Visit James Madison’s Montpelier for Constitution Day
By • August 22, 2024 0 618
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21 and make the trip to Montpelier (a short, just under two-hour drive from Georgetown) for the day. Their Constitution Day celebration, traditionally held on the third Saturday of September, begins with an early morning hike.
The East Woods Hike at Montpelier: Plantation Below the Canopy begins at 8 a.m. with Dr. Matthew Reeves, Montpelier’s Director of Archaeology & Landscape Restoration. Reeves will take hikers on a tour of Montpelier’s woods to learn about the hidden plantation landscape under the tree canopy. There will be discussions about hidden agricultural sites and slave quarters located on site toward the end of James Madison’s life. There will be opportunities to learn more about the enslaved community of the East Woods and their accomplishments under bondage and pursuit of freedom. Note: terrain can be rough in some areas, so comfortable clothing and footwear is recommended, as is water and a snack. The hike begins at Lewis Hall and you can register for it here.
There will also be children’s activities beginning at 9:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m., as well as archaeology artifacts and information on hand. Montpelier will have an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, including our fourth president, James Madison himself welcoming guests to his home.
James Madison’s Montpelier. Wikipedia photo.
Children (and the young at heart) will love “Touch a Truck” with the Orange County EMS. Finally, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., an Old Fife and Drum Corps will be performing traditional music.
Also at 11 a.m., there will be an author book talk and signing with Dr. Lindsay Cormack, associate professor of political science at Stevens Institute of Technology. Registration for the author talk and signing is required, and you can do so here.
Cormack will be discussing her book “How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It).” Her book is a great tool for parents, educators, and those interested in encouraging more civic engagement. The 30-minute talk will discuss how to talk about political issues and the U.S. government with younger generations. Cormack will discuss insights from her book, the current state of civic education in America, and strategies for talking about politics at home. There will be a Q&A session and book signing immediately following the discussion.
Another noteworthy event that requires reservations is the Bill of Rights Walking Tour, which begins at 2 p.m. The one-hour tour explores James Madison’s critical role of “Architect” of the Bill of Rights. The walk is approximately a half mile and registration can be found here.
Finally, don’t miss a Family Woods Walk, also at 2 p.m., that explores the Landmark and Demonstration Forest. The family walk is free and does not require registration.
Constitution Day admission is $10 per person aged 11 and up, with some events at an additional cost. Montpelier offers memberships as well, which are a great option for returnees who wish to check out other Montpelier staples like their Holiday Open House and exhibitions.
