Walter Reed's Birthplace
Spend the day exploring four of Gloucester’s premier historic sites while enjoying tastings of delicious food from some of Gloucester’s finest eateries. Join the Fairfield Foundation and the Joseph Bryan Branch of Preservation Virginia on October 29th from 2 to 6 p.m. for the second annual Gloucester Fall History Crawl.
Tickets on Sale Now! Email us at fairfield@inna.net
Participants in the Crawl will begin with tours, hands-on archaeology, and a colonial firearms demonstration at Fairfield Plantation – with crab cakes and specialty dips provided by Rosemary and Wine. A selection of soups, zucchini bread, and Portuguese custard cupcakes from Olivia’s and The Wild Rabbit will follow at Rosewell Plantation where attendees can experience tours and hands-on archaeology while learning about the life of a Revolutionary War soldier beneath the majestic ruins of America’s most prominent manor house. Preservation Virginia’s Walter Reed’s Birthplace serves as the third leg of this culinary progressive, offering historic presentations by Voices of Freedom, interpreting the African-American experience of the mid-nineteenth century. You will also be able to tour the house and sample delicious delights from Short Lane Ice Cream, hot drinks from Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters, and snack on peanuts from Whitley’s. Finally, attendees will enjoy the delightful fall weather in the shadow of historic Abingdon Church with tours of the cemetery, organ music, and singing while enjoying dessert treats from Jessica’s Sweet Shop and hot apple cider from Ware Neck Produce.
Dr. Wes Wilson and Chauncey Herring of Voices of Freedom
“Gloucester has so much to offer – its historic sites, its fine restaurants – and October is Virginia Archaeology Month. What a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon celebrating and enjoying all of these things,” says John Gillis, Chairman of the Board of the Joseph Bryan Branch of Preservation Virginia. There will be hands-on excavations at two locations provided by Fairfield Foundation staff and volunteers where kids and adults can really experience archaeology. Fairfield Foundation Co-Director Thane Harpole notes, “all of these sites are important resources for Gloucester County, and they have many stories to tell that only archaeology can uncover. We hope you will join us on the 29th to share in the process of discovery.”
Historic Abingdon Church
“This event is perfect for families. It’s food, fun, and education – you get a quick introduction to the county’s history and a bite to eat to boot!” said David Tate, Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Joseph Bryan Branch of Preservation Virginia.
Historic Fairfield Plantation
Tickets for the “Gloucester Fall History Crawl” are $20 each and include a tour booklet highlighting the history of each site. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult and will receive their own kids “past-port”, with fun games, coloring, and room for stamps from each site. Tickets are available at the Rosemary and Wine, The Wild Rabbit, Short Lane Ice Cream and at Rosewell, all in Gloucester. You can also reserve your tickets by emailing us at fairfield@inna.net or calling 804.815.4467. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundations and help support preservation efforts in the community. Please join us on the 29th, and bring your friends!
Thank you to our wonderful Event Sponsors:
