Honor Our Nation’s Leaders With These 10 Presidents’ Day Events
Jared Herr, jherr@battlefields.org
(Washington, D.C.) — In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring February 22nd a holiday to honor President George Washington. Today, although the official federal holiday remains Washington’s Birthday, the third Monday in February is colloquially known as
Presidents’ Day and more broadly remembers the 45 men who have served as president of the United States and the contributions they have made their country. To learn about the lasting impact of these presidents, the American Battle Trust recommends these ten events at museums and historic sites to celebrate the holiday. For more events, explore calendars maintained by the National Park Service or museums and parks near you.
February 15-17: Presidents’ Weekend, Williamsburg, Va.
Celebrate Presidents’ Day all weekend long through various events at Colonial Williamsburg. These immersive events will take you back in time through tours, musket demonstrations and an evening spent with Presidents Washington and Jefferson. Learn more.
February 15-17: Presidents’ Day Weekend 2025, Philadelphia, Pa.
Visit the Museum of the American Revolution and join in on their Presidents’ Day activities that honor the life and culture of President Washington. Book panels related to the American Revolution, guided tours of the museum and coloring activities for kids are some of the featured events. Learn more.
February 17: Presidents’ Day at the Museum of Historic Annapolis, Annapolis, Md.
Learn all about Presidents’ Day at the Museum of Historic Annapolis. Activities include making parotitic-theme crafts, scavenger hunts that relate to the early history of the presidents and learning about Washington and Lincoln with a curated selection of children's books. Learn more.
February 17: Presidents’ Day at the Truman Library, Independence, Mo.
Join the Truman Library for a fun-filled Presidents Day celebration. Begin your day by meeting President Truman and President Lincoln, followed by live music and refreshments. Learn more.
February 17: Presidents’ Day Family Event 2025, Lexington, Ky.
Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House to celebrate President Lincoln and his legacy. Meet Mrs. Lincoln and enjoy hands-on activities inspired by the childhoods of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln. Learn more.
February 17: Washington’s Birthday Celebration, Valley Forge, Pa.
Celebrate George Washington’s birthday at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Kick off the day with a complementary cupcake, followed by crafts and a chance to meet George and Martha Washington. Be sure to wish the General a happy birthday. Learn more.
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National Archives February 17: 2025 Presidents’ Day Festival, Boston, Ma.
Join the JFK Presidential Library and Museum for a day of presidential storytelling, musical performances, hands-on activities and more at their Presidents’ Day Festival. Enjoy stage performances featuring Presidents John Adams and Abraham Lincoln, along with First Lady Abigail Adams. Follow the show by writing a letter to the President and make hands-on history with various crafts. Learn more.
February 18: Presidents' Day Week: Silhouettes, Shadow Pictures, and Shades, Quincy, Ma.
Follow the artistic traditions of President John Quincy Adams and the 1800s to craft your own silhouette of your family and friends at the Adams National Historical Park Visitors Center. Learn more.
February 22, George Washington's 293rd Birthday, Mount Vernon, Va.
Join George Washington’s Mount Vernon in celebrating and honoring our first president’s 293rd birthday. Meet General Washington for hoecake demonstrations, followed by birthday cake. Take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the first floor of the Mansion while preservation work is ongoing, seeing rooms that are normally closed to the public. Enjoy various musical performances highlighting the music of the American Revolution followed by a children’s story time. Learn more.
Year Round: National Museum of the United States Army, Fort Belvoir, Va.
Visit the Founding the Nation Center at the National Museum of the United States Army to learn about the origins and formation of the Continental Army and the role of Geroge Washington as its Commander-in-Chief this weekend. Explore the history of the army and see its development into a professional force. Learn more.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 58,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
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