Connect with historic Culpeper!
Discover more fascinating Culpeper history by visiting notable sites that highlight the county's history and heritage!
Museum of Culpeper History Lecture: Stories Beneath the Stones
Join local historian and volunteer, Jeff Joyce, at the Culpeper National Cemetery for a discussion about this history of the cemeter.
Established in 1867, the Culpeper National Cemetery is the final resting place of service members from the Civil War to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The program will be held at the museum. Admission is free for museum members and $5 for non-members.
For more information, visit www.culpepermuseum.com
Historic Salubria Spring Open House
Join Historic Germanna on Saturday, May 11 for their spring open house of Salubria Manor. The event is free for all but donations are welcome. To learn more about the event, visit www.germanna.org.
Liberty Walks of Culpeper - May
Discover Culpeper’s pivotal role in shaping American independence on a downtown walking tour led by Museum of Culpeper History staff and volunteers. Learn about the Culpeper Minute Men, religious liberty, western expansion and more.
Participants should wear comfortable footwear and water. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. To buy tickets, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/walking-tours
Museum of Culpeper History: Genealogy Seminar
Join the Museum of Culpeper History for a seminar on tracing your family tree, led by researchers Bill and Cat Schwetke. Discover tips, tricks and resources for uncovering your roots, just in time for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Admission is $5/person and free for museum members. Visit www.culpepermuseum.com
Museum of Culpeper History: Fire When Ready! Historical Strategy Gaming
Explore the history of warfare simulations with game designer Peter Schweighofer at the Museum of Culpeper History. Discover how wargames offer insights into historic events, including a Civil War game demonstration.
Admission is $5, free for museum members. For more information, visit www.culpepermuseum.com
Night at the Museum of Culpeper History - June 2024
The Museum of Culpeper History will be hosting a camp-in for children ages 8-12 where they spend the night at the museum. Participants will be able to enjoy hands-on activities, watch a movie and a morning tour of the caboose.
Pre-registration for the event is required, a chaperone must accompany each child. For more information or to register, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/seelearndo.com
Liberty Walks of Culpeper - June
Discover Culpeper’s pivotal role in shaping American independence on a downtown walking tour led by Museum of Culpeper History staff and volunteers. Learn about the Culpeper Minute Men, religious liberty, western expansion and more.
Participants should wear comfortable footwear and water. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. To buy tickets, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/walking-tours
Museum of Culpeper History: The Importance and Uniqueness of the 1774 Culpeper Resolves
Join the Museum of Culpeper History and local historian Jim Bish as he delves into the significance of Culpeper County’s Resolves of 1774. Discover how the Resolves united Virginia communities in opposition to the British.
Admission is $5 per person and free for museum members. For more information, visit www.culpepermuseum.com
Liberty Walks of Culpeper - July
Discover Culpeper’s pivotal role in shaping American independence on a downtown walking tour led by Museum of Culpeper History staff and volunteers. Learn about the Culpeper Minute Men, religious liberty, western expansion and more.
Participants should wear comfortable footwear and water. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. To buy tickets, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/walking-tours
Night at the Museum of Culpeper History - July 2024
The Museum of Culpeper History will be hosting a camp-in for children ages 8-12 where they spend the night at the museum. Participants will be able to enjoy hands-on activities, watch a movie and a morning tour of the caboose.
Pre-registration for the event is required, a chaperone must accompany each child. For more information or to register, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/seelearndo.com
Night at the Museum of Culpeper History - August 2024
The Museum of Culpeper History will be hosting a camp-in for children ages 8-12 where they spend the night at the museum. Participants will be able to enjoy hands-on activities, watch a movie and a morning tour of the caboose.
Pre-registration for the event is required, a chaperone must accompany each child. For more information or to register, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/seelearndo.com
Liberty Walks of Culpeper - August
Discover Culpeper’s pivotal role in shaping American independence on a downtown walking tour led by Museum of Culpeper History staff and volunteers. Learn about the Culpeper Minute Men, religious liberty, western expansion and more.
Participants should wear comfortable footwear and water. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. To buy tickets, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/walking-tours
Liberty Walks of Culpeper - September
Discover Culpeper’s pivotal role in shaping American independence on a downtown walking tour led by Museum of Culpeper History staff and volunteers. Learn about the Culpeper Minute Men, religious liberty, western expansion and more.
Participants should wear comfortable footwear and water. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. To buy tickets, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/walking-tours
Liberty Walks of Culpeper - October
Discover Culpeper’s pivotal role in shaping American independence on a downtown walking tour led by Museum of Culpeper History staff and volunteers. Learn about the Culpeper Minute Men, religious liberty, western expansion and more.
Participants should wear comfortable footwear and water. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. To buy tickets, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/walking-tours
Liberty Walks of Culpeper - November
Discover Culpeper’s pivotal role in shaping American independence on a downtown walking tour led by Museum of Culpeper History staff and volunteers. Learn about the Culpeper Minute Men, religious liberty, western expansion and more.
Participants should wear comfortable footwear and water. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is recommended. To buy tickets, visit www.culpepermuseum.com/walking-tours
Siegen Forest Conservation Celebration
The Siegen Forest Conservation Celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new Germanna Ford Public Boat launch will be held on April 27 from 10AM to 4PM.
Enjoy nature walks, historical tours, family-friendly activities, archaeology activities and more. Food trucks will be available by Family Food Palace Food Truck and Rita’s Italian Ice.
For more information, visit www.germanna.org
Museum of Culpeper History: Elementary Explorers
Join the Museum of Culpeper History at their Elementary Explorers event on April 25. This children’s interactive programming brings fun facts and activities out of the past. Participants will name different baby animals and their mothers as well as making a present to give to a mother in their life.
The event, targeted for ages 5-9, will be held monthly with each month featuring a different activity.
For more information, click here.
Dedication of Norman's Grocery Historic Marker
Join the Museum of Culpeper History at their first dedication of historical markers on April 20 at 1:00PM at Norman’s Grocery. This dedication marks the first in a series of markers produced by the museum in 2024.
The museum will unveil a total of four markers throughout the year with additional markers planned for 2025.
Parking will be available easy of Norman’s Grocery at 9518 Sperryville Pike. For more information, visit www.culpepermuseum.com.
Brandy Station Foundation: Annual Meeting and Dinner
The Brandy Station Foundation will be holding its annual meeting and dinner at the Brewery Pub at Old House Vineyards on April 19, 2024. The event will begin at 5:30PM for appetizers, with dinner beginning at 6:30PM.
The keynote speaker is BSF Advisory Committee Member Dr. Michael Hill on Brever Lt. Colonel Alexander T. Augusta, M.D., the first African-American surgeon and the highest ranking African-American officer in the Union Army at the time.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.brandystationfoundation.com/events.
Culpeperpalooza
Enjoy the third annual Culpeperpalooza this April, celebrating local music, art, history and community. The event will host live music, craft beverages, community programming and special guests and performances.
Exhibitors included the Museum of Culpeper History, The Culpeper Minutemen, Jewell Tone Music, Culpeper Music Center, Culpeper Parks and Recreation, Stageworks, Windmore Foundation for the Arts. Friends of the Rappahannock, Boom Fitness, Earthquest and dozens of local vendors and artists.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.culpeperpalooza.com
Park Day in Culpeper
The 28th annual Park Day is coming to Culpeper on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Brandy Station Graffiti House, 10:00am
Contact: Peter Mocarski at mocarski.p@vabb.com
Volunteers will help relocate the Brandy Station sign on U.S. 29 and perform light landscaping afterward. Participants are welcome to tour the Graffiti House. All tools and equipment will be provided. Register with Peggy Misch at bsfgh1863@gmail.com to volunteer.
For more information, please visit https://www.battlefields.org/events/park-day/volunteer-opportunities/brandy-station-graffiti-house
Cedar Mountain Battlefield, 9:00am
Contact: Diane Logan at info@friendsofcedarmountain.org
Volunteers will help with trail maintenance, clean up cannons and signage, clear the trails and cemeteries of winter debris, remove litter along General Winder Road, and weed and rake around the visitor center. A guided walking tour of the Cedar Mountain Battlefield will be provided by a knowledgeable guide. Participants should bring a jacket, hat, sturdy shoes, gloves, and gardening tools.
For more information, please visit https://www.battlefields.org/events/park-day/volunteer-opportunities/cedar-mountain-battlefield-0
Cedar Mountain Battlefield Volunteer Work Day
Join the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation and the American Battlefield Trust for their volunteer workday at Cedar Mountain Battlefield. Volunteers will help with trail maintenance, spread woodchips and manage invasive species, among other projects. For a detailed agenda or to register to volunteer, please visit the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation website.
Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation: Soldiers of Virginia 1607-1945
Join the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation as they present a 300-year chronology of uniforms and weaponry of soldiers from Virginia from the colonial period to World War II.
The event will feature living historians from American Revolution, Civil War, World War I & II and more.
For more information, visit the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation website.
VHC Historical Trail Ride at Brandy Station Battlefield
Join the Culpeper Battlefield Tours and the Virginia Horse Council in their Historical Trail Ride at Brandy Station Battlefield in Culpeper County on Saturday, October 28 at 9AM.
For more information or to sign up, visit Virginia Horse Council website.
Global Big Day: Birdwatching at Cedar Mountain Battlefield
Join Old Rag Master Naturalists as they partner with Cedar Mountain Battlefield and Wild Birds Unlimited/Culpeper to observe and collect data on birds at the battlefield and learn more about the 1864 battle.
For more information, visit the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation website.
Cedar Mountain Rally 5K and 10K
Welcome in Spring and race along the cross-country trails of the Cedar Mountain Battlefield on Saturday, October 1st for the Cedar Mountain Rally. The race will begin at 3PM from the Battlefield’s Visitor’s Center.
Pre-register for the race by September 15th. Prices will increase for on-site registration the day of the event.
To register for the event, visit here.
Cedar Mountain Battlefield Annual Living History
The Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation will host the Cedar Mountain 161st Anniversary Living History Weekend on August 5 and 6, 2023. Visitors will be able to choose from a variety of immersive activities, all designed to share the stories of Civil War soldiers and civilians. The Children’s Civil War Camp will be held on Saturday, August 5 from 9AM to 3PM; pre-registration is required.
For more information, visit the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation website.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, August 5th
9:00 am: Children’s Civil War Camp – Pre-registration required
10:00 am: Confederate and Union camps open to the public
11:00 am: Opening shot followed by combined arms demonstration of
infantry and artillery units
3:00 pm: Combined arms demonstration of infantry and artillery units
5:00 pm: Event concludes & camps close
Sunday, August 6th
9:00 am: Confederate and Union camps open to the public
9:30 am: Memorial Service
11:00 am: Combined arms demonstration of infantry and artillery units
1:00 pm: Event concludes & camps close
Children's Civil War Camp
Join the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation for their Children’s Civil War Camp on August 5th from 9:00 AM to 3:00PM.
Designed for children 6-12 year olds, the educational camp will be held at Cedar Mountain Battlefield. All participants will enlist as soldiers alongside living historians to learn about camp life and military maneuvers. The day camp will feature soldiers’ drills. equipment handling, and showcase experiences of life during the Civil War. The day will end with a mock battle.
Registration cost is $25 per participant and space is limited. To preregister for the camp, please visit the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation.
Brandy Station Foundation: Maria Lewis, Black Female Trooper of the 8th NY Cavalry
On July 16 at 2PM, Dr. Anita Henderson will present "Maria Lewis, Black Female Trooper of the 8th NY Cavalry at the Graffiti House as part of the Brandy Station Foundation Sunday lecture series.
To learn more or register for the event please visit the Brandy Station Foundation website.
Brandy Station Foundation: Civil War Artillery Program
On July 15 from noon to 4:00PM, join the Civil War Artillery Program. The event will explore all-things artillery using a reproduction cannon and implements throughout the afternoon. For more information and to register for the event please visit the Brandy Station Foundation website.
160th Anniversary of the Battle of Brandy Station
Join Culpeper Battlefield Tours and its partners for the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Brandy Station with a series of events and re-enactments. For more information, please visit https://culpeperbattlefieldtours.com/events-and-news
FRIDAY, JUNE 9:
FREE Real Time Tour of the Battle of Brandy Station: Tours start at 5:30 AM, the approximate start of the Battle in 1863 (considering daylight savings time). Just show up at the locations and times listed below.
5:30 AM - 11380 Beverly Ford Rd, Brandy Station, VA - Intro of battle/Opening clash. Note: This is a dead-end, park on the right-hand side of the road.
6:30 AM - 12465 Beverly Ford Rd - The field of battle develops. Note: Park in circle lot.
7:30 AM - Intersection of Beverly Ford Rd and St. James Church Rd - The line is drawn. Note: Park in circle lot.
9:30 AM - 12465 Beverly Ford Rd (same as 6:30 AM location) - Buford's Knoll actions.
12 Noon - 20362 Fleetwood Heights Rd, Brandy Station - The clash of the cavalry.
1:30 PM Lenn Park, 18063 Stevensburg, Rd., Culpeper - Duffie attacks.
The Graffiti House, 19484 Brandy Road, Brandy Station: Civil War field hospital with Federal and Confederate graffiti will be open to visitors from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
Historic Fleetwood Church, 19526 Brandy Road, Brandy Station, VA, will be open to visitors.
SATURDAY, JUNE 10:
Living History at the intersection of Beverly Ford Rd and St. James Church Rd: A living history camp will be set up on the battlefield and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reenactments, including cavalry, artillery and infantry, and speaker events are scheduled throughout the day. The cost to attend is a discounted parking charge of $15 per vehicle per day if purchased in advance. Parking can be purchased onsite for $20 per vehicle. Plan to carpool!
10:00 AM – Artillery Living History – on the Battlefield at St. James Church
11:00 AM – “A Soldier’s Story” – speakers’ tent
12:00 PM - Cavalry re-enactments at St. James Church
1:30 PM – Gus Dorsey, Officer of JEB Stuart – speakers’ tent
2:30 PM – General Alfred Pleasanton and General JEB Stuart – speakers’ tent
3:00 PM – Infantry Demonstration – on the Battlefield at St. James Church
5:30 PM – Free History Talk: Dr. Gary Gallagher, John L. Nau III Professor of History Emeritus, University of Virginia, on "What Caused the Civil War" at the Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department Hall, 19601 Church Road, Brandy Station. Doors open at 5 PM. Book signing of his titles that you can bring or buy at the event.
The Graffiti House, 19484 Brandy Road, Brandy Station: Civil War field hospital with Federal and Confederate graffiti will be open to visitors from 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM.
12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM: Re-enactors from the 124th New York Infantry, "The Orange Blossoms" at the Graffiti House in Brandy Station.
Historic Fleetwood Church, 19526 Brandy Road, Brandy Station, VA, will be open to visitors from 10 AM to dusk. Programs include campsite, lectures, authors, displays, children's corner, music and campfire talks.
SUNDAY, JUNE 11:
Living History at the intersection of Beverly Ford Rd and St. James Church Rd: A living history camp will be set up on the battlefield and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Reenactments are scheduled throughout the day. The cost to attend is a discounted parking charge of $15 per vehicle per day if purchased in advance. Parking can be purchased onsite for $20 per vehicle. Plan to carpool!
10:00 AM – Church service at the original site of St. James Church – Open to the public
11:00 AM – Artillery Living History – on the Battlefield at St. James Church
12:00 PM – “A Soldier’s Story” – speakers’ tent
1:00 PM – Cavalry re-enactment at St. James Church
4:00 PM – Film Talk and Movie Screening: Marking the 30th anniversary of the movie Gettysburg, catch a special viewing of the movie. Writer and Director Ron Maxwell will be discussing the movie and its filming. Location: Woodberry Forest School. Directions to Woodberry below. Purchase tickets in advance.
The Graffiti House, 19484 Brandy Road, Brandy Station: Civil War field hospital with Federal and Confederate graffiti will be open to visitors from 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM.
12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM: Re-enactors from the 124th New York Infantry, "The Orange Blossoms" at the Graffiti House in Brandy Station.
Historic Fleetwood Church, 19526 Brandy Road, Brandy Station, VA, will be open to visitors from 10 AM to 4;00 PM. Programs include campsite, lectures, displays, period music and a church service at 2 PM (first service in 49 years).
Brandy Station Foundation Sunday Lecture Series with Speaker Dr. Michael Hill
On Sunday, May 7, join Dr. Michael Hill as he discusses Civil War Medicine as part of the Brandy Station Foundation Lecture Series.
For more information or to register, please visit https://www.brandystationfoundation.com/event-details/bsf-sunday-lecture-series-with-speaker-dr-michael-hill?fbclid=IwAR396cGFp9D-D91x6hV7_Sn0i2X7LRPTG4vh12epUrRMzzVixwDQVf6bM-E
Living History Event ft. Members of the 23rd USCT
Join the Brandy Station Foundation this Saturday, May 6, at the Graffiti House for a Living History event! The event will feature re-enactors with the 23rd USCT — the regiment included Culpeper-born soldiers and soldiers from surrounding counties.
For more information or to register, please visit https://www.brandystationfoundation.com/event-details/living-history-event-featuring-members-of-the-23rd-united-states-colored-troops
Battle of Kelly’s Ford 160th Anniversary Guided Tour
Join Dan Davis, author and Senior Education Associate for the American Battlefield Trust, and John Christiansen, Executive Director of the Museum of Culpeper History, for a guided tour of sites on Kelly's Ford battlefield on Saturday, March 18.
Due to limited capacity, advance registration is highly recommended. Find more information and tickets here.
Cedar Mountain Battlefield November Guided Tour
Enjoy your Saturday morning at the historic Cedar Mountain Battlefield! Learn more about the notable 1862 battle where Confederate General Jackson encountered Union General Banks.
Find out more and RSVP at the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield website!
Salubria After Dark
Mark your calendar for the Germanna Foundation "Salubria After Dark" event on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22!
Explore and learn more about Culpeper County's oldest brick house, built in 1757.
Find more information about these spooktacular events at https://germanna.org/event-calendar/
Cedar Mountain Battlefield October Guided Tour
Enjoy your Saturday morning at the historic Cedar Mountain Battlefield! Learn more about the notable 1862 battle where Confederate General Jackson encountered Union General Banks.
Find out more and RSVP at the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield website!
Cedar Mountain Battlefield September Guided Tour
Enjoy your Saturday morning at the historic Cedar Mountain Battlefield! Learn more about the notable 1862 battle where Confederate General Jackson encountered Union General Banks.
Find out more and RSVP at the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield website!
Culpeper Town Hall
Mark your calendars for September 7th!
Join the Culpeper Alliance for Balanced Growth on September 7th from 6-8PM for a discussion of the newly approved developments on Culpeper and their impact on the landscape and economy.
The event will be held at Kildee Farms, 19296 Batna Rd, Culpeper, VA.
Find out more at the Culpeper Alliance for Balanced Growth Facebook Page!
Annual Living History: Battle of Cedar Mountain
Celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain with Friends of Cedar Mountain as they hold their Annual Living History event on August 6th and 7th. Visitors will enjoy living history programs that include a combined arms demonstration, visit the military engagements, learn about the amazing work of photographer Robert Szabo, explore wartime artifacts and tour the battlefield!
Find out more information at the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield website!
History Seminar: Battle of Cedar Mountain 160th Anniversary
Join the Friends of Cedar Mountain as they commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain with a history seminar! This seminar will take place in the Culpeper Best Western Hotel and will include presentations, two guided walking tours led by Michael Block, author of The Carnage Was Fearful; The Battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862. The keynote presentation will be given by historian Jeffry Wert.
Find out more information and buy tickets at the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield website!
Cedar Mountain Battlefield July Guided Tour
Enjoy your Saturday morning at the historic Cedar Mountain Battlefield! Learn more about the notable 1862 battle where Confederate General Jackson encountered Union General Banks.
Find out more and RSVP at the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield website!
159th Anniversary Event of the Battle of Brandy Station: Then and Now
Activities include guided tours of the Graffiti House, guided tours of the battlefield, music, lectures and a multispectral demonstration by Michael B. Toth of R.B. Toth Associates. Multispectral imaging of graffiti found on the Graffiti House interior walls has revealed faded text and features currently not visible in natural light by the naked eye. The afternoon will also include a talk between “General Pleasonton and General Stuart”, "Snippets of War" presented by Virginia Morton and Paula Johnson, and music by John Tole.
For a complete listing of events and for more information, visit the Brandy Station Foundation: www.brandystationfoundation.com
Cedar Mountain Battlefield June Guided Tour
Enjoy your Saturday morning at the historic Cedar Mountain Battlefield! Learn more about the notable 1862 battle where Confederate General Jackson encountered Union General Banks.
Find out more and RSVP at the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield website!
Music, Merriment, and Memories
This is a joint event with Brandy Station Foundation, Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield, and the Museum of Culpeper History. Musician John Tole will play a selection of old-time and 19th century musical selections drawn from early popular American music. The event sponsors will hold a 50/50 raffle and accept donations to support their operations and education activities. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Old House Vineyards. For more information, visit The Museum of Culpeper History: www.culpepermuseum.com