Historic Chatham Reopens June 6 After Major Rehabilitation Project

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP News Release

For Immediate Release: June 3, 2026

Contact: Beth Parnicza, Elizabeth_Parnicza@nps.gov

Historic Chatham Reopens June 6 After Major Rehabilitation Project

Rehabilitation improves safety, protects collections and enhances visitor access to one of Fredericksburg's most significant historic sites

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Visitors will once again be able to tour historic Chatham beginning June 6, 2026, following a major rehabilitation project that improves safety, preserves the historic house and protects its collections for future generations.

The National Park Service closed Chatham in August 2024 to install a modern fire-suppression system and complete extensive interior repairs. The project included repairs to historic plaster, upgraded building infrastructure, interior restoration work and improvements that better safeguard the building and its collections.

“Chatham offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the people, places and events that shaped our nation,” said acting Superintendent Melissa Cobern. “These improvements will help preserve this historic landmark, protect its collections and ensure visitors can continue to experience and learn from its rich history for years to come.”

Built in 1771 by enslaved and free laborers, Chatham has been home to many people who experienced major chapters of U.S. history. These include: the American Revolution, a slave revolt, the Civil War and the self-emancipation of thousands of enslaved people, Reconstruction and the Colonial Revival movement. During the Civil War, United States forces used the site as both a headquarters and field hospital. In later years, Chatham became a private estate, known for its formal gardens designed by landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman. This summer, Chatham will welcome visitors Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The parking area and grounds gate will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grounds will remain open from sunrise to sunset.

www.nps.gov

About the park. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park includes the sites of four major battles spanning eighteen crucial months of the Civil War. The battles caused more than 100,000 casualties. The constant presence of armies left Fredericksburg and the surrounding landscape devastated and ended bondage for thousands of enslaved people in the region. Learn more at www.nps.gov/frsp, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.