Third Thursday
2021-10-21 17:00 - 20:00, 2021-11-18 17:00 - 20:00 UTC
Join us at Essex County Museum for a fun “Scavenger History Hunt”!

Lillian H. McGuire Reception
2021-11-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Old Beale Church, Church Street (Route 17) and Queen Street (Route 360), Tappahannock, VA, 22560, United States
The Essex Museum will host a reception honoring Mrs. Lillian H. McGuire, whose book Uprooted and Transplanted: From Africa to America, has been recently reprinted by the Museum, on Sunday, November 14 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at the old Beale Church on the corner of Highways 360 and 17 in Tappahannock.
Guests will hear the story behind the book and be able to purchase signed copies at the event. To ensure the safety of our guests, all federal and state covid requirements in effect at the time of the reception will be followed.
To register, go to https://ecmhs.org/mcguire/

Essex County Museum Exhibit Grand Opening Celebration
2022-03-10 18:00
Join us for the Grand Opening of an exhibit at the Essex County Museum. “Dreams Deferred, Goals Advanced: The African American Experience in Essex” is a new permanent exhibit in the Essex Gallery. In this enhanced expansion of the museum’s current African American history exhibit, three murals and life-size figures in period costume are featured, tracing black history in Essex from slavery times through Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights Movement and school desegregation.
Click here to register for the Event

Essex Museum Courtyard Opening Community Celebration
2022-06-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Max Silver Memorial Courtyard
On Sunday, June 12, a community wide celebration will be held from 3 to 5 pm in the new Max Silver Memorial Courtyard to commemorate the opening of the Museum’s new venue. This outdoor space in the heart of Tappahannock is already being enjoyed by residents and visitors who stroll through the Courtyard on their walks around town and will serve as a wonderful site for living history programs, outdoor classrooms and community event space. In addition to a short program to commemorate the new Courtyard, music, food and fun will be part of the opening festivities. Plan to join us as we celebrate the “official” opening of the Courtyard on Sunday June 12!

Pirates on the Chesapeake and Rappahannock River Opens
2022-08-20 10:00 - 15:00
“Pirates on the Chesapeake and Rappahannock River” opens at the Essex County Museum on Saturday August 20 th! Be sure to come by the Museum to see this new exhibit that also includes activities for kids and families as well as new pirate themed merchandise in the Gift Shop. The Museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm.

Extraordinary Women in Essex County Exhibit Opens
2023-03-22
A new exhibit “Extraordinary Women in Essex County” opens on Wednesday, March 22!
Join us at 4 pm on the 22nd for an Opening Celebration and Reception at the Museum, 218 Water Lane in Tappahannock.

“Extraordinary Women in Essex County” Opening Celebration and Reception
2023-03-22 16:00

Curated Cocktails Spring Fundraiser and Silent Auction
2023-04-13 17:30 - 19:30

Curated Cocktails Spring Fundraiser & Silent Auction
2024-04-11 17:30 - 19:30
Featuring live music, great food, a silent auction, and tasty drinks that will include this year’s signature cocktail! Thursday, April 11th from 5:30 to 7:30 at the historic Brockenbrough House at St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock. Funds raised that evening will support Museum programs, exhibits, and community outreach projects.

Book Club
2024-04-24 15:00 - 16:00
The Essex County Museum Book Club will be discussing Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

250th Anniversary Celebration of the Essex Resolutions
2024-07-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Max Silver Memorial Courtyard
Join us as we celebrate one of the early steps on the road to the American Revolution. The Essex Resolutions were a proclamation of solidarity meant to strengthen and support the colonies in order to resist British oppression. The afternoon will feature members of the Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps, colonial dancers, a colonial stunt show, musket displays, food trucks, and a Hamilton-inspired performance of the Essex Resolutions. This event is free to the public!

Encore Presentation of "Colored Tourists Lodge at the Historic McGuire's Inn"
2025-09-20 14:00 - 15:00
Head over to the Essex High School’s Auditorium on Saturday, September 20th at 2:00 pm for an encore presentation of this locally written play about the historic McGuire’s Inn right here in Tappahannock!
Written by Tappahannock’s own Gina McGuire, who grew up in the McGuire’s Inn, this is a wonderful chance to support local theater and learn some local history!
Tickets are $20 each and will be available at the door.

Annual Fall Oyster Roast and Courtyard Party
2025-11-01 13:30 - 16:30
Join us on November 1st for the Annual Fall Oyster Roast and Courtyard Party!

2026-02-28 15:00 - 16:00
Essex / Middlesex Revolutionary War Panel Discussion

Curated Cocktails at the 1710 Tavern
2026-04-21 17:30 - 19:30 | 1710 Tavern, 314 S. Water Lane, Tappahannock, Virginia, 22560
Join us on Tuesday, April 21st at 5:30 pm for Curated Cocktails at the historic 1710 Tavern! It’s an evening of live music, artfully crafted bites, and handcrafted drinks, including our signature Curated Cocktail. Browse and bid on exclusive packages and prizes from local businesses in our Silent Auction, all while supporting your local Museum.

Whale of a Sale
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00
New this year, get ready for the first-ever Whale of a Sale, a unique fundraising event you won’t want to miss! On Saturday, May 16th from 10:00am to 3:00pm, browse a curated selection of antiques, vintage collectibles, furniture, artwork, home décor, and more. The best part? Every 45 minutes to an hour, an additional 10% discount is added to all sticker prices. The longer you browse, the more you save! All the proceeds from this event will go to help support the Essex County Museum and Historical Society. Come early for the best selection, or come late for the best deals. It’s a whale of a good time all in support of a great cause!
If you’d like to donate items for the sale, please check out the listed criteria. Donations will be accepted during regular Museum hours from May 5th–14th (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10-3). Donation receipts will be available.

DONATION CRITERIA
Accepted Items: Quality antiques, vintage collectibles, artwork, dressers, tables, chairs, bookshelves, cookware, lamps, mirrors, home décor, and working small appliances and electronics (all parts present). Donation receipts will be available at the Museum.

Condition: Items must be in “like-new” or excellent, gently used condition.
Cleanliness: Furniture must be free of stains, rips, tears, pet hair, and odors (smoke/pet).
Functionality: Small appliances and electronics must be in working order.
Completeness: All furniture parts (handles, drawers) must be present.

Items Not Accepted:• Damaged Items: Ripped, stained, broken, or water-damaged furniture.• Clothing: No clothing, towels, or linens• Oversized/Specific: Large entertainment centers, sleeper sofas, or mattresses.• Dangerous: Items that do not meet safety standards or have been recalled.• Materials: Particleboard items, construction materials, or items in poor condition.

If you have any quesitons about donations, please email the Museum at COMMUNICATIONS@ECMHS.ORG
