FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 16, 2026

The George Washington Foundation

1201 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401



George Washington’s Ferry Farm and 
Area Partners to Present 
an Americana-themed Fourth of July 
in Celebration of America’s 250th


The boyhood home of our nation's first president to provide a revolutionary location for a host of 250th activities.


FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Americans are invited to make once-in-a-lifetime memories where George Washington’s story began, during A 250th Fourth of July at Ferry Farm. This special Americana-themed celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and offers visitors the rare opportunity to celebrate the nation’s birthday at the childhood home of America’s first president.


Nowhere else can guests commemorate the nation’s 250th in the very place where George Washington grew to manhood. If “America was made in Virginia,” then George Washington’s character was forged at Ferry Farm. This meaningful and family-friendly event brings history to life through fun immersive activities, living history demonstrations, live music, and hands-on experiences that honor the enduring spirit of independence.


The regional celebration will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with inspiring speeches and a Flag Retirement Ceremony beginning at 11:00 a.m. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy performances by the Wil Gravatt Band and Riverside Theater, demonstrations by the Patawomeck Indian Tribe, living history by Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild, FACES of the 18th Century, and programs presented by organizations from across the region, including the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg Area Museum, James Monroe Museum, National Park Service, Washington Heritage Museums, Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge No. 4, Art Cart for Kids, and many more.


Returning favorites include Enduring Freedom, Colonial Faire, the 23rd United States Colored Troops, Revolutionary reenactors, and the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society. Guests can also witness a live archaeological excavation, tour the replica Washington House, and experience powerful historical interpretation by James Ingram of Colonial Williamsburg.


Children and families will find plenty of educational fun throughout the grounds, including colonial games, crafts, and hands-on fossil and dinosaur digs. Food trucks will also be on-site offering refreshments and classic summer fare.


“This is more than a Fourth of July celebration—it is a chance to connect with the people, places, and ideas that shaped our nation 250 years ago,” said President and CEO, Bill Garner. “This year's greatly expanded program will give visitors an unforgettable way to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial in one of the most historically significant places in the country.”


Admission is just $3 per person for ages 3 and up, tickets to be purchased at the gate.


Free shuttle service will run between the Eagles Lodge parking lot on Cool Springs Road and both the Ferry Farm and Fourth in Fredericksburg events. On-site parking at Ferry Farm will be reserved for handicap parking only.


The event will be held rain or shine. Please note that pets, weapons, coolers, and alcohol are not permitted.


Event Details

A 250th Fourth of July at Ferry Farm

Saturday, July 4, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

George Washington’s Ferry Farm

268 George Washington Way

Fredericksburg, VA 22405


Free Parking & Shuttle Service

Eagles Lodge Parking Lot

21 Cool Springs Road

Fredericksburg, VA 22405


Special thanks to our sponsors: Altria, Davenport, Fredericksburg Museums Council, 
Gemini 3 Group, Hirschler, Keiter, Tour Stafford, Visit FXBG, and 4imprint.


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Media Contact:

Lori Pikkaart, Marketing & Communications Director

The George Washington Foundation

Pikkaart@gwffoundation.org

About The George Washington Foundation


Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm are owned and operated by The George Washington Foundation, whose mission is to enhance the public understanding and appreciation of the lives, values, and legacies of George Washington, Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis, and the people who lived and worked on the properties with them.


Over one hundred years ago, an intrepid group of Fredericksburg-area women saved Kenmore from development. That group and their successors remained at the helm of the Foundation for 77 years. Today, Kenmore and Ferry Farm are living history museums, showcasing the significant impact of the Washington and Lewis families’ lives and legacies on the United States and its history.


The George Washington Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Foundation relies on support from generous donors and volunteers for programming and events.


Website: Ferryfarm.org

Media Page: Kenmore.org/media-and-press

Facebook: George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore

Instagram: @thegeorgewashingtonfoundation

YouTube: @TheGWFoundation

Blog: Livesandlegaciesblog.org