Lectures

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.

We are excited to announce a partnership with Culpeper Media Network to have the lectures recorded and made available.

Upcoming Dates

The Role of the U.S Gliders in WWII
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 @ 6:30 PM

As with every conflict, World War II served as a testing ground for new weapons and equipment. For the first time, gliders were to be used as a means of reinforcement to the paratroopers during assault phases. Of all the belligerents, the Americans were the most inclined to use the glider, which was the only way of transporting a Jeep or a piece of artillery by air at the time, behind enemy lines. They were used during all the major operations in Europe. Join us as historian Philippe Esvelin discusses the significance of gliders in WWII.

This program will be held at the museum. Space is limited, so save your seat today! Admission is $5 per person, but Museum members get in FREE.

Get a Ticket!

Past Lectures

Culpeper’s Sons at Cedar Mountain
The anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain is just around the corner. One of four battles fought in the county, it played an important role in the lives of Culpeper’s residents. Local historian and Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation Board member William Treuting will discuss the exploits of Culpeper natives who fought in their home county during the Battle of Cedar Mountain on August 9th, 1862. Specifically, we will look at the exploits of the 13th VA Infantry, General Ambrose Powell Hill, and other local men serving during the battle.

The American Revolution: What You Did Not Learn in School
Most Americans are familiar with key events from the American Revolution, such as the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration of Independence, and Benedict Arnold’s betrayal. However, there are many fascinating details, personalities, and misconceptions about them that can alter our perception of these events. Join us this month as local historian Blane Ampthor examines these aspects and helps enhance our view of events that were key to our country’s founding.

For the Common Defense: The Birth of America’s Armed Forces
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, local historian Jeff Joyce will discuss the birth of our armed forces. He will describe how the Continental Army, Navy, and Marines were established in 1775 as war broke out between the 13 colonies and Great Britain.

VE Day: How Victory in Europe Changed the World
Local author and historian Matt DiPalma returns this month with a fascinating look at how the end of the world’s greatest conflict changed the balance of global power and affected the lives of Culpeper residents. Along with displaying his collection of original VE Day and World War II artifacts, Matt will discuss events leading to Victory in Europe and the aftermath that led to the Cold War.

Revolutionary Time: Watches, Fobs, and Chains in the Age of Independence
Local historian Dennis Loba is back this month with another interesting talk on the material culture of watches, fobs, and chains of the 18th century. This presentation will provide a glimpse of all these items- their history, uses, and their necessary importance in everyday life.

Following the Army: Camp Followers in the American Revolution
Join us this month as we continue to focus on the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States. Local historian Jane Pease will discuss the women and children who travelled with the Continental and British armies during the American Revolution: Who they were, how they lived, what they did, and why they did it.

Patriots of Color in the American Revolution
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding, we look at the role African Americans played in the fight for independence. The focus will be on men from Culpeper, with emphasis on free man William Clark and enslaved man Spencer Slaughter.

Who is Santa Claus?
Santa, Kris Kringle. St. Nick – He goes by many names, but where did he originate? Join us this month as Christine Wuebker, the Education Coordinator for the museum, explains the origins and evolution of this pop culture icon.

The History of Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Served
Local historian and volunteer at the Culpeper National Cemetery, Jeff Joyce, will return to the museum in November to discuss the origins and creation of Veterans Day, the lives of several Culpeper veterans who served in every war from WWI to the present, and the continuing efforts to remember our veterans.