Berkeley Plantation is offering homeschooled students and their families a special rate during the month of March. Berkeley is a living history lesson. Children learn life in the 18th century from the perspective of a southern plantation. Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and his son, William H. Harrison, the ninth president of the United States were born and lived at Berkeley. Taps was composed at Berkeley when 140,000 union soldiers occupied the site. Settlers in 1619 celebrated the first official Thanksgiving in America. Costumed guides conduct tours of the original 1726 manor house.
Centuries of artifacts may be explored in our museum and a short film covering four hundred years of history will delight students of all ages. Berkeley also offers restored gardens and magnificent views of the James River.
Picnic tables are available or bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic by the James River. The rate is $8.50 for adults and $5.00 for students kindergarten through high school. Children under age 6 are free. Berkeley Plantation is located halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg off scenic Route 5. For those families wanting to cycle along Route 5 corridor to Berkeley, the Virginia Capital Trail, a paved pedestrian and bicycle trail, begins just west of Berkeley and continues east approximately 8 miles to Charles City Courthouse. For more information call 888-466-6018 or visit www.berkeleyplantation.com
