Date & Time: Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Historic Smithfield, 1000 Merry Oak Way, Blacksburg, VA
Step back in time and experience life on Virginia’s colonial frontier at Historic Smithfield’s 2026 season opener! Our “Frontier Spring in 1776” celebration invites the community to explore the daily life, work, and crafts of families living in Southwest Virginia during the Revolutionary era.
Jefferson & Preston: Two Founding Voices. Many Pivotal Moments.
Step back to 1776 and hear Western Virginia's leading voices on the Revolution's turning points. Historic Smithfield presents a living history encounter featuring Governor Thomas Jefferson — statesman, philosopher, and Delegate to the Continental Congress — alongside Colonel William Preston, County Lieutenant of Montgomery and Commander of the Fincastle County Militia.
Jefferson will be portrayed by Bryan Austin, a living history interpreter at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and Colonel Preston by Michael Hudson, Executive Director of Historic Smithfield.
Join us Saturday, April 11 at 12 o'clock at Historic Smithfield, 1000 Merry Oak Way, Blacksburg — as part of Opening Day for Frontier Spring 1776.
Event Highlights:
Live Music:
11:00 AM: Performance by Montgomery Junior Appalachian Musicians
12:00 PM: Living history presentation with William Preston (Michael Hudson) in conversation with Thomas Jefferson (Bryan Austin)
1:00 PM: Foot-stomping bluegrass by New Standard
Plus live harp music provided by Chloe Scales!
Living History & Demonstrations:
Hands-on crafts inspired by 1776 frontier life: candle dipping, seed planting, church dolls, and simple textile projects
Blacksmith demonstrations showing traditional tool-making techniques
Militia demonstrations illustrating colonial military drills and frontier defense
Hand-made shingles demonstrations by the Matthews Living History Farm
Food available!
Start your day with Cousins Coffee, Co. or grab a hot dog from Hot Bunz Hot Dogz.
Experience History Firsthand
Explore the seasonal work of colonial families—planting gardens, preparing food, repairing tools, and producing household goods—through engaging activities designed for visitors of all ages.
Silent Auction — Bid on Something Special, Build Something Lasting
Our silent auction is live! Browse a wonderful collection of items generously donated by our volunteers — including decorative wreaths, a handmade quilt, local woodwork, prints, and ceramics — and place your bid in support of Historic Smithfield's future.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward the construction of our new living history building, where thousands of students each year will enjoy even richer, hands-on experiences connecting with the past. Whether you walk away with a treasure or simply show your support, your bid helps keep history alive for the next generation.
The auction closes at 2:30 PM on Saturday, April 11 at the end of Opening Day. You can bid online now or in person during the event.