – Traveling by Land in the 18th Century at Rising Sun Tavern, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The exhibit is open all day and is included in admission. Bring your stick or noodle horse for a 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. race. Fee charged.
23 – Garden Open House at the Mary Washington House, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Garden tour is free, and features a chat with the gardener.
25 – 30 – Art Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Reblooming Tools of the Garden” is a juried art show featuring repurposed garden tools. Garden tour is free.
25 – 30 – Spring Opening of St. James’ House, 1 – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a rare chance to tour this 18th gentleman’s cottage. $3 for non-members.
May 2016
1 – Spring Tea at Mrs. Washington’s, 1 to 3p.m.
Enjoy tea and dessert in the garden and learn about the art of serving tea. Admission is $20/adult, $15 WHM member, $10/child.
7 – Saturday in Mary’s Garden, 12 – 2 p.m.
Ask the gardener! Bring your garden questions to this program at the Mary Washington House. Included with admission.
21 – Mother and Dolly Tea at the Rising Sun Tavern, 1 to 3 p.m.
Bring your American Girl Doll and enjoy a tea party. $10/adult, $5/child.
June 2016
4 – Saturday in Mary’s Garden, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy listening to stories being read in the garden. Bring a blanket. Included with admission.
11 – Promotion and Farewell: Hugh Mercer’s Last Days at Home, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participate with re-enactors discussing the pros and cons of the American Revolution. Included with admission.
20 – 24 – History Camp, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Children 8 – 12 will enjoy this fun day camp that rotates between Fredericksburg’s historic sites. $135 per child
July 2016
2 – Saturday in Mary’s Garden, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Celebrate a fun family day at the Mary Washington House with games for all ages. Free with admission.
16 – Learn to Write in Calligraphy 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Learn basic calligraphy at the Rising Sun Tavern. $2 to WHM members, $3 for the public, supplies included.
August 2016
6 – Saturday in Mary’s Garden, 11 a.m. 2 p.m.
Lunch in the garden of the Mary Washington House, bring your own picnic lunch and blanket. Free. Tours held at regular admission.
20 – Rising Sun Tavern Cookbook Signing, 2 – 4 p.m.
$5 per cookbook.
27 – Commemoration of Mary Washington’s Death, 5 – 7 p.m.
Honor the life of a remarkable woman. The event is free. The reception is $10 per person
September 2016
3 – Saturday in Mary’s Garden, 12 – 2 p.m.
Make a grapevine wreath at the Mary Washington House. Included with admission.
9 – 11 – Our Living Legacies: The Beauty, Taste and Healing of Gardens.
Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
$10 per adult, $5 per child. Includes Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern and Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop.
October 2016
1 – Saturday in Mary’s Garden – Tie One On Kickoff at the Mary Washington House.
Visitors will learn of Mary Washington’s battle with breast cancer. Included with admission.
3 – 8 – Fall Opening of St. James’ House, 1 – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a rare chance to tour this 18th gentleman’s cottage. $3 for non-members.
15 – Traveling by Water in the 18th Century, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m .
Bring your own small water craft to the Rising Sun Tavern to race at 1 and 3 p.m. Cost is $3 per WHM member, $5 for the public.
28 – Tie One On Closing Event, 6 – 8 p.m.
Held in the Garden of the Mary Washington House. $10 for WHM members and $15 for the public.
November 2016
8 – Vote and Volunteer
Enjoy a day volunteering for Washington Heritage Museums.
19 – Make sugar cones at the Rising Sun Tavern, 1 – 3 p.m.
$3 per WHM member, $5 for the public.
December 2016
2 – Holiday Open House at the Tavern, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Free
4 – Holiday Tour of the Mary Washington House, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Free.
