Upcoming Events!
New River SAR meeting
Meeting of the New River Chapter National Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Cherokee War of 1775
Join us as historical reenacters, historic trades demonstrations, and speakers interpret the 1776 Cherokee War, a major event in Virginia history that involved many people from the New River Valley and changed the course of history. Free to the public!
Independence Day Fincastle Resolves Event
Smithfield will commemorate the Fincastle Resolves-a prelude to the Declaration of Independence that William Preston helped fashion and Independence itself with living history, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, refreshments and historic crafts and trades. Free to the public.
Kid's Camp
Experience life on the early Virginia frontier in a unique and historic environment: Historic Smithfield, one of the most important houses in American history!
Campers will learn about daily life in rural Colonial America at this 18th century site by participating in interactive activities designed to allow hands-on experience. Campers will spend the week discovering hearth cooking, make a popular 18th century beverage, making corn cakes, serving in the militia, drafting their own Fincastle Resolutions, log house building, Spinning with a drop spindle, weaving, profile making, tin punching, fire making, a visit to an 18th century doctor, and much more! Activities at camp are geared towards ages 8 - 12. Contact Walt Bailey wbailey@historicsmithfield.org 713-825-9131 for more information…
Battle of Kings Mountain Observance
Reenacters, speakers, and demonstrators of historic trades will gather to observe the anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain-an Epic Story of the Blue Ridge-and the role played by William Christian, William Campbell and the Virginia Riflemen in this turning point of the Revolutionary War. Free to the public!
Thanksgiving during the Revolutionary War
Join us for living history of Virginia militia encampments, historical interpretation, historic food, and historic crafts designed to help you relive Thanksgiving during the Revolutionary War in Virginia. Free to the public.
Virginia Association of Museums Reception
Reception at Smithfield for arriving participants in the 2025 VAM conference.
Tree Pruning Workshop
Tree Pruning Workshop!
Learn How to Prune Your Own Trees!
Jon Vest, Agricultural and Natural Resources agent from Floyd County, will share his expertise and teach you how to prune your own trees. Bring your favorite pair of pruners and dress for the outdoors.
Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Location: Historic Smithfield Plantation
1000 Merry Oak Way
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Time: 3 PM to 5 PM
Please click on the google form below to register.
Workshop Making 18th Century Clothing
Join us for this free workshop where you can learn to make totally authentic 18th century men’s and women’s clothing from William Preston’s time. We will share sources for patterns and materials, discuss and demonstrate sewing techniques, and then each participant will work on making a garment of their choice. There’s no charge to attend the workshop. Just sign up by sending an email to wbailey@historicsmithfield.org. Respondents will receive information on where to order a pattern and materials to bring to the first day of the workshop. Each session will run from 4-7pm. No experience necessary. Questions? call Walt at 713-825-9131
An 18th Century Christmas
Explore how Christmas was observed during the 18th century at Smithfield with decorations, traditions, and activities that early Virginians practiced to observe the Holiday at the time. Free to the public.
Free Activities will Include
• Early American Living History
• Early 19th Century Cooking Demonstration
• Help us make candles hand dipped and with a mold
• Eighteenth-century games
• Twelfth Night Cake and other historic treats
• Eighteenth-century dance lessons
• Make your own tin punched Christmas Ornament
• Wreath making
• 18th Century textile activity
• A vendor fair with a variety of handmade goods for sale
Virginia Tech vs. University of Virginia
Parking at Smithfield for the UVA game. Game time TBA. Click here for more information.
Virginia Tech vs Clemson Football Parking
Parking at Smithfield for the Clemson game. Game time TBD Click here for more information.
A Spy Unmasked 250 Years Later
Join us a we learn about Col. William Preston’s spy who exposed the Tory underground in western Virginia!
Colonial Ball
Immerse yourself in the grace of the American colonists through a traditional dance experience. No prior dance knowledge is required, as all dances will be taught. Dancers are encouraged to dress in historical or modern formal wear and comfortable shoes. Learn more at: https://www.inspiredscholar.com/english--scottishdance.htmlEmail: awordfitlyspoken@gmail.com
Halloween at Smithfield
Come to Smithfield to explore Halloween as it was in the mid 19th century when it first became a major holiday in America. We’ll have period decorations, period crafts you can participate in, music from the time and stories about the Celtic traditions from 19th century Irish migrations developed the holiday into what it is in America today. No charge.
Virginia Tech vs Georgia Tech
Parking at Smithfield for the Georgia Tech game. This is the Homecoming game. Time TBA. Click here for more information.
Virgina Tech vs Boston College Football Parking. Thursday night game starts at 7:30 PM.
Parking at Smithfield for the Boston College game, Thursday night, 7:30 PM. Click here for more information.
Tin Punching
Learn the art of punching tin to make panels like those used in the Smithfield hutch and pie safe during the 18th century. Materials and tools will be provided. Offered free to the public between 10am-3:00pm at the museum.
Making 18th Century Menswear
Learn to how make 18th century men’s clothing, including trousers, breeches, coats, shirts and waistcoats. Sewing techniques, patterns, and examples of garments will be shown and demonstrated. Your questions are welcome. Free to the public.
18th Century Medicine
Come to Smithfield to be treated for an 18th century diagnosis with 18th century medicine and instruments (within reason). Learn the theories of 18th century medicine and the realities of what it achieved. No one will be harmed. Your questions are welcome! Free to the public.
Making 18th century Cider and Table Beer
Learn how to press Apple Cider and make an 1805 Preston recipe for small beer using just four simple ingredients and equipment you may already have. The program will include a discussion on brewing and cider making in the 18th century with your questions. The program will be offered at the Smithfield giftshop from 10am-3pm at no charge.
Virginia Tech vs Rutgers Fooball Parking
Parking at Smithfield for the Rutgers game. Click here for more information.
Making 18th Century Menswear
Learn to how make 18th century men’s clothing, including trousers, breeches, coats, shirts and waistcoats. Sewing techniques, patterns, and examples of garments will be shown and demonstrated. Your questions are welcome. Free to the public.
Making 18th century Cider and Table Beer
Learn how to press Apple Cider and make an 1805 Preston recipe for small beer using just four simple ingredients and equipment you may already have. The program will include a discussion on brewing and cider making in the 18th century with your questions. The program will be offered at the Smithfield giftshop from 10am-3pm at no charge.
Flintlock firing demonstrations with Revolutionary War weapons
Took a look at a variety of weapon types used in the Revolutionary War in Virginia. We will answer your questions about the weapons and tactics of the war and hold periodic loading and flintlock arms firing demonstrations throughout the day. Free to the public.
18th Century Medicine
Come to Smithfield to be treated for an 18th century diagnosis with 18th century medicine and instruments (within reason). Learn the theories of 18th century medicine and the realities of what it achieved. No one will be harmed. Your questions are welcome! Free to the public.
Virginia Tech vs. Marshall Football Parking
Parking at Smithfield for the Marshall game. Game time 4:30 PM. Click here for more information.
Flintlock firing demonstrations with Revolutionary War weapons
Took a look at a variety of weapon types used in the Revolutionary War in Virginia. We will answer your questions about the weapons and tactics of the war and hold periodic loading and flintlock arms firing demonstrations throughout the day. Free to the public.
Lord Dunmore's War living history day
Join members of the Independent Company as they recreate an actual event from Smithfield’s past when Virginia militia mustered here to fight in the expedition against the Mingo and Shawnee known as Lord Dunmore’s War-on the eve of the American Revolution. Speakers will also give talks about the conflict at the museum pavilion. Free admission to all.
Flintlock and Blade
Join us for this free program offered at the Smithfield giftshop and learn how weapons of the American Revolution worked. We'll have a representative assembly of muskets, long rifles, a fowling gun, bayonet, sword, and accoutrements for you to examine and answer all of your questions about the weapons and tactics of the war. Free to the public.
18th Century Medicine
Become an 18th century patient and be treated as you would've been at the time in this free, hands-on learning program offered at the Smithfield gift shop from 10am-3pm. You'll learn what's wrong with you, receive the prescribed treatment (within reason:) and examine the surgeon's instruments. Your questions are welcome!
250th Anniversary Commemoration
Join us as we commemorate 250 years of history at Smithfield! Living history re-enactors, a new film, activities for all, panel discussion and more. Registration required. Click here for more information.