Virtual Program: "This Sets Our Compass" - The Making of the Monroe Doctrine
2023-11-09 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Join us on Thursday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m., as we welcome Tim McGrath, author of James Monroe: A Life, for a virtual program: “This Sets Our Compass”: The Making of the Monroe Doctrine. Through the lens of biography, McGrath will discuss the personal and political events leading to the 1823 announcement of what became the Monroe Doctrine. This virtual program is free and open to the public.

Register Now!

About Tim McGrath
Tim McGrath is the author of James Monroe: A Life (2020). He is a two-time winner of the Commodore John Barry Book Award, as well as the author of the critically acclaimed biography John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail (2010) and Give Me a Fast Ship: The Continental Navy and America’s Revolution at Sea (2014). A recipient of the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature, he lives outside Philadelphia.

Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony
2023-11-10 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Friday, November 10, at 1:00 p.m., the University of Virginia Army ROTC Cadets, the “Band of Brothers” trumpet quartet from James Madison University, and featured speaker Mary James, director of COVER, will join us for a ceremony in salute to our veterans. This event is FREE and open to the public.
To honor and thank U.S. veterans, all active duty, former, and retired United States military personnel will receive free general admission to James Monroe’s Highland on November 10 and 11 for Veterans Day.

Spheres of Influence: Two Hundred Years of the Monroe Doctrine
2023-11-28 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | VA
Join us on November 28 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., either in-person at The McGowan Theatre at the National Archives or virtually, for Spheres of Influence: Two Hundred Years of the Monroe Doctrine. This program will feature a panel of scholars who will discuss the history as well as the current use of the best-known U.S. policy toward the Western Hemisphere. Highlighted in an otherwise routine annual message delivered to Congress by President James Monroe in December 1823, the doctrine warned European nations that the United States would not tolerate further colonization or puppet monarchs in the Western Hemisphere. Sara Bon-Harper, Executive Director, James Monroe’s Highland and Scott H. Harris, Executive Director, University of Mary Washington Museums, will lead the discussion of the three main elements of the Monroe Doctrine: non- colonization, non-intervention, and separate spheres of influence for the Americas and Europe. This program is presented in partnership with James Monroe Museum and James Monroe’s Highland. For more information and to register for this free event, following the link below:
Registration
*The Birth of the Monroe Doctrine by Clyde O. DeLand. Image Courtesy of The Granger Collection.

Virtual Program: A Latin Americanist's Reading of the Monroe Doctrine, 1823-2023
2023-12-01 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
*Map of America by Juan Downey, image courtesy of MoMA
Join us on Friday, December 1 at 1:00 p.m., as we welcome James Madison University professor Dr. Kristen McCleary, for a FREE virtual program: A Latin Americanist’s Reading of the Monroe Doctrine, 1823-2023. This talk highlights the Monroe Doctrine’s explicit connections to Latin America. In particular, it examines the way the Monroe Doctrine was given meaning through cultural expressions both from the US and Latin America, including Cuban José Marti’s essay Our America (1892), William Dieterle’s film Juárez (1939) and Americo Paredes’ novel George Washington Gómez (1990), among others. Follow the link below to register for this free virtual program:

Register Now!

About Dr. Kristen McCleary
Kristen McCleary is associate professor of Latin American history at James Madison University. Her research explores the intersection between social history and urban culture. She writes about how cultural activities (theater, carnival, film, and music) provide spaces for people to connect and built community, which in turn creates new pathways towards political and social power. She is interested, as well, in the shared cultural heritage of the Americas, arguing that culture flows over borders in powerful and often unseen ways. Her book, “All the City’s a Stage: Theater and Society in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1810-1920,” is forthcoming with University of Pittsburgh Press, Latin American Studies series, (Spring 2024).

Holly Days
2023-12-02 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Join us at Highland on Saturday, December 2, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., as we host the Virginia Discovery Museum for Holly Days, a family holiday program. Holly Days at Highland will feature a merry morning of cozy crafts, activities, and some very special stories from holidays past! Enjoy ornament-making, foliage-foraging, and many more fun crafts. For more information and to purchase tickets, follow the link below:
Purchase Tickets

Cancelled: Meat Preservation Workshop
2023-12-16 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
*** This event has been cancelled ***
Join us on Saturday, December 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as we host the Virginia Cooperative Extension for a Meat Preservation Workshop. Participants will learn the basics of pressure canning and dehydration in this hands-on class.
The Meat Preservation Workshop will be held at the Highland Conference Room and is limited to fifteen guests. The cost is $20 per participant. Registration is required to participate.

Musical guest Timothy Seaman to perform at Highland
2023-12-16 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Join us from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, for a special performance in the Highland Museum Shop by featured musical guest Timothy Seaman. Enjoy the soothing sound of the hammered dulcimer while browsing our selection of locally made crafts in the Highland Artisan Room. Timothy will be signing CDs at this free, public event.
Check out Timothy’s musical magic in the video below:
Watch Now

After Hours at Highland
2023-12-27 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Experience Highland after hours on Wednesday, December 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy a private viewing of the exhibits in the 1818 Guesthouse and grounds. Highland’s new interpretation weaves the story of Highland’s free and enslaved residents into the same narrative. With a focus on Monroe’s presidential years, the exhibits show how Highland is a lens for understanding early American history and its present-day legacies. Following the visit to the exhibit spaces, guests will enjoy a private concert with Celtic Harpist Elizabeth Fanning.
Participants will enjoy an outdoor guided history walk and Highland’s self-paced exhibits starting at 4:00 pm, followed by hot apple cider and a performance of holiday tunes from around the world by Elizabeth Fanning in the lower level of the Highland Event Barn. This event is limited to forty participants. Tickets are $30 per person and must be purchased online using the link below:
Purchase Tickets

About Elizabeth Fanning
Elizabeth Fanning is a harpist with a repertoire that includes contemporary, classical, and holiday music. She is also a Musician in Residence with the University of Virginia Health System and with the Hospice of the Piedmont as a Certified Musician Practitioner (CMP), for which she provides live, therapeutic and bedside music. Elizabeth performs Celtic and Appalachian-influenced harp music for weddings, memorial services or other special events. For more information visit https://www.elfannharp.com/.

A special thank you to Carter Mountain Orchards for providing delicious apple cider for this event!

Traveling Our Ancestors' Journey: A Descendants' Reunion
2024-02-16 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | Piedmont Virginia Community College, 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22902, United States
Mark your calendars! Join us on February 16 at Piedmont Virginia Community College for the program Traveling Our Ancestors’ Journey: A Descendants’ Reunion, featuring the latest projects from local musician, educator, and filmmaker Horace Scruggs. This event has a focus on Highland, and will feature a discussion with Highland Council of Descendant Advisors members Jennifer Stacy and Francis Scott, along with Highland Executive Director Sara Bon-Harper. Follow the link below for more information:

Learn More

VaBook and Cider Tasting at Highland: Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South
2024-03-24 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Highland, in partnership with the Virginia Festival of the Book, will host author Diane Flynt to discuss her book Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South on Sunday, March 24 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
As a special treat for our Virginia Festival of the Book guests, the book discussion will be paired with a free cider tasting by Albemarle CiderWorks. Select ciders from Albemarle CiderWorks will also be available for purchase.
Learn More

Annual Highland Sheep Shearing
2024-04-21 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Highland’s annual sheep shearing will take place on Sunday, April 21 (rain or shine), at 2:00 p.m. Tom Stanley will demonstrate the New Zealand sheep shearing method at this educational, agricultural event. We will also have traditional wool carding and spinning demonstrations for the family from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds.
Admission to the sheep shearing event is $6 per person. Children under 6 are admitted free. Monroe’s Farm Friends members are admitted FREE OF CHARGE (email info@highland.org to make a reservation)!
Purchase Tickets
About Tom Stanley
Tom Stanley has worked with sheep his entire life, starting with an orphaned lamb when he was 9 years old. He started shearing his own sheep when he was 14 years old. Today, Tom is employed by Virginia Tech as an Agriculture Extension Agent based in Rockbridge County and keeps a small flock of 40 breeding sheep that lamb each April.

Highland Rustic Trails Dog Day
2024-04-28 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Sunday, April 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we invite you and your four legged friends out on the Highland Rustic Trails for a day of doggone good fun!
The Highland Rustic Trails are free and open to the public. All dogs must be leashed. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Please keep our trails clean so everyone can enjoy their experience on the Highland Rustic Trails.
*Please note that while dogs will be allowed on the Highland Rustic Trails on April 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted in the ticketed museum area.
Highland Rustic Trails

Guided Nature Walk at Highland
2024-05-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we invite you to join Nature and Forest Therapy guide-in-training Carla Anderson and Education Programs Manager Lara Musser on a guided observation walk on Highland’s Rustic Trails. What better way to slow down and take in the changing colors, textures, sounds, and scents of our native landscape? Recharge through the restorative practice of nature observation while spending the morning among fresh air and native species. This family-friendly event is $5 for participants (free for children six and under). Planning on bringing the whole family? Purchase a family-pack of tickets for $15 (up to six individuals). Click on the link below to purchase tickets:
Purchase Tickets
*Event participants will meet in front of the Highland Museum Shop. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on the trails. Bug spray, sunscreen, and drinking water are strongly recommended. The Highland Rustic Trails are not paved and are inaccessible to strollers that are not designed for off road use.

Highland Rustic Trails Dog Day
2024-05-26 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Sunday, May 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we invite you and your four legged friends out on the Highland Rustic Trails for a day of doggone good fun!
The Highland Rustic Trails are free and open to the public. All dogs must be leashed. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Please keep our trails clean so everyone can enjoy their experience on the Highland Rustic Trails.
*Please note that while dogs will be allowed on the Highland Rustic Trails on May 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted in the ticketed museum area.
Highland Rustic Trails

2024 Descendants Day at Highland
2024-06-08 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Learn about the 2025 Descendants Day at Highland

Join us on Saturday, June 8 for Descendants Day at Highland. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. with programming from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Highland Council of Descendant Advisors welcomes anyone working on or interested in the histories of slavery, the shared work of making our present and future more equitable based on historical knowledge, and collaboration in research. Plan to share information, resources, and encouragement with others journeying on the same path. Space is available to display your community’s resources and stories. This event is free and open to the public. Follow the link below to register:

2024 Descendants Day Schedule of Events
10:00 AM: Doors open to the public
11:00 AM: Call to Order
11:15 AM: Keynote Speaker – Dr. Doretha Williams, National Museum of African American History and Culture
12:00 PM: Grace and Invitation to Lunch
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch, Exhibit Engagement and Networking
2:00 PM: Descendant Updates from Community Partners
2:20 PM: Musical Selection – M.C. Jones Family Singers
2:30 PM: Sheila Arnold – Historical Performance followed by Q&A
3:30 PM: Musical Selections – Ava Gardner, Chris Lewis
3:40 PM: Calling of Names
4:00 PM: Adjourn
*all events located in the Hilltop Pavilion at Highland.

Featured Performer, Sheila Arnold
Sheila Arnold has a talent for storytelling, a passion for history, and compassion for people. She provides Storytelling, Historic Character Presentations, Christian Monologues, and Professional Development for schools, festivals, churches, and organizations nationally and internationally. She is co-founder and Artistic Director of Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST) a source of inspiration, strength and action in the storytelling and artists world. Sheila has been honored as a 2021 MacDowell Artist Fellow, a 2020 Mt. Vernon Research Fellow and a 2019 Hewnoaks Artist Colony summer residence Noted Artist. Sheila lives in Hampton, VA near her son, grandsons, and parents.

Special thanks to Mortimer & Ruth Caplin and the Caplin Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, Tom Chapman and the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, Virginia Tent Rental, and MS Events for supporting Descendants Day at Highland.

Highland Rustic Trails Dog Day
2024-06-23 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Sunday, June 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we invite you and your four legged friends out on the Highland Rustic Trails for a day of doggone good fun!
The Highland Rustic Trails are free and open to the public. All dogs must be leashed. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Please keep our trails clean so everyone can enjoy their experience on the Highland Rustic Trails.
*Please note that while dogs will be allowed on the Highland Rustic Trails on June 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted in the ticketed museum area.
Highland Rustic Trails

Independence Day Concert and Celebration
2024-07-04 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Thursday, July 4th, Highland will host the Heifetz International Music Institute for a free concert from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A classically-inspired ensemble from Heifetz will bring a uniquely innovative and expressive concert that will appeal to all ages.
While we will have seating available underneath of the Hilltop Pavilion, we recommend guests bring blankets and lawn chairs to maximize social distancing in our grassy, Pavilion Yard. This area is also perfect for a picnic!
Concert admission is free! General admission for museum visitors on July 4, 2024 is $10 per person (children six and under are free).
Please note that James Monroe’s Highland does not permit pets on the property. Leashed service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted.

*Images courtesy of Gene Runion

Albemarle County Fair
2024-08-01 16:00 - 2024-08-03 21:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
The Albemarle County Fair is scheduled from Thursday, August 1 through Saturday, August 3 on the grounds of Highland. Fair hours are 4:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday, August 1, and 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3. Tickets can be purchased at the door (cash or card) and are $5 per person and free for children under 6 years of age. This fun and festive “Old-Time Country Fair” will be a three-day agricultural celebration, complete with exhibits, baked goods, crafts, family entertainment, events, livestock, and grand old-time country fun. Fair goers will also enjoy a number of demonstrations of historic and cultural significance, including wool spinners and a blacksmith.
2024 Albemarle County Fair Schedule
The Albemarle County Fair is proud to display a wide variety of home arts and agricultural wares from Central Virginia. During your visit to the fair, stop by the Barn to view the winners! Interested in submitting your own home-made creations? Click HERE for details about how residents of Albemarle and surrounding counties can enter their work at the fair.

NEW FOR 2024: The Albemarle County Fair is excited to introduce the 2024 Pageant for young girls this year. It features three age categories, each focused on building the individual participant’s confidence in their natural beauty, in two country-themed classes. Winners will receive a sash with their title and participate in various photographs. Details can be found HERE.

If you are looking for a unique gift or keepsake, Margo Hamilton and Ron Evans of Studio Zero Photography will be onsite with their modern take on the silhouette. Sittings are available for couples, individuals, and children, no appointment is necessary, and the cost will vary depending on print size.

The Albemarle County Fair Board, a private nonprofit entity separate from Albemarle County government, thanks the community for their interest and continued support and looks forward to celebrating the best of our rich and lively agricultural traditions at James Monroe’s Highland.
Learn More
Please note that Highland does not permit pets on the property. Leashed service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted.

Labor Day Special Pricing
2024-09-02 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Have you made your Labor Day holiday plans? Make sure to add Highland to your itinerary. Highland general admission tickets for museum visits on September 2nd are only $10 per person (kids six and under are free)!
Purchase Tickets

Journaling Sensory Saunter on the Highland Trails
2024-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Take a hike with Highland trail expert Carla on Thursday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as we go on a sensory exploration walk–seven stops/seven senses (no spoilers here on what the two extra senses are). This is a “lollipop” hike on the Highland Rustic Trails, starting on the yellow trail and connecting to the red trail. This two mile walk features moderate elevation gain and some steep inclines along the way. Expect rocks, roots, and phytoncides as we saunter along the trail, while intentionally connecting to nature through our five senses plus two!
The cost of this sensory exploration walk is $9 per person. Participants must purchase tickets in advance using the link below. The walk is limited to twelve individuals. Participants may bring their own journal or buy one in the Highland Museum Shop before the walk. Appropriate hiking shoes, water, bug repellent, and sunscreen are a must…as is curiosity!
We’ll meet in front of the Highland Museum Shop at 10am, have a quick round of introductions, and get going!
Purchase Tickets

Highland Rustic Trails Dog Day
2024-09-29 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Sunday, September 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we invite you and your four legged friends out on the Highland Rustic Trails for a day of doggone good fun!
The Highland Rustic Trails are free and open to the public. All dogs must be leashed. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Please keep our trails clean so everyone can enjoy their experience on the Highland Rustic Trails.
*Please note that while dogs will be allowed on the Highland Rustic Trails on September 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted in the ticketed museum area.
Highland Rustic Trails

Veterans Day at Highland
2024-09-30 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | VA
On Veterans Day, Monday November 11, 2024, Highland will present a day of learning to honor those who have served our country. Admission is free for active U.S. military members and veterans, and all other tickets are $10. We invite you to celebrate the veterans in your life by learning more about the many ways the military and the people in it have shaped our nation’s history and culture. Stop by education stations throughout the day to explore:

Military and civilian fashion
Veterans of Highland gallery and community wall
Animal service in the military
Code-breaking and cryptography
And of course, meet Highland’s original veteran James Monroe

Veterans Day programming is included with Highland General Admisison Tickets: FREE for veterans and active military; $10 non-military visitors.

Purchase Tickets

Woodworking Demonstration with Roger Authers
2024-10-05 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Saturday October 5, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Roger Authers, artisan and wood turner, will be at the Highland Museum Shop demonstrating his craft. This demonstration is FREE and open to the public. Come learn about the art of wood-turning, and the various techniques used on a lathe to produce bowls, table lamps, candle holders, and the like. On display will be examples of Roger’s work at various stages of production along with finished products using a variety of locally-harvested hardwoods. His laminated creations of contrasting color and texture are especially attractive.
About Roger Authers
Roger first learned to work with a lathe as a teenager in his native England. Since moving to Charlottesville in 2004 he has honed his skills and enjoys the challenge of creating items both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Metro Journaling on the Highland Trails
2024-10-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Join Highland Hiker, trail guru, and nature fanatic Carla Anderson for a creative journaling experience on the Blue Trail on Sunday, October 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you’re looking to slow down and practice a different way of engaging with nature, this walk is for you!

In “metro poetry,” writers compose one line of text at each metro stop, using the time in between to look, listen, and reflect. We’ll let that idea guide us as we stop at set points during the walk to record a line of thought or an observation we have made in a portable trail journal.
The cost of this guided journaling hike is $9 per person. Participants must purchase tickets in advance using the link below. This walk is designed for participants aged 12 and up and is limited to fifteen individuals. Appropriate hiking shoes, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen are a must. Journaling materials will be provided!

Please note that pets are not allowed on the trails except on designated Highland Rustic Trails Dog Days (visit https://highland.org/events/ for upcoming events). Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are always permitted.
Purchase Tickets

Let's Take a Hike
2024-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Join Highland Hiker and trail fanatic Carla Anderson on a guided hike Highland’s Red Trail on Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This will be a vigorously paced four (+/-) mile hike with some steep inclines and moderate elevation gain. Be prepared to get your heart rate up! Participants will meet in front of the Highland Museum Shop at 10:00 a.m., have a quick round of introductions, and get going!

The cost of this guided hike is $5 per person. Participants must purchase tickets in advance using the link below. This walk is designed for participants aged 12 and up and is limited to fifteen individuals. Appropriate hiking shoes, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen are a must.
Please note that pets are not allowed on the trails except on designated Highland Rustic Trails Dog Days (visit https://highland.org/events/ for upcoming events). Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are always permitted.

Purchase Tickets

Highland Rustic Trails Dog Day
2024-10-20 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Sunday, October 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we invite you and your four legged friends out on the Highland Rustic Trails for a day of doggone good fun!
The Highland Rustic Trails are free and open to the public. All dogs must be leashed. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Please keep our trails clean so everyone can enjoy their experience on the Highland Rustic Trails.
*Please note that while dogs will be allowed on the Highland Rustic Trails on October 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted in the ticketed museum area.
Highland Rustic Trails

Musical guest Timothy Seaman to perform at Highland
2024-10-20 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Join us from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, for a special performance in the Highland Museum Shop by featured musical guest Timothy Seaman. Enjoy the soothing sound of the hammered dulcimer while browsing our selection of locally made crafts in the Highland Artisan Room. Timothy will be signing CDs at this free, public event.
Check out Timothy’s musical magic in the video below:
Watch Now

Community Journaling on the Highland Trails
2024-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Join Highland Hiker, trail guru, and nature fanatic Carla Anderson for a creative journaling experience on the Blue Trail on Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you’re looking to slow down and practice a different way of engaging with nature, this walk is for you!

In “metro poetry,” writers compose one line of text at each metro stop, using the time in between to look, listen, and reflect. We’ll let that idea guide us as we each record a line of observation at set stops on the trail. At the end of our hike, we’ll assemble these observations into booklets to be posted at one of the sign stations along the trail. Your observations will be available for future Highland hikers.
The cost of this guided journaling hike is $9 per person. Participants must purchase tickets in advance using the link below. This walk is designed for participants aged 12 and up and is limited to fifteen individuals. Appropriate hiking shoes, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen are a must. Journaling materials will be provided!

Please note that pets are not allowed on the trails except on designated Highland Rustic Trails Dog Days (visit https://highland.org/events/ for upcoming events). Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are always permitted.
Purchase Tickets

Highland Rustic Trails Dog Day
2024-11-03 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
On Sunday, November 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we invite you and your four legged friends out on the Highland Rustic Trails for a day of doggone good fun!
The Highland Rustic Trails are free and open to the public. All dogs must be leashed. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Please keep our trails clean so everyone can enjoy their experience on the Highland Rustic Trails.
*Please note that while dogs will be allowed on the Highland Rustic Trails on November 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted in the ticketed museum area.
Highland Rustic Trails

Home Educator Day at Highland
2024-11-04 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Open to ALL Students, Families, and Educators!
James Monroe’s Highland will host Home Educator Day on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Families will enjoy a walk-through of the presidential Guesthouse and exhibit spaces, an opportunity to meet James and Elizabeth Monroe, and many more educational activities!

9:00-11:00 AM: Highland trail journal creation station
9:00-11:00 AM: A special barnyard guest, courtesy of Virginia Cooperative Extension
9:00 AM-1:00 PM: Historic Handwriting with Elizabeth Monroe
9:00 AM-3:00 PM: Historic photo booth and costume try-on
9:00 AM-3:00 PM: Historic yard games and crafts
9:00-11:00 AM & 12:00-2:00 PM: Paper Marbling
10:00-11:00 AM: Wool processing and spinning demonstration
11:00 AM-3:00 PM: “Meet the Neighbors” nature gallery and animal finding activity
11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Cross-stitch sampler-making

And more!
Highland’s Home Educator Day is open to all students and families: home school, public, or private. All are welcome! Admission is $10.00 for participants and adult chaperones. Children under 4 and Monroe’s Farm Friends are FREE (Farm Friends do not have to register, simply bring your Farm Friends card on the day of the event). We invite you to bring a picnic and spend the day at the home of our nation’s 5th president!
Purchase Tickets
