Chesterfield County, Virginia | Tourism & Leisure - Henricus Historical Park Programs and Events

Historic Chesterfield County, where 400 years of history are celebrated every day. To learn more, visit www.chesterfieldtourism.org

January - Medical/Science Month

Jan. 26 - Meet a Colonial Surgeon

Learn about the “science” and equipment of 17th century medicine; discover the varying uses of herbal medicines. Daily admission Fee.

Monthly Site Activities: 17th century, Virginia winter survival skills and activities.

February - Colonial Crafts & Games Month

Feb. 16 - Colonial Crafts & Games

Watch demonstrators make a variety of Colonial crafts and play colonial games. Boys and girls Make & Take crafts available for an added $1.50/craft fee. Daily admission Fee.

March - Archaeology Month

March 29 - Colonial Era Archaeology; Lecture 1 p.m.

Follow the fascinating progress in understanding the Colonial era of Virginia through archaeological research. Daily admission Fee.

March 24-28 Archaeology Spring Break Camp

(ages 8 – 12). Learn the science involved in learning about the past. Using archaeological methods and skills, participate in both a practice and a real “dig” and in “lab” activities. Pre-registration and camp fee.

Monthly Site Activities: Archaeology scavenger hunt; create a trash midden in the Citie

April - Garden Month

April 26 - Preparing the Tobacco Fields and Vegetable Gardens

Help prepare the fields for planting of tobacco, “pease, coleflowers, and cowcumbers.” Admission Fee.

Monthly Site Activities: English early crop plantings on all weekends; Division of labor – tobacco field prep and plant kitchen gardens

May - Militia Month

May 17 - Musket, Sword & Pike

Come drill with the Henricus Militia. Experience a day in the life of the soldiers of Sir Thomas Dale’s militia. Visit with the soldiers in the Citie of Henricus, participate in the drill, see demonstrations of tactics, armor and weaponry used by the 17th century soldiers who built and protected Henricus. Daily admission Fee.

Monthly Site Activities: Militia drills, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. and every weekend at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (weather dependent). Musket cleaning and armor scouring.

June - Environment Month

June 23-27 - Camp Pocahontas (ages 6 – 10)

Through activities and arts and crafts, campers will explore both the life and importance of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan people. We will compare and contrast their culture with that of the English who settled here 400 years ago. Pre-registration and camp fee.

July - Seeds of Decmocracy Month

July 26 - Virginia's First Election

Join residents of the 17th Century Citie of Henricus in discussing and debating the government issues that most concerned them. Daily Admission Fee

Monthly Site Activities: Daily militia drill; visitors become new colonists being “seasoned” at Mt. Malady upon their arrival from England; learn about Martial Lawe & colonial rules. Join in on daily chores at Mt. Malady

August - Living History Month

Aug. 13 - 15 Re-enactors’ Camp – Day in the Life of Young Colonists

(ages 11--16) Learn skills and techniques of colonial life then re-enact and interpret colonial life as interpreters to the public. Pre-registration and camp fee.

September - Henricus Heritage Month

Sept. 20-21 Publick Days

Be a part of the annual celebration of the 1611 founding of the Citie of Henricus. Experience the past as 400 years of history come to life with demonstration of 17th century medical practices, military reenactments, Virginia Indian activities, historical children’s games, storytelling, craft demonstrations and a Kids’ Fun Area with hands-on activities provided by many Richmond region organizations. Free-of-Charge. Additional fees for crafts.

October - Harvest Month

Oct. 24-25 Things that Go Bump In the Night 6– 8 p.m.

Experience an evening of spellbinding accounts as storytellers present haunting tales in a historical setting at Henricus Historical Park. Bring your favorite blanket and enjoy this evening of old fashioned family fun. Light refreshments will be served. Fee Charged.

November - Native American Heritage Month

Nov. 1-2 The People of Pocahontas: Skills & Life Ways

Explore the culture of Virginia’s first people at Henricus Historical Park. Learn about the skills that enabled the Virginia Indians to flourish and how sharing their knowledge ensured the colonists’ chances for survival. Daily admission Fee; additional fee for craft activities.

Monthly Site Activities: Preparing for Winter/Food Ways Demos – Indians and English

December - Winter Holiday Month

December 6 Members Annual Tour & Holiday Reception 3– 5 p.m.

Henricus Historical Park Members will have a special opportunity to enjoy the festivities of the season, 17th century style. Reservations required; Members only. Visit the Museum Store and be sure to look at our handmade Native American crafts and holiday gifts.

December 13 Parade of Lights (5:30 p.m.)

Start your holiday season with festivities at Henricus Historical Park. Watch as brightly “decked” boats pass by the bluff of Henricus, the terminus point for the James River Parade of Lights. Tour the 1611 Citie of Henricus and talk with the settlers about their lives and holidays in the 17th century. Free-of-Charge.

Dec. 27-28 John Smith’s Christmas Menu

Experience the preparation of the 1607-08 holiday feast. How did the new life in Virginia affect the menu? Daily admission Fee

Monthly Site Activities: 12 Days of Christmas activities: burn the Yule Log, meet the Lord of Misrule. Watch cooking activities

Citie of Henricus, Visitors Center and Museum Store Hours

Hours of Operation

Henricus Historical Park is open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Ticket sales end at 4:00 p.m. daily

Admission

Directions From I-95 north or south

Exit 61A
East on Rt. 10 to stoplight
North on Rt. 732 to Rt. 615
Right on Rt. 615 to Henricus Road

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Chesterfield County Tourism

Henricus Historical Park Programs and Events

2008 Calendar of Events