Location: Fredericksburg
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The 6 Best History Museums in Fredericksburg, Virginia (VA)
Join the local ghosts in a walk through the historic district of Fredericksburg, Virginia, a city that claims to be one of the most haunted locales in the United States. With a long history dating back to pre-Colonial times, and a legacy of slavery and war, it is no wonder that so many unhappy phantoms wander the streets. Visit the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, marking the spot of four bloody Civil War battles or Ferry Farm, the boyhood home of George Washington.
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1. Shannon Air Museum
2. Rappahannock Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Railroad museum featuring operating maintenance (track crew cars) train; historic baggage, box and caboose cars; heated and a/c exhibit buildings with displays and operating model RR layouts in O and HO scales. Open on Saturday mornings 9am to Noon only. No charge but as a 591 (c)3 not for profit entirely volunteer run and funded donations accepted and appreciated. Features exhibit is the maintenance train of open air wagons that visitors ride on a 3/4 mile excursion along Deep Run Spur. This provides a hands on glimpse into the way track maintenance workers went from their facilities to the area of tracks they had to repair. Operates in fair weather only when temps are above 40 degrees. Rides subject to no notice cancellation due to equipment problems, crew and safety personnel availability and commercial rail operations on the spur. Family friendly environment. Dress for the weather.
3. James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Brend482 - Arlington, United States
The Monroe Museum is located in a building that is on the site where Monroe's brief Fredericksburg law offices were likely located. It's a pretty tenuous connection to Monroe, but the Museum itself contains dozens of first-rate artifacts such as books, clothing, tools and dishes owned by Monroe and his family. The Museum packs a lot in to a small space, with one general gallery on his life, another devoted to his military service, and a third containing an assortment of furniture owned by Monroe. The staff at the Museum is friendly and helpful but not intrusive. They gave a short tour and left me to explore. The Museum takes an even-handed rather than a hagiographic view of Monroe, noting both his successes and failures. It explains that while he took measures to suppress the slave trade and was responsible for founding Liberia as a colony for freed slaves, Monroe owned hundreds of slaves himself and never freed any of them (though even this shortcoming may have been because he could not afford to). In short, a very informative place where I felt I got the whole story.
4. The Rising Sun Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
While not serving food or drink since 1827, the Rising Sun Tavern Museum provides a lively interpretation of late 18th-century Tavern life. Charles Washington, George Washington's youngest brother, built this landmark in the 1760's as his private residence. After being sold outside the Washington family, the building was leased as a tavern in 1792. Operating as a stopover for travelers for 35 years in the bustling town of Fredericksburg, it was a popular diversion for travelers and locals alike. Today, costumed guides entertain visitors as though they have just stepped off their coaches into the late 18th-century life. See how bygone visitors slept, learn what they ate and drank, and immerse yourself in the now eccentric customs of historic travel and lodgings. The original 18th-century structure contains period furniture and artifacts.
5. Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
*In an abundance of caution, valuing the health of our patrons and staff in light of the novel corona virus, Washington Heritage Museums will temporarily close its four sites for tours for the foreseeable future. This 18th-century building restored as the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop presents a vivid living history interpretation of Colonial medical practices. Leeches, lancets, and snakeroot are all found in this 18th century doctor's office and pharmacy. Visitors can hear about the popular treatment of the day for a lady's hysteria or a medicine so potent that it would, according to one wealthy plantation owner "cheer a man with a bad wife." The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop is one of Washington Heritage Museums and is within short walking distance of its other sites: the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, and St. James' House. Please allow 45 minutes for your visit.
Reviewed By emilysreviews - Virginia, United States
Although this is a tiny house, there's a lot of great info inside. The ladies truly enjoy sharing their knowledge and did a great job interacting with the public. Lots of info on herbal preparations, and in fact 75% are still in use today! With admission you learn about the herbs, medical care hundreds of years ago, view 4 rooms of the house, see live medical leeches, and there's even a beautiful garden around back. Nice book available to purchase for only $5. Worth the visit, the history, the interaction, and the knowledge.
6. Fredericksburg Area Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
The FAM, housed in historic Town Hall/ Market House (c. 1816), has been part of the fabric of community life throughout the Fredericksburg area for nearly three decades. It tells the stories of the Fredericksburg community and regions, from the Virginia Indians pre-contact to the Black Lives Matter Movement. Our goal is to connect people to our community’s history.
Reviewed By MBW64 - Fredericksburg, United States
Love FAM. We are annual pass holders. Great exhibits that tell the history of Fredericksburg, both old and new.
