🥁🎺🇺🇸 Event Update: Patriots in the Park
Due to the weather forecast, this evening's Patriots in the Park has been relocated from Downtown Festival Park to the NEW Downtown Suffolk Library. 325 West Washington St.
Most activities will take place on the Library courtyard behind the building, with additional activities happening inside the library.

Join us for an evening of patriotic fun featuring:

🇺🇸 Second Ending Brass Quintet (live music)
🥁 Yorktown Fife & Drum
⚔️ Living History Re-enactors from the 7th Virginia Regiment & The Domestic Historian
🫖 Stillwater Tea House

🌭 AJ's Downtown Dogs serving special $5 hot dog combos—the quintessential American picnic food!
We look forward to celebrating with you in our new location! Suffolk Public Library
Questions? Contact the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757-514-4130.

#visitsuffolkva #downtownsuffolkva #suffolkva #suffolkva250 #virginia250 #america250 #suffolk250 #va250 #daughtersoftheamericanrevolution​

July 8 is the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, which took place on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia, four days after the document was adopted by the Continental Congress. Colonel John Nixon read the declaration to the public in what is now called Independence Square.
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Partnering with Daughters of the American Revolution Constantia Chapter, Suffolk Tourism is pleased to present Patriots in the Park: ​Commemorating the First Public Reading of The Declaration of Independence,

Wednesday, July 8, 5:00 - 8:00pm, at Downtown Festival Park. Free and open to the public.
Activities include:
Official reading of the Declaration of Independence
Civil Air Patrol Presentation of Colors
​National Anthem

Live Music

• The Second Ending Brass Quintet
• Yorktown Fifes & Drums

 

• Living History Reenactors portraying colonial life as soldiers, women and children, indigenous peoples, African Americans, agriculture/cooking, education/faith, music, games, crafts, etc.
• Merchants & Exhibitors
• “All-American Picnic Food” by AJ Downtown Dogs

​Juneteenth is a national holiday, but do you know why it is important? Welcome to Know Your History. We will be watching a film on Juneteenth's history and importance. Afterwards, enjoy some refreshments and group discussion after the film. Come with a question or two, leave with an open mind. For adults and high school ages.

No registration required to attend in person. Registration required to attend virtually via Zoom.
Registered participants will receive a link to the Zoom meeting at least 15 minutes before the event begins.
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Sign Up

What is now Baker Funeral Home was built by Burwell Riddick in the early 20th century as a home for his family. It was later sold to Mr. and Mrs. John King, who was one of the first successful peanut businessmen in Suffolk. Behind the Baker Funeral Home is a replica of John Constant’s home, known as the Constantia House. The original house, built around 1720, was demolished in 1920. The Constantia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution built a replica on the original site in Cedar Hill Cemetery, and it was later moved to this location.

The year 2026 marks America’s 250th birthday and throughout the year, a variety of events and activities will take place across Suffolk and the Commonwealth of Virginia. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, a new Lafayette Trail marker was unveiled at Sleepy Hole Park in honor of General Lafayette’s travels throughout the Old Dominion during the Virginia Campaign in 1781. In March 1781, Lafayette arrived in Virginia, dispatched to counteract Benedict Arnold and British forces amassing here. He rapidly adopted a careful military style, harassing redcoats continuously—without ever fully committing his limited troops—thereby keeping Virginia as an open battleground. Lafayette’s tactics in Virginia were grounded in a fine understanding of new world culture and the incessant need for continued action and grit to maintain military discipline among his troops. By March 20, 1781, Lafayette had arrived at Gen. Muhlenberg’s encampment, scouting for British positions, gathering intelligence without risking his forces. Thanks to Lafayette’s work in Virginia, the state remained contested until conditions were met for the combined French American assault leading to the victory at Yorktown. This new marker summarizes a story of discipline and patience at a pivotal moment during the American Revolutionary War.

The marker dedication featured remarks by Julien P. Icher, Founder and President of The Lafayette Trail, Inc.; Theresa Earles, Suffolk Tourism Development Manager; Frank Womble, Great Bridge Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution; Gloria Womble, State Chair, Franco-American Memorial Committee Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution; with wreath laying by Maureen Holbert, Director, District 1, Virginia DAR;  Karen Weaver-Hedrick Regent, Constantia Chapter NSDAR; and Garrett Hedrick, Great Bridge Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Refreshments were provided by Stillwater Tea House.

The Lafayette Marker may be found adjacent the pier entrance at Sleepy Hole Park, located at 4616 Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk. The park is open daily, dawn to dusk. For more information about Suffolk’s outdoor recreation, see SuffolkParksandRec.com. For more Suffolk VA 250 events, visit SuffolkVA250.com.
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July 8 is the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, which took place on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia, four days after the document was adopted by the Continental Congress. Colonel John Nixon read the declaration to the public in what is now called Independence Square.

Partnering with Daughters of the American Revolution Suffolk Chapter, Suffolk Tourism is please to present Patriots in the Park: ​Commemorating The First Public Reading of The Declaration of Independence, Wednesday, July 8, 5:00 - 8:00pm, at Downtown Festival Park. Free and open to the public. 

Activities include:

• Official reading of the Declaration of Independence
• Civil Air Patrol Presentation of Colors
• Live Music 

         The Second Ending Brass Quintet 
         Fife & Drum 

• Living History Reenactors portraying colonial life as soldiers, women and children, indigenous peoples, African Americans, agriculture/cooking, education/faith, music, games, crafts, etc.
• Merchants & Exhibitors
• “All-American Picnic Food”

​Stay tuned for more details!

​Miss Lilly’s Trading Post in Suffolk, VA is a charming consignment shop and local market located on South Quay Road. Set in a rustic, barn-style building, it offers a unique mix of antiques, vintage finds, home décor, furniture, clothing, and locally made goods from multiple vendors. With its ever-changing inventory and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for treasure hunters looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and Southern-inspired décor.

Miss Lilly's Trading Post will commemorate America's 250th Birthday on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with a day-long celebration. From 8:30am until 5:00pm, you'll find a outdoor open market, family friendly fun and games, "Touch of Twinkle" Fairy Hair, 30+ consignors, raffles and more! Be sure to wear your best red, white & blue patriotic gear!

6707 S. Quay Rd. Suffolk, VA 23437 (in Holland Village of Suffolk)  
misslillystradingpost.com

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming FREE Lafayette event in Suffolk, Virginia, to be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2 pm ET. This event will continue our Lafayette250 events in Virginia following our Jamestown kickoff earlier this year.

A Lafayette Trail marker was donated to the Suffolk Visitor Center in 2020 to commemorate Lafayette's 1825 visit to Suffolk. Our second marker in Suffolk will commemorate Lafayette's travels throughout the Old Dominion during the Virginia Campaign in 1781. It will be our second Revolutionary War marker in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

By March 20, 1781, General Lafayette had arrived at
Gen. Muhlenberg's militia camp at Sleepy Hole, northeast of Suffolk, while scouting for the British troops under the command of Benedict Arnold. Working with Suffolk Tourism, we were able to secure a nice location for this new marker at Sleepy Hole Park (4616 Sleepy Hole Rd, Suffolk, VA 23435).

The marker will be formally dedicated on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2 pm ET, in the presence
of local dignitaries and officials. We anticipate the program to last no longer than 45 minutes, including photo opportunities for attendees following the completion of the ceremony.

The new commemorative marker will be installed to the northwest of the Sleepy Hole Park Road loop, in the immediate vicinity of the public landing pier. Plenty of free parking will be available
​for attendees on-site.

This event is entirely FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. To find out more about this event and other upcoming ones, please visit our website at lafayette250.org/events. You can also send us an email at [email protected].

This new marker was donated by The Lafayette Trail, Inc. to the City of Suffolk, VA, with funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

We look forward to seeing you in Suffolk on Wednesday, April 15, 2026! 

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:30 - 11:30am

North Suffolk Library | 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Rd. Suffolk 23435
Free & Open to the Public

History expert, Matthew Krogh, will introduce you to the men, ships, politics, and logistics of the 
Virginia Navy and the battles fought in the Chesapeake Bay and on the Atlantic Ocean to protect 
the Old Dominion’s maritime frontier.

​Join us for a special Veterans Day Pop-up Cleanup on November 7, from 9-11 AM! 🌿🧹 We will gather at the entrance of Organic Roots (4921 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA) where supplies will be available, and registration can be done on-site. Let's honor our veterans by beautifying our community! #VeteransDay #SuffolkVA #KeepSuffolkBeautiful

Presented by Tidewater Striders
and Suffolk Parks and Recreation.

Join us at beautiful Downtown Festival Park in Suffolk, Virginia as we celebrate all of those who have served our country. 215 W Washington St, Suffolk, VA 23434
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Course Information
RACE TIMES: 
5k Run and Race Walk Starts at 8:00 AM 
1 Mile Starts at Approx 9:15 AM

The Course
Join us on this fast, flat-ish course starting in Downtown Suffolk, and running through the beautiful Riverview neighborhood.

Hydration Note:
There will be 1 aid station with water around the 1.5-mile mark.

AMENITIES & POST-RACE:
All 5k & 1 Mile registered runners will receive a Premium T-Shirt. All finishers will receive Medals.

Onsite hospitality & refreshments will be available on-site including an after-party with a live band, beer, food, snacks, and cold beverages.

Two Great Farms . . . One Great Event
Join us as we Salute Our Veterans with an afternoon of horses, community, gratitude and fun!

Sunday, November 9, 2025 
12–4 PM

• Liberty Lane Farm with Stars and Stripes Drill Team
• Bridlewood Estates Equestrian Center with Sunfire Equestrian

Visit both farms for a chance to win prizes! We’ll have “open barns,” activities, horse demos, performances and more!

Liberty Lane Farm
2455 Lake Cohoon Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434
[email protected]

12:30 and 2:30pm Stars and Stripes Drill Team performance and National Anthem presentation. 

Ongoing Activities
Drill Team meet and greet, barrel racing and pole bending demos, music, barn tour, treats for horses, roping station, games, Thank-A-Vet card making, info booths.

SunFire Equestrian at Bridlewood 
2601 Bridlewood Lane  Suffolk, VA 23434
​[email protected]

Ongoing Activities
Riding demonstrations, barn tour, treats for horses, pony rides, mini-photo sessions with professional photographer.

This is a free event, but some activities may have a small fee or donation request.
No pets allowed. No smoking permitted. 

Veterans Day Events
The cemetery will hold an open house event in honor of Veterans Day (November 11). Employees will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer questions about pre-applications, benefits of burial in one of Virginia’s state-operated veterans cemeteries, and cemetery operation procedures.

​Employees will also be available to assist visitors with locating gravesites.

The cemetery will be in full dress with the Avenue of Flags flying and individual flags on each gravesite.

SUFFOLK, VA:  At 9:37 a.m. on September 11, 2001, five hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia.   All 53 passengers and six crew members perished in the crash, and an additional 125 military and civilian personnel on the ground were killed in the fire caused by the crash.  The hijacking of Flight 77 was part of the broader attack on 9/11, which remains the deadliest terrorist attack in world history.

To honor the memory of the 184 victims who perished on Virginia soil, the Constantia Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will plant memorial flags on Sunday, September 7, 2:00 PM, at the Suffolk Visitor Center, Main Street, Suffolk, VA.  The flags will be on display through Sunday, September 14.  The public is invited to participate in planting those flags.

“We are honored to stand together in solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11th” shared Karen Hedrick, Regent, Constantia Chapter, NSDAR. “We urge others to reflect on the patriots who perished on this tragic day by reflecting on the lives that were interrupted too soon, by remembering, honoring and reaffirming that courage and compassion endures.”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890. 

If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit https://www.constantiavadar.org/ or contact First Vice Regent Nina Schumacher, 757-434-4274.

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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.

A Nationwide Call to Action

April 11 – 22, 2025 in Virginia
April 18, 2025 across the nation

Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred overnight on April 18 – 19, 1775. Two Lights for Tomorrow originated out of multi-state collaboration at A Common Cause to All in Williamsburg and uses the imagery of that shining light 250 years ago as a uniting call to action today for our fellow citizens, no matter where they are, to commemorate and remind ourselves that our history is about working together for a better tomorrow.

At its heart it is a call across the country, in private homes, local communities, and statehouses alike, for two lights to be displayed to remind us all of the importance to come together to form a more perfect union.

How to ParticipateEveryone can participate! All you have to do is display two lights in your homes, at your visitor centers, your cultural, historical, and community sites, and in your government buildings in April 2025 to raise awareness and draw attention to and commemorate the beginning of our constant endeavor as a nation to work together for a better tomorrow!
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Learn more at ​https://va250.org/two-lights/

​BY W. ROBERT KELLY, JR. GUEST COLUMNIST
As published in the Suffolk News Herald​

On Feb. 24, 2015, the Virginia General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution 797, “Designating March 14, in 2015, and in each succeeding year, as a Day of Honor for the Marquis de Lafayette in Virginia.” This year marks the 10th anniversary of Virginia Lafayette Day and it falls within
the Lafayette bicentennial, a nationwide series of more than 250 educational programs under the direction of the American Friends of Lafayette (AFL). Lafayette Day, March 14, will be commemorated with a wreath laying at 10 a.m. in the rotunda of the Virginia State Capitol, in front of Jean-Antoine Houdon’s Lafayette bust. All are welcome.

As vice president of the 1,500-member AFL I am often asked, “Why is commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America, as ‘guest of the nation, so important?”

This question may be answered by simply looking at the connections between what is taking place in our country today and the events of 1824-1825: in those days, the U.S. was in the throes of a contentious national presidential election won by John Quincy Adams. Our country was divided
and in turmoil.

At that time President James Monroe thought that if he invited Lafayette, the last surviving major general of the American Revolution, it might foster unity and renew patriotism among our citizens, especially as the nation approached the 50th anniversary of its independence.

Today in our nation, like 200 years ago, we persevered through a tough election and experienced a peaceful transition of power, yet we remain a divided country. We are approaching a milestone anniversary of independence — 250 years. We continue to debate the importance of
alliances, and still grapple with the meaning of “freedom and liberty for all.” We have come a long way, but we still have much work to do. Now more than ever, we need to know our history and teach our history — our full history.

Throughout his life, Lafayette strongly supported Enlightenment principles: human rights for all, religious freedom, Native American rights, equality for women and freedom of the press. He was a leading abolitionist of his time and always fought for liberty, equality and freedom. This great man’s legacy has also come to symbolize the 1778 alliance between France and the United States. This Franco-American alliance led directly to the victory at Yorktown. Our two countries have
remained at one another’s side for almost 250 years.

Lafayette’s final trip to America lasted from August 1824 to September 1825. He visited all the then 24 states and was the first foreign dignitary to address a joint session of Congress. Traveling an estimated 6,000 miles, he was hosted by countless cities and towns, and spent roughly two
months in Virginia, more time than any other state in the nation. Locally, he visited Norfolk, Portsmouth, Fort Monroe, Williamsburg, Yorktown, Richmond and Suffolk. Lafayette met with former Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, and Presidents James Monroe and
John Quincy Adams.

To celebrate the bicentennial, the AFL has organized a 13-month, 24-state, 250-event commemoration. Educational programming began in New York in August and will continue through September. We have already brought history to life for tens of thousands of Americans through
reenactments, school outreach, traveling exhibits, bicentennial wine and beer and free public programs. That included events in Williamsburg and Yorktown, where the French Air & Space Force sent three airplanes and more than 50 personnel to provide ceremonial flyovers.

It was an amazing sight to see, feel, and hear. We have events planned throughout 2025 that will take place as far south as New Orleans, as far west as St. Louis, and as far north as Maine.

Now more than ever we need Lafayette, someone whose legacy and philosophy inspires us to be better — to be welcoming, inclusive, civil and to once again strive for equality and freedom for all people. These are the reasons that Lafayette and this bicentennial are important. It is my hope
that you will join us in Richmond on March 14.

Vive Lafayette! Vive La France! God bless America!

W. Robert Kelly, Jr. is the vice president of the American Friends of
Lafayette, director of the Gloucester Museum of History, president of the
Fort Monroe Historical Society, president of the Peninsula Museums
Forum, former Casemate Museum historian and a resident of Fort
Monroe. Learn more at Lafayette200.org.

​SUFFOLK, VA (February 21, 2025)  Due to the ongoing impact of the recent snowfall, the Lafayette Somerton Reception scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Washington Smith Ordinary in Whaleyville, has been cancelled.