History comes alive in powerful ways during Voices of the Past: A Slave Dwelling Project Weekend, taking place September 11–13, 2026, throughout the Fredericksburg and Stafford region.
As one of Fredericksburg’s signature America 250 commemorative events, this three-day experience invites visitors to engage with the stories, places, and people whose lives helped shape our nation. Through living history, music, storytelling, theater, demonstrations, and meaningful conversations, the weekend offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of America’s past while honoring the resilience and contributions of enslaved African Americans.
What is the Slave Dwelling Project?
Founded in 2010 by public historian Joseph McGill, Jr., the nationally recognized Slave Dwelling Project works to preserve former slave dwellings and ensure the lives of the enslaved remain central to the American story.
McGill’s work began with a simple but profound act: spending the night in former slave dwellings to bring attention to these often-overlooked structures and the people who once lived there. Since then, the project has grown into a national movement that encourages communities to preserve these spaces, share untold stories, and inspire meaningful conversations about our shared history.
A Weekend of Discovery
More than ten historic sites and community organizations have partnered to create a weekend of immersive experiences across Fredericksburg and Stafford County.
Visitors can choose from a variety of programs, including:
- Interactive West African drum and dance workshops
- Presentation by Slave Dwelling Project founder Joseph McGill, Jr.
- Living history experiences
- African American spirituals and foodways
- A riverside ceremony honoring those who self-emancipated in 1862
- The nationally recognized “Sleeping with the Ancestors” overnight experience
- A theatrical performance of The History Lesson at the Fredericksburg Area Museum
Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, there are programs throughout the weekend for all ages and interests.
Experience History Where It Happened
Few places tell America’s story quite like the Fredericksburg region.
The homes, museums, churches, battlefields, and historic landscapes throughout Fredericksburg and Stafford provide a meaningful backdrop for exploring the complex history of slavery, freedom, resilience, and community. During America’s 250th anniversary, Voices of the Past offers visitors an opportunity to experience these places while engaging with stories that continue to shape our nation today.
Featured Events
Friday, September 11
Kick off the weekend with an interactive West African Drum & Dance Workshop presented by the Kuumba Dance Ensemble at Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont.
Saturday, September 12
Saturday features a full day of programming across the region, including Joseph McGill’s keynote presentation at George Washington’s Ferry Farm, historic demonstrations at the James Monroe Museum and Mary Washington House, the A Slave No More ceremony at Falmouth Beach, living history at Chatham, an evening of African American spirituals at St. George’s Episcopal Church, storytelling at the Moncure Conway House, and the signature Sleeping with the Ancestors overnight experience.
Sunday, September 13
The weekend concludes with The History Lesson, an original play by local playwright Malanna Henderson presented at the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Set in 1860, the production tells the story of a young enslaved woman who secretly learns to read and write, exploring themes of courage, education, and the pursuit of freedom.
Plan Your Visit
Many programs are free, while select experiences require advance tickets or reservations because space is limited.
Visit SlaveDwellingProjectFXBG.com to view the complete schedule, reserve tickets, and learn more about participating sites.