Join Historic Germanna, Hebron Lutheran Church, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland for a once-in-a-lifetime reenactment of a pivotal moment in American history.
Step back to January 1789, when future presidents James Madison and James Monroe clashed in a heated campaign for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District seat. The stakes were high, as a key issue of the day was the Bill of Rights and its protection of personal liberties.
On a bitter winter day, both candidates attended worship at Hebron Lutheran Church, then in Culpeper County. After the service and a spirited fiddle performance, the two engaged in a vigorous, hours-long debate on the church steps. It was a moment that helped shape the course of the new republic. Madison suffered a frostbitten nose, but won a historic victory in the election that followed.
Now, for the first time in 236 years, this moment returns to Hebron.
Event Schedule:
- 9:30 AM – Greet James Madison and James Monroe as they arrive to Hebron Lutheran Church by horse-drawn carriages.
- 10:00 AM – Sunday Worship Service, attended by living historians portraying Madison and Monroe
- Immediately Following the Service – Debate Reenactment on the church grounds, steps from the very spot where the original exchange took place. (The debate took place in January on the front steps, but we will have the debate inside the air-conditioned church!)
- After Debate Reenactment – Enjoy an optional fried chicken lunch in the church hall for $25 per person (advance reservation required)
Please Note:
Attending the worship service is not required, but seating is first come, first served—and the best seats will be filled by those present for the service.
Don’t miss this dramatic retelling of a forgotten campaign that shaped American democracy. Perhaps you’ll sit in the same pew your Germanna ancestors once did—and hear the echoes of history come to life.
Free and open to the public. All are welcome.
If you would like to attend the optional lunch, tickets are available for $25 each below.
This event is free of charge and open to the public. To help us continue offering free and accessible programming, please consider making a donation to support Historic Germanna or Hebron Lutheran Church. Thank you for your generous support.
