NNK250 Discovery Symposium: "The American Experiment"

The Northern Neck 250 Discovery Symposium is an annual collaboration of historic sites and museums that focuses on bringing new research to the community during the Semiquincentennial of the United States. This year’s theme, “The American Experiment” will be covered over two days on Sunday, November 8 and Monday, November 9.

GET TICKETS HERE

An “All-Access Pass” can be purchased for $40* and includes all NNK250 Discovery Symposium events, a boxed lunch, and access to the evening reception. Alternatively, visitors can register for the keynote lecture, sessions, or lunch individually. Tickets for Feuding Founders are purchased separately. *Not including fees. Only orders placed by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, November 4 are guaranteed a boxed lunch. The options are chicken salad, ham & cheddar, or turkey & swiss (all served with lettuce, tomato and condiments on the side) with bagged chips, pickle, a cookie and bottled water.

Sunday, November 8, 2026

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Feuding Founders/NNK250 Reception (Dining Hall, 792 Great House Rd)

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Join us for an evening keynote lecture at the Stratford Hall Council House by University of Mary Washington Professor of History and American Studies Dr. Krystyn Moon, who will explore the meaning and legacy of the American experiment. $15 admission. Registration is $10 to attend this lecture virtually.

Monday, November 9, 2026

Spend the day at Stratford Hall with scholars and practitioners from across the Northern Neck sharing new discoveries in history and archaeology. Accessible presentations from partners including George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Stratford Hall, Menokin, and others will highlight ongoing research and what it reveals about the region’s central role in the nation’s founding.

9:00 – 11:15 a.m. Session 1: “Challenging Authority” in the Stratford Hall Council House. $5 admission. Registration is free to attend this session virtually.

Speakers: Dr. Julia A. King (St. Mary’s College of Maryland), Kayla Payne (Menokin), Dr. Tayzhaun Glover (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

Topics: Bacon’s Rebellion, Self-emancipation in the Northern Neck and Chesapeake

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. Lunch: Stratford Hall Dining Room. $20 box lunches are available for preorder through Wednesday, November 4. 

12:45 – 3:00 p.m. Session 2: “Between the Roof and the Ground: Architectural History and Archaeological Discoveries in the Northern Neck” in the Stratford Hall Council House. $5 admission. Registration is free to attend this session virtually.

Speakers: Kerry Gonzalez (George Washington Birthplace National Monument), Dave Myers, Raina Regan, Kyle Keister (Virginia State Parks), Lisa Manderson (Stratford Hall)

Topics: Building X at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Stratford Hall East Steps, Westmoreland State Park history and cabin renovations

Extend your stay by reserving a room in the Cheek Guest House or Astor Guest House at $159* per night! Visit our lodging website, call (804) 493-1967 or email reservations@stratfordhall.org. *Subject to taxes and fees. Log cabins not included in offer.