Annual Meeting

Event Details

The 42nd Annual Meeting of the Southern Garden History Society will take place April 10-12, 2026 in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, coinciding with the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Attendees will immerse themselves in the lives of colonists as they explore the world’s largest living history museum, viewing original buildings, restored gardens, and interacting with costumed interpreters.

The meeting will be headquartered at the Williamsburg Lodge, with board meetings, lectures, and garden tours scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Registration is limited to members, with priority for Benefactor, Patron, and Sustainer Levels, opening in mid-December, followed by all members in mid-January. Should the capacity of 200 be reached, a waiting list will be available online, with details and registration options provided.

The cost to attend the conference on Friday and Saturday is $500 per person, which includes one breakfast, one lunch, and two dinners, as well as access to eight speakers and two afternoons of guided tours of the College of William & Mary and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Historic District and Gardens. Additionally, attendees can participate in Sunday tours for $125 per tour, providing a deeper exploration of the area’s historical significance and beauty.

Friday, April 10

Saturday, April 11

Sunday, April 12 (Optional Tours)

During registration, you will have the option to attend the Sunday Tour for an additional $125 per person, which includes lunch.  If selected, you must choose one of the two tours available.  Please note that there is a maximum capacity for each tour.

Tour #1 Surry County Plantations Tour (50-person limit): Smith’s Fort, Chippokes State Park (picnic lunch), Bacon’s Castle

In 1609 Captain John Smith built his new fort, Smith’s Fort, on this property along Gray’s Creek that flows to the James River.  Nearby a charming c.1751 one-and-a-half story brick house has an Arthur Shurcliff designed landscape and tulip poplar entrance alleé,

Chippokes State Park encompasses a 1400-acre farm, continuously active for nearly 4 centuries. On the property are three notable 18th and 19th century houses, the Walnut Valley House, the River House, the Jones-Steward Mansion which has the remains of a 1920’s English style formal garden.

Bacon’s Castle, reveals a surprise discovery of a 17th century large formal English garden.

Tour #2 Charles City County Plantations (100-person limit) Sherwood Forest, Berkeley (picnic lunch), Westover

Sherwood Forest, c. 1720, built in the Tidewater Design style, is the longest frame house in America. President John Tyler purchased it in 1842 and the Tyler family owns it still today. The twenty-five acres of terraced gardens and lawn, designed in the mid-19th century, includes 80 varieties of centuries old trees.

Westover Plantation, a handsome Georgian home c. 1750, presides over 1025 acres with commanding views of the James River. The formal gardens at the rear of the house feature vintage wrought iron gates.

Berkeley Plantation was built in 1726. This Georgian mansion was the home of the Harrison family – that includes a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and two US presidents. The terraced gardens were restored in the Colonial Revival style by Alden Hopkins.

Williamsburg and Surrounding Areas – While You’re Visiting.

Consider arriving early or staying an extra day, as Jamestown and Yorktown are rich in colonial history. Below are recommendations of places to visit.

Within walking distance:

• Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Museum
• DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
• Shopping at Merchants Square

Within 20 – 30 minutes driving distance:

• Jamestown Rediscovery “the lost fort”
• The Nathalie P. & Alan M. Voorhees Archaearium
• Jamestown Settlement
• American Revolution Museum of Yorktown
• Yorktown Battlefields and Visitor Center

Accommodations & Travel