Ash Lawn-Highland -- Home of James Monroe

2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012	Valentine Celebration. To celebrate Valentine's Day and the 226th wedding of James and Elizabeth Monroe, Ash Lawn-Highland will offer a tea presided over by Eliza Monroe and her friend Hortense. Sunday, February 12 bring a friend, bring a family member, bring a sweetheart for a very special afternoon.With a lesson in tea etiquette, language of the fan, a private tour and the crafting of a keepsake. Cost: $20.00 includes all materials. Time: 2:00 – 4:00. Space is limited. Reservations required. Call 293-8000 or email info@ashlawnhighland.org.
Monday, February 20, 2012	President's Day. Chat with President James Monroe (portrayed by Dennis Bigelow) at the home of our nation's fifth president.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012	The Monroes 226th Wedding Anniversay. Tuesday, February 28, 2011 from 1:00 to 4:00. For information call 434-293-8000or email info@ashlawnhighland.org. .
Sunday, March 25, 2012	Virginia Festival of the Book. Sunday March 25, 2012 two noted authors will appear in the Ash Lawn-Highland Barn to discuss their recent writings and particpate in a book signing. At 1:30 PM, Professor David Holmes, author of Faith of the Founding Fathers, will focus on the religious beliefs and practices of the post World War II presidents and their families. At 3:00 PM, Robert Pierce Forbes, author of The Missouri Compromise and its Aftermath, goes behind the scenes of the crucial Missouri Compromise, the most important sectional crisis before the Civil War, to reveal the high-level deal-making, diplomacy, and deception that defused the crisis, including the central, unexpected role of President James Monroe. . For information call 434-293-8000 or email info@ashlawnhighland.org.
Sunday, April 15, 2012	Annual Sheep Shearing. Watch as the sheep don their new spring coats. Master shearer Emily Chamelin will demonstrate her art with manual shears as well as the modern electric ones. Other shearing related activities: 1) Visit our baby lambs. 2) Try your hand at carding & spinning. 3) Learn about natural dyes used in the Monroe era. 4) Discover the time-consuming nature of making woolen cloth. 5) Watch as intricate embroidery and needlework are created. Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00. For information call 434-293-8000 or email info@ashlawnhighland.org. .
April 21 through 28, 2012	Historic Garden Week. Enjoy the historic gardens at the home of James Monroe fifth President of the United States, especially beautified for Historic Garden Week.
Saturday, April 28, 2012	President James Monroe's 253rd Birthday Day. The celebration of President James Monroe's 253nd birthday, will continue Saturday, April 28th. The day of celebration will include a birthday cake and afternoon refreshments for all local residents. The house will be open 9 AM to 6 PM, local residents will be admitted free from 3 to 6 PM. For information call 434-293-8000 or email info@ashlawnhighland.org.
Sat. & Sun., May 19 & 20 2012	18th Annual Virginia WineFest. Despite their love of good wines Monroe and Jefferson had little success with their vineyards. Fortunately modern wine culture has solved ealier problems. Enjoy important Virginia vineyards, music, fine art, gourmet food, Monroe house tours and more. Admission charge includes wine glass and tastings. 11 am to 5 pm. Reservations accepted by phone: 434-293-8000.
Thursday, June 14, 2012	Annual Flag Day Celebration. Learn about the changes made to the flag during Monroe's time. Active members of the military and their spouses admitted free all day. Program 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Sunday, June 30, 2012	Elizabeth Monroe's 244th Birthday. Ash Lawn-Highland, home of President James Monroe, will host a formal tea in honor of the 244th birthday of Elizabeth Kortright Monroe. A proper afternoon tea will be served. Guests will also learn the language of the fan, create a greeting card using the centuries old art of paper quilling, play nineteenth century games and dance to period music. A house tour will also be included. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended for ages 8 and over. Reservations required. Admission to the tea $20.00 per person. 1:00 - 4:00 PM For information call 434-293-8000 or email info@ashlawnhighland.org.
Wednesday July 4, 2012	Celebrating America's Independence. Celebrate the seasons and welcome summer with a July 4th open house. Ash Lawn-Highland, home of President James Monroe, will celebrate America’s birthday July 4 with a day designed especially for families. Dip a candle, make a lantern, and create a bookmark using the centuries old art of paper quilling. Learn Monroe era dances or play period games. There will be on going demonstrations of nineteenth century crafts. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day with the family. Tickets are $5 per person with the purchase of general admission. For information call 434-293-8000 or email info@ashlawnhighland.org.
Saturday, July 14, 2012	Bastille Day - the French Connection. le 14 juillet will feature this historic day in French history and the strong bond between the Frnch and American people.1:00 - 4:00 PM
Sunday, September 25, 2012	Black History Month Celebration. In observance of Black History month, Ash Lawn-Highland, home of President James Monroe, will focus on the contribution of African-Americans to Southern cuisine. Folkways interpreters will discuss foods of African origin and prepare them on the open hearth. These foods which include okra, yams, sesame, and black eyed peas were brought to the colonies by enslaved Africans. Modern versions of the historic recipes will available. Saturday, September 25, 2012 from 1:00 to 4:00. For information call 434-293-8000 or email info@ashlawnhighland.org.
Sunday, November 11, 2012	Veteran's Day. Commemoration of Veteran's Day at the home of Revolutionary War Veteran and U.S. President James Monroe. The event will include a wreath-laying, playing of TAPS, and ceremonial folding of the U.S. flag. An honor guard composed of UVa Air Force ROTC cadets will present the colors. The ceremony is open to all at no charge and begins promptly at 11:00 A.M..Veterans and current military personnel and their relatives are admitted free all day.
Sunday, November 18, 2012	Annual Fall Open House. Our neighbors are invited to celebrate the 213th anniversary of the Monroe's arrival at Highland in 1799 and learn of his role in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and his Monroe Doctrine statement in 1823. Enjoy a visit with President Monroe. 1 to 4 PM, light refreshments served. Residents of Albemarle and bordering counties (Augusta, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, Orange and Rockingham) admitted free.
December 3 through 31, 2012	House Decorated for Christmas. Fresh boxwood, fruits, holly and more adorn the historic home in the early 19th century style of President James and Elizabeth Monroe, with a late 19th century emphasis in the Victorian addition.
Sunday, December 9, 2012	Gingerbread and Lace Ornament Workshop. Ash Lawn-Highland’s skilled crafters will direct an ornament workshop. Each participant in the workshop will be guided through the process of making three Victorian inspired tree decorations. For information call 434-293-8000 or email info@ashlawnhighland.org.