Programs at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

A pop-up program at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center explores the memory of battle.

NPS Photo

Late Summer/Early Fall 2024 Program Schedule

August 12, 2024 – October 19, 2024

We will have a limited number of weekend programs until mid-October. Park staff are happy to give brief unscheduled battle overviews and short pop-up programs (typically 15-20 minutes) when staffing levels and circumstances allow. If you are visiting at a time when no ranger programs are scheduled, ask us if we are available to give a short program!

Sunken Road Walking Tours; Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30 am & 2 pm, 45 minutes
Meet at the battle painting outside the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA)
Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain. 

Investigating Chancellorsville; Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30 am & 2 pm, 45 minutes
Meet at the battle painting outside the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center.
Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Sparking Freedom at Chatham Walking Tour; Saturdays & Sundays, 2 pm, 45 minutes
Meet at the Chatham garden-side entrance (120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA)
Resistance to enslavement took many forms at Chatham. Discover stories of this resistance and learn about the people whose actions challenged oppression. This walking tour of the Chatham grounds will cover around 0.25 mile over mostly flat terrain and may include some steps.

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Special Events

Labor Day Weekend Living History at the Sunken Road

August 31-September 2, 2024
10 am-4 pm
Visit the Sunken Road as park staff and volunteers wear authentic clothing and equipment to demonstrate the appearance of soldiers at Fredericksburg in 1862. Interact with the historical interpreters to learn more about the experience of those who lived during the Civil War.

History Hike: Gallant Quaker City Men

September 28, 2024
10 am
Meet at Fairview (Chancellorsville Battlefield Tour Stop #10); 2-mile hike, 2 hours
Join park staff for a two-mile hike exploring the history of the 114th Pennsylvania regiment on the newly created trail leading to their 1899 monument. Discover how this Zouave regiment's pride affected their battlefield actions and drove memorialization of their wartime experiences. Hike includes slight elevation changes. Participants should wear good walking shoes and bring water.

History Hike: Bridges over the River Rappahannock

October 12, 2024
10 am
Meet at Chatham (Fredericksburg Battlefield Tour Stop #2, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22405); 2-mile hike, 2 hours
Join park staff for an approximately two-mile hike that examines the pivotal pontoon bridges and the Battle of Fredericksburg. What obstacles did the United States Army face in crossing the Rappahannock River? How did an operation that was supposed to go smoothly turn into anything but? This walk will entail some changes in elevation, down and uphill. Participants should wear good walking shoes and bring water. 

Lecture: Nationalism and Democracy in the Mid-Nineteenth Century: International Perspectives of the American Civil War Era

October 29, 2024
12 pm - 1 pm
Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553)
Join historians Niels Eichorn and Duncan A. Campbell at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center auditorium for a lecture and discussion about the wide reaching impacts and influences upon the American Civil War. Niels Eichhorn is the author of Liberty and Slavery: European Separatists, Southern Secession, and the American Civil War and The Civil War Battles of Macon. He is an IB Teacher at Louisenlund in Germany. Duncan A. Campbell is professor of history at National University in San Diego and the author of Unlikely Allies: Britain, America and the Victorian Origins of the Special Relationship.

We host programming and special events that range from seasonal programs like our History at Sunset talks, annual events like the Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria, commemorations of battle anniversaries, and special living history programming. Learn more about special events at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Details

Activity

Guided Tours

Pets Allowed

Yes

Well behaved pets are welcome on most park programs. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. 

Activity Fee

No

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a fee-free park.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

During the summer season programs occur daily, with occasional special programs and events on the weekends. During the spring and fall, programs are typically offered during the weekends, when staffing allows. The park generally offers very little programming in the winter.

Learn more about building hours at the Operating Hours & Seasons page. 

Time of Day

Day

Most programs occur within a 9 am-5 pm period, though some special events may happen in the evening.

Accessibility Information

Check the individual program descriptions for expectations regarding physical accessibilty. 

Assistive listening devices are available upon request (if you need this accomodation and could let us know a day in advance we would greatly appreciate it).

We strive to make our programs as enjoying and fullfilling for as many people as possible. If you or a member of your party requires any accomodations or has any concerns, feel free to contact the park and we will do our best to meet your needs.