Living History – Madison Birthday Celebration – Meet Mr. Madison and President James Monroe

It’s March 1822 and Former President James Madison is now retired from the Office of President of the United States. He has retired to his beloved Montpelier with his wife Dolley. In his retirement, Madison is occasionally involved in public affairs and offers advice to his friend, President James Monroe. President James Monroe is in his second term as President of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Madison have received a special invitation to Belle Grove Plantation, his mother’s family home from 1670 to 1790 and his birthplace in 1751 to return for his 71st birthday. They have been invited to spend the day visiting with old friends. Even President Monroe has slipped away from Washington to join the Madisons at Belle Grove for the birthday celebration and to discuss matters of state.

We invite you to join us this Living History Experience at Belle Grove Plantation. Former President and Mrs. Madison and President James Monroe will be at Belle Grove to meet with the public and to celebrate Mr. Madison’s birthday.

The day will start with a meet and greet with Former President James Madison and President James Monroe in the parlor from 10am to 12pm. Mrs. Madison will be entertaining the ladies in the formal dining room with an early afternoon tea from 11am to 12pm.
Come and join a lively conversation with the former President and current President as they meet with guests to discuss the current events of 1822. They will not only educate you one the times they “live” in but show you that it is not so different than the times we live in today in 2022. If you ask “correctly”, you might event get a photo with them.

After meeting with Mr. Madison and President Monroe, stay for our free Madison Birthday Ceremony as we remember our 4th President on his 271st Birthday.

At 1pm, we will gather on the riverside of Belle Grove for a special birthday celebration. Speakers include Former President James Madison, President James Monroe, Mrs. Madison, Captain Todd Copeland, CO of Naval Support Activity South Potomac Dahlgren, and LTJG Adewale Giwa-Alaka, Chaplain, Naval Support Activity South Potomac. On hand for the ceremony will be STSTC ATRC Color Guard.

Meet Mr. Madison and Colonel James Monroe – 10am to 12pm
Afternoon Tea with Mrs. Madison – 11am to 12pm
James Madison Birthday Ceremony – 1pm to 2pm
Madison Birthday Dinner – 6pm to 9pm

Meet Mr. Madison and Colonel James Monroe – Free to the public
Afternoon Tea with Mrs. Madison – $35 for all ages
James Madison Birthday Ceremony – Free to the public
Madison Birthday Dinner – $45 for all ages