2026 Teachers Seminar

Riotous Assemblies: From Resistance to Revolution 

We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Stratford Hall Teachers Seminar.

Hosted by Stratford Hall in partnership with Preservation Virginia from July 9–12, 2026, “Riotous Assemblies” will explore how enslaved, ordinary, and elite people contested imperial power.

Moving beyond simple narratives of the founders, this seminar examines the diverse mechanisms of popular dissent that shaped the path to independence—from boycotts and petitions to crowd actions, clandestine networks, and material sabotage. Participants will not only investigate the history of the 18th century but also discuss the continuing relevance of these tactics in free societies today.

APPLY NOW

Why Apply?

Broaden the Narrative: Investigate how resistance was forged across class and racial lines.

Place-Based Inquiry: Walk the landscape where the Lees and the enslaved community navigated the shifting tides of revolution. Travel-study destination TBA.

Pedagogy Focus: Work with master teachers to translate these complex themes of power and protest into dynamic classroom lessons.

What does the Seminar include? Onsite presentations from leading scholars, an immersive travel-study excursion (stay tuned for location announcement!), and dedicated K–12 workshops translating historical insights into dynamic classroom lessons.

What’s covered? Meals, excursion costs, and single-room accommodations onsite at Stratford Hall are provided at no charge. We do request a $50 nonrefundable deposit to reserve your space upon acceptance to the Seminar.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 1

APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31

INVITATIONS TO PARTICIPATE APRIL 5

DEADLINE TO ACCEPT APRIL 10 (with $50 nonrefundable deposit)

ADMISSIONS FROM WAITLIST APRIL 15

ADMISSIONS CLOSED APRIL 20