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Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tours Are Being Offered Saturday, November 28th, 2020, at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM Included with admission are Shirley’s Enslavement Walking Tours offered at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 28th, 2020. The Enslavement Walking Tour is an outdoor tour focusing on the history of enslavement at Shirley Plantation and the …

Holiday Open House at Shirley, Berkeley, & Edgewood Plantations

Holiday Open House at Shirley, Berkeley, & Edgewood Plantations Breakaway from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and spend the day in historic Charles City County! Visit Holiday Open Houses at Shirley, Berkeley, and Edgewood Plantations from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Experience the spirit of the holidays with beautiful Christmas decorations at these …

Holiday Open House at Shirley, Berkeley, & Edgewood Plantations

Holiday Open House at Shirley, Berkeley, & Edgewood Plantations Breakaway from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and spend the day in historic Charles City County! Visit Holiday Open Houses at Shirley, Berkeley, and Edgewood Plantations from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Experience the spirit of the holidays with beautiful Christmas decorations at these …

Holiday Open House at Shirley, Berkeley, & Edgewood Plantations

Holiday Open House at Shirley, Berkeley, & Edgewood Plantations Breakaway from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and spend the day in historic Charles City County! Visit Holiday Open Houses at Shirley, Berkeley, and Edgewood Plantations from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Experience the spirit of the holidays with beautiful Christmas decorations at these …

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve from the Carter Family and the staff of the Shirley Plantation Foundation! Shirley Plantation will be closed Thursday December 24th, 2020 and Friday December 25th, 2020. We will re-open Saturday December 26th, 2020 at 10:00 AM with the first guided tour of the home being offered at 10:30 AM.

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas from the Carter Family and the staff of the Shirley Plantation Foundation! Shirley Plantation will be closed Thursday December 24th, 2020 and Friday December 25th, 2020. We will re-open Saturday December 26th, 2020 at 10:00 AM with the first guided tour of the home being offered at 10:30 AM.

Closed to the Public

Shirley Plantation will be closed to the public Saturday, December 26th, 2020. Shirley will reopen Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 at 10:00 AM with the first guided tour of the home's first floor being offered at 11:00 AM.

Open for Self-Guided Touring of Grounds, Gardens, & Outbuildings

Due to the current COVID-19 numbers and wanting to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff, Shirley Plantation Foundation will stop offering Guided House Tours and close the Gift Shop to the public beginning December 30th, 2020 in the hopes that this will help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. Shirley’s grounds, gardens, and …

Closed to the Public

Shirley Plantation will be closed to the public Saturday, February 6th, 2021. Shirley will reopen Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 at 10:00 AM.   Book online now!

Closed to the Public

Shirley Plantation will be closed to the public Saturday, February 13th, 2021. Shirley will reopen Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 at 10:00 AM.   Book online now!

Closed to the Public

Due to inclement weather, Shirley Plantation will be closed to the public Thursday, February 18th, 2021. Please check our website and social media pages for reopening updates!

Closed to the Public

Shirley will be closed to the public Thursday, April 15th, 2021, and Friday, April 16th, 2021. Shirley will reopen to the public for Historic Garden Week at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 17th, 2021. More information about Historic Garden Week of Virginia and combo tickets for the James River Plantations Tour can be found at …

Historic Garden Week

Historic Garden Week - James River Plantations Tour April 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2021 Open together, three historic properties and a church established in the early 1600s celebrate Historic Garden Week on three consecutive days. A special combo ticket allows access to the extensive grounds, gardens, numerous outbuildings, and first-floor interiors of all sites. All …

$50.00

Historic Garden Week

Historic Garden Week - James River Plantations Tour April 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2021 Open together, three historic properties and a church established in the early 1600s celebrate Historic Garden Week on three consecutive days. A special combo ticket allows access to the extensive grounds, gardens, numerous outbuildings, and first-floor interiors of all sites. All …

Historic Garden Week

Historic Garden Week - James River Plantations Tour April 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2021 Open together, three historic properties and a church established in the early 1600s celebrate Historic Garden Week on three consecutive days. A special combo ticket allows access to the extensive grounds, gardens, numerous outbuildings, and first-floor interiors of all sites. All …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tours Enslavement Walking Tours will be offered at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 29th, 2021. Learn about the history of slavery at Shirley Plantation and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Freedom Day

Join us as we honor Freedom Day, known as Juneteenth and Emancipation Day, to commemorate the 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On Saturday, June 19, 2021, there is no charge for Shirley's grounds and out-buildings. Explore our Slavery Exhibit located in the Kitchen Building, and make sure to view “A Peculiar Institution”, our newest …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tours Enslavement Walking Tours will be offered at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Friday, June 25th, 2021. Learn about the history of slavery at Shirley Plantation and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tours Enslavement Walking Tours will be offered at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021. Learn about the history of slavery at Shirley Plantation and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from the Hill Carter Family and the staff of Shirley Plantation Foundation! Shirley will be closed to the public Sunday, July 4th, 2021, and Monday, July 5th, 2021. Shirley will reopen Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 at 10:00 AM with the first guided tour of the home's first floor being offered at …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tours Enslavement Walking Tours will be offered at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 7th, 2021. Learn about the history of slavery at Shirley Plantation and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tours Enslavement Walking Tours will be offered at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 14th, 2021. Learn about the history of slavery at Shirley Plantation and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchments, and meet …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchments, and meet …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchments, and meet …

Enslavement Walking Tour

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October23rd, 2021. Learn about the history of slavery at Shirley Plantation and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets of and labor …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchments, and meet …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchments, and meet …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchments, and meet …

Closed to the Public

Shirley will be closed to the public Wednesday, November 24th, 2021 and will reopen on Friday, November 26th, 2021 at 10:00 am with the first guided tour of the home being offered at 11:00 am.  

Thanksgiving

Shirley will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 25th, 2021, for Thanksgiving Day and will reopen on Friday, November 26th, 2021, at 10:00 am, with the first guided tour being offered at 11:00 am.

Christmas Tea at Shirley

Christmas Tea at Shirley Christmas Tea hosted by Mrs. Lauren Carter on Sunday, December 12th, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. inside the Great House at Shirley. See the home decorated for the holidays and enjoy afternoon tea served with tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets. As your hostess, Mrs. Carter will share some of her favorite stories …

Shirley’s Holiday Open House

Shirley's Holiday Open House Saturday, December 18th, 2021 - 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM   Celebrate the holiday season at Shirley! See the Great House decked in beautiful Christmas decor and purchase holiday treats (as supplies last) as well as gifts from local vendors in Shirley’s gift shop! Admission includes a self-guided tour of the …

Christmas

Shirley will be closed to the public Friday, December 24th, 2021, and Saturday, December 25th, 2021. Shirley will reopen on Sunday, December 26th, 2021 at 10:00 am for the Holiday Open House at Shirley and Berkeley. Click here to purchase admission for the Holiday Open House on December 26th, 2021!

Holiday Open House at Shirley & Berkeley

Holiday Open House at Shirley & Berkeley   Sunday, December 26th, 2021 and Saturday, January 1st, 2021 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM Breakaway from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and spend the day in historic Charles City County! Visit Holiday Open Houses at Shirley and Berkeley Plantations from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Experience …

New Year’s Eve

Shirley will be closed to the public on Friday, December 31st, 2021, and will reopen on Saturday, January 1st, 2022, at 10:00 am.

Holiday Open House at Shirley & Berkeley

Holiday Open House at Shirley & Berkeley   Sunday, December 26th, 2021 and Saturday, January 1st, 2021 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM Breakaway from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and spend the day in historic Charles City County! Visit Holiday Open Houses at Shirley and Berkeley Plantations from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Experience …

Self-Guided Grounds Touring

Shirley’s grounds, gardens, and outbuildings are open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The exit gate closes at 4:00 PM. Shirley’s gift shop will be closed to the public from Tuesday, January 3rd, 2022 until February 1st, 2022. Guided tours of the home’s first floor will be closed to the public from …

Closed to the Public

Shirley will be closed to the public Saturday, January 22nd, 2022, and will reopen on Monday, January 24th, 2022 at 10:00 am for self-guided touring of Shirley's grounds, gardens, and outbuildings.

Closed to the Public

Shirley's house tours, gift shop, grounds, gardens, and outbuildings will be closed to the public for the month of February. Shirley will reopen on Tuesday, March 1st, 2022. Guided Tours of the home's first floor will be offered Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. Please click here to …

Enslavement Walking Tour

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 5th, 2022. Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Enslavement Walking Tour

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 5th, 2022. Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tours Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, April 2nd, 2022. Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, April 9th, 2022. Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Easter

Shirley will be closed to the public Sunday, April 17th, 2022, and will reopen for self-guided touring of the grounds, gardens, and outbuildings on Monday, April 18th, 2022.

Historic Garden Week

Historic Garden Week of Virginia April 23rd, April 24th, and April 25th, 2022 Open together, three historic properties and a church established in the early 1600s celebrate Historic Garden Week on three consecutive days. A special combo ticket allows access to the extensive grounds, gardens, numerous outbuildings, and first-floor interiors of all sites. In addition …

$60.00

Afternoon Tea with Mrs. Carter

Sunday, April 24th, 2022 at 3:00 PM Join Mrs. Carter for afternoon tea on the garden terrace on Sunday, April 24th, 2022 at 3:00 PM! Enjoy tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets while Mrs. Carter shares stories about the English tradition of afternoon tea and what it is like to live at Shirley. This is a rain …

$35.00

Memorial Day

Memorial Day On Monday, May 30th, 2022, all active-duty U.S. military and U.S. veterans receive complimentary admission with spouses and dependents receiving half-off admission. The Manor House will proudly display patriotic bunting and house tours will highlight stories of military experiences at Shirley. In the gift shop, copies of Shirley's book of Military History will …

Freedom Day

Freedom Day Join us as we honor Freedom Day, known as Juneteenth and Emancipation Day, to commemorate the 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans. There is no charge to visit Shirley on Saturday, June 18th, 2022. Explore our Enslavement Exhibit located in the Kitchen Building, and make sure to view “A Peculiar Institution”, our video …

Independence Day

Independence Day at Historic Shirley Celebrate July 4th weekend at Shirley on Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm with the exit gate closing at 5:00 pm! Take a self-guided tour of Shirley's grounds and 18th-century outbuildings, take a guided tour of the home's first floor, or a micro tour focusing on …

Enslavement Walking Tour

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 13th, 2022. Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Summer Magic Hour Tours

Summer Magic Hour Tours Spend a summer evening with an after-hours guided tour of Shirley’s first-floor interiors! Then, enjoy a beer or a glass of wine and light hors d'oeuvres on the riverside portico as the sun begins to set on the James River. A second beer or glass of wine can be purchased during …

Enslavement Walking Tour

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 27th, 2022. Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets …

Grounds Admission Available

Shirley's grounds, gardens, 18th-century outbuildings, and exhibits will be open for self-guided touring on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm with the exit gate closing at 5:00 pm. Self-Guided Grounds Only Admission can be purchased below. The Great House at Shirley and Shirley's Gift Shop will be closed to the public …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View a one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchment, and …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View a one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchment, and …

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day Rates Self-Guided Grounds Tour (All): Free of charge today only! About Join us as we honor Indigenous Peoples' Day and the Weyanoke tribe that resided at Shirley prior to 1613, and the Chickahominy tribe that is still very active in Charles City County today. On Monday, October 10th, 2022, there is no …

Self-Guided Grounds Only Admission

On Friday, October 14th, 2022, Shirley's home will be closed for guided tours. Shirley's grounds, gardens, and outbuildings will be open on Friday, October 14th, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm for self-guided touring. Guided house tours will resume on Saturday, October 15th, at 10:30 am. Book online now!

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View a one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchment, and …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View a one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchment, and …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View a one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchment, and …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

Haunted Tales of Shirley This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View a one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchment, and …

Self-Guided Grounds Admission Available Today

Shirley's home will be closed for guided tours on Friday, November 4th, 2022 for a private group. Shirley's grounds, gardens, outbuildings, and exhibits will be open for self-guided admission from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Shirley's home will reopen for guided tours on Saturday, November 5th, 2022 at 10:30 am. Book online now!

Veteran’s Day

Veteran's Day All active-duty U.S. military and U.S. veterans receive complimentary admission with spouses and dependents receiving half-off admission. Guided tours of the home's first floor will highlight stories of military experiences at Shirley. In the gift shop, copies of Shirley's book of Military History will be offered at 20% off. Guided tours of the …

Sunset Tour

Sunset Tour at Shirley Take a guided tour of the home’s first floor, then experience the beautiful views and capture breathtaking photos of a fall sunset on the James River! An experience that few witness! Tickets for an after-hours fall sunset tour are $30.00 per adult and $22.50 per youth (7-16) or student with valid …

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Shirley will be closed to the public today, Thursday, November 24th, 2022 for Thanksgiving Day. Shirley will reopen to the public on Friday, November 25th, 2022 at 10:00 am with the first guided tour of the home's first-floor interiors being offered at 10:30 am. Book online now!

Holidays at Shirley

Shirley’s Holiday Tours Celebrate the holiday season at Shirley! See the Great House decked in beautiful Christmas decor and purchase holiday gifts from local vendors in Shirley’s gift shop! Shirley will be decorated for the holidays beginning Tuesday, November 29th through Friday, December 30th, 2022.  Admission includes a self-guided tour of the grounds, gardens, and …

Holiday Candlelight Tour

Holiday Candlelight Tour at Historic Shirley:   Break away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy an after-hours candlelight tour of Historic Shirley. See the first-floor interiors decorated for the holidays and learn about the Hill Carter family's Christmas traditions throughout the years. Admission: Adults: $30.00 (no discounts apply) Youth (7-16)/Student (w/Valid …

Holiday Candlelight Tour

Holiday Candlelight Tour at Historic Shirley:   Break away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy an after-hours candlelight tour of Historic Shirley. See the first-floor interiors decorated for the holidays and learn about the Hill Carter family's Christmas traditions throughout the years. Admission: Adults: $30.00 (no discounts apply) Youth (7-16)/Student (w/Valid …

Christmas Tea at Shirley

Christmas Tea at Shirley Christmas Tea hosted by Mrs. Lauren Carter on Sunday, December 11th, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. inside the Great House at Shirley. See the home decorated for the holidays and enjoy afternoon tea served with tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Please let us know in the comments during checkout if you would like …

Holiday Candlelight Tour

Holiday Candlelight Tour at Historic Shirley:   Break away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy an after-hours candlelight tour of Historic Shirley. See the first-floor interiors decorated for the holidays and learn about the Hill Carter family's Christmas traditions throughout the years. Admission: Adults: $30.00 (no discounts apply) Youth (7-16)/Student (w/Valid …

Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the staff of Shirley's foundation and the Hill Carter family! Shirley will be closed to the public on Friday, December 23rd, Saturday, December 24th, and Sunday, December 25th for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Shirley will reopen to the public on Tuesday, December 27th at 10:00 am with the …

Winter Closing

Shirley will be closed to the public for the winter season beginning on Saturday, December 31st, 2022, through March 6th, 2023. Shirley will reopen to the public on Tuesday, March 7th, at 10:00 AM with the first guided tour of the home's first floor being offered at 10:30 AM. Interested in visiting Shirley in February? …

Winter Tours

Shirley is offering limited guided tours of the home's first floor during the months of January and February. Availabilities and tour capacities are limited. Advance online purchase of admission for winter tours is required. Tours may be canceled in the event of inclement weather or insufficient capacity. Full refunds will be given for canceled tours. …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 12:00 PM on Saturday, February 18th, and Monday, February 20th, 2023 in addition to a Winter Guided Tour of the manor house's first floor at 11:00 AM or 1:30 PM. Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved …

Visit Shirley

Visit Shirley in 2023! Shirley is open to the public. Shirley's grounds, gardens, and seven 18th-century outbuildings will be open for self-guided admission Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, with the exit gate closing at 4:30 PM for ticketed guests. Guided Tours of the home's first floor are only available for special events and …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, April 1st.  Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets of …

Historic Garden Week of Virginia

Visit Shirley and celebrate the arrival of Spring during Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia. Take a self-guided tour of the manor house's first floor with fresh floral arrangements in each room, made using material from the grounds and gardens. There will be docents in each room to share Shirley's …

Closed – April 20th

Shirley will be closed to the public Thursday, April 20th, 2023. Shirley will reopen for self-guided touring of the grounds, gardens, and outbuildings, and guided tours of the home's first floor on Friday, April 21st, 2023 at 10:00 am.   Book online now!

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, April 22nd.  Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets of …

Enslavement Walking Tours

Enslavement Walking Tour Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tour will be offered at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Saturday, April 29th.  Learn about the history of enslavement at Shirley and the lives of the enslaved who lived and worked here. From the earliest records of Africans in Virginia, their indentured predecessors, to the many facets of …

Shirley’s Grounds Open for Self-Guided Touring

Shirley's guided tours of the home's first floor are canceled today, Friday, May 12th, 2023. Shirley's grounds, gardens, and outbuildings will be open for self-guided touring from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.   Book online now!

Closed to the Public

Sorry, we are closed today, Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 for a private event. Shirley will reopen Monday, June 5th, 2023 at 10:00 am for self-guided touring of the grounds, gardens, and seven 18th-century outbuildings. Shirley's gift shop and guided tours will reopen on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 at 10:00 am. Book online now!

Freedom Day

Join us as we honor Freedom Day, known as Juneteenth and Emancipation Day, to commemorate the 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On Monday, June 19th, 2023, there is no charge to visit Shirley. Explore our Enslavement Exhibit located in the Kitchen Building, and make sure to view “A Peculiar Institution”, our video exhibit. Our …

Closed to the Public

Shirley will be closed to the public on Monday, July 3rd, 2023. Shirley will reopen on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 at 10:00 am with the first guided tour of the home's first floor being offered at 10:30 am.   Book online now!

Shirley will be open to the public Saturday, July 29th, 2023 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, with the exit gate closing for ticketed guests at 5:00 pm. Guided tours of the home's first-floor interiors will be offered at 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. Shirley's Enslavement Walking Tours will not be …

Closed to the Public

Historic Shirley will close early to the public on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 at 12:00 pm due to inclement weather.   Historic Shirley will reopen on Monday, September 25th, 2023 at 10:00 am for self-guided touring of Shirley's grounds, gardens, and outbuildings.   Book online now!

Westover Church’s Autumn Pilgrimage

Visit Shirley during Westover Church's Autumn Pilgrimage Shirley will be open for self-guided touring on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm as part of Westover Church's Autumn Pilgrimage. The tour includes a self-guided tour of the first floor of the house, grounds, and outbuildings. Docents and descriptions will be on hand …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View a one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchment, and meet Shirley's famed resident …

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

On Monday, October 9th, 2023, join us as we honor Indigenous Peoples' Day and the Weyanoke tribe that resided at Shirley prior to 1613, and the Chickahominy tribe that is still very active in Charles City County today. On Monday, October 9th, 2023, there is no charge to visit Shirley and explore the grounds, gardens, …

Haunted Tales of Shirley

This unique after-hours tour of the Manor House at Shirley gives insight into the mysteries and past lives of this historic property in Charles City, Virginia. Hear about strange funeral practices and mourning customs over the past four centuries during this special tour. View a one-of-a-kind funeral portrait and hatchment, and meet Shirley's famed resident …

Closed Today

Shirley will be closed to the public Saturday, October 28th, 2023. Shirley will reopen for guided tours of the home's first-floor interiors on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 at 10:00 am with the first guided tour being offered at 10:30 am.

Holiday Candlelight Tour

Break away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy an after-hours candlelight tour of Historic Shirley. See the first-floor interiors decorated for the holidays and learn about the Hill Carter family's Christmas traditions throughout the years. Adults: $30.00 (no discounts apply) Youth (7-16)/Student (w/Valid ID): $22.50 (no discounts apply) Tour Dates: Saturday, …

Holiday Candlelight Tour

Break away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy an after-hours candlelight tour of Historic Shirley. See the first-floor interiors decorated for the holidays and learn about the Hill Carter family's Christmas traditions throughout the years. Adults: $30.00 (no discounts apply) Youth (7-16)/Student (w/Valid ID): $22.50 (no discounts apply) Tour Dates: Saturday, …