Evening with Germanna: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America in Early America
Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 7 p.m.| On Zoom
Genealogy is everywhere – online, on screens, and through organizations and conferences and more. But technologies aside, genealogy was everywhere in the 18th century, too. And while we may think of 18th century Americans as largely the subject of genealogy research, they were active participants in what was a foundational interest and practice in their own time. Family histories were deeply meaningful for diverse early Americans, from wealthy Founders to working people, free and unfree, because it was baked into the society through law, politics, and religion. From my new book, Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America, published by Oxford University Press in July 2025.
Karin Wulf is the Director and Librarian of the John Carter Brown Library, and Professor of History at Brown University. A historian of early America focused on gender, family, and politics, she writes widely for both public and academic audiences about history, the worlds of research and scholarship, and libraries and archives. Her new book is Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America and among her current projects is a book about Esther Forbes, the author of Johnny Tremain She serves on a variety of non-profit boards and is a Vice-President of the American Historical Association.
Tickets to this program are available through EveryAction on a pay-what-you-can basis, with a suggested donation of $10. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before the program.
Register now: https://secure.everyaction.com/GW1hShPvQ0e5QYN8mDN99g2
Salubria After Dark
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Timed Tours on the Hour) | Historic Salubria
Our legendary evening at Salubria, aglow with candles and Jack-o-lanterns, returns just in time for Spooky Season! On Friday October 2, discover the darker tales of this house’s past. Tickets are $20 per person.
8/25 Update: Our initial round of tickets sold out, so we will be opening a VERY LIMITED NUMBER of additional tickets for sale on Wednesday August 26 at 10:00am. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Tickets will be available here.
Behind-the-Scenes Archaeology Tours
In celebration of Archaeology Month this October, Historic Germanna’s Director of Archaeology will host special behind-the-scenes walking tours in October of Germanna’s archaeological dig sites located in Orange County, Virginia. The dig sites feature the ruins of the “Enchanted Castle” – home of Virginia’s Colonial Lt. Governor, Alexander Spotswood – as well as the potential sites of the 1714 Fort Germanna constructed by the first German immigrants to Virginia and the original Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Walking tours will take place each Friday in October – October 16, 23, and 30. Guests are to meet at the Historic Germanna Visitor Center at 10:00am to follow the archaeologist to the dig site nearby.
The Historic Germanna Visitor Center is located at: 2062 Germanna Highway Locust Grove, VA 22508.
Guests are requested to dress for the climate and wear close-toed shoes. Event rain or shine unless severe weather.
Second Annual Salubria Oktoberfest and History Faire
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Historic Salubria
Celebrate America’s 250th with a festive day of living history, regional food and drink, live music, family activities, and walk-through tours of Historic Salubria. Admission is free, with advance parking available for $5 per vehicle.
For more information, please call 540-423-1700 or email info@germanna.org.
