Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776

05/27/2026

Step Back to 1776: Shenandoah County's Premier Summer Event
View the full episode here: https://youtu.be/74VxjpxYQzs

In Episode 20 of The County Connection, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley welcome organizers Suzanne McIlwee and Barbara Adamson to discuss the massive "Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776" event happening on June 20th. In the works since April 2025, this rain-or-shine living history festival will transform downtown Woodstock into an authentic 18th-century experience to celebrate the upcoming America 250 milestone.

Key Event Highlights

*Grand Opening Ceremony: Kicks off at 10:00 AM with musical excerpts from 1776: The Musical, a community choir, and a campaign march down Main Street.
*Military Encampments: Visitors can interact with the 1st and 8th Virginia Continental Regiments to see how soldiers lived, and watch mounted cavalry demonstrations by the 1st Light Dragoons.
*Historical Encounters: Attendees can interact with legends of the past, including Patrick Henry (portrayed by his 5th great-grandson, Patrick Henry Jolly), George Washington, Young Lafayette, Daniel Morgan, and Peter Muhlenberg.
*Distinguished Lectures: An academic series featuring historians and authors discussing the Declaration of Independence, the local impact of the Revolutionary War, and 18th-century arts.
*Colonial Culture & Trades: The streets will act as a living museum featuring live period music, colonial dancing, blacksmiths, silversmiths, and leather workers.
*Youth Activities: Kids can enjoy an all-day scavenger hunt with prizes, 18th-century games on Lawyers Row, face painting, and a youth genealogy station.

Logistics & Pro Tips

*Where to Start: Begin at the Information Table at Court Square to grab a daily schedule, map, and scavenger hunt flyer.
*Parking & Transit: Parking is available at the old Woodstock High School and the Commons Lot. A free shuttle service will also run from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM from the county administration building.
*More Info: Visitors can check out ShenandoahHistory.org or the "Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776" page for full details and schedules.

05/26/2026

05/19/2026

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈!

Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776, June 20th, Woodstock,
10am-5pm.

Experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of the American Revolution.

All events are free thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and grant-givers.

Our featured participants of the week are:

-- Kenneth Smith-Christmas - Revolutionary War drummer reenactor, will teach youngsters about 18th-century drummers and perform on the fiddle, 11 AM–5 PM at Walton & Smoot

-- Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette, impersonated by Roy Wulf. 12:30 at Court and Water Streets; 2:30 at Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery.

https://youtu.be/5i4pwj49apk?si=ZW8g2Ts_PSfVVDjw

(see complete lineup of participants at link in comment)

05/17/2026

Check out these awesome coasters that Kelly Phillips at Woodstock Brewhouse created for our June 20th event!! Thank you Kelly!

Shenandoah County Historical Society

05/17/2026

Look what Kelly Phillips of Woodstock Brewhouse designed for our celebration!

05/14/2026

Shenandoah County Historical Society

05/11/2026

Will you join us??

05/10/2026

Visit Keith Rocco in Woodstock VA for the one-day show,
"Forging a Nation"

Showcasing a number of Revolutionary War paintings recently highlighted in the Ken Burns series, American Revolution, Keith will be onsite at VECCA in Woodstock VA on June 20, 2026.

This show coincides with the Woodstock celebration of the 250th Anniversary of our nation, a family-friendly day of 18th century surprises for the community.
Follow this link for more information on June 20th from the Shenandoah Historical Society. https://shenandoahhistory.org/?pageSelect=va250