Stafford was established in 1664, and has many unique and exciting stories to tell.  Here are just a few examples of some of the things you can discover in Stafford!

A Transatlantic Love Story.  The setting is 1902.  One young budding female artist is delighted to learn that she is on the same transatlantic cruise as the famous artist, Mr. Gari Melchers.  She makes it a point to make his acquaintance.  The two marry and later find their retreat home in pastoral Falmouth, Virginia at what is now known as Gari Melchers' Home & Studio. 

225+ Year-Old Calligraphy Survives 3 Wars.  One of the finest examples of early American, hand-painted calligraphy on a wood surface has survived inside a church since around 1754-1757.  Appearing on the wood tablets are the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer and the original church minister and vestrymen's names.  Students from all over the world travel to study these early examples of calligraphy in a church that survived 3 wars.  Amazingly, these hand-painted wood pieces were not burned for fuel during the Civil War.  This church, one of the oldest active Colonial Churches in America, is known as Aquia Church in Stafford.  

Arts, Architecture & Archaeology Field Trips.  School children and tourists alike will love a closer look at Stafford.  Live performing arts at Riverside will entertain as well as enhance musical experiences, while Gari Melchers' gallery will awe and inspire budding artists.  Hands-on pottery, painting, beading and stained glass classes will entertain for hours.  Civil War artifacts, designs of historic buildings and archaeological digs will make real the importance of mathematics and scientific studies (George Washington's Ferry Farm, Chatham, and White Oak Civil War Museum). 

**To get in touch with these stories' sites, or for more exciting story ideas, please contact the tourism manager at 540-658-8681, or mmoncure@co.stafford.va.us.