Three historic sites host special events
Three of Fredericksburg's most celebrated historic sites will open their doors for special programs this weekend.
The Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern and Hugh Mercer Apothecary will welcome visitors to "Our Living Legacies" on Saturday and Sunday. Demonstrations and new exhibits will honor the crafts of the 18th and 19th centuries.
On Saturday in the kitchen of the Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles St., living historian Denise Benedetto will discuss how quilts aided the escape of slaves to freedom.
In the garden, re-enactors with Civil War Civilians of Spotsylvania will discuss events of December 1862 in Fredericksburg from a civilian perspective. Special quilt blocks will be exhibited inside the house Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
At the Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St., local historian Glenn Hyatt will discuss his new Civil War book, "The Upper Crossing," and sign copies. Also, meet Union Gen. Joe Hooker and his camp follower, who will be working in a field hospital. The tavern will be open Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
At the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline St., learn how the Battle of Fredericksburg affected the city's churches. At 3 p.m. Sunday, Dennis Sacrey, historian at Fredericksburg Baptist Church, will detail how it suffered during the war, with photos and excerpts from period accounts. The apothecary is open Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
A block admission ticket may be purchased at any of the sites: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-18. All proceeds benefit restoration projects at the sites maintained by Preservation Virginia's Mary Washington Branch.
See bit.ly/livlegacies for the full program.
--Clint Schemmer