Weekly tours with our museum professionals every Wednesday. Space is limited; plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour to secure your spot. Wednesday, February 7 – Behind the scenes look at the duPont Library with Director of Research & Library Collections Judy Hynson. Wednesday, February 14 – A tour of the Great House with Curator Gretchen Goodell-Pendleton. Wednesday, February 21 – A tour of the Great House with Director of Preservation Phil Mark. Wednesday, February 28. – A…

This year’s Kitchen Table Stories will feature Dr. Peter Luebke, historian for the Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, D.C., and Stratford Hall’s own Jon Bachman. Dr. Luebke will present on African American Sailors during the Civil War, highlighting the Potomac Flotilla. Mr. Bachman will share a biographic sketch of African American Aaron Anderson, whose heroic actions in the Union Navy led to Anderson’s earning of the Medal of Honor.  

The Wildlife Center of Virginia, a leading teaching and research hospital for native wildlife, will release a bald eagle. Individuals who wish to attend should plan to arrive at Stratford by 11:45 a.m. Guests are asked to park at the Visitor Center and make their way to the oval in front of the Great House where the eagle will be released. A month ago, Collections Manager Karen Louvar was walking the grounds of Stratford when she saw a bald eagle fall…

The Easter Bunny will make his annual appearance for this popular Easter Egg Hunt! Sponsored and organized by the local #32 Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) of the Northern Neck, the Hunt will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. Children will be grouped by age from 2 (accompanied by parents) to 12. A special prize awaits those who find a “golden egg.” Make sure to bring a basket or other container to hunt with. Think beyond egg salad at this event, and plan…

View the spectacular prehistoric cliffs and search for birds and wildlife. The kayak trips are guided, and instructors will offer safety education throughout the event. Participants are advised to dress with suitable shoes, backpack with water and energy snacks. For twelve and older. Preregistration is required. This is a weather-dependent event. To register please contact Jon Bachman at 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org.

A family adventure: featuring a 45 minute presentation in the duPont Library by local master naturalist Harry Puffenbarger who will then lead a hike through the Stratford landscape. Preregistration before April 11 is strongly encouraged. Trekkers are reminded to wear appropriate shoes and outerwear as well as bring water and bug repellent. For more information and to register, contact Jon Bachman, 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org ($; Free for children under 6 and Friends of Stratford)

special kayaking experience brought to you by Stratford Hall. View the spectacular prehistoric cliffs and search for birds and wildlife along the shore from your kayak. This is a weather-dependent event. If the weather is inclement or the waters unsafe to proceed. Beginner and experienced paddlers over the age of twelve are welcome. Preregistration is required, the deadline is Thursday, May 10. To register please contact Jon Bachman at 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org.

Explore the art and artisanship of pre-industrial trades as seen in colonial America, most predominantly, in the Virginia tidewater region. Area craftsmen will be demonstrating blacksmithing, the art of the wheelwrights, tailoring, harness making, and rural carpentry. Archaeologist will be conducting archaeology demonstrations, answering questions about their ongoing work in the West Yard, and giving kids the opportunity to participate in hands on archaeology activities.    

The event will begin with a 60 minute presentation on the diverse flora of Stratford by Helen Hamilton, master gardener and author. This will be followed by a guided hike through the Stratford Landscape by Harry Puffenbarger, local master naturalist. During the hike you will be guided through the forest and discover the plants and flowers featured during the presentation. Preregistration before Thursday, May 31 is strongly encouraged. Trekkers are reminded to wear appropriate shoes and outerwear as well as bring…

Dr. Robert Weems, retired United States Geological Survey paleontologist and internationally renowned expert on the Miocene epoch will be presenting a rare opportunity to learn more about these Earth transformations as they are recorded in the cliffs. Visitors will be allowed special access to restricted beach areas. Pre-registration is required by Friday, June 8 at 5:00 p.m. Contact Jon Bachman at jbachman@stratfordhall.org or call 804-493-1972 for more information and/or registration.  

The kayak trips are guided, and instructors will offer safety education before, during, and after the event. Participants are advised to dress with suitable shoes, backpack with water and energy snacks, and waterproof camera (optional). Beginner and experienced paddlers over the age of twelve are welcome. This is a weather-dependent event. Preregistration is required. The registration deadline is Thursday, June 21. To register please contact Jon Bachman at 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org.

View the spectacular prehistoric cliffs and search for birds and wildlife along the shore from your kayak. This is a weather-dependent event. The kayak trips are guided, and instructors will offer safety education before, during, and after the event. Beginner and experienced paddlers over the age of twelve are welcome. Preregistration is required. The registration deadline is Thursday, August 23. To register please contact Jon Bachman at 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org.

Meet in the historic duPont Library to learn and identify different species of squirrels in eastern Virginia. Understand how squirrels communicate using vocal and visual signals, and then put your knowledge to the test. Take a guided hike across Stratford Hall and experience the numerous squirrels who call the grounds home. For more information and to register, contact Jon Bachman, 804-493-1972 or jbachman@stratfordhall.org. ($, Free for children under 13 & Friends of Stratford)  

This event features wines from Virginia wineries and oysters from Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater oyster growers. There will be free admission to the Great House, Treakle’s train barrel rides, and Westmoreland County Miniature Farm Animals. There will be car shows on both Saturday (Mustang Car Clubs) and Sunday (Memory Lane Car Club). Live music will be provided each day by a line-up of local bands and solo musicians. Transportation will be provided from the parking lots by Bay Transit and…