Programs for October 25 2026
CRHC Fall Fundraiser
The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is holding their annual Fall Fundraiser.
It is an open house of the archive with refreshments and a silent auction, admission is free.
Address is:
900 Barton Street (old Maury School gym)
Unit 111
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Programs for November 7 2026
Stafford Historical Society – Bringing Eliza Home (Rescheduled) – Plus Annual Membership Meeting
Author, Barbara Vorndick, will present the project to return the remains of Eliza Monroe Hay from the American section of Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France, to the Monroe family plot in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. Elizabeth “Eliza” Kortright Monroe Hay was an American socialite who acted as unofficial First Lady during her father James Monroe’s presidency, as her mother’s health kept her away from many White House duties.
What started as a project to find out more information about Eliza turned into five years of digging through primary sources on both sides of the Atlanta to discover the truth about Eliza’s life and the tragic circumstances of her death. Barbara’s groundbreaking research turned up newly discovered documents that changed the standard historical narrative of this American daughter and led to a campaign to repatriate Eliza’s remains from Paris to Virginia.
As the coordinator of the Bringing Eliza Home Project, Barbara is honored to represent the living descendants of Eliza Monroe, and has been actively planning and facilitating the repatriation process since August 2023. Her biography of Eliza Monroe was published with Barnes and Noble Press in July 2024.
Barbara was born and raised in Virginia. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, and worked for three decades in private and public schools in Virginia, as well as Germanna Community College as an adjunct professor. After she retired to the Charlottesville area, she started working part-time as an Interpreter of History at James Monroe’s Highland, the Monroe family plantation in Albemarle County, Virginia. After initial training for the position, Barbara was encouraged to continue her own independent research, and she became interested in the Monroe women, particularly Eliza.
Barbara will have copies of her book, “Eliza’s True Story: The First Biography of President Monroe’s Eldest Daughter” available for purchase and signing.
In addition to Barbara’s presentation, a few minutes will be taken for the Historical Society’s annual membership meeting to elect Board members.
Programs for December 6 2026
Stafford Historical Society Annual Christmas Party
The Christmas party will be held at the Rowser Building, Room A. The SCHS provides napkins, plates, cutlery, and beverages. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share.
Programs for December 12 2026
2026 Christmas Candlelight Tour
JOIN HFFI FOR THE 56TH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT TOUR
Tickets on sale on November 1, 2026
Celebrating the Legacy of Peck Heflin
Who was Peck Heflin? If you’ve admired one of Fredericksburg’s distinctive early-20th-century homes or historic commercial buildings, chances are you’ve seen his work.
Elmer Grimsley “Peck” Heflin was a Fredericksburg native who began working as a carpenter at age 15 and became a building contractor by 18. After teaching himself architecture through a correspondence course, Heflin went on to design and construct homes and commercial buildings that helped shape the character of Fredericksburg.
The 2026 Candlelight Tour celebrates Heflin’s craftsmanship and lasting legacy, inviting visitors inside beautifully decorated examples of his work while exploring the story of the self-taught designer and master builder behind them.
Learn more at: Candlelight Tour – Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.
CRHC Fall Fundraiser
The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is holding their annual Fall Fundraiser.
It is an open house of the archive with refreshments and a silent auction, admission is free.
Address is:
900 Barton Street (old Maury School gym)
Unit 111
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The Stafford County Historical Society live history programs is in its fifth decade. The dates of upcoming events are listed below along with archived recordings for the series at the bottom of the page.
Our society is proud to support the many other groups in the region with a historical focus.
We look forward to seeing you!
All Stafford County presentations are open to the public and are free of charge!
Featured Event
October 2026
November 2026
Stafford Historical Society – Bringing Eliza Home (Rescheduled) – Plus Annual Membership Meeting
Saturday, November 7th 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Porter Branch
2001 Parkway Boulevard, Stafford, VA, USA
Author, Barbara Vorndick, will present the project to return the remains of Eliza Monroe Hay from the American section of Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France, to the Monroe family plot in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. Elizabeth “Eliza” Kortright Monroe Hay was an American socialite who acted as unofficial First Lady during her father James Monroe’s presidency, as her mother’s health kept her away from many White House duties.
What started as a project to find out more information about Eliza turned into five years of digging through primary sources on both sides of the Atlanta to discover the truth about Eliza’s life and the tragic circumstances of her death. Barbara’s groundbreaking research turned up newly discovered documents that changed the standard historical narrative of this American daughter and led to a campaign to repatriate Eliza’s remains from Paris to Virginia.
As the coordinator of the Bringing Eliza Home Project, Barbara is honored to represent the living descendants of Eliza Monroe, and has been actively planning and facilitating the repatriation process since August 2023. Her biography of Eliza Monroe was published with Barnes and Noble Press in July 2024.
Barbara was born and raised in Virginia. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, and worked for three decades in private and public schools in Virginia, as well as Germanna Community College as an adjunct professor. After she retired to the Charlottesville area, she started working part-time as an Interpreter of History at James Monroe’s Highland, the Monroe family plantation in Albemarle County, Virginia. After initial training for the position, Barbara was encouraged to continue her own independent research, and she became interested in the Monroe women, particularly Eliza.
Barbara will have copies of her book, “Eliza’s True Story: The First Biography of President Monroe’s Eldest Daughter” available for purchase and signing.
In addition to Barbara’s presentation, a few minutes will be taken for the Historical Society’s annual membership meeting to elect Board members.
December 2026
Past Presentations
P.O. Box 1664
Stafford, VA 22555
