Fredericksburg Area Museum | Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM), located at 907 Princess Anne Street in the heart of historic Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a cornerstone institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich and diverse history of the Fredericksburg region. Housed in the historic Town Hall/Market House building-constructed between 1814 and 1816-the museum serves as a dynamic cultural and educational center that illuminates over 10,000 years of local history, from indigenous peoples through colonial times, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and into contemporary periods.

Historical and Architectural Significance of the Building

The museum occupies the Town Hall/Market House, a landmark structure of considerable historical importance. This building originally functioned as Fredericksburg’s Town Hall and a market space where goods were sold and public gatherings occurred. Its Federal-style architecture is emblematic of early 19th-century civic buildings, featuring sturdy brick construction with balanced symmetry and practical design. This setting provides an authentic and immersive atmosphere that connects visitors directly to the community’s long-standing traditions of commerce, governance, and civic life.

Mission and Role

The core mission of the Fredericksburg Area Museum is to collect, research, interpret, teach, and preserve the history and culture of the Fredericksburg area and its surrounding counties. The museum endeavors to provide a comprehensive, inclusive, and nuanced portrayal of the region’s past, spotlighting stories from all facets of the community, including Native American heritage, colonial settlers, African Americans, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others whose experiences have shaped the area.

FAM plays a key role in education by offering exhibitions, public programs, school tours, and community events that promote historical literacy and cultural understanding. It also functions as a community gathering place, celebrating local heritage while encouraging dialogue about the region’s ongoing evolution.

Exhibitions and Collections

The Fredericksburg Area Museum’s exhibitions are thoughtfully curated to cover a wide range of topics reflecting the complexity of the region’s history. These exhibitions are frequently updated and include both permanent and rotating displays that address significant themes and events:

Living Legacies: African American History in the Fredericksburg Area
This exhibition explores the profound impact of African American communities on the region’s social, cultural, and political landscape. It highlights personal stories, achievements, struggles, and contributions from the colonial era through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom
Scheduled to open in March 2024, this exhibit examines the 1824 visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to Fredericksburg and explores Revolutionary War ideals alongside the realities and contradictions of freedom in early America.

Out and About
Opening in June 2024, this exhibition focuses on the history and narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Fredericksburg, presenting their experiences as an integral part of the community’s diverse fabric.

A Monumental Weight: The ‘Auction Block’ in Fredericksburg, Virginia
Opening in November, this exhibition centers around the city’s original auction block, an artifact emblematic of the local history of slavery. It also documents its removal in 2020 amidst renewed conversations about racial justice.

These Old Walls: A Town and Its Stories
A permanent exhibition showcasing Fredericksburg’s urban development through photography, artifacts, and personal accounts, this display provides a tangible connection to the evolving character of the city.

Open Collection Storage
A unique permanent exhibit that offers visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the museum’s vast collection, showcasing a wide variety of objects ranging from everyday items to rare historical artifacts.

The museum’s collections include thousands of artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral histories that collectively tell the story of Fredericksburg’s people and places across centuries.

Programs and Community Engagement

The Fredericksburg Area Museum is deeply engaged with the local community through diverse programming designed to educate, entertain, and inspire:

Sounds of Summer Concert Series
This popular series offers free Friday evening concerts in Market Square adjacent to the museum, featuring local musicians and bands that draw large crowds and foster community spirit.

Fit with FAM
Morning fitness sessions held on Wednesdays encourage wellness and active participation in the museum’s outdoor spaces.

Armed Forces Concert Series
Musical performances honoring military personnel, recognizing Fredericksburg’s strong historical and ongoing military connections.

Special Events and Festivals
The museum hosts events such as the Black Arts Festival and “Drag Me to the Museum,” a themed evening event celebrating LGBTQ+ culture, highlighting FAM’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural celebration.

Educational Outreach and School Programs
Tailored tours and workshops for students of all ages offer engaging, curriculum-aligned experiences to deepen historical understanding and inspire civic pride.

Facility and Rental Spaces

The museum provides spaces for community events and private rentals, including:

Market Square
An expansive outdoor plaza with a capacity for up to 750 people, suitable for festivals, concerts, markets, and large gatherings.

Council Chambers
Located on the museum’s third floor, this smaller meeting room offers an intimate setting for workshops, lectures, and private events.

These venues are available at discounted rates for nonprofit organizations, making the museum a vital resource for local groups and celebrations.

Visitor Experience and Practical Details

The Fredericksburg Area Museum is open six days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Wednesday closures for maintenance and administration. Admission is affordable, with adults paying $5.00, while children under 10 are admitted free. Members of the museum enjoy complimentary access along with invitations to exclusive events, discounts, and reciprocal benefits through the Time Travelers Network, which extends free or discounted admission to over 200 museums nationwide.

The museum’s location in the vibrant historic district of Fredericksburg places it within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and other historic sites, making it an ideal stop for visitors exploring the city.

Membership and Support

FAM offers multiple membership tiers-Individual, Family, Benefactor, and Town Hall-each providing increasing levels of benefits such as free admission, priority event invitations, and discounts. Members support the museum’s mission and contribute to the preservation and promotion of local heritage.

Summary

The Fredericksburg Area Museum stands as a vital institution preserving the layered and multifaceted history of Fredericksburg and its surrounding region. Through its location in a historic landmark, its thoughtful exhibitions, comprehensive collections, and vibrant community programs, the museum fosters a deeper appreciation for the area’s diverse heritage. It serves not only as a custodian of the past but also as a dynamic cultural hub that engages residents and visitors alike in exploring the stories that have shaped this important Virginia community.