We are excited to announce that registration is open for this year’s Annual Conference and Reunion! This special iteration of our annual event, held Thursday July 16 through Sunday July 19, will commemorate two special anniversaries: Historic Germanna’s 70th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This year’s conference and reunion will feature old favorites, such as the fan-favorite Oktoberfest and a diverse lineup of engaging and knowledgeable lecturers, as well as some new, special events, such as a special 70th Anniversary Awards Dinner and a religious history symposium.
Registration
We can’t wait to see you this summer! Register online by clicking the button below. *If you require assistance registering online or would like to pay by check, please call 540-423-1700 during business hours.* Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs. Let us know how you would like your name printed on your name tag, as well as any Germanna ancestor names.
Register by June 1 to take advantage of Early Bird rates and save! Participants can register for an all-inclusive full conference package or purchase event tickets a-la-carte. Please note, Early Bird rate applies only to full-conference registration.
Schedule at a Glance
Day One: Thursday, July 16, 2026
10:00am-4:00pm: Registration – Historic Germanna Visitor Center (2062 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508) – Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your registration packet, check out the exhibits and library, and meet friends and family!
10:00am-4:00pm: Public Archaeology Day – Fort Germanna/Enchanted Castle Site – View archaeology work in progress at the Fort Germanna/Enchanted Castle site. Check out the interesting artifacts and the stories they tell. Visit with our resident archaeologists as they talk about this year’s discoveries. No registration required. Upon arrival to the Visitor Center, attendees will be given a timed ticket and directions to access the site. Last entry at 3:00pm.
12:00pm-4:00pm: Special Exhibit – Hitt Archaeology Center (2058 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508) – View a rare new anniversary exhibit, on display for this weekend only, featuring significant artifacts from the collections of Historic Germanna and other cultural institutions.
6:00pm-9:00pm: Faith and Revolution: A Colonial Evening at Little Fork Church – Little Fork Episcopal Church (16461 Oak Shade Rd, Rixeyville, VA 22737) – Kick off this exciting weekend with an opening gathering at Little Fork Church! This event introduces participants to the religious and cultural life of colonial Virginia, showing how churches, clergy, and communities were part of everyday life. Step into the social and spiritual world of Revolutionary-era Virginians as you share a colonial-style picnic supper inspired by eighteenth-century Virginia, while historical interpreters portray clergy from several Christian traditions active during the Revolutionary era. Along the church’s historic grounds and ADA-accessible interpretive trail, temporary installations will introduce visitors to clergy figures and religious communities that shaped the religious landscape of colonial Virginia.
Day Two: Friday, July 17, 2026
9:00am-4:00pm: Before Religious Freedom: Faith Traditions in Revolutionary Virginia Symposium – Little Fork Episcopal Church (16461 Oak Shade Rd, Rixeyville, VA 22737) – As Little Fork Episcopal Church and our nation celebrates 250 years, join distinguished speakers representing the Lutheran, Episcopal, Baptist, and Presbyterian faiths as they discuss the history of American religion in 18th century Virginia — and its role in fomenting revolution by 1776. Scholars representing several Christian traditions present in colonial Virginia will interpret the roles their traditions played in the religious and political developments surrounding the American Revolution. Each speaker will offer insight from within their own denominational or scholarly perspective, helping participants understand why the emergence of religious liberty during this period was such a significant historical development. A catered lunch is included.
6:00pm-10:00pm: 70th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Celebration – Historic Germanna Visitor Center Campus (2062 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508) – The signature event of the celebration weekend will feature a tented dinner at the Historic Germanna Visitor Center Campus. Delicious fare will be catered by Coopers Cookin and Catering, accompanied by live music and dancing. The evening will culminate with the presentation of three distinguished awards, including a special honor for Orange County historian Frank S. Walker, Jr. Our special exhibit featuring significant artifacts will also be available for viewing during the cocktail hour. *Please note: Full-conference attendees save $20 on tickets to this can’t miss event!*
Day Three: Saturday July 18, 2026
9:00am-4:00pm: Historical & Genealogical Conference – BIGGER LOCATION: Germanna Community College, Daniel
Technology Center (18121 Technology Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701) – Breakfast and lunch included. Don’t miss this incredible lineup of speakers as we dive into fascinating topics about Germanna and its surrounding environs’ history.
Speaker Sessions
▪ Roll Call
▪ The Culpeper Minute Men – Jim Bish
▪ Peter Muhlenberg and the 8th Virginia – Gabe Neville
▪ Hunter Iron Works – Jerrilyn MacGregor
▪ Memories of Early Germanna Reunions – David Brown
▪ Religious Freedom Panel Discussion
▪ Archaeology Update – Kelly Arford-Horne, Director of Archaeolog y & Cultural Resources
▪ Germanna Update – Executive Director Jennifer Hurst-Wender & President Keith Hoffman
▪ Travels with Germanna
5:00pm-7:00pm: Salubria Open House – Historic Salubria (19173 Salubria Ln, Stevensburg, VA 22741) – Tours start at 5:30 pm; drop by anytime. Learn about the exciting updates from our Historic Structure Report and paint analysis.
7:00pm-9:00pm: Oktoberfest! – NEW LOCATION: Old Trade Brewery (13270 Alanthus Rd, Brandy Station, VA 22714) – Get those lederhosen and dirndls out of the closet! There will be music, dancing, conversation, and plenty of German-inspired food for all. Alpine Chef of Fredericksburg will be catering delicious German fare. Food, soft drinks, and two alcoholic drink tickets provided.
Day Four: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Choose one:
10:00am: Worship at Hebron Lutheran Church – Hebron Lutheran Church (899 Blankenbaker Rd, Madison, VA 22727) – Morning worship at Hebron Lutheran Church, presided by Dr. Guy Erwin, constructed in 1740 by Germanna colonists and their descendants, in beautiful Madison. Following service, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch catered by Graves Mountain Lodge, complete with a dozen delicious homemade desserts at Hebron Lutheran Church Hall before embarking on your journey home.
Lunch must be reserved separately
or
10:00am: Colonial Service at Little Fork Church – Little Fork Episcopal Church (16461 Oak Shade Rd, Rixeyville, VA 22737) – Commemorate Little Fork’s 250th anniversary with a colonial-style service. Following service, enjoy lunch at the historic church to round out its 250th commemoration. Lunch must be reserved separately.
Accommodations
Please contact the following hotels to reserve in Historic Germanna’s room block!
Baymont by Wyndham Culpeper: 791 Madison Rd. Culpeper, VA
Hampton Inn Culpeper: 1811 Gate Rd., Culpeper, VA 22701
