History at Sunset

History at Sunset is an annual series that focuses on areas rarely visited, stories rarely told, or familiar sites seen through a different lens. Park rangers lead each History at Sunset program. All programs are free and take place every other Saturday evening at 6:30 pm. Most include walking, with distances ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 miles. Participants are recommended to bring bug spray and water and to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. 2025 History at Sunset Schedule All programs begin at 6:30 pm and are about 90 minutes. July 5 – Summer 1862: The Occupation of Fredericksburg 6:30 pm-8 pm Stationary program on the Chatham lawn; bring a lawn chair or blanket; park at Chatham, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. During the summer of 1862, Union soldiers occupied Fredericksburg and experienced life around people whose perspectives on the war were vastly different from their own. For Fredericksburg’s civilians, the occupation put a spotlight on war’s ability to impact a community and be a catalyst for change. This program explores the ways the 1862 occupation of Fredericksburg challenged the assumptions of soldiers and civilians about the nature of the Civil War and shaped how they understood their place in it. July 19 – Old Salem Church 6:30 pm-8 pm Stationary program at Old Salem Church; park at (new) Salem Baptist Church, 4044 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. Accessible parking available at Old Salem Church lot. At the beginning of its history Old Salem church was a house of worship for a community of enslavers and the people they enslaved. In time, this structure became a refuge from war for Fredericksburg’s civilians, the epicenter of a battle, and finally a protected historic landscape. Join us inside Old Salem Church for a program that explores the many-faceted history of this storied place. August 2 – Fact and Fiction: Exploring Red Badge of Courage at Chancellorsville 6:30 pm-8 pm Battlefield hike; 2.5 mile; park at Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center; 9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553. Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage tells the story of a young Civil War soldier’s first taste of combat—capturing the fear, doubt, and courage that come with it. Lauded by some veterans and criticized by others, the novel has long sparked debate for its vivid, emotional portrayal of war. But how closely does it reflect the true experiences of soldiers who fought at Chancellorsville? Join park staff for a 2.5-mile walking tour as we compare Crane’s fictional narrative with the real voices of those who lived the battle. August 16 – Lore, Legacy, and Liability at the Slaughter Pen Farm 6:30 pm-8 pm Battlefield hike; 1.5 miles; park in the field at Slaughter Pen Farm; 11190 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg VA 22408. Speculation abounds regarding the convoluted events on the southern end of the Fredericksburg battlefield that eventually resulted in a congressional investigation. Join us on this 1.5 mile walk as we examine the intentions of the commanders, implications of their decisions, and how their actions have been regarded by the participants and historians.