Enslavement

Late Summer/Fall 2026 Programs August 3, 2026 Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center (Park Store is open while visitor center closed for maintenance project) 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA. Sunken Road Walking Tours; Saturday-Sunday , 10:30 am & 2 pm, 45 minutes. Meet at the battle painting outside the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. 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. Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center 9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA. Chancellorsvile Walking Tours; Saturday-Sunday , 10:30 am & 2 pm from 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. History at Sunset History at Sunset is an annual series that focuses on areas rarely visited, stories rarely told, or familiar sites seen through a different lens. Join park staff for this year's History at Sunset series. Visit the History at Sunset page for the full scheudle and program details. Civil War Book Group The Civil War Book Group meets on the first Wednesdays of the month from 6 pm-7 pm at the Fredericksburg Library Branch. Learn more about the Civil War Book Group. 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.

Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th century home located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. The tavern sits on a beautifully restored section of the battlefield and is the heart of our Living History operations at Minute Man. The grounds around Hartwell remain open sunrise to sunset. Living History at Hartwell Tavern: If you visit during the operational season, you will have an opportunity to explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775 or talk about popular drinks consumed in the 18th tavern room! During the summer and fall National Park Service staff will also conduct musket firing demonstrations outside the tavern. Park at 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA, walk dirt path 1/4 mile north to Tavern.

History at Sunset is an annual series that focuses on areas rarely visited, stories rarely told, or familiar sites seen through a different lens. Park rangers lead each History at Sunset program. All programs are free and take place every other Saturday evening at 6:30 pm. Most include walking, with distances ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 miles. Participants are recommended to bring bug spray and water and to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. 2026 History at Sunset Schedule All programs begin at 6:30 pm and are about 90 minutes. June 13 – Decisions and Consequences: The First Shots at Chancellorsville, May 1, 1863 6:30 pm-8 pm Battlefield hike; 1 mile; meet at the May 1 Battlefield (American Battlefield Trust), 6159 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 At the beginning of the Battle of Chancellorsville, the US Army of the Potomac stole a vital march on the Confederates at Fredericksburg and threatened to catch them in a vise. Hooker's initial approach and subsequent decision to withdraw had profound consequences on the battle. We will examine the area of the heaviest fighting on May 1 and discuss the decisions that made the Battle of Chancellorsville. The walk will be on well-maintained trails and will cover about one mile including climbing a hill with a moderate to easy slope. June 27 – The Revolution and Its Legacy 6:30 pm-8 pm Mostly stationary talk; meet Chatham 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Explore the many ways that Chatham’s William Fitzhugh and other local citizens supported the American Revolution through money and armaments. With the young nation embroiled in war again less than a hundred years later, how did Civil War soldiers camped in Stafford County understand the legacy of the revolutionary generation? Bring a lawn chair and join park rangers for a mostly stationary program at Chatham. July 11 – Jackson’s Flank Attack in History and Memory 6:30 pm-8 pm Mostly stationary talk; meet at Chancellorsville Battlefield Tour Stop 8, Jackson’s Flank Attack Due to inclement weather forecast this program has been moved to the Chancellorsville Visitor Center Auditorium. How did this legendary assault transpire, what were the real impacts, and why is it so exalted? Join park rangers as they separate truth from fiction while investigating this famous event. July 25 – Untold Stories of the Sunken Road 6:30 pm-8 pm Walk; about .25 mile; park in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center parking lot at 1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Take a deep dive into the history of the Sunken Road beyond our regular programming to learn about the people and moments that shaped this iconic landscape. This special evening tour will include rotating stations along the Sunken Road each covering a unique story. This program will include walking about .25 mile over the Sunken Road on the Fredericksburg Battlefield. August 8 – Bullock House Site: Battle of Chancellorsville on May 3 6:30 pm-8 pm Battlefield hike; about 1 mile; meet at Chancellorsville Battlefield Tour Stop 2, Bullock House Site On May 3, 1863, the Battle of Chancellorsville roared around the home of Oscar and Catherine Bullock. Join park staff to learn how the fighting that day changed the course of the battle and how the people who lived here contended with the aftermath of war. This program will meet at the Bullock House Site on the Chancellorsville Battlefield and will include a walk along a wooded trail of approximately 1 mile.

The Wayside is open on Sunday and Wednesday, 1:00 - 5:00 pm. July 5 - September 5, 2026 Guided tours at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00pm Witness to over 300 years of history! From revolutionary patriots to famous authors, the Wayside has played host to many influential thinkers in American History. Learn more about the Wayside: Home of Authors by clicking here!

While Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, we’re also known to be a very popular spot for cycling; no matter your level of expertise. The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset; cyclists are able to ride the tour road at any time, weather and conditions permitting. Check on updates to our operating hours to see when the Tour Road is open. Bikes must remain on paved surfaces and follow all New York State bicycle laws. Off-road use is not permitted. Bike Rentals Find out about bike rentals at Saratoga National Historical Park from BikeSaratoga. What to Expect BRING WATER! There is no water available along the tour road and fountains are turned off during the winter months. The tour road is a 9.5-mile, paved, one way road with a 25 mph speed limit and a multi-use lane on the right hand side. A bicycle is considered a vehicle and must follow the posted speed limit and one way flow of traffic. At the end of the tour road, cyclists will need to turn right and ride 1.5 miles back to the visitor center (if this is where you started). In total, the "battlefield loop" is about 11 miles and contains steep inclines and downhills. You will probably use every gear your bike has! Need a shorter ride? A service road is available just after the 5-mile mark; it is indicated by a brown and white sign next to the bike lane. NOTE: this service road is gravel and there is a steep hill; for your safety, please walk. If you decide to turn around and head back to the parking lot going against the flow of traffic, walk your bikes on the right side of the road or in the grass. Pedestrians have right of way in pedestrian/bike lane. There are 10 parking areas along the 11-mile loop for you take a break and explore the historical grounds this park preserves. This isn’t a race, so take your time and enjoy your surroundings. Watch out for wildlife on the road. Deer can be tame and just stand on the road as you approach. Whether you've ridden the battlefield before or not, be sure to check out our additional tips below for a fun (and safe) ride at Saratoga NHP!

Join a Park Ranger and explore the Blackstone River Valley. During the months of June, July, and August, park staff offer specialty tours at varying locations across the Blackstone River Watershed. These programs begin at 6:30 PM and are 60-minutes long. Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Most tours are outside and often include walking on uneven surfaces on varying types of terrain with no access to bathroom facilities. Bug spray and sunscreen are also highly suggested. Please Note: There will be no Walkabout on July 2. June 4: From Forge to Fortune in Northbridge Location: 50 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville, MA How did the Revolutionary generation in Northridge set the stage for the future of American industry? Learn how a small forge along the Mumford River gave rise to a textile giant and a blueprint for American innovation. Tour will begin near the historic forge building, located within the Open Sky complex. June 11: Seeds of Success in Slatersville Location: 101 Green St, North Smithfield, RI Why was this location, along the Branch River, chosen for a mill village? How did financiers, workers, ministers, and farmers make this a thriving industrial community? This walk will take us through the well-preserved core of the country’s first planned mill village. Tour begins at Heritage Hall—parking is available in a small adjacent lot and by the Town Hall. June 18: "Owning Our History" with Peter Laarman Location: One Benevolent Street, Providence, RI Gather at the First Unitarian Church to explore the historic church and neighborhood and learn how slavery built dynastic wealth in Rhode Island. This tour will begin at the First Unitarian Church (corner of Benevolent and Benefit streets). June 25: Stepping Out to Skull Rock Lock Location: 300 Quaker Hwy, Uxbridge, MA Discover the history of Skull Rock Lock and take a walk with a ranger from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Meet in the parking lot of Uxbridge High School in Uxbridge, MA. Meet the rangers at Uxbridge High School. July 9: The Transportation Revolution in the Valley Location: Plummer's Landing Parking Area, Northbridge, MA Explore Plummer’s Landing and learn about the enterprising people of the Blackstone Valley who built the infrastructure for a transportation revolution. Meet at the Plummer’s Landing parking area (bit.ly/plummerslanding). Expect to walk about two miles on rugged terrain with moderate inclines. Led with a ranger from Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Look for a small lot located off Church Street Extension in Northbridge. July 16: Heritage and Landscape in Hopedale Location: 2 Peace St, Hopedale, MA What defines a commune or a company town? How have the residents of Hopedale built lives in each of these types of communities? Take an evening stroll through Hopedale, a town with centuries of history. Look for a ranger by the statue of Adin Ballou - on-street parking is available. July 23: Prosperity in Providence - A Tour of Lippitt House Location: 199 Hope St, Providence, RI Step into Providence’s Golden Age during a guided tour of Lippitt House Museum. A National Historic Landmark, Lippitt House has one of the best-preserved Victorian-era interiors in America. Following the Lippitt family’s example of public service, today the Museum is a place where art, history, and community converge. Presented with Preserve Rhode Island. Seek on-street parking and meet in front of Lippitt House. July 30: The Rockdale Mill - A Historic Tribute to Centuries of Manufacturing Location: 10 Sutton St, Northbridge, MA In the 19th century, the Whitins of Northbridge, Massachusetts built a formidable family enterprise. In the 1860s, matriarch Betsey Whitin divided the then multi-faceted business between her sons. Paul Whitin Jr. took control of the Rockdale and Riverdale Mills. Join us as we take a closer look at the legacy that is the Rockdale Mill. Special note: this tour will meet at the corner of Rte. 122 and Central Turnpike (Curtain Factory Outlet is on lower level). Gather at the entrance to Mill at 5 Points – parking is available. August 6: Navigating the Blackstone Canal, Past and Present Location: Collyer Street Gate, North Burial Ground, Providence, RI Enjoy a guided walk through North Burial Ground with Annalisa Heppner. Learn about the flow of the Blackstone Canal through a trench running through North Burial Ground. Visit the gravesites of industrialists whose fortunes depended on the canal, and other local residents. Look for the gate to enter North Burial Ground on Collyer Street. August 13: Holocaust Education and Memorial Walk Location: 282 N. Main St., Providence, RI Walk to Memorial Park with Dr. Laura Auketayeva, Director of Education and Programs at Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center. This tour will include a guided exploration of the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial in Providence, RI. Meet at Roger Williams National Memorial. Limited, off-street parking is available in the Roger Williams National Memorial lot. August 20: Revolutions in Ashton Location: 51 Front St., Cumberland, RI In 1820, a small mill village was constructed in present-day Lincoln, Rhode Island. Over the next forty years, Ashton expanded into a large community that experienced revolutions in transportation and industry. Join a ranger for a guided walk through this well-preserved Rhode Island system mill village and learn about the many changes experienced by this community and the people who lived and worked there. Please use parking provided for the Blackstone River Bikeway. August 27: Commemorations and Community in Pawtucket Location: 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI In August 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette traveled through Pawtucket. Lafayette’s very popular tour through the United States was an early commemoration of the country’s War for Independence. This walk will explore Revolutionary history in Pawtucket and discuss Lafayette’s extensive tour. Meet at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark in Pawtucket. Parking is available in a lot next to the historic Slater Mill.

Slater Mill is called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, but what does that really mean? What occurred within the four walls of Old Slater Mill forever changed the fabric of the United States of America. These 30 - 45 minute long tours examine the beginnings of American industry and its lasting effects. Tours are offered seasonally. See below of more details. Please Note: For visitor safety, tours of Old Slater Mill will be modified or canceled if the heat index is at or above 87 degrees Fahrenheit. A shortened 10 minute Ranger talk will be offered at the normal tour times. Visitors will have a brief period of access to the main part of the mill. For the latest weather information, call 401-725-8638. Spring 2026 Schedule (April 24, 2026 - May 16, 2026) Guided Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M. Summer 2026 Schedule (May 17, 2026 - October 31, 2026) Guided Tours are offered Thursdays - Sundays at 10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M. Fall 2026 Schedule (November 1, 2026 - November 28, 2026) Guided Tours are offered Fridays - Saturdays at 10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M. Check the Park's Calendar for the times of tours.

2026 Chancellorsville Anniversary Join us on Saturday, May 2 for special programs commemorating the Battle of Chancellorsville and on Sunday, May 10 for an open house at the "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site. May 2, 2026 at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center Meet at battle painting outside Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553) Join a ranger for two special extended versions on our daily Chancellorsville tour. 10:30 am - Jackson Wounding Walking Tour Examine the varying accounts and meanings behind the historical hyper-focus of the wounding of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson by his own men on May 2, 1863. Consider how we analyze these different narratives, work through mysteries and evidence, and better understand the role of memory and the Lost Cause in our collective memory of this fatal night reconnaissance. 2 pm - May 3 This 2-mile, 90 minute hike will focus on the events that took place in the woods surrounding the visitor center on May 3, 1863. This walk will cover some uneven ground with roots and branches. Good shoes, sun protection, and bug spray are encouraged. The tour will walk down to the Chancellor house site, approximately one mile from the visitor center. Attendees should plan on a 2-mile round trip. May 10 at the "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site Open House at the Jackson Death Site 9 am-5 pm Drop-in 12019 Stonewall Jackson Road, Woodford, VA 22580 Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson died on May 10, 1863. Visit the farm office of the Fairfield Plantation, the building that Jackson died in, and reflect on the life and legacy of this historical figure.