Lectures & Webinars

The Museum is excited for the return of our lecture series! Throughout the year historians will present engaging lectures at the museum pertaining to a variety of local history topics.

These programs are made possible in 2021 through funding from Virginia Humanities and the M. Meade Palmer Memorial Fund of the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation.

George Washington in Culpeper
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 @ 7:00 PM

Join us for a presentation by Jim Bish about George Washington’s Culpeper. Before George Washington gained American Independence and led America as our first President, he had many connections to Culpeper County beginning with being chosen as our county’s first surveyor at the age of seventeen in 1749. Learn about the many connections Washington had with Culpeper County including those who he was related to and others who served alongside him in the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars. Also, learn about Washington’s close Culpeper family members who are also buried here. Washington’s connections to Culpeper likely started before becoming our county surveyor and lasted throughout his life. In addition, copies of his book, I Can’t Tell A Lie: Parson Weems and The Truth About George Washington’s Cherry Tree, Prayer at Valley Forge, and Other Anecdotes will be available for signing.

This program will be held at the museum. Admission is $5 per person but Museum members get in FREE.

Early Baptist Church in Culpeper on Davis Street
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 @ 7:00 PM

“We will at all times, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, oppose any Act imposing such taxes or duties” – The importance and uniqueness of the 1774 Culpeper Resolves.

Culpeper County was among the earliest Virginia counties to produce Resolves in 1774. Join us as local historian Jim Bish explores the importance and uniqueness of these resolves. Virginia was the wealthiest and most populated of all of the colonies. Their commitment against the actions of England became paramount in the success of the Revolution. The results of the British disenfranchisement and anger manifested itself in what came to number over fifty local Virginia Resolves. Culpeper’s Resolves served to voice our grievances, but in a larger sense, they served to unite Culpeper and other Virginia localities for the long-term upcoming struggle against England. Culpeper was ready for war.

Fire When Ready! Historical Strategy Gaming

People have engaged in warfare simulations for centuries, from rules for playing with toy soldiers to exacting map exercises with rigid rules for military training. Game designer Peter Schweighofer presents an introduction to historical simulation gaming and discusses how wargames serve as a useful tool for exploring historic events, including a simple Civil War game demonstration.

Prelude to Yorktown 1781 — Lafayette vs. Cornwallis in Virginia

Incredible Women in Culpeper

In honor of Women’s History Month, the museum is pleased to have 2 long-time staff members and volunteers, Gloria Cooper and Karen Quaintance, present on the lives of incredible women who were in Culpeper. They will focus on the achievements of Ruby Beck, Edith Grey, Cornelia Hancock, and Mary Jefferies.

The Impact of Civil War Medicine

Dr. Dianne Murphy, formerly of the Food and Drug Administration, will discuss the lasting impact of innovations in health and medicine developed in response to the sickness and injuries experienced during the Civil War.

History of Brewing in Virginia

Join Nathan Stalvey, Executive Director of the Clarke County Historical Society, for a trip through Virginia’s brewing past.