MIDDLESEX––Founders Day, an Urbanna tradition, is part of the VA250 celebration this year. This free and family-friendly, day-long event will feature an interactive living history signature event to be presented in Urbanna Baptist Church, 121 Watling St., at 11 a.m. Colonial Williamsburg interpreters, portraying Thomas Jefferson and Martha Washington, will engage in a lively discussion about the path to the Declaration of Independence and their hopes for future generations, calling their presentation “250 Years in the Making.” Audience questions are invited.
Other activities throughout town include a fife and drum march and colonial music preceding the 11 a.m. performance and an interactive encampment of the HMS Otter and crew behind Urbanna’s 1766 Scottish Factor Store, featuring interpretive sailors demonstrating the life and beginnings of the Virginia Navy. Docents at the Scottish Factor Store and local historians will guide visitors through the one-of-a-kind 18th century store and explain the Mitchell Map, declared by the Library of Congress to be one of the most important maps in our country’s history.
A new offering this year, Daniel “Firehawk” Abbott, will tell stories of the Powhatan Kingdom and demonstrate traditional life skills of native Americans, showing visitors a picture of what Chesapeake Bay life would have been like before and after our colonial ancestors came ashore. Children will discover colonial games and enjoy activities at Urbanna’s Wormeley Cottage, the oldest colonial structure on Virginia Street. The Explorer and Luna, recreated climb-aboard 17th and 18th century seagoing vessels, will invite visitors to experience early maritime happenings.
The 18th century courthouse will be open for tours and many other historic buildings in Urbanna’s Historic District will transport visitors back to Urbanna’s history, such as Bristow’s Store, the Marble House, Lansdowne and the Wormeley Cottage.
Founders Day 2026 is presented by The Friends of Urbanna, a 501(c)(3) organization.
