Our mission is to preserve and promote the historic heritage of Dumfries, Virginia!
Historic Dumfries Virginia, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit membership organization that operates the Weems-Botts Museum, hosts educational programs and events, and maintains a research library, archive, and collections on local history.
There’s lots to see and do in historic Dumfries. Explore our website for information on offerings, fees, and hours. Questions? Give us a call at 703-221-2218 or send us an email. Check out our blog here!
Weems-Botts Museum
Travel through time on a guided tour of the historic house museum decorated in 18th, 19th, and 20th-century styles. Learn about the crucial role the port town of Dumfries served in Virginia’s history including other historic structures and Dumfries Cemetery! Walk-in guided tours of the historic home are offered in January on the hour on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am-4pm (last tour at 3pm). Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
We will be closed until Sunday, January 5th for the holiday season
Lee Lansing Research Library
Learn more about our fascinating local history or research your genealogy at our non-circulating library! Either make an appointment to view our collection of rare local history books and family genealogies or hire us to send you the research!
Merchant Park & Dumfries Distinguished Citizen Bandstand
Have a picnic, take your dog for a walk, hold your next event at the park, or volunteer to help us with our gardens. For parties of 10+, please contact us to rent our Park including an outside Concessions Kitchen and restroom facilities!
Programs & Events
Historic Dumfries Virginia offers a variety of recurring educational programs, annual special events, and outreach opportunities. Click here to learn more! Click here to access/register tickets for both our free and paid seasonal programs!
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Our children’s programs emphasize hands-on and inquiry-based learning. Every month, we offer free Children’s Day at the Museum Sponsored by Churchill Downs Group programs featuring local history!
ADULT PROGRAMS
Calling all life-long learners! Join us for programs on a wide range of historical topics. From academic presentations to recipe exchanges and crafts, we offer a bevy of options! You can find our seasonal offerings here!
SPECIAL EVENTS
Our special events offer crowd-pleasing entertainment and are family-friendly. While Spring and Summer feature our popular Scottish Tea programs, fall and winter bring out our famous Ghost Walks and Open House Holiday Parties!
OUTREACH
Can’t make it to us? We’ll bring the history to you. Whether you want a guest lecturer/presenter at your meeting or a virtual history workshop for your class, we are ready to help!
Dumfries History
There’s more than you realize. Unlock history by reading our blog, Port Dumfries!
The Dumfries area has a fascinating and dynamic history encompassing American Indians, the enslaved community, and Scottish merchants. Learn about its status as a bustling colonial port to its role in the Revolutionary War and Civil War and into modern developments in the 20th century.
Join the Historic Dumfries Community!
Membership Benefits Include…
- Free guided tours of The Weems-Botts Museum!
- Free use of The Lee Lansing Research Library!
- Special discount rate of Merchant Park!
- Access to special member programs and discounts!
Click here to learn more and join our incredibly supportive community!