Fall Bus Trip: Historic St. Peter’s Church, Hampstead & Martha’s Kitchen

This special day trip will be offered on a smaller, 27-passenger bus, creating a more intimate and enjoyable experience for our group. Space is limited, so please register early to reserve your seat!

Meet at Target, Monticello Shopping Center, 4680 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg, at 11:45. Depart for New Kent at 12 Noon, the bus will return to the Target Parking Lot at 6:45 PM

Price $85 for members and $110 for guests; Registration Deadline: October 11th or sooner if all seats are filled

Our first stop is Historic St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, one of Virginia’s treasured colonial-era churches. Built around 1703–1705, St. Peter’s simple brick architecture reflects the character of early Virginia churches. The surrounding churchyard contains graves dating back centuries, offering a remarkable glimpse into the county’s past. St. Peter’s is also associated with George Washington’s courtship of Martha Custis; tradition holds that Washington attended services at the church while visiting the area. Today, St. Peter’s remains an important reminder of New Kent County’s colonial history and Virginia’s religious and architectural heritage.

Next, we will enjoy a private tour of Hampstead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Owned by the Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation since 2021, Hampstead has undergone extensive preservation and restoration and is not yet open to the public, making this a particularly special opportunity for our TVHS members.

Our own Carl Lounsbury will share his expertise in Early American architecture as we explore this remarkable 1825 Greek Revival and Federal-style plantation mansion. We will see the dramatic floating staircase that rises four stories from the cellar to the attic, the hipped roof, two-story pedimented portico, heavy plasterwork, and much more. Overlooking the Pamunkey River, Hampstead is considered one of the Commonwealth’s most architecturally ambitious early 19th-century residences.

Adding to our special visit, Grahame Long, who is closely involved with Hampstead’s restoration, will share fascinating details about the preservation process, including the search for and procurement of authentic period furnishings and architectural pieces that help bring the house’s history to life.

We will conclude our New Kent adventure with a special dining experience at Martha’s Kitchen, a beloved community gathering place honoring Martha Washington, America’s First Lady, who was born in New Kent County. Known for its Southern hospitality and satisfying comfort food, Martha’s Kitchen offers a delicious taste of local New Kent flavor.

Please note: This trip involves walking and navigating stairs, including stairs within historic buildings. Guests should be comfortable managing stairs and walking moderate distances. Due to the historic nature of the sites, accessibility may be limited.

Whether you are a lifelong history enthusiast or simply enjoy discovering Virginia’s rich heritage, this promises to be an enjoyable and memorable day with the Tidewater Virginia Historical Society. We hope you will join us!

*Photo courtesy Carl Lounsbury