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Discover Local History and Explore Religious Freedom: Three Unmissable Events in Orange VA the First …

Discover Local History and Explore Religious Freedom: Three Unmissable Events in Orange VA the First Weekend in May!

Get ready for an exciting lineup of events this May in Orange! Whether you’re passionate about local history or eager to dive deeper into the legal and philosophical underpinnings of America, these three events offer something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate history, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore new perspectives.

Grand Opening of the Community Archaeology Lab at Montpelier (CALM) & Old Montpelier Supply Company Store (Esso Building)

May 9, 2025 | 12:00 PM

The Montpelier Archaeology Department is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of the Community Archaeology Lab at Montpelier (CALM), housed in the historic Montpelier Supply Company Store (Esso Building) on Route 20. After months of dedicated restoration work, this iconic building is being revived to serve as a hub for historical research and community engagement. On May 9, 2025, at 12:00 PM, we invite the local Orange community and visitors alike to join us for a day of celebration and discovery.

The Grand Opening will feature a variety of exhibits, artifact cases, and guided tours of the building. Best of all, it’s all FREE to the public! This event offers a chance to explore the historic features of the building, which have been meticulously restored to their original condition, sparking memories of bygone days for many local residents.

We will also host this as a virtual event for those that cannot travel to the area. Click here to register for the virtual May 9th opening.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aMwY-OUpToWQjAeOy2suAg

In addition to the exhibits, we are partnering with the Montpelier Descendants Committee’s Oral History Collaboration Team to conduct oral history interviews with community members who remember the store during its time as a bustling hub under the duPont family. Bring your stories, photographs, and documents to help build a deeper understanding of this local landmark’s history.

Dedication of the Charters of Freedom Setting

Date: May 10th| Time:10a | Location: The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage

Join us for a special Dedication Ceremony celebrating the unveiling of the Charters of Freedom setting. Many local organizations and community members donated and came together to bring this beautiful outdoor monument to the community. An outdoor replica of the National Archives, this monumental replica serves as a tribute to the enduring importance of our nation’s foundational documents and the principles of democracy they represent. The ceremony will mark the official opening of this incredible addition to our grounds, offering a place for reflection on the values that shape our country. With remarks from local dignitaries and special guests, this event promises to be a memorable occasion for history enthusiasts and the entire community. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the unveiling of a symbol of freedom and civic pride! Reception will follow in the museum, with free admission. Free and open to the public.

Presentation by Historian and Lawyer John Ragosta: Thomas Jefferson’s Advocacy for Separation of Church and State

Date: May 11th| Time:3p | Location: Sandra and William H. Speiden Auditorium

And finally on Sunday, join us in the Sandra and William H. Speiden Auditorium at the Orange County Historical Society for a compelling presentation by John Ragosta, a historian and lawyer who will explore Thomas Jefferson’s advocacy for a strict separation of church and state. Jefferson’s deep religious beliefs were central to his views on religious freedom, and Ragosta will offer a perspective on Jefferson, the First Amendment, and religious liberty that is often overlooked in modern discussions.

This talk provides a unique opportunity to understand Jefferson’s views on religious freedom and how they shaped the foundation of America’s legal and cultural landscape. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student of law, or simply curious about this influential founding figure, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Can’t make it in person? No worries! The presentation will be live-streamed for online viewers. You can watch it from the comfort of your home by clicking on this link: Watch Live on YouTube.

Join Us for these Events!

These events—one celebrating local history and two others exploring foundational principles of American democracy—offer a rich and diverse experience. Whether you’re interested in archaeology, local history, or political philosophy, you’ll find engaging discussions and activities that connect the past with the present.

Mark your calendars for May 9-11th and join us for an unforgettable weekend in Orange!

Interested in learning more about all the Historic Sites in Orange County? There are so many remarkable and notable sites to visit and explore. Plan a visit to Historic Germanna, James Madison’s Montpelier, and Ellwood Manor. Check out Barboursville Ruins, The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage, and the Orange County African American Historical Society Commemorative Park. Grasping the stories of the past is a sensory process. Sifting the soil for artifacts makes history a tactile experience. Walking the same hallways as America’s founders affirms the steps ahead. Orange County embraces its role in the American narrative—and illuminates it in a meaningful way. Start planning your trip today!