FAQs.
What are your COVID protocols?
We encourage masks but they are no longer required unless you are unvaccinated. We ask that you do not enter our site if you have recently experienced symptoms including coughing, sore throat, fever, or have been in contact with anyone who has recently tested positive for Covid.
Is there Parking at the church?
There is street parking only on all four sides of our city block. There is usually ample parking in the block or two around the church. If you are coming for a reenactment or special event, you may wish to give yourself some extra time to park.
Is your site Accessible? Is there Bus parking?
Yes, an elevator on 24th Street provides access to the site. Our brick walkways are navigable by wheelchair. If you need assistance, please call our Visitor Center at 804.648.5015.
There is bus parking at the 24th Street entrance. Up to four buses can fit on Broad Street between 24th and 25th Streets.
Is there a Place to Eat?
Patrick Henry Park, located across Broad Street from St. John’s Church, is a good location for a bag lunch. There are several restaurants within a few blocks of St. John’s.
Patrick Henry Pub Burgers, salads, fish n chips, beer, patio
Liberty Public House Burgers, all-day brunch, sandwiches
The Hill Café Excellent café lunch, fish, meat, salads, specials
Proper Pie Handheld savory pies, sweet desserts, take away
Union Market Sandwiches, soups, salads made with fresh local ingredients, market
Bottoms Up Pizza Pizza and other favorites. Great for large group reservations.
What Days and Times are you Open?
Our Visitor Center hours change seasonally. Please check the homepage or the footer (at the bottom of this page) for current open hours. Tour times can be seen on our ticket page by selecting the date you wish to visit. Tour times can vary due to school or large group visits or church activities.
Tickets can be purchased online up to one month in advance, or on the day of in the Visitor Center. St. John’s is an active church so please check the Ticket link or call ahead at 804.648.5015 in case of unforeseen closures.
Group Tours and Private Reenactments can be booked outside of these days and hours. Please call 804.649.3094 for more information.
What is the difference between a Reenactment and a Tour?
Our Reenactment is a dramatic representation — a play or performance — of the debates of the 2nd Virginia Convention. Actors portray up to 9 delegates including Patrick Henry, Geo. Washington, and Th. Jefferson, following an historical script which culminates in Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech.
Our Tour, led by an interpreter inside the church, tells the story of the Convention, the events in Virginia that led up to it, and explains in more detail why the 'Liberty or Death" speech and Virginia was pivotal for the Revolution.
Tours are performed daily when we are open; reenactments are on select dates only.
When are the Public Reenactments?
Public reenactments are performed every Sunday during the summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on other select dates throughout the year. Typically they begin at 1:30 PM.
Any group or school can book a Private Reenactment at their preferred date and time.
How long is a Reenactment?
A delegate discusses the convention with students.
A Public Reenactment lasts about 45 minutes, including the ceremonial welcome from the Rector. Afterwards the delegates typically go outside for a meet and greet with visitors.
A Private Reenactment takes about 35 minutes because it lacks a ceremonial welcome. Either way we suggest planning for a full hour when booking.
Tickets for Public Reenactments can be purchased by clicking the button below:
How long is a Tour?
Our Tour takes about 35 minutes with additional time for Q&A and photographs. The tour might be better called a presentation. Guests are seated in pews while our interpreter tells the story of the Convention, the events in Virginia that led up to it, and explains in more detail why the 'Liberty or Death" speech and Virginia was pivotal in sparking the Revolution.
Can I walk through the Graveyard?
Yes, please do. There is no charge to walk our grounds. The gates are guaranteed to be open when our Visitor Center is open. A self-guided cemetery tour map is available in the Visitor Center.
We also have a guided graveyard tour with audio which is full of interesting stories. A $5 donation is suggested.
Who is buried at St. John’s?
As a graveyard for church congregants (1741) and then as the first public cemetery for white citizens in Richmond (1799), our inhabitants represent a portion of early settlers to the colony of Virginia and the first citizens of a new country. Many were born in England, Scotland, and Ireland; France and Spain are also represented. Heroes of the American Revolution and the War of 1812 rest here as do a great many children and infants. Some have incredible biographies; some will be unknown to us forever. Our better known residents include George Wythe, Elizabeth Arnold Poe, Thomas Willis White, Virginia Governors John Page and James Wood, and Edward Carrington.
Is Patrick Henry buried here?
No, he is buried at his final home Red Hill in Brookneal, Virginia.
Do people still go to church here?
Yes. St. John’s is an active Episcopal church, and people have been worshipping in this location since 1741. Henrico Parish dates back to 1611.