Film Screening:
Gina's Journey: The Search for William Grimes

May 15, 2019

Born in 1784 on a Prince William County plantation, William Grimes escaped slavery and then wrote about his experiences. The film "Gina's Journey" traces the efforts of Grimes' descendant Regina Mason to uncover her family history.

Postponed: Legacies of Mason

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Explore the American Evolution (1619-2019) themes of diversity, democracy, and opportunity in this multi-disciplinary set of performances. Presented in partnership with George Mason University.

This event has been postponed, and there is a change of location.  It will now be in April on George Mason University's campus.  Check back for more details. 

18th-Century Game Night

Friday, February 8, 2019
6-9 p.m.

Are you ready for a night of games? Many people in the 18th century played a variety of card, dice, and board games. Letters, journals, and even existing game pieces can tell us a lot about the games they played in George Mason's lifetime. A number of them are predecessors to games we still play today.

Learn how to play games like the Game of the Goose, and Whist at Gunston Hall. Game masters will help teach you how to play the games, converse on topics Mason was thinking about, and help you have a great time.

Registration includes snacks and beverages, including seasonal alcoholic drinks from the 18th century. You must be 21 or older to consume alcohol, and IDs will be checked at the event.

$35, $25 for members of Gunston Hall

To register online, please visit our Registration Page. If you would like to register over the phone, please call 703-550-9220.

For more information, please call 703-550-9220, or email Lacey Villiva at lvilliva@gunstonhall.org.

Wreath Making Workshop

December 12, 2018
10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Join us at Gunston Hall for a special wreath making workshop.  We'll be making traditional boxwood wreaths from materials collected right here at Gunston Hall in our historic garden.  Let us help you get your holiday season started with this amazing opportunity to meet other history enthusiasts and take home a wreath to decorate your door. Refreshments are included in the ticket price for each session.  In the morning, we'll have breakfast snacks and seasonal warm beverages.  At the evening session, sip on an alcoholic beverage crafted from an 18th century recipe and nibble on hors d'ouevres. Registration Fee: $50, $40 for Friends of Gunston Hall If you are already a Friend of Gunston Hall, and haven't received your discount code, please contact Lacey Villiva at lvilliva@gunstonhall.org.  If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Friend, please visit www.gunstonhall.org. Register online, or call 703-550-9220.

What’s Happening at Gunston Hall: Construction

Between September 2018 and February 2019, the Visitor Center at Gunston Hall will be under renovation to enhance the experience for our visitors and continue the preservation of our collections. Over the course of the project, the building will be getting new windows and doors, a new roof, and many behind-the-scenes updates. This page is up-to-date with current progress and how the renovations will affect to your visit.

Mansion
The heating and cooling systems in the Mansion will be replaced beginning the end of January 2019.  This will take place in the Mansion and Kitchen Yard, changing access to both of those spaces.  The Kitchen Yard will remain fully open during the work.  At some points during this work, the Mansion will be closed to visitors for portions of the day.  Please call in advance of your visit to determine if the Mansion will be open for tours.

Sections of pipe for the Mansion water systems are being replaced, and there will be digging along the driveway directly in front of the Mansion.  This may change which doors guests use to access the Mansion, but will not affect tours.

Visitor Center
From October 2018 to February 2019 the exhibit spaces in the Visitor Center will be closed for construction. The museum shop will remain open for visitors throughout the renovation.

Admissions
Gunston Hall is offering special “Construction” pricing for regular visitation days. Public programs and special events will retain their regular listed price.

Special Construction Pricing:

If you have any questions regarding the renovations or how they will affect your visit, please call 703-550-9220 or contact historic@gunstonhall.org.

Passport to History

Explore the places in this passport for a history-filled adventure! You will discover that our neighborhood is filled with exciting stories. From the American Revolution to the fight for women’s rights, you will find a lot to investigate. Also, you will be part of Virginia’s American Evolution™ commemoration.

What is the passport?

Passport to History represents a trail of historic sites in eastern Fairfax County. It is especially focused on 4th grade students, but all are welcome to participate and get to know the history of this storied area. Each page introduces a local site and asks questions to enhance your experience. Take a trip through time as you visit them all!

What do I do?

For each site you visit, take your passport to the admissions desk for a stamp. Once you get a stamp on each passport page, you will qualify for a small gift. Plus, everyone who gets a stamp from all the organizations in the passport may enter a drawing for a special prize: a behind-the-scenes visit to one of the sites. To receive your gift and enter the drawing, go to http://tiny.cc/passport2historyform.

What do I do when I have visited all the sites?

Follow this link to register for your prize: http://tiny.cc/passport2historyform. Please complete the form by 5 p.m. on Labor Day, 9/3/2018, in order to qualify for the gift and the drawing. Happy history trails!

Which sites are included in Passport to History?

What is American Evolution?

Passport to History is part of the American Evolution™ commemoration, exploring democracy, diversity, and opportunity in Virginia from 1619-2019. American Evolution™ commemorates the 400th anniversary of several key historical events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 and continue to influence America today. These events include the establishment of the first representative legislative assembly in the New World, the arrival of the first recorded Africans to English North America, the recruitment of English women in significant numbers, as well as the first official English Thanksgiving in North America. For more information about American Evolution and other ways to join in, please visit http://www.americanevolution2019.com/.

Exhibition: A Woman's Place

Women have always played a pivotal role at Gunston Hall, and A Woman’s Place explores some of their untold stories. This exhibition explores the daily life of 18th century women, both free and enslaved. A Woman’s Place investigates the indispensable contributions of women on an 18th century plantation. Gunston Hall invites guests to discover the many of the facets of a woman’s experience in an era that documented mostly the accomplishments of men. Visitors will have an opportunity to connect with stories about partnerships, learning, leisure, family, and self-expression. This exhibition opens on April 27, 2018.

Museum Theater Performance: George Mason and His Legacy

Museum Shop Holiday Preview Party

Special Naturalization Ceremony

September 15, 2018
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Take part in welcoming America's newest citizens at Gunston Hall, as we partner with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Washington Office in naturalizing candidates.  Before the ceremony, take part craft activities and explore the grounds.  The ceremony is followed by a reception, and an opportunity to register to vote. Admission is free until 1pm to all visitors.