living history
Independence Day Celebration
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesAs essayist John Burroughs stated "That which distinguishes this day from all others is that then both orators and artillerymen shoot blank cartridges." In the spirit of Burroughs' quote, Pamplin Historical Park staff will offer multiple programs throughout the day, to include presentations of 1856 Independence Day campaign speeches and a ceremony with a cannon... Read more »
I Spy: A Civil War Spy Academy
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesDuring this two-day camp, participants will hear the stories of several Civil War spies, both Union and Confederate, who did what they could to help their cause through covert means. Campers will learn about the skills needed to be an effective spy; everything from code breaking to effective disguises. Campers will also discover some the... Read more »
From Forests to Fields
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesJoin us as we explore the mid-19th century efforts to use wood in civilian products and military construction on July 20-21, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Programs will include several 30-minute woodworking demonstrations at both the Tudor Hall Plantation and the Military Encampment areas. These programs will occur multiple times daily, so that... Read more »
Buzz’n & Weav’n
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesCelebrate National Honey Bee Day over the entire weekend with us. The Buzz'n & Weav'n event pays homage to beekeepers whose labors insure that we have bees to pollinate crops while also exploring the art of hand spinning natural fibers from animals over the centuries. Programs will include a bee petting zoo by Rockwood... Read more »
Fall Home School Day
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesThe Park's education staff is offering a special field trip program on for home school families and associations. Home School Tours at Pamplin Historical Park include educational programs that use fun, participatory learning techniques to teach historical lessons about life in the nineteenth century. Each Home School Tour includes a visit to the award-winning exhibit... Read more »
Voices from the Shadows
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesCostumed guides portraying “agents of death” will lead participants by candlelight on a spine-chilling tour through the historic park and Breakthrough Battlefield. At each stop, guests will encounter an escaped prisoner on the run, a guard on picket duty being ambushed, a surgeon performing grisly work in a field hospital and more. These and other ghouls... Read more »
Halloween Tea
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesThis Halloween have a hauntingly good time while enjoying great tea and treats. Learn about the historical importance of 19th century Victorian mourning traditions, and mourning attire while enjoying fall themed refreshments. Hear about some of the many terrifying urban legends from the Victorian era. Many of these legends were loosely based in fact and then... Read more »
Veterans Day
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesAs former U.S. President Ronald Reagan stated "We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give, and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty, though it never was. Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry... Read more »
A Christmas Past
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesExperience the holidays in 19th century style. Families will enjoy the opportunity for children to meet a ‘Thomas Nast’ Santa Claus including photo opportunities and the chance to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Thomas Nast is considered to be the “Father of the American Cartoon” and among his most notable works is his creation of... Read more »
Tea & Tidings
Pamplin Historical Park 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, United StatesThe Park hosts several themed tea events throughout the year and this one offers the same tasty tea and treats with a program highlighting holiday traditions. Park staff attired in antebellum clothing will explore the origins and stories behind traditional holiday decorations such as bells, candles, candy canes, garland, stockings, wreaths and more. Discover the origins... Read more »
