Visitor Days/Hours: Wednesdays - Sundays from 10:00am until 4:00pm
Historic London Town & Gardens
Visit a "lost" colonial town and garden sanctuary on the South River
Weekends in September:
Special Programming for
International Underground Railroad Month
Each Saturday and Sunday in September, Historic London Town and Gardens will offer specialized tours focused on the African American experience in London Town during the time of the Underground Railroad and special living history themed weekends. All activities are included with admission, no pre-registration required.
Featured Program
Freedom on the Horizon
September 28th, 11:00am
Nastassia Parker, a historical re-enactor, will portray Oney Judge who was born in 1773 on George Washington’s plantation, Mount Vernon. Upon hearing that she would be sold to Mrs. Washington’s granddaughter as a wedding gift, Judge ran away. Come to Historic London Town and Gardens and listen to her story, documented by several 19th century abolitionist newspapers. Learn about the trials and tribulations she encountered while traveling on the path to freedom and independence. A question and answer session will follow the program.
This program is included with admission and registration is required. Thanks to Chesapeake Crossroads for their support of this program!
Living History Weekend & Specialty Tours
About the specialty tours: Saturdays and Sundays throughout September
Celebrate the lives and contributions of the African and African American people of London Town. On this walking tour, you will learn how people who had been taken from their homes had built lives here as the town grew and then declined, how they held onto what was most important to them, and how they resisted and escaped from slavery. Hear about their individual stories through the centuries and walk in their footsteps through historic buildings to discover their lasting legacy.
African Food Ways in the Colonies: September 7 & 8
So many foods we eat in the United States today were brought over by enslaved Africans, the seeds braided into their hair. Join us for a living history weekend as we cook up some of the ingredients from our garden in honor of their foresight.
Sewing Circle: September 14 & 15
Have you ever wondered what sewing was like before the invention of the sewing machine? Sewing was both a professional and domestic activity. Come see what our historical interpreters are creating using 18th century methods.
Indigo Dye Day: September 21 & 22
What makes our blue jeans blue? Join us to see the magic of dying and learn how the Enslaved population made it possible to grow and use Indigo in the colonial era.
Michaelmas and Candles: September 28 & 29
As we prepare for the fall harvest season and shorter days, come to London Town to learn about a colonial celebration during this living history weekend. You can also try your hand at making candles to last through the dark hours of the days to come.