WE THE PEOPLE
Nonprofit Organization U . S . Postage PAID Orange , Virginia Permit No . 3
P . O . Box 911 , Orange , VA 22960 www . montpelier . org
Calendar
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2017
MONTPELIER HUNT RACES | November 4
Celebrate the 83rd running of the historic Hunt Races , a premier event on the American Steeplechase Circuit . Friends and family also can enjoy Jack Russell Terrier and stick horse races and tailgate and hat contests . montpelierraces . org
LOCATE : METAL DETECTOR EXPEDITION | November 12-17
Designed for metal-detector specialists and hobbyists , the program serves to introduce the significance of archaeological methods such as gridded surveys , density plots to define site concentrations , and a deeper understanding of the past . One of the main emphases during the week-long training program is the importance of site context for individual finds . montpelier . org / learn / expeditions
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE | December 2
Visits with Santa , holiday refreshments , and special activities will be offered at the David M . Rubenstein Visitor Center . The House will be decorated in accordance with 19th-century customs , and Mr . and Mrs . Madison will be receiving guests . BBQ Exchange will be offering a delicious seasonal buffet for $ 14 / adults , $ 7 / 10 & under . Spend the weekend in Orange County enjoying Montpelier ’ s free open house and many other holiday festivities !
2018
HOUSE RESTORATION | January 2-12
Montpelier will be closed for House renovations , painting , and other repairs . Follow our progress on social media !
ANALYZE : LAB EXPEDITION | February 18-23
Work in the Archaeology Laboratory and be involved in post-excavation cataloging , analysis , labeling , and reconstructing of ceramics and other historic artifacts recovered from the previous field season . Learn about historic artifact types , iron conservation techniques , and how to reconstruct vessels for display in the Lab , the House , the galleries , and even in other museums . Housing is provided on campus at the antebellum plantation house “ Arlington House .” montpelier . org / learn / expeditions
JAMES MADISON ’ S BIRTHDAY | March 16
Commemorate the 267th birthday of James Madison , fourth President of the United States , Father of the Constitution , and Architect of the Bill of Rights . The wreathlaying ceremony at the Madison Family Cemetery will feature the United States Marine Corps Band and Color Guard .
MONTPELIER WINE FESTIVAL | May 5-6
Join friends and family for this premier spring event showcasing distinctive arts and crafts , specialty food vendors , live music , children ’ s entertainment , and tastings from great Virginia wineries .
DOLLEY MADISON LEGACY LUNCHEON | May 15
Enjoy a House tour and an elegant luncheon on the back lawn of the House to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Dolley ’ s birthday . Featured speaker will be Robert Watson , award-winning author of over 40 books , including “ Affairs of State ” ( 2012 ), “ America ’ s First Crisis ” ( 2014 ), and “ The Ghost Ship of Brooklyn ” ( 2017 ); and hundreds of scholarly articles and essays about history and politics . The luncheon raises funds to support the refurbishing of the House . Contact Karen Costello at 540.672.4370 or kcostello @ montpelier . org for information and tickets .
DOLLEY MADISON ’ S BIRTHDAY | May 20
Celebrate the 250th birthday of America ’ s first “ First Lady .” Free cupcakes at the Visitor Center , and free admission to the House for visitors who share Dolley ’ s name or birthday !
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