This post will be short and sweet: a list of tips.

I started preparing for yesterday's trip to Stratford Hall Historic Preserve as soon as I found out I was going! It gave me about a week to do all the things I've listed in this post. And as a blogger, the preparation itself inspired more posts to come! You'll see how and why as you read further.

That said- don't be overwhelmed; you can visit historic sites for the sake of visiting! No one is requiring you to check every box, but I highly recommend you always do Tips 4 and 5.

Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

Tip 1 for preparing to visit an historic site: Have at least one end goal.

For me, I usually have more than one and this trip to Stratford Hall was no exception.

My end goals:
1) learn about a site I believed to be vital to early American history and the fight for independence (it was home to Richard Henry, Francis Lightfoot and Arthur Lee after all... and let's not forget their sisters Alice Lee Shippen and Hannah Lee Corbin!

(side note: you can open a listing and easy-to-read descriptions of the Lee family by clicking here to Stratford Hall's website)

2) understand preservation of historic sites like Stratford as well as the work and decisions that go into making it a valuable resource for understanding American history

3) utilizing my blog as a vehicle for sharing what I've learned and meeting the Mission Statement I've promised to readers

Path to reconstructed enslaved quarters, Stratford Hall

Tip 2 for preparing to visit an historic site: Immerse yourself in everything related to the site.

Listen to podcasts.

In the case of Stratford Hall, this comes in the form Stratford Mail, hosted by Dr. Gordon Blaine Steffey- who I met on-site!

Listening to (and in a few cases revisiting) episodes grounded in the history of people who lived, visited, or were related to the site sets the mood and gives you jumping-off points for a comprehensive experience.

I had a sense of the personalities, events, and "daily life" around Stratford Hall which connected the dots for me when I arrived.

Get acquainted with their website and social media accounts.

Nowadays, most historic sites will have a Facebook and/or Instagram account at the least. Often, they'll have videos on YouTube as well! Follow, like, subscribe, comment, engage.

Go find history. For me, special collections had a letter.

What do I mean by "go find history?" Just that. Where can you see or read primary-source material related to the site? In my case, the go-to resource is the John D. Rockefeller Library, where I got to see a letter written by Richard Henry Lee.

If it's not possible to see some documents related to site, just jump online! Do some Google searches and find writings related to the site you're about to visit. Check out who may have lived in or visited the site. You may end up on a rabbit-hole and that's perfectly ok - it's a good thing!

Check out the embedded episode below from Stratford Mail. You can see how it helped me prepare for my visit to Stratford Hall. (Yes, the painting was there!)

Tip 3 for preparing to visit an historic site: Put together a list of questions and must-sees.

If you've done what I suggested in Tip 2, you're probably overflowing with questions and must-sees.

I took a little blue post-it note and dropped a few phrases and names I wanted to be sure I asked about if they weren't mentioned. Maybe this can inspire some ideas for you:

• Caesar the chocolatier who I learned about from Colonial Williamsburg's historic foodways team. Asking experts what (or who) to look for at other museums is a must for me!
• Which Lee family members were the most interesting to the people I met with. (Kelly Childress, Director of Education, shared the move to give the Lee women their due notice, especially as we walked through the special Crossroads exhibit)
• What special events they hold. (I was told about the wine and oyster festival which had over 3,000 attendees this fall, Christmastide for families, coming up in a few weeks, how they commemorate First Africans Day to honor descendants of those who were enslaved on the property and more)
• What's in the gift shop that's unique to Stratford Hall. (One highlight I learned from the fabulous Anne Wilson, Director of Marketing and Communications, was the corn they grew onsite milled at their gristmill and sold at the gift shop! She also pointed out their well-curated selection of books.)

Stratford Hall gift shop display, November 2024

Tip 4 for preparing to visit an historic site: Organize your travels.

Find more history to experience on the way.

If you've been following the blog you know I'm a huge promoter of Explore Here. So yes, I jumped on the app and did two things as a Pro member:

• searched historical markers that contained names of Lee family members
• used the map on the app to find historical markers on my route

When I'd find one of interest, I'd save it to my list (which can be viewed offline if you're PRO and yes, that's important on the backroads of Virginia where my bars tend to disappear.)

RELATED: Click here to learn more about Explore Here.

Laneville historical marker found on Explore Here.

Pack properly and dress accordingly.

It sounds basic, but it's important.

Pack:

• Bring water. Always have water.
• If you're in a situation where it helps to have business cards, bring them.
• Do you have a wireless phone charger? Bring it or get one here if you need to order one up!
• Have a little notepad in your bag.
• A bag- yes, a little backpack or crossbody for all the things! Something like this one could work!

Dress:

• Wear the right shoes.
• Check the weather, just in case! Layers are fantastic for long car rides and getting in and out of your car, buildings, etc.
• And... maybe pack an extra something or other- for me: shoes. I usually have an extra pair when I hit the road.

Tip 5 for preparing to visit an historic site: go with the flow and have an open-mind (and schedule).

Simply put: be ready for anything and don't limit yourself to what you can experience from a visit to an historic site.

I can easily get overwhelmed and excited by all the "things" - can you tell? So while I have a list, I'm open to not checking everything off on it. If I'm going somewhere to learn, I want to listen to what the experts on-site feel is important to share.

And you never know where that can take you. Prime example: my finding First Lady Leticia Tyler's grave. (Curious? Then click here) So don't rush yourself- have a cushion of time for the fun, spontaneous bits!

Pulled off the road to take a road photo.

Closing words from history.

I wonder if the Monroes did visit Stratford Hall? I know I'll be able to follow up and find out. But this short letter shows an offer and invitation existed. Note that Richard Henry's brother, not Richard lived at Stratford Hall in this moment.

I believe his reference to "Mrs. Lee of Stratford" is Philip Ludwell Lee's wife Elizabeth Steptoe Lee. You can see the Lee family members here, where I got familiarized before my visit!

See the citations and notes on my source, the "Lee Letters" section of Stratford Hall's website, by clicking here. Go down some rabbit holes on that page- you won't be disappointed!

Sender: Richard Henry Lee

Recipient: James Monroe

Belle View June the 18th. 1787

Dear Sir,
An unforeseen interruption deprives me of the happiness of waiting (as I intended) on Mrs. Monroe and yourself, that I might take your commands to New York, for which place I am now on my way. My Servant now attends to receive any commands that your Lady or yourself have to transmit, which I shall take much pleasure in conveying. I have it in charge Sir from Mrs. Lee of Stratford to resent her respects to Mrs. Monroe, and to express her wish that she may have the happiness of seeing Mrs. Monroe at Stratford this summer. And may I add that my Mrs. Lee will have much pleasure in entertaining Mrs. Monroe at Chantilly. With my compliments, and with every wish for the health & happiness of yourself and your Lady.

I remain dear Sir
your friend & servant.
Richard Henry Lee

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.