Night in Washington's Day

Saturday, November 4, 7-9:30 pm

Experience the 18th century in a whole new light! This year, we’ve got a brand-new take on our annual Night in Washington’s Day Program. Explore the illuminated grounds, 1775 mansion, and outbuildings of Historic Kenmore to see how surprisingly active nights were in the 18th century.

Visitors of all ages will experience the dining, dancing, and drinking of the gentry and hear the words of the enslaved people who worked day and night on the property. 

The Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society will perform a dancing demonstration, a Taverner will share what life was like in the taverns, and apple cider and our famous gingerbread will be served. Guests will see firsthand the ingenious ways rooms were lit up on 18th century evenings. Hands-on activities will recreate an up-close look at lighting techniques. It’s a night transformed from fearful darkness to an illuminated liveliness!



Advance ticket purchase for an entry time is required. Entry times are in half hour increments.

$15.00 – adults

$7.00 – students (ages 6-17)

Free – children (age 5 & under)

Taste Through Time:

Spilling the Tea Since 1773

Sunday, December 17, 12-4 pm

This edition of Taste Through Time will be a discussion and tea tastings for the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party!

Come to the Historic Kenmore Kitchen to sip the teas that American Patriots dumped in Boston Harbor last night (December 16) in 1773. While sipping your rebellious beverage, warm up out of the cold with a seat by the fire and hear discussions about why the tea was dumped and the implications made on all of American History because of it. 

See a demonstration of how tea was made, poured, and enjoyed in the 18th century (before the boycott, of course). Children can toss their own tea in a simulated tea party for themselves. At the end of it all, have a vote on whether or not you would have partaken in this act if given the choice. 

The kitchen will be open throughout the day, and entry is included with general admission fees. Visitors may reserve house tour tickets online or purchase on-site at the front desk. Museum-only admission can be purchased on-site. Both admission rates include entry to the kitchen. House tours are at 12:15, 1:30, & 2:45.

Twelfth Night at Kenmore:

A Dramatic Performance

Saturday, November 4, 7-9:30 pm

Experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of a colonial Christmas …and the uncertainty of Revolution.

In Twelfth Night at Kenmore, it is early January 1776 and the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. In the 18th century, December 25 was just the start of Christmas, a twelve-day celebration that ended on Twelfth Night. This final night was the most festive of the holiday season, if not of the entire year! Twelfth Night 1776 is not the usual joyous atmosphere, however. The Revolutionary War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family, their friends, and Kenmore’s enslaved community.

View dramatic scenes by costumed actors in the first-floor rooms of Kenmore with special musical performances by Colonial Faire. Advance ticket purchase strongly encouraged.

Performance Times: 4:15, 5:00, 5:45, 6:45, 7:30 p.m.

$20.00 – adults

$10.00 – students (ages 6-17)

Free – children (ages 5 & under)

(Plus, processing fee.)