*Dates subject to change

*Refunds issued only if Ash Lawn-Highland cancels an event

**Hiking Trails are closed until further notice for the protection of our domestic and field animals

***See more information on Christmas events

A Dream Fulfilled: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the inauguration at Ash Lawn-Highland. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. proclaimed: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."" Join Ash Lawn-Highland, home of president James Monroe, in celebrating the fulfillment of that dream with the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama. Ash Lawn-Highland will offer special programs from 1 PM - 5 PM on Saturday, January 17, Sunday, January 18, and Monday, January 19. Interpreter Alison Wood will present an overview of civil rights advancement in America from Lincoln to Obama, with an emphasis on Dr. King. Guides at the Monroe home will discuss inaugural traditions of the founding fathers and those of today. Visitors will also learn about inaugural firsts such as the first president to be sworn in wearing long trousers and the first inauguration broadcast live on radio. President James Monroe, portrayed by character interpreter Dennis Bigelow, will reflect on his inaugurations in 1817 and 1821. Interpreter Martha Bar will demonstrate open-hearth cooking and prepare an inaugural dinner with with foods served on Monroe's table. A very special activity will also be available for children. All activities are free with the standard admission fee.

Presidents' Day Weekend. In the tradition of honoring America’s chief executives, past and present, Ash Lawn-Highland will host a three-day event Presidents’ Day weekend.  The celebration will take place February 14-16 from 1 PM – 4 PM and includes special programming for children plus a visit with President Monroe. Children can participate in hands-on presidential activities and crafts in the conference room.  Games from the Monroe era will also be set up, weather permitting. As part of the celebration, presidential china will be on display in the Monroe home.  James Monroe purchased the first china created specifically for the White House.  Children will have the opportunity to design presidential china to send to First Lady Obama, who, like first ladies before her, will select a pattern for the Obama administration.  On Monday, February 16, visitors will be greeted by President James Monroe (interpreted by Dennis Bigelow), who will share his favorite memories as president.  Monroe’s presidency marked the end of the revolutionary era and the emergence of a generation of Americans with a new vision for the country.  President Monroe will discuss these visions.

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.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

President James Monroe's 251st Birthday Day. Ash Lawn-Highland will celebrate the opening of a new exhibit, Seated in Style: Chairs from the Collection of James and Elizabeth Monroe, 1770-1830, on Sunday, April 26th at 2 pm in conjunction with James Monroe’s 251st birthday and the unveiling of a bronze bust of James Monroe, our nation’s fifth president.  The afternoon’s activities will include a special tour of the chair exhibit, a light reception, and the unveiling of the bust. Seated in Style contains twelve original Monroe chairs and one reproduction from the collections of Ash Lawn-Highland, the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library in Fredericksburg, and a private collection.  As the celebration’s grand finale, a bronze bust of Monroe will be unveiled on the Ash Lawn-Highland grounds in honor of the 251st anniversary of the birth of James Monroe.  The portrait bust was sculpted by artist Cathe Wallendahl in 1958, the year of Monroe’s 200th birthday, and presented to the University of Virginia in honor of its retiring president, the former governor of Virginia, Colgate Darden, Jr.  The sculptor’s daughter, Augusta Hyde, graciously donated the mold to Ash Lawn-Highland.

The celebration of President James Monroe's 251st birthday, will continue Tuesday, April 28th. The day of celebration will include a birthday cake  and  afternoon refreshments for all local residents.
There will also be special exhibit Seated in Style: Chairs from the Collection of James and Elizabeth Monroe, 1770-1830.

Ash Lawn-Highland Summer Camp. Ash Lawn-Highland Colonial Camp will offer single day summer camp sessions designed for rising 2nd & 3rd graders, 4th & 5th graders and 6th & 7th graders.

DATES:  Rising 2nd & 3rd graders July 21

                Rising 4th & 5th graders July 22

                Rising 6th & 7th graders July 23

For more information go here.

Elizabeth Monroe's 241st Birthday. Learn about the lives and roles of women on the plantation as we celebrate Mrs. Monroe's birthday. Refreshments, colonial games, a colonial etiquette lesson, and a house tour, all with regular admission.