Children, Adults and Historians alike will really enjoy this family-friendly event.  Come to Aquia Landing to see the unveiling of the new marker designs that will interpret the history of Aquia Landing.  Also enjoy other festivities after the ceremony. 

10 a.m. Ceremony
10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Music * Historical Exhibits * Storytelling
Quilting History * Civil War Quilting
Civil War Clothing * Refreshments

In the mid-1800s, Aquia Landing was a steamboat wharf and RF&P Railroad terminus.  Initially a domestic slave trade portal (as experienced by Solomon Northup), Aquia Landing was later transformed into a gateway to freedom through which fugitive slaves passed en route to liberty.  Among those slaves were William and Ellen Craft, Henry "Box" Brown, and John Washington.  Retrace their journeys at Aquia Landing. 

Take a customized guided tour of Belmont - Gari Melchers' home, studio, and art galleries.  Each tour is designed to meet a family's needs and interests.  Families can enjoy these special tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily (except Wed.), from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Up to two children are admitted free with a paying adult; additional children admissions are $5 each. The tour is free for "Friends of Belmont". Prior registration is not necessary. After the tour, guests are encouraged to extend their experience by sketching outside or exploring the garden in search of items in the “Itty Bitty Belmont” scavenger hunt.

Join this special history tour, which highlights Stafford County's first attempt at School Integration fifty years ago on September 1st, 1960.  The program will interpret the story behind the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star headlines "5 Negroes Apply at Stafford High", showcasing the names, faces, and places of that time.  Meet the five students involved:  Rudolph Beverly; Lois Vines Cunningham, Ph.D.; Gary Mercer; Steve Tyler; Sherman White.  The program will begin at the historic Rowser Building.  Bus transportation will be provided, along with light refreshments. 

12:30 - Historic Rowser Bldg. (former Stafford Training School built in 1939 by the WPA, then H.H. Poole Jr./Sr. H.S. for African American Students). Presentation about the five students.  Honors given by the NAACP.   
2:00 - Drew Middle School (former Stafford H.S., where the first attempt for integration was made). Presentation about what happened when they reached the school.  Honors given by Stafford County Schools. 
3:00 - Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church (site of an early first African American church (1868) where in 1960, the NAACP legal defense team attorneys met with local citizens about integration in Stafford Schools).  Presentation by Rev. Lawrence Davies. 

EVENT SPONSORS INCLUDE:  Stafford County NAACP, Stafford County Schools, Stafford Tourism, Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, Union Branch of the True Vine.

*Image of 1961 actual integration (a year later), courtesy of the Free Lance-Star.

This FREE event is held at the Hartwood Festival Grounds, in the historic district of Hartwood, VA (Fredericksburg) adjacent to Hartwood Presbyterian Church - a Civil War Trail site and historic building.  The Hartwood Days 2010 Community and Youth Festival will offers lots of family fun.  From bugs to building from precious rocks to rock climbing, from NASA to Gnomes, from Re-enactors to Robots, and the National Science Center Discovery Van - there are many things to do!  Take a "Walk Through Time," grab a bite to eat, sample a Virginia wine, play one of the games, listen to a group, and check out all of the different booths, demonstrations, exhibits and vendors.  LOTS of activities for Youth, including the Trailblazer Adventure program!  Opening Ceremony at 9am, and special Patriots' Day Remembrance at 12:00 noon.

Take this unique opportunity to observe herons, ducks, and water birds as they return to their roosting
spots for the night. As dusk approaches, listen to the creatures of Curtis Lake prepare to settle in for the evening or set out on their nightly forays. Participants will first be equipped with a personal flotation vest and then learn basic canoe strokes and safety techniques.  You may register for either a canoe or kayak; canoes are designed for two paddlers. Note: you may be paired with other participants in canoes if you do not have a partner.  Please bring bug spray and be sure to wear clothes that may become wet. Do not bring any item that you don’t want to get wet. Participants between 8-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 8+.  RSVP with the Parks & Recreation Department by 9/10/10. 

This widely acclaimed musical, depicting the shady side of life in the Windy City during the 1920s, has become an icon of the American Musical scene. Since its debut over 30 years ago, it has been revived time and time again. Told through a series of vaudeville routines, the story sets the tone with the electric All That Jazz, and continues with Roxie Hart’s shooting of her lover and the ensuing jury trial which takes multiple twists and turns.  Conceived and initially directed/choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, the inventive musical/dance score features the songs Razzle Dazzle, Nowadays, and the celebrated Mister Cellophane.

Join Potomac Point Winery for live music every Friday evening!  Enjoy listening to the music while dining at our bistro.  Call for details or check the event calendar on our website each week for a list of performers. 

Take a FREE guided nature tour of the grounds of the Belmont Estate on the last Sunday of every month.  Tours start outside the Museum Shop at 2:00pm.  Members of the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program will lead tours of the woods and fields at Belmont.  The walk covers about 1 mile of trails and touches on the historic ruins that illustrate Belmont's past.  The trail covers steep and rough terrain, and may be muddy at times, so sturdy footwear is recommended.  Tours will take place in rain, snow or shine.  No reservations are necessary.  Upcoming Woodland Walk dates:  Oct 31, Nov 28, Dec 26. 

Join Potomac Point Winery for live music every Friday evening!  Enjoy listening to the music while dining at our bistro.  Call for details or check the event calendar on our website each week for a list of performers. 

The public is invited to attend!  The Art Show features over 100 magnificent paintings, watercolors, stained glass and sculptures created by talented senior citizen artists.  This showcase will be inspirational, intriguing, and enlightening.  Ribbons will be awarded for various categories.  The opening reception begins at 1:00pm in Room B at Rowser Building (on Jefferson Davis Hwy. near the Log Cabin Restaurant).  Enjoy food, drink, lively conversation, music and door prizes.