2008 Calendar of Events
May
Wednesdays, Fridays and every weekend throughout May
2 p.m., (11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends)
Henricus Historical Park
Militia drills, musket cleaning and armor scouring will take place throughout the month of May every Wednesday, Friday and weekends. The activities are weather dependent.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Mother’s Day Tea
Saturday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Magnolia Grange
Details: (804) 777-9663
Chester Antique Evaluation Road Show
Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Chester Christian Church, 4330 Curtis St., Chester
Have you ever wondered if the teapot Aunt Margaret left you is merely a dust collector, or could help pay for that boat you’ve had your eye on? Find out at the Chester Antique Evaluation Roadshow on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Chester Christian Church, 4330 Curtis St., Chester. Specialties of the evaluators include Civil War memorabilia, books, early furniture, paintings, toys and pottery. The fee to have one item evaluated is $10, or three items for $25. Proceeds will benefit the Chester Lions Club and the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Historic Buildings and Monuments Tour
Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m.-noon
Chesterfield County Museum
Discover the history that abounds in Chesterfield County with a walking tour around the Courthouse Green. Learn about the colonial history of the old Courthouse and hear the stories surrounding many of the monuments and historic structures. Join a Parks and Recreation staff member for an insightful glimpse into the past. Reservations are suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Musket, Sword and Pike
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Come drill with the Henricus Militia. Experience a day in the life of the soldiers of Sir Thomas Dale’s militia. Visit with the soldiers in the Citie of Henricus, participate in the drill, see demonstrations of tactics, armor and weaponry used by the 17th century soldiers who built and protected Henricus. General admission: $6 for adults, $4 for children with children under 2 admitted free and $1 off for Chesterfield and Henrico County residents, AAA members and senior citizens.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Dedication of 1st Virginia Infantry Memorial
Saturday, May 17, 2 p.m.
Fort Stevens
Details: (804) 777-9663
Slavery, A Peculiar Institution
Saturday, May 24, 11 a.m.-noon
Magnolia Grange
Join Emmanuel Dabney, park ranger at Petersburg National Battlefield, as he presents a lecture on black history. Dabney is a local authority on aspects of black history, such as slavery, free blacks of Petersburg and the post Civil War impact of African Americans in the region. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Pocahontas Premieres: The Richmond Symphony
Friday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Bring a chair and enjoy the sounds of the Richmond Symphony at Pocahontas Sate Park. Parking is $4. The rain date is May 31. This event is sponsored by the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department.
Details: (804) 796-7045
June
Thomas Jefferson: Life and Legend
Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m.-noon
Magnolia Grange
Alan Crawford, a writer and public-relations consultant in Richmond, will speak about the life of Thomas Jefferson. Crawford’s latest book, “Twilight at Monticello: The Final Years of Thomas Jefferson,”provides one of the more detailed accounts of Jefferson, addressing the life of Jefferson’s descendants and what happened to Monticello after his death. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
James River Regional Cleanup
Saturday, June 14
Multiple sites along James River
Sponsored by the James River Advisory Council.
Details: (804) 748-1623 or jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com
Pocahontas Premieres: Summer Concert Series – Reggae Sounds|
Saturday, June 14, 6 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park, Heritage Amphitheater
Imagine yourself dancing by the cabana, moving your feet to the sounds of pure energy. Join us for an evening of electrifying Reggae music that is sure to get your family grooving to the beat! Purchase your tickets in advance for $7 or the day of the show for $10. Kids 12 and under will be admitted for free. Parking is $5, and advance ticket holders get free parking. Food and beverages are available.
Details: (800) 933-PARK or www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Plantation Day
Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Magnolia Grange
Enjoy a fun-filled day of activities including children’s games, crafts, demonstrations, exhibits, costumed interpreters and food. Take time to browse discontinued items from our gift shop. This event is free to the public. House tours are available for $4 for nonmembers and $3 for seniors.
Details: (804) 796-1479 or www.chesterfieldhistory.com
Camp Pocahontas
Monday-Friday, June 23-27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Through activities, and arts and crafts, campers will explore both the life and importance of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan people. Campers will compare and contrast their culture with that of the English who settled here 400 years ago. Call for pricing. Preregistration is required.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Pocahontas Premieres: Summer Concert Series – Boogie N Blues
Saturday, June 28, 6 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park, Heritage Amphitheater
Bring the whole family to chill on the hill while listening to feisty, saucy and soulful blues music. Purchase your tickets in advance for $7 or the day of the show for $10. Kids 12 and under will be admitted for free. Parking is $5, and advance ticket holders get free parking. Food and beverages are available.
Details: (800) 933-PARK or www.virginiastateparks.gov.
July
Daily throughout July
Henricus Historical Park
Militia drills will occur daily throughout the month. Visitors will become new colonists being “seasoned” at Mt. Malady upon their arrival from England. Join in on daily chores at Mt. Malady.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Comcast Fourth of July Celebration
Friday, July 4
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds
Enjoy spectacular fireworks, children’s activities and special entertainment to celebrate Independence Day.
Details: (804) 748-1623
“Diggin on History” Archaeology Camp
Monday-Thursday, July 7-10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Castlewood
The Chesterfield Historical Society, in cooperation with the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation, will be offering an Archaeology Summer Camp for children aged 8-10 years old. The program will provide a variety of engaging, hands-on activities. Campers will have the opportunity to observe historical structures to uncover clues to the past. The camp will include a field trip on the last day to a historical site in the county. The camp fee is $95. Preregistration is required.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Historic Trees of Chesterfield County: Silent Witnesses to Our Past
Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m.-noon
Magnolia Grange
Join County Museum docent and master gardener Pat Roble as she explores the stories surrounding Chesterfield’s most notable trees. Learn about the Nunnally Oak that has been standing for more than two centuries at the old courthouse, the cucumber magnolia, planted in 1833 at Violet Bank, and other unusual and historic local trees. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 768-7311
Pocahontas Premieres: Summer Concert Series – A Night of Big Jazz
Saturday, July 12, 6 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park, Heritage Amphitheater
Enjoy a marvelous evening of unforgettable jazz tunes. Purchase your tickets in advance for $7 or the day of the show for $10. Kids 12 and under will be admitted for free. Parking is $5, and advance ticket holders get free parking. Food and beverages are available.
Details: (800) 933-PARK or www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Virginia’s First Election
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Join residents of the 17th-century Citie of Henricus in discussing and debating the government issues that most concern them. Cost is general admission.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Pocahontas Premieres: Summer Concert Series -- Beach Music
Saturday, July 26, 6 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park, Heritage Amphitheater
Put on your shagging shoes and dance to the music that was made popular on the beaches of South Carolina. Purchase your tickets in advance for $7 or the day of the show for $10. Kids 12 and under are free. Parking is $5, and advance ticket holders get free parking. Food and beverages are available.
Details: 1-800-933-PARK or www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Historic Mills: An Abundance of Water Power
Saturday, July 26, 11 a.m.-noon
Chesterfield County Museum
This presentation will provide an insightful glimpse into the history of mill power that was prevalent in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries. From the oldest mill in the county at Swift Creek to the mills at Ettrick and Matoaca, this industry provided necessary food and supplies for the region during times of peace and hostility. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Chesterfield Historical Society Quarterly Meeting
Sunday, July 27, 2 p.m.
Beach Station
Details: (804) 777-9663
August
Pocahontas Premieres: Summer Concert Series – Rockin’ Country
Saturday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park, Heritage Amphitheater
Get ready to kick up you heels and stomp your feet to the sounds of country music. Purchase your tickets in advance for $7 or the day of the show for $10. Kids 12 and under will be admitted for free. Parking is $5, and advance ticket holders get free parking. Food and beverages are available.
Details: (800) 933-PARK or www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Lewis and Clark Expedition
Saturday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m.-noon
Chesterfield County Museum
Join historical researcher and speaker Michael Schoenenberger as he presents an engaging discussion on the impact of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Re-enactors’ Camp – Day in the Life of Young Colonists
Wednesday-Friday, Aug. 13-15
Henricus Historical Park
Learn skills and techniques of colonial life, then re-enact and interpret colonial life as interpreters to the public. Call for pricing information. Pre-registration is required.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Historical Period Cooking of the Founding Fathers
Saturday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-noon
Magnolia Grange
Learn all about recipes enjoyed by historic figures from the Colonial era. The speaker will be historical writer Robert Pelton, author of several historic cookbooks containing authentic recipes from the families of our Founding Fathers and heroes of the Revolutionary War. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
September
Wednesdays throughout September, 2 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Militia drills will occur every Wednesday throughout the month.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Historical Uses and Folklore of Heirloom Herbs
Saturday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-noon
Magnolia Grange
Did you know that basil was used as an air freshener, insect repellent, digestive medicine, good luck charm and symbol of love, in addition to its culinary uses? Explore the historical uses and folklore of familiar garden herbs with Chesterfield County Museum docent and Master Gardener Pat Roble. Participants will also make and take home a fragrant herbal sachet. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Pocahontas Premieres: The Richmond Symphony
Saturday, Sept. 13, 6 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Bring a chair and enjoy the sounds of the Richmond Symphony at Pocahontas Sate Park. Parking is $4. The rain date is Sept. 14. This event is sponsored by the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department.
Details: (804) 796-7045
Cemeteries of Chesterfield
Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-noon
Magnolia Grange
Join Chesterfield Historical Society member and cemetery committee chairman Rachel Lipowicz as she talks about the research and documentation of new cemeteries in the county. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Rainbow of Arts
Saturday, Sept. 20
Rockwood Park, 3401 Courthouse Road
Enjoy an event that is perfect for the entire family. The festival features arts and crafts and live entertainment. Sponsored by the Chesterfield Jaycees.
Details: (804) 497-4600
Publick Days
Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 20-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Be a part of the annual celebration of the 1611 founding of the Citie of Henricus. Experience the past as 400 years of history come to life with demonstrations of 17th-century medical practices, military re-enactments, Virginia Indian activities, historical children’s games, storytelling, craft demonstrations and a kids’ Fun Area with hands-on activities provided by many Richmond region organizations. Admission is free. There are additional fees for crafts.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
October
Eppington Heritage Day
Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Eppington
Spend the day experiencing historic Eppington Plantation. Eppington is a circa 1765 plantation named after the Eppes family who were major landowners in the area as early as the mid-1600s. House and ground tours of the plantation, which is rarely open to the public, will be offered. There will be games, activities, period music, dancing, living history, storytelling and craft demonstrations. The event is free and open to the public.
Details: (804) 751-4946
Chesterfield Historical Society Classic
Monday, Oct. 6, noon
The Highlands
Details: (804) 777-9663 or chesterfieldhistory.com
Chesterfield Community Band
Saturday, Oct. 11, noon-1 p.m.
Magnolia Grange
Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the wonderful sounds of the Chesterfield Community Band as they perform on the front lawn. This volunteer member band has been performing for more than a decade providing entertainment for all ages.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Historic Tour of Midlothian Mines
Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-noon
Midlothian Mines Park
Come out to Midlothian Mines and Railroad Park to learn about the vast mining history that abounded in Midlothian. From 1703 to 1942, Chesterfield County’s coal mines offered wealth, employment and prosperity to the region. Take a tour and learn about the events that shaped the history of Chesterfield County. This walking tour will cover moderate to easy terrain and will take place in fair or foul weather, so wear comfortable shoes. Tour meets at the Midlothian Mines Park.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited.
Details: (804) 751-4946.
Book and Author Symposium
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
John Tyler Community College, Chester campus
Details: (804) 777-9663
Things that Go Bump in the Night
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 24-25, 6-8 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Experience an evening of spellbinding accounts as storytellers present haunting tales in a historical setting. Bring your favorite blanket and enjoy this evening of old-fashioned family fun. Light refreshments will be served. Call for pricing information.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Evening Ghost Stories and Lantern Tour
Saturday, Oct. 25, 6-7 p.m.
Magnolia Grange
Spend the evening at the historic Magnolia Grange Plantation for a walking tour of the grounds and listen to haunting tales surrounding events and historic homes in the county. This encounter will be fun for the entire family. Refreshments will be served. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
Chesterfield Historical Society Quarterly Meeting
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m.
The Brick House at Conjurer’s Neck
Details: (804) 777-9663
November
The People of Pocahontas: Skills and Life Ways
Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 1-2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Explore the culture of Virginia’s first people. Learn about the skills that enabled the Virginia Indians to flourish and how sharing their knowledge ensured the colonists’ chances for survival. General admission: $6 for adults, $4 for children with children under 2 admitted free and $1 off for Chesterfield and Henrico County residents, AAA members and senior citizens. There is an additional fee for craft activities.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Chesterfield County Courthouse: Snapshots of Our Past
Saturday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-noon
Chesterfield County Museum
This program will look at the history surrounding the original 1750 courthouse. From its humble beginnings, this structure served as the first courthouse for the newly created county in 1749, holding some of the more famous trials in Chesterfield. The building, which now serves as the county museum, is a reconstruction of the original courthouse and displays a new exhibit on 400 years of history in Chesterfield. A reservation for the program is suggested.
Details: (804) 777-9663
December
Parade of Lights
Saturday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Start your holiday season with festivities at Henricus Historical Park. Watch as brightly decorated boats pass by the bluff of Henricus. Tour the 1611 Citie of Henricus and talk with the settlers about their lives and holidays during the 17th century. Admission is free. Sponsored by the James River Advisory Council.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com
Members Annual Tour & Holiday Reception
Saturday, Dec. 6, 3-5 p.m.
Henricus Historical Park
Henricus Historical Park Members will have a special opportunity to enjoy the festivities of the season. Reservations are required. Visit the museum store, and be sure to look at our handmade Native American crafts and holiday gifts.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
Christmas Open House
Saturday, Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m.
Magnolia Grange
The 19th-century plantation will be elegantly decorated for the holidays by local garden clubs, light refreshments will be served, and the gift shop will have its annual holiday sale. Get your picture taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Details: (804) 777-9663 or chesterfieldhistory.com
Christmas Tea
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m.
Magnolia Grange
Enjoy an afternoon of tea, sumptuous refreshments and a musical performance at this historic plantation home.
Details: (804) 777-9663 or chesterfieldhistory.com
John Smith’s Christmas Menu
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 27-28
Henricus Historical Park
Experience the preparation of the 1607 holiday feast. How did the new life in Virginia affect the menu? General admission: $6 for adults, $4 for children with children under 2 admitted free and $1 off for Chesterfield and Henrico County residents, AAA members and senior citizens.
Details: (804) 748-1613 or henricus.org
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