Upcoming Events at Henricus

Henricus Historical Park is a living history museum operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in partnership with the Henricus Foundation and counties of Chesterfield and Henrico.

Henricus Foundation Patrons must present their pass or photo I.D. for free admission to the events listed below (excluding School of the Musketeer.)

Admission
$8/Adults and $6/children (ages 3-12)
Military discount of $1 offered to active and retired military personnel and family.

March 2, 2013 (Ages 6 – Adult) 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern-day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person.

March 22, 2013 (9 – 9:30 a.m. )
Anniversary of March 22, 1622 Virginia Indian Offensive - Wreath Ceremony

Join the Henricus staff for a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 1622 Virginia Indian uprising which destroyed the Cite of Henricus.  Subsequent efforts to re-build the settlement failed.  March ceremony will include the reading of the English settlers who perished, flag-raising and wreath-laying.

March 23, 2013 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. - day time event; 7-9p.m. - candlelight tour)
Anniversary of the March 1622 Virginia Indian Offensive

Experience first-person historical interpretation of English readiness at Henricus on the eve of the coordinated military offensive of Powhatan leader Opechancanough on March 22, 1622. Visitors will experience armed colonists on sentry duty and meet musket-armed Alice Proctor, who successfully defended her home against the attacks. Visitors will also interact with Powhatan interpreters and inquire about Virginia Indian perspectives of the attack. A candlelight tour will examine the aftermath of the attacks and affects on the colonists.

April 1-5, 2013 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
The Civil War at Dutch Gap – Spring Break Camp (ages 8 – 12)

Learn about the daily life of the common soldier during the Civil War and the inventions                 and engineering feats that the war brought to the James River area.  Experience the camp and battlefield routines:  building fortifications, marching drill, communications and survival techniques.  A pontoon boat tour on the James River will feature the Battle of Trent’s Reach. Pre-registration required by  March 25 by calling 318-8797. Cost: $180/ $160 Henricus Foundation Patrons. 

April 7, 2013 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.)     
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person

April 18, 2o13 (2-6 p.m.)
Educator Open House

Participate in site tours with demonstrations and activities relating to history, social studies and science-aligned school programs at Henricus. Meet the staff and discuss upcoming special programs, camps, teacher institutes, scouting and adult activities. Bring your children to enjoy make-and-take crafts and participate in team activities. Enjoy light refreshments at our complimentary event for educators and their families. Register by calling 804-318-8797.

April 27, 2013 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Militia Muster and Colonial Life

Activities will feature the various elements of a Colonial militia muster in the 1620s, including musketeer drills with match- and flint-locked musket firing demonstrations. Typical games played by men and women in England and Virginia will be portrayed along with pastimes of Colonial children and the Powhatan people. More than a dozen games for children will be re-created, including stilt-walking, hammer-throwing, quoits, backgammon, draughts or checkers, bowling and larger group activities such as gameball, blindman's bluff, leapfrog races and more.

May 4, 2013 (1-4 p.m.)
17th Century World History Lecture & Activities – for Educators & Public

A lecture and presentation of classroom activities examining how European changes in education, science, religion and technology during the late 1500s and early 1600s helped make New World colonization possible. Designed for the classroom teacher and college student. Register by calling 804-318-8731. A $5 donation is requested for the Drumwright Education Fund.

May 4, 2013 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.) 
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person

June 2, 2013 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.) 
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person

June 24-28, 2013 ( 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) 
Camp Pocahontas (ages 6 – 10)

Through activities, demonstrations and arts and crafts, campers will explore the life of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan people. Using our re-created Powhatan village of Arrohateck, hands-on activities will include cooking, farming, hunting skills, house and canoe building, weaving fishing nets and making pottery, arrows and tools. Make-and-take crafts are included. Pontoon boat tour of historic sites on the James River included. Registration required by calling 804-318-8797 by June 18.  Cost: $180/ $160 Henricus Foundation Patrons.

June 29, 2013
Henricus Dauber Dash 5-Miler

Just like the Daubers that built the mud houses in the Citie of Henricus, you will have a chance to relive your childhood with plenty of messy mud on hand at the Henricus Dauber Dash. The 5-mile course starts in the Citie and goes around the trail loop at Dutch Gap, but this isn’t your typical trail run. Think much, much messier.  And just when you think you can’t get any dirtier, you’ll come face-to-face with the final mud pit at the finish overlooking the scenic James River. This is not a race for walkers! For registration information, please visit: www.sportsbackers.org

July 6-7, 2013 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.) 
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person

July 8 - 12, 2013 ( 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) 
Camp Pocahontas (ages 6 – 10)

Through activities, demonstrations and arts and crafts, campers will explore the life of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan people. Using our re-created Powhatan village of Arrohateck, hands-on activities will include cooking, farming, hunting skills, house and canoe building, weaving fishing nets and making pottery, arrows and tools. Make-and-take crafts are included.  Pontoon boat tour of historic sites on the James River included. Registration required by calling 804-318-8797 by July 1.  Cost: $180/ $160 Henricus Foundation Patrons.

July 27, 2013 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
The Civil War at Dutch Gap Living History Day

Union and Confederate re-enactors will portray the summer of 1864 at Dutch Gap. Living historians will demonstrate infantry weapons and tactics, combat engineering and fortifications, cannon drills and the life of civilian women as refugees. This program will take place on the bluff overlooking the scenic James River.

August 1, 2013 (1 - 4 p.m.)
Educator Open House

Participate in a site tour with demonstrations and activities from our school programs.  See how our living history museum can help with your SOL curriculum.  Meet our staff and discuss our programs, participate in make-and-take and team activities and enjoy light refreshments.  Complimentary event for educators and their families.  Register by calling 804-318-8797.

August 3 - 4, 2013 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.) 
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person

August 6-7, 2013 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Teacher Institute:  Using Living History to Teach the SOLs (All Grade Level Educators)

Work with Virginia Indian consultants, museum educators and historical interpreters to obtain information, lesson plans and student activities for the classroom.  Registration required by calling 804-318-8731 by August 2.  Cost: $20

August 8, 2013 (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
James River Camp I (ages 7 – 12) 400 years of Culture & History on the James River

See the James River as the Virginia Indians and English used it for fishing and transportation.  Discover the course changes in the river as the Dutch Gap Canal was created during the Civil War.  A pontoon boat tour of the James River, river activities and make-and-take projects are included.  Registration required by calling 804-318-8797 by August 2.   Cost:  $55/ $45 Henricus Foundation Patrons.   

August 15, 2013 (9 a.m.-4 p.m. )
James River Camp II (ages 7 – 12) Nature & Environment of the James River

Enjoy an environmental and conservation camp on the James River:  Activities include kayaking; identifying plants and animals of the river; and gathering and fishing activities.  Registration required by calling 804-318-8797 by August 8.  Cost: $55/$45 Henricus Foundation Patrons.

September 7, 2013 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.) 
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person

September 20, 2013
Publick Days & Godspeed Patrons’ Reception

Join Henricus Historical Park for an event benefiting the Henricus Foundation's "Drumwright Education Fund." while welcoming 17th-century ship replica, Godspeed from Jamestown Settlement, to Henricus for Publick Days.

September 21-22, 2013 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Publick Days & Godspeed from Jamestown Settlement

Join us for our signature annual celebration of the 1611 founding of the Citie of Henricus. Experience the past as 400 years of history come to life with living history re-enactments, military drills and musket firings, craftsmen and blacksmiths, 17th-century medicinal demonstrations, Virginia Indian activities, historical children’s games and crafts, storytelling and more.  Tour 17th-century ship replica, Godspeed from Jamestown Settlement and the site’s newest feature, the re-created Church & Meeting Hall.  Our largest and most popular annual event.  Admission is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

September 21 - 22, 2013 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.) 
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8797. Cost: $25 per person

September 23-24, 2013 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. )      Godspeed Days – “Living History” Group Tours
(Grades K – 12 and Adult Groups)

(2.5 hr tours)   A guided group tour will be available to pre-registered groups of the re-created Citie of Henricus, the Virginia Indian community of Arrohateck and 17th-century ship replica Godspeed from Jamestown Settlement.   Social Studies curriculum emphasized for school groups. Pre-registration required by calling 804-318-8797.  Cost:  $16/person

October 5, 2013   (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
 Archaeology Camp Children’s Camp (ages 8 – 14) Adult Camp (ages 15 – Adult)

In honor of Virginia’s Archaeology Month learn the archaeological method to understand how to create a living history museum.  Registration required by calling 804-318-8797 by October 4. $45/ $40 Henricus Foundation Patrons.

October 5, 2013  ( 1, 2 & 3 p.m. )
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8797. Cost: $25 per person

October 11-13, 2013
School of the Musketeer

Participants will experience an entire weekend learning about military and civilian life as the first colonists in the New World. Instructors and other support personnel provide an interactive environment in 17th-century life and culture; overnight experience included. Fee is $30 and is all inclusive. Registration required and additional information is available at: www.kingdomoflucerne.com

October 17-18, 2013 (7:30 – 9:30 p.m.for tours; 10 p.m. – 8 a.m. overnight paranormal investigation)       
Haunted Henricus: Things that Go Bump In the Night

Experience an evening of spellbinding accounts and legendary tales as storytellers relive old English legends and folklore.  Join us by the fireside and listen to European stories early colonists told as they recounted tales from their homeland. Capture the essence of what a Colonist felt between 1607-1622 in a strange new land surrounded by danger, darkness and uncertain peril.  The harvest is in, the nights grow longer and danger lurks in the shadows. Light refreshments served. Registration required by calling 748-1611.  An overnight paranormal investigation will take place for the first 25 registered participants. Combined admission for tour and overnight investigation is $20. 

October 24, 2013 (6 p.m. – 9 p.m. )      
Archaeology & Henricus Lecture for Educators and the Public

Topic:  Where is Henricus?  Lecture is appropriate for educators and the general public. A $2 refreshment fee is requested as a donation to the Education Scholarship Fund. Registration required by calling 318-8731 by October 21. 

November 2, 2013  (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)           
400th Anniversary Event – The Appamatuck Tribe and the Powhatan People

Experience historical interpreters bringing to life one of the forgotten tribes of the Powhatan Indian chiefdom – the Appamatuck people – a group of more than 300 natives who once dominated what is now Chesterfield County.  This event will feature period-dressed Virginia Indian historical interpreters demonstrating the day to day life of the Appamatuck – including cooking, tool making, canoe burning, and more.  An event highlight will be a small battle between native warriors of the Appamatuck people against Sir Thomas Dale’s musketeers!   

November 2, 2013 ( 1, 2 & 3 p.m. )          
History & Nature Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person

November 9, 2013 (1 – 4 p.m.)
Grandparent/Grandchild History Afternoon (ages 4 - 12)

Enjoy an afternoon designed to team grandparents and grandchildren in historical activities, art and fun.   Pre-registration required by November 4 by calling 318-8797.  Cost:  $5/Adults, $3 children

November 23, 2013 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)                       
Friendship, Trade & Feast

Come join the English and Virginia Indian historical interpreters at Henricus for the autumn harvest feasts and fun common to all people in 17th-century Virginia. Visitors will have a chance to be immersed in the cooking, games, songs, and dances that were common to the homes in 1611-1622 Virginia. This event will further interpret the history of the first “Thanksgiving” in English America, the one which happened in 1619 in Virginia! Join us for smells, sounds, and frolic of the 17th century past.

November 30, 2013 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Affairs of the Hearth

Explore 17th-century cooking in the daily life of English soldiers, middle-class colonists and Virginia Indians. Demonstrations at the Virginia Indian site will feature the smoking of meat and making of harvest stew and corn cakes. Historical interpreters will demonstrate how soldiers made small rations of salted bacon, peas and oatmeal appealing through additives of bread, cheese and yard vegetables. Middle-class cooking will be featured at the re-created plantation of John and Alice Proctor to highlight a typical English autumn meal.

December 7, 2013  (10 a.m.–2 p.m.)            
Christmas in the Colony Camp (ages 5 – 10)

Join in a children’s Colonial Christmas – make historic decorations and crafts and participate in games and activities of Colonial Virginia.  Help us decorate your home and Henricus!  Parents can do their Christmas shopping and also visit our Gift Shop for their Holiday needs!  Registration required by November 29 by calling 318-8797. $30/ $25 Henricus Foundation Patrons

December 7, 2013  (1, 2 & 3 p.m.)        
Pontoon Boat Tours of the James River (Ages 6 – Adult)

Visitors to Henricus Historical Park are encouraged to participate in 45-minute history and conservation tours on the Discovery Barge II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat captained by Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of educational eco-tours and fishing trips. Excursions will feature local wildlife and 17th-century through modern day history at Henricus and Dutch Gap. Participants will step back in time and explore the habitats of native bald eagles and listen to stories of 12-foot sturgeon fish among other fascinating aspects of the James River.  Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling 804-318-8728. Cost: $25 per person

December 14, 2013  (10 a.m. – 3 p.m. )             
Civil War Winter Camp (ages 8-12)

Participate in a winter day in the life of a Civil War soldier:  drills and chores, cooking, music and stories.  Parents can do their holiday shopping while their children have fun at camp.  Registration required by calling 804-318-8797 by December 6.  Cost:  $30/$25 Henricus Foundation Patron

December 14, 2013  (6 - 9 p.m. )     
Parade of Lights and Patron Christmas Reception

Enjoy the James River Advisory Council's annual Parade of Lights featuring boats decorated for the holiday season along the banks of Henricus Historical Park.  Patrons’ Reception is by invitation only. 

December 14, 2013 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. )
Henricus Colonial Christmas

This event will demonstrate first-person character interpretation of the etiquette, norms, customs, and laws regarding Christmas in Elizabethan-Jacobean English households in the early 17th century.  Experience holiday traditions of different socio-economic homes and enjoy period dance and song in the hospital.