Historical Programs

Chesterfield County boasts unique attractions for visitors to enjoy ranging from Revolutionary War and Civil War historic sites, historic museums and houses, and a wide range of historical landmarks. It is proud of the many “firsts” that have been documented here, from the first iron furnace and commercially mined coal to the first hard surfaced road in Virginia, the second railroad established in the state, and one of the last preserved African American schoolhouses in the county. The Parks and Recreation Department manages more than 18 separate historic sites and 5,100 acres of parkland at 59 park sites. Approximately 2,500 visitors each year attend its historical programs and events.

Historical Programs and Activities

Specific historical programming offered by the Historic Sites Supervisor with the Parks and Recreation Department are designed for various ages and user groups, including

• Outreach Educational Programs - school-aged children
• On Site Educational Programs - school-aged children
• Craft Workshops - older adults
• Geocaching Programs
• Historical Tours - guided walking tours and interpretive driving tours for adults
• Special Annual Events
  • Falling Creek Ironworks
  • Mid-Lothian Mines Park
  • Eppington Plantation
  • Magnolia Grange

Unique historical programs and activities are offered on behalf of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia at more than five separate historical sites on the Chesterfield Museum Complex. These include the Chesterfield County Museum, Historic 1892 Jail, Magnolia Grange Museum House, Castlewood and Historic Trinity Church. These activities are

• Home School Programs
• Scout Merit Badge Workshops
• Summer Camps
• Civil War Tours
• Public Speaking