George Washington’s Ferry Farm
The first president’s childhood home offers a glimpse of this celebrated American hero in the formative years of his life. Take a guided tour of the house and property, or the visitor center will issue you a tablet for self-guided exploration. Research and archaeological digs are ongoing. $4.50-$9
Washington Heritage Museums
This is a complex of museums that showcase George Washington’s extended family’s life in Fredericksburg. The Mary Washington House has a cache of her possessions and guides offer insights into her life for the 17 years she lived there. Rising Sun Tavern was youngest brother Charles’ home; it became a tavern in 1792. Hugh Mercer Apothecary offers explanations of medical treatments used in Colonial times, like leeches for bloodletting. St. James’ House was the original home of James Mercer, a member of the House of Burgesses, who drafted Mary Washington’s will. $7-$15
Historic Kenmore
The home of George Washington’s sister Betty Washington Lewis, the brick mansion exhibits the lifestyle of a wealthy American family during the pre-Revolutionary War period. The striking furnishings and decor are beautifully preserved. The tour includes a visit to the outdoor kitchen and gardens. $6-$12
James Monroe Museum & Memorial Library
University of Mary Washington operates this museum, located on the former site of James Monroe’s law office, before he was elected fifth president of the United States. Focusing on the Revolutionary War period and Monroe’s service in the Continental Army, the museum also describes the lifestyle of his wife Elizabeth and daughters Eliza and Maria. The museum displays furnishings the family used in the White House, including formal china and the desk in which he drafted the Monroe Doctrine. $1-$6
Fredericksburg Area Museum
Housed in the former Town Hall and Market House, this museum, called FAM, explains the history of the region with exhibits, both permanent and temporary. The museum demonstrates how the Rappahannock River drove development of this historic community, along with presenting an array of objects and fine art pieces made in the area. FAM hosts regular events like the FAMfaire KrisKringlMarkt, a German-style holiday market in the square and offers walking tours of the city and its impressive architecture. $3-$5
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Civil War soldiers saw extremely bloody fighting at these two battlegrounds. The town of Fredericksburg was looted, farms were burned and nearly 100,000 soldiers were either wounded or died. The park represents four major battlefields and has two visitor centers: Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Along with the orientation films, National Park rangers offer tours of the landmarks, or you can go hiking on the miles of trails. Free
Gari Melchers Home and Studio
Paris-trained American painter Gari Melchers (1860-1932) is celebrated today at Belmont, his 18th-century estate, which features his furnished house, gardens and studio. Take a guided tour to discover his legacy of portraits, landscapes and scenes of everyday life; the largest collection of his works anywhere. An expatriate for the first half of his career, Melchers returned to America as WWI built up in Europe, dividing his time between New York City and his country retreat in Falmouth, VA. $10
