Saving History: Behind the Scenes at the Blackburn Inn

Experience a “Behind the Scenes” look at the past and present of The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center. This weekend package offers a unique opportunity to hear about a massive and ongoing preservation effort while staying overnight at The Blackburn in Staunton, Virginia. With its first building completed in 1828, the former campus of Western State Hospital underwent many transformations over the last 200 years. Join us as we explore the work of architect Thomas Blackburn and the property’s transformation from resort-style hospital to regional correctional facility to luxury boutique hotel, conference center and spa.

This weekend package includes:

  • Overnight accommodations at our boutique hotel
  • Welcome reception
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Private tour of grounds at The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center with developer Robin Miller
  • Self-Guided Architectural Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Staunton
  • Guided Tour of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
  • Guided Tour of the Frontier Culture Museum
  • Wine tasting at Barren Ridge Vineyards

Don’t miss this chance to see preservation in action in beautiful Staunton this spring. For more information, contact guestservices@blackburn-inn.com.

Traditional Building Conference

Join architects, designers, preservationists, building artisans, specialty trades people, restoration and renovation contractors, building owners, facilities managers and suppliers for the only national conference about traditional building materials and methods.

The venue s the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition to AIA CEU-registered courses, take part in architectural walking tours of Historic Alexandria. The theme for 2022 is Methods and Materials; topics will include masonry restoration, glazing for energy efficiency and preserving historic character, adaptive use for traditional buildings, classical design, drawing with geometry, and historic timber framing.

REGISTER HERE

The Traditional Building Conference Series is a registered provider of AIA continuing education credits. Credits for NARI, AIBD, and some NAHB certifications are available.

Traditional Building Conference

Join architects, designers, preservationists, building artisans, specialty trades people, restoration and renovation contractors, building owners, facilities managers and suppliers for the only national conference about traditional building materials and methods.

The venue is the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition to AIA CEU-registered courses, take part in architectural walking tours of Historic Alexandria. The theme for 2022 is Methods and Materials; topics will include masonry restoration, glazing for energy efficiency and preserving historic character, adaptive use for traditional buildings, classical design, drawing with geometry, and historic timber framing.

REGISTER HERE

The Traditional Building Conference Series is a registered provider of AIA continuing education credits. Credits for NARI, AIBD, and some NAHB certifications are available.

John Marshall at Home Virtual Tour

Join a 60-minute interactive virtual visit to the John Marshall House, with a Museum Educator. The signature tour explores the life of John Marshall in early 19th century Richmond as a husband, father, lawyer, enslaver, quoits and Madeira enthusiast, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Free; Suggested donation of $10

Register

Knights Before Christmas at Bacon’s Castle

A fun filled family holiday festival at Bacon’s Castle featuring demonstrations by the Tidewater Dogs of War, a medieval armored combat team.

  • Christmas Tours of the Castle
  • Visit from Santa
  • Re-enactors
  • Vendors
  • Food and Drink
  • Bonfire
  • Games

All COVID-19 protocols will be followed including wearing face masks and social distancing.

All activities included in General Admission ticketing.

Holiday Cheer at Scotchtown

Time to get into the holiday spirit at Scotchtown!

Join us for holiday themed crafts, tours and much more. Story time at the top of every hour.

$12 per person includes:

  • House tours
  • Costumed interpreters
  • Hot cider
  • Holiday Craft
  • Story Time

Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are encouraged. This event is hosted almost entirely outdoors. No refunds given unless the event must be cancelled by Preservation Virginia due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

All COVID-19 protocols will be followed including wearing face masks and social distancing.

Preservation Virginia members use code PVMEMBER at checkout.

For children 6 and under, use code PVCHILD.

Register

Behind the Walls at Bacon’s Castle: Found Objects and Ritual Concealments

Explore the unique and personal finds revealed during restoration work within the architecture of Bacon’s Castle and the 19th century slave quarter. With an expert panel of researchers we are able to go deeper into the historical, cultural and geographic context to discuss why specific artifacts are so commonly found and what they mean.

Rebekah Planto, PhD Student, Historical Archaeology, Department of Anthropology, William & Mary
Jessica Costello, NPS Northeast Museum Center
Sara Rivers-Cofield, Maryland Archaeological Curation Lab
Brenna Gheraghty, Bacon’s Castle and Chippokes State Park

Register