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| Did they harvest ice from the James River? Where did they find fresh water for ice blocks? How was ice preserved through Virginia’s hottest summer months until next winter’s harvest? Original 19th-century farm journals from the Hill Carter family archives reveal this and more! Included with the price of admission. |
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| Charles Hill Carter, Jr., 10th-generation owner of Shirley Plantation, has a unique connection to both Confederate General Robert E. Lee and the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Separated by nearly 100 years of history, Lee and King had more similarities than you would ever believe. Exhibit and open discussion programs at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Included with the price of admission. |
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| How feelings of romance are expressed today and how they were expressed in the past are very different indeed. Original Hill Carter family archives have provided today’s generation with a glimpse into the past revealing poetic expressions of affection, flirting, and the deepest sentiments for their loved ones. Copies of original love letters will be shared on this romance filled guided house tour. Following your tour, take a feather quill pen in hand and compose your own sentiments. Tours and quill-writing are included with the price of admission. |
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| These five women were chosen from Shirley Plantation’s history and researched in depth revealing the incredible influence these women had on the daily operations, entertainment, social networks, travel, politics, and the management of North America’s oldest family business. Learn how to discover the influence of women in your family’s history. They changed more than diapers, they changed history. Included with the price of admission. |
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March 10
Spring Migration with Local Birding Experts
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| Located on the banks of the James River, Shirley Plantation’s marshlands, coves, and shorelines offer birders a unique opportunity to view the spring migration of songbirds and waterfowl. Two local birding experts, including one of the Carter family members, offer a guided tour of areas normally off limits to the public, places where only birders and birds congregate. Reservations required by March 7. $7.00 per person. |
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April 21-28
Virginia's Historic Garden Week
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Shirley is one of the charter homes for Virginia’s Historic Garden Week which was created by The Garden Club of Virginia in 1933. Today, Shirley’s historic area focuses on exhibits, architecture, and sustainable gardening. In 2011, cuttings from original English and American boxwoods at Shirley were propagated and now these mature plants are for sale in the gift shop. Tours included with the price of admission.
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April 22
Earth Day Celebration
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| The Hills and Carters have been stewards of this historic property since 1638. In recent years, the 11th generation of Shirley has made another mark in history with the success of reclaiming land mined for sand and gravel in the 1970s and returning it to productive agricultural fields. “Going green” is taken seriously at Shirley Plantation and an exhibit with a new film entitled “Lemons to Lemonade” shares how they succeeded. Included with regular admission. |
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April 27-29
Spring Folk Art and Fine Artisan Show
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May 26-28
Military History and Memorial Day Weekend
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| Based on original family documents and images from the family archives, Shirley Plantation will release a booklet honoring the military service history of the Hill Carter family members. The booklet entails the military service of family members including the story of the 17th-century founders and patriots, Bacon’s Rebellion, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War (including one runaway slave who became a Union soldier), Mexican American War, Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II. Booklets can be ordered in advance or purchased on site for the first time during the Memorial Day Weekend. |
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July 4
Independence Day
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| Charles Carter, once a British subject, served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. His daughter, Anne Hill Carter, would later marry the Revolutionary War hero “Light Horse” Harry Lee. Due to the dedication and commitment of these founders and patriots, the English colonies evolved into a free nation in which we continue to proudly display our “red, white, and blue” colors. Complimentary lemonade and chilled cider as long as supplies last. Included with the price of admission. |
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October 21-31
Hauntings and Ghost Stories
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| Guided house tours will include stories of tragic deaths, mysterious hauntings, and the legendary “Aunt Pratt” haunted portrait featured in numerous books and known as the most documented ghost story in Virginia. Guided walking tours to the private family cemetery – the only time of the year when the cemetery is available to the public – will begin at 2 p.m. and at 4 p.m. Included with the price of admission. |
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October 27
Paranormal Civil War Ghostly Overnight Campout
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| Join Civil War re-enactors in an overnight campout on the south lawn in honor of the hundreds of Union soldiers who died on the lawn in 1862 following the Battle of Malvern Hill. Discover if their spirits linger about the lawn on this 150th anniversary. The number of campers will be limited. Campers must submit their completed application by October 1, 2012. Special rate. |
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November 11
Veteran's Day
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| Shirley honors the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces with complimentary admission for all veterans throughout the day. The military service history booklet released on Memorial Day weekend is based on original family documents and images from the Carter family archives. The booklet entails the military service of family members from 17th-century founders and patriots, Bacon’s Rebellion, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War (including one runaway slave who became a Union soldier), Mexican American War, Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II. |
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December 1, 2012 – January 6, 2013
Merry Christmas from the Carter Family and the Staff
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| The Christmas season at Shirley Plantation includes guided house tours highlighted by festive holiday décor throughout the Great House. A special film featuring images of previous holiday decorations and vintage photographs can be viewed in the original Storehouse. Each outbuilding will feature a Christmas tree decorated in different themes. Complimentary warm cider tastings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Included with the price of admission. |
