Ready to make history one mile at a time? Walk or Run 250 Miles to Celebrate America’s 250th!

Lace up your sneakers and get moving in the free Run America 250 Challenge: a country-wide virtual walk/run event celebrating 250 years of American history!

Between July 4, 2025 and July 5, 2026 we’re challenging you to walk or run 250 miles—anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re hitting the trails, the treadmill, or your neighborhood sidewalk, every mile brings us closer to honoring America’s incredible journey since 1776.

How you hit 250 miles is totally up to you! From grocery runs to evening dog walks, teeing off on the golf course to exploring scenic trails, every step counts.

Registration for the Run America 250 Challenge opens July 4, 2025, and it’s completely free to join! Sign up by April 30, 2026, to start working toward your 250-mile goal and a commemorative medal.

To log your miles, make sure you’ve downloaded the RaceJoy app. This is how we’ll track your progress so that you can get your well-earned medal! Use the app’s GPS feature to log your miles in real-time, or enter your miles manually into the RaceJoy app. This will help make it easy for you to track your progress and help you reach your goal!

Register Here!

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library is hosting four book discussions in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial. The first will be held at the historic Rising Sun Tavern in Fredericksburg and will discuss From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points in the Revolutionary War, by John R. Maas. This work, published to coincide with the 250th anniversary, provides a sweeping narrative of five critical military events that changed the outcome of the Revolutionary War, including the Yorktown Campaign of 1781.

This book discussion, led by both librarians and historians, will provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss the key moments of the Revolutionary War in a home built by George Washington’s youngest brother, Charles, in 1760.

Contact the Porter Adult Services Desk at 540-372–1144 x7339 for a copy to be held for you or sent to another branch for your convenience. A library card is not required to reserve this book. Limited copies are available.

Future VA250 Book Club Dates:

September 9th, 2025 – From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points in the Revolutionary War by John R. Maas
Meets at The Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

January 26th, 2025 – The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson
Meets at the Fredericksburg Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

April 27th, 2026 – A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon
Meets at Porter Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 2001 Parkway Boulevard, Stafford, VA 22554
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

July 27th, 2026 – This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America’s Revolutionary War in the South by Alan Pell Crawford
Meets at The Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation will explore the unique and essential Virginia people, events, and sites that helped bring liberty and democracy to a nation. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this exhibit will highlight the complex, diverse, and inspiring Virginia history which is, in fact, America’s story.

Give Me Liberty will provide context for the coming of the Revolution in Virginia and brings visitors into the core of the action from 1774 through 1776, highlighting how the American Revolution was a war, and more than a war.

Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation is the signature exhibition of Virginia’s 250th Commission. This exhibition is curated in partnership with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (JYF) and presented by VA250, Virginia’s semiquincentennial planning commission. Central Rappahannock Regional Library is honored to host this exhibition with sponsorship from Tour Stafford.

Join us for an exploration into the lives of the women who called Ferry Farm and Kenmore home. Learn what life was like for the different women who lived and worked at these two sites as we delve into the worlds of Mary Washington, her daughter Betty Lewis, and the enslaved women who lived and worked at both sites.

Spaces are limited, so online advanced purchase is recommended.

Ferry Farm Tours

After the hour-long focus tour at Ferry Farm, guests can tour the archaeology lab and see artifacts that illustrate the lives of the girls and women who lived at Ferry Farm.

Admission
Adults $13
Students (Ages 6-17) $6
Children (Under Age 6) Free

Ferry Farm Tickets

Ferry Farm Tour Dates and Times
Friday, March 6 and Friday, March 20
11:45 am & 1:30 pm
Please arrive 15 minutes early for tours.

Address
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Historic Kenmore Tours

After the hour-long focus tour at Kenmore, guests can visit the gallery space for a brief presentation from the Curator and view special collection items pertinent to the women of Kenmore.

Admission
Adults $15
Students (Ages 6-17) $6
Children (Under Age 6) Free

Historic Kenmore Tickets

Historic Kenmore Tour Dates and Times
Friday, March 13 and Friday, March 27
11:45 am & 1:30 pm
Please arrive 15 minutes early for tours.

Address
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

If you have questions, please call 540-370-0732 or email [email protected].

More than 31.5 million Americans, or just under 10% of the population of the United States, claim Irish ancestry. Many of us have stories of our ancestors arriving from Ireland, and are proud of our Irish heritage. However, researching one’s Irish ancestry may prove difficult, especially when the research takes you across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland. In this program, attendees will learn where to start their research in Ireland, what Irish resources are important and how to use them, along with what institutions provide them, and how to understand the history of Ireland in relation to your ancestor’s decision to emigrate.

☘️ Get ready to sham-rock and roll this St. Patrick’s Day Weekend with an evening of music, merriment, and mayhem! Join us for a lively piano show featuring Irish tunes, comedic twists, and audience interaction. Enjoy our “nibbles & wine” menu, including Shamrock Sangria, while tapping your feet to the beat! ☘️

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Barley Naked Brewing Co. on Saturday, March 14th from 12-9 PM! Get ready for a day full of shenanigans, GREEN BEER, food trucks, games, contests, vendors and more! This event is fun for the whole family and all ages are welcome!

Festival Food Trucks:

Festival Vendors:

Unlock Your Future in the Beauty Industry! Are you ready to launch a professional career as a barber or cosmetologist? Join 77 Barbershop—voted “Best Barbershop” five years in a row—and Style Easy Education for an exclusive, free workshop designed to jumpstart your journey.

Why Attend?

• Expert Guidance: Learn the craft directly from Master Barbers and seasoned professionals with years of industry experience.

• The Smart Path to Licensing: Discover how our VA-approved RTI (Related Technical Instruction) provider program allows you to earn your license through a smart, affordable apprenticeship model.

• Hands-on Insights: Get a real-world look at the trade and understand exactly what it takes to succeed in a high-demand field.

Kierner’s book, The Tory’s Wife, tells the compelling story of Jane Welborn Spurgin, a Patriot who aided Continental forces and hosted General Nathanael Greene despite her husband being a Loyalist officer. Don’t miss this event exploring how one woman navigated loyalty, marriage, and survival in Revolutionary America. Light refreshments, a book signing, and an opportunity to see a portrait of General Greene to follow after the lecture.

Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening at George Washington’s Ferry Farm for 18th Century Game Night! Discover how people from all walks of life passed the time with games during the 1700s. Walk through the replica Washington House and its grounds, where we’ll teach you how to play classic games like Shut the Box, Ye Royal Game of the Goose, Whist, Mancala, and outdoor lawn games. It’s a great way to learn about history while having a blast with your family and friends! Come play, learn, and make lasting memories together!

Families are welcome to explore the property and rooms of the Washington House at their own pace.  Visitors may stop along the way to play the historical games or just observe and learn.

ADMISSION
Adults $10
Students (Ages 6-17) $5
Children (Under Age 6) Free
Advanced ticket purchase is required as space is limited.

DATE & TIME
Friday, March 20, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm

LOCATION
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

If you have questions, please call 540-370-0732 or email [email protected].

Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening at George Washington’s Ferry Farm for 18th Century Game Night! Discover how people from all walks of life passed the time with games during the 1700s. Walk through the replica Washington House and its grounds, where we’ll teach you how to play classic games like Shut the Box, Ye Royal Game of the Goose, Whist, Mancala, and outdoor lawn games. It’s a great way to learn about history while having a blast with your family and friends! Come play, learn, and make lasting memories together!

Families are welcome to explore the property and rooms of the Washington House at their own pace.  Visitors may stop along the way to play the historical games or just observe and learn.

ADMISSION
Adults $10
Students (Ages 6-17) $5
Children (Under Age 6) Free
Advanced ticket purchase is required as space is limited.

DATE & TIME
Friday, March 20, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm

LOCATION
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
268 George Washington Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

If you have questions, please call 540-370-0732 or email [email protected].

Spring is in the air! Join us at Widewater State Park on March 21 for the Spring Jubilee, a fun-filled day celebrating the season and the community. Explore hands-on activities, meet local organizations, enjoy tasty treats, and discover engaging programs for all ages. It’s the perfect way to welcome spring, learn something new, and spend a day outdoors with family and friends. 🌷☀️🐝

Kids of all ages are invited to meet children’s author Jacquelene D’Amico to learn more about The Adventures of Trollee and Alice. Jacquelene’s debut children’s book celebrates the power of the imagination and invites young readers to embark on their own adventures of the heart.

The author’s talk will be followed by a book signing. Books are available in the Museum Store while supplies last.

Presented by Dr. Gaila Sims of the Fredericksburg Area Museum. In 1824 and 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette visited the city of Fredericksburg as part of his multiyear Grand Tour of the United States. Lafayette was an extraordinary individual who made essential contributions to American history as a wealthy nobleman, revolutionary hero, military officer, enlightenment thinker, democratic supporter, and committed abolitionist. Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom celebrates the Marquis as an individual and the belief in freedom and democracy shared by those he fought alongside in the American Revolution.

Dr. Gaila Sims is the Curator of African American History and Special Projects at the Fredericksburg Area Museum. She is responsible for the development of exhibitions, interpretation, and programming related to African American History.

Join us on the lawn at Historic Kenmore as we screen Raiders of the Lost Ark starring Harrison Ford. Set in 1936, this Steven Spielberg epic follows archaeologist Indiana Jones as he races against time to find the Ark of the Covenant, a legendary ancient power said to make an army invincible, before the German Nazi party can get it. Will Indy succeed? Or will a booby-trapped boulder have the last laugh? Grab your whip and tune in to find out! This action-packed film is fun for the whole family.

Free popcorn included with admission, drinks available for purchase. Bring chairs, and/or blankets for seating. Outside food and drink is also allowed.

Grounds Open: 6 p.m.
Movie Starts: 7:00 p.m.

Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6-17; free for ages 5 & under

Questions? Contact us via [email protected] or call 540-370-0732