Virginia Resolved

On June 7, 1776,

acting on the instructions of the 5th Virginia Convention, Northern Neck native Richard Henry Lee introduced in the 2nd Continental Congress a resolution “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States… and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.” Later that summer, Richard Henry and Francis Lightfoot Lee became the only pair of brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence, which incorporated the Lee Resolution.

Start your summer where the Revolution started.

Virginia Resolved: June 6 & 7

Commemorate the 250^th anniversary of Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence with Stratford Hall Historic Preserve, Westmoreland County, and the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission! Plan for a weekend of revolutionary activity including living history interpreters and demonstrations, cavalry drills, historic speeches, a citizenship ceremony, fireworks, and plenty of food, music, and family fun. Get your tickets today and start planning a revolutionary weekend like none other.

Saturday, June 6

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Great House, Grounds and Visitor Center will be open for regular admission.

2:00 p.m. Plaque dedication for the wives of Richard Henry Lee and wreath laying at his gravesite at the Burnt House Field Cemetery. RSVP for this free event by Thursday, June 4. Hosted by the Society of the Lees of Virginia and the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Country dinner buffet with family-style seating in the Stratford Hall Dining Room. Reservations closed.

6:00 p.m. RSVP to let us know you’re coming and bring your friends and family for a FREE celebration, including:

VA250 Mobile Museum
DJ music
Food trucks
Wine sales from Ingleside Vineyards
Beer sales from the Al Pugh Distributing truck

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. The Virginia Resolved stage program, featuring:

Patriotic music performances by The United States Navy Concert Band
Richard Henry Lee and his Resolution for Independence
Speakers and Keynote by Carly Fiorina, VA250 National Honorary Chair
An incredible fireworks show over the Great House!

Upon arrival at the Gate House, visitors will be directed to parking and then enter the event through the Visitor Center. Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. No outside food or drinks permitted. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are encouraged. Visitors ages 21+ must present a valid, physical ID to receive a wristband for purchasing wine and beer. Last call for alcohol will be 8:30 p.m. We kindly request that dogs remain at home for this event. All other Visitor Policies apply.

Sunday, June 7

Get tickets now for this can’t-miss day of living history at Stratford Hall. Tickets are $15 ages 14+, $10 ages 6-13, and free for ages 5 & under. Advance tickets will close at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 7. Tickets available at the Visitor Center on event day.

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Great House, Grounds, Visitor Center and VA250 Mobile Museum Open

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Gristmill Open with Shuttles from the Oval

10:30 a.m. The Mary Belin duPont Laird Gallery grand opening and ribbon cutting in the Visitor Center

12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Virginia Resolved Living History Program:

Citizenship Ceremony (12:00 p.m.)
Discussions with Richard Henry Lee and Hannah Lee Corbin (1:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.)
1st and 4th Continental Light Dragoon Cavalry Drills (1:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.)
Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution Musket Demonstrations (2:00 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.)
Colonial Music by Ampersand in the Great House
Colonial Dancing by the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society (2:50 p.m.)
Milling Demonstrations in the Stratford Gristmill
Patawomeck Eel Pot Demonstrations
Colonial Foodways Demonstrations in the Historic Kitchen
Chocolate Demonstrations in the Gift Shop
Colonial Games and Activities
Community Partner Booths
Montross Middle School Art Show & Slam Poetry Performances (2:15 p.m.)
Food Trucks

Free admission (proper identification required at check-in): Westmoreland County residents, Friends of Stratford members, Blue Star Families, and Museums for All participants. Upon arrival at the Gate House, visitors will be directed to parking and then check-in or purchase admission outside the Visitor Center. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are encouraged. No outside food or drinks permitted. We kindly request that dogs remain at home for this event. All other Visitor Policies apply.

Image Credit: The United States Navy Concert Band

Image Credit: Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission

Learn About the Lee Resolution

On June 7, 1776, acting on instruction from the 5th Virginia Convention, Richard Henry Lee of Stratford Hall and Chantilly stood in Congress and offered an earth-shaking resolution proposing independence from Great Britain. Watch to learn more about the Lee Resolution, which was adopted by Congress on July 2, 1776, two days before the Declaration of Independence incorporating the Lee Resolution and explaining the reasons for it was adopted.

Written and recorded by Dr. Gordon Blaine Steffey, and made possible with support from Americana Corner’s Preserving America Grant program and the Comegys Bight Charitable Foundation.