Warren Heritage Society Reopens March 4 with Expanded Access and New Ways to Explore Local History

The Warren Heritage Society will reopen to visitors on March 4, welcoming the community back with expanded access to its historic properties and new opportunities to experience Warren County’s past.

This season introduces a refreshed and more accessible visitor experience. General admission is now $10 and includes self-guided access to the Society’s three core historic properties — Ivy Lodge, Belle Boyd Cottage, and Balthis House — as well as the surrounding outbuildings and gardens. Guests are invited to explore the campus at their own pace while engaging with exhibits and stories that highlight the rich heritage of Warren County and the Shenandoah Valley.

The Society museums and grounds will be open to visitors Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“We are excited to welcome the community back and to offer a more flexible and immersive way to experience our historic spaces,” said Liz Rishel, Executive Director of the Warren Heritage Society. “By expanding general admission access and introducing focused specialty tours, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for visitors to connect with the stories that shaped our region.”

A new addition, Specialty Tours, will be offered throughout the month, featuring rotating themes that invite visitors to explore different facets of Warren County’s history through immersive experiences, guided interpretation, and special access opportunities. Specialty Tours are offered at an additional cost and can be purchased through the society’s website.

March Specialty Tours Overview

This month’s lineup reflects the breadth of stories preserved by the Society:

• An exploration of the hidden symbolism of flowers in the Victorian era
• A hands-on look at 1700s-era spring cleaning traditions in colonial Virginia
• A program tracing the evolution of early American education and its local impact
• A rare archives experience featuring materials seldom available for public viewing

The Society’s Archives will also reopen to researchers and the public, remaining available Wednesday – Friday, from 10 am-4 pm, and by appointment. Home to the Laura Virginia Hale Archives & Materials Collection, the Archives preserve the documents, photographs, and artifacts that tell Warren County’s story in remarkable detail. This season will also feature special evening programming on select Last Thursdays, offering unique opportunities to engage with archival materials, explore focused historical topics, and experience the collections in a more intimate setting.

In addition to Specialty Tours, the Society hosts Living History Moments, Teas, Kids Camp, monthly Third Thursday programs, and other community-centered events that bring neighbors together and encourage ongoing connection with Warren County’s history.

Tickets for Specialty Tours may be purchased on the WHS website or at Ivy Lodge during open hours. Tickets must be secured at least 10 minutes prior to the start of each tour.

The Warren Heritage Society looks forward to welcoming visitors this March and sharing new ways to connect with the stories that shaped our community.

For more information, please visit www.WarrenHeritageSociety.org or email Liz Rishel at LRishel@WarrenHeritageSociety.org.

The Warren Heritage Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Warren County and the Shenandoah Valley. Through its historic properties, as well as its museum exhibits, archival collections, and educational programming, the Society fosters meaningful connections between the community and its past. Based in Front Royal, Virginia, the Society serves residents, researchers, and visitors seeking to explore the region’s rich history.