2009 Calendar

July 25 • Children's activity
"Experience the 1930s with Kit!"
Time: 11 am–3 pm

July 27–31 • Camp
"Jr. Ambassador Passport Travels" Camp
Time: 9 am–3 pm daily

August 3–7 • Camp
"Go Green!" Summer Camp
Time: 9 am–3 pm daily

August 10–14 • Camp
"Diggin' in the Dirt" Summer Camp
Time: 9 am–3 pm daily

September 26 • Tour
Harvest Tea and Tour
Time: Noon and 2 pm

October 23 • Tour
Behind the Scenes Tour
Time: Noon and 2 pm

December 5 • Tour
Gingerbread Tea and Tour
Time: 10 am

December 10 • Tour
Christmas Tea and Tour
Time: 3 pm

December 11 • Tour
Christmas Tea and Tour
Time: 3 pm

December 12 • Tour
Gingerbread Tea and Tour
Time: 10 am

Current exhibition

Warwick to Windsor Farms: Building Virginia House
• Long-term exhibition
The design and building of Virginia House, home of Alexander and Virginia Weddell, is the subject of this exhibit featuring vintage photos and architectural plans. The stones and much of the glass that became Virginia House in Windsor Farms were once part of a sixteenth–century manor house in Warwickshire, England, home to the Order of the Holy Sepulcher. The Weddells, with their architect Henry Grant Morse, created a composite design for their house including a center wing that recalled elements from the original manor house, a wing that replicated the Washington family's Sulgrave Manor, and a tower wing that reproduced the gatehouse at Wormleighton, home of the Spencer and Churchill families. When the house was completed in 1929, the Weddells deeded it to the Virginia Historical Society, retaining lifetime tenancy for themselves.

Tours and Events

Experience the 1930s with Kit!
• July 25
Participants will have the opportunity to view Kit Kittredge: An American Girl® and explore themes presented in the movie. This exploration begins with a past/present tour of the museum where children compare objects from the past (a record player and radio, telegrams, telephones, toaster, mayonnaise maker, electric fan, and Monopoly®) to their modern day counterparts (IPOD, laptop with email, cell phones, microwave, prepared foods, air conditioning, and video games). Participants will make their own game or toy from scrap and recycled materials. They will also have a chance to be a reporter and develop a short biography or article on Virginia House. The event concludes with the participants making fruit fizzies and checkerboard sandwiches. Time: 11 am–3 pm. $25 per VHS member's child or grandchild; $30 for non-members. Reservations are required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.

"Jr. Ambassador Passport Travels" Camp
• July 27–31
This camp introduces participants to a variety of international cultures and customs. During the week-long educational program, campers ages 9–12 will explore the culture, food, geography, and music from countries where Alexander Weddell (Virginia House resident from 1928–1948) served as a diplomat. Each day focuses on a different country and campers will compare and contrast customs and traditions. At the end of the week, campers will receive a passport certificate and share what they have learned with family and staff at a special party. Reservations are required. $135 per VHS member's child or grandchild; $150 for non-members. Reservations are required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.

"Go Green!" Summer Camp
• August 3–7
This summer camp, sponsored by Virginia House and Agecroft Hall, introduces participants to a variety of educational and hands-on activities. During the week-long program, campers ages 10–13 learn about recycling, composting, eco-friendly gardening, rain barrels, and native plants. The week concludes with a party hosted by the camp participants for family and staff, during which camp projects are presented and certificates distributed. Reservations are required. $135 per VHS member's child or grandchild; $150 for non-members. Reservations are required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.

"Diggin' in the Dirt" Summer Camp
• August 10–14
This summer camp, sponsored by Virginia House and Agecroft Hall, introduces participants to a variety of educational and craft activities. During the week-long program, campers ages 7–9 learn how to identify leaves and trees, create garden stakes and pinwheels, and record weather conditions and their garden adventures in a nature journal. The week concludes with a Mad Hatter's tea party hosted by the camp participants for family and staff, during which craft projects are presented and certificates distributed. Reservations are required. $135 per VHS member's child or grandchild; $150 for non-members. Reservations are required; please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.

Harvest Tea and Tour
• September 26
Begin your afternoon with a stroll through the fall gardens at Virginia House. While you enjoy tea sandwiches, an herb-infused bisque, and sweets on the terrace, learn how to harvest herbs and include them in your afternoon tea. Participants will even have a chance to develop their own tea blend. Admission: $14 for members; $16 for non-members. Reservations required; call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan. This program is co-sponsored with Agecroft Hall.

Behind the Scenes Tours
• October 23
Join the staff for a behind-the-scenes look at Virginia House. Visit seldom-seen areas of the museum and enjoy a close look at the collections of Alexander and Virginia Weddell. Programs last approximately one hour.
Times: Noon and 2 pm on each tour date
Admission: Free to members; $5 for non-members
Reservations required. Please call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan.

Gingerbread Tea and Tour
• December 5 & 12
Celebrate the holidays and create a new family tradition! Design and build your own gingerbread house using gingerbread pieces, snow-like frosting, gumdrops, candy canes, and other colorful treats. Cider and cookies will be served as Virginia House staff talk about holiday traditions in the Tudor home. Admission: $14 per family for VHS members; $16 per family for non-members. Reservations required; call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan. This program is co-sponsored with Agecroft Hall.

Christmas Tea and Tour
• December 10 & 11
Spend an afternoon at two famous Richmond Tudor homes! Your visit begins with a guided holiday tour of the great rooms of Virginia House followed by a walk through the gardens to Agecroft Hall. Your visit concludes with tea and a guided tour of the festively decorated Agecroft Hall. Admission: $22.50 for members; $25 per family for non-members. Reservations required; call 804.353.4251 or email Tracy Bryan. This program is co-sponsored with Agecroft Hall.