Petersburg National Battlefield

Join us for a presentation about birding history in North America. This talk will cover early birding history, extinction, conservation and current day birding practices.  You will have the opportunity to ask the ranger questions about birds and how to get started on your birding venture. This program is designed for birding beginners, but all experience levels are welcome. 

The park has recently welcomed back Lt. James Roantree's kepi from the National Park Service' Harpers Ferry Center. The kepi underwent conservation treatment to ensure its long-term preservation.

Roantree was a 2nd Lieutenant of the 43rd United States Colored Troops. He was wearing this kepi when he was fatally shot in the head on October 27, 1864 at the Battle of Boydton Plank Road. The kepi still bears the fatal bullet hole.

The kepi and related Roantree artifacts will be on temporary display from 10am to 3pm on Friday, March 27th at the Eastern Front Visitor Center. Learn more about James Roantree his brother Robert at Roantree Collection - Petersburg National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service) 

After nine and half months, the fighting at Petersburg came to an end on April 2, 1865. A pre-dawn assault by U.S. forces broke the Confederate lines southwest of town. By the afternoon, the Confederates were scrambling to reform a defensive line and prepare for a withdrawal under the cover of darkness. Only Forts Gregg and Whitworth stood in the way of the Federals and the potential destruction of General Lee's army.

Join a ranger at 2 p.m. on March 29 to discover more about the chaos and ferocity of this final attack of the Petersburg campaign as we commemorate the 161st anniversary of the battle.

Did you know that in 1864, General Lee ordered each of his brigades to form a special battalion of sharpshooters? These men were handpicked for their shooting ability and tactical acumen. During the fighting at Petersburg, they typically served as the spearhead for Confederate attacks.

Throughout the weekend of April 11-12, living historians from the 10th Virginia and Princess Ann Grays will be portraying Confederate sharpshooters at the Eastern Front Visitor Center. Come learn about the specialized training undertaken by the veteran soldiers who formed some of the most elite (and well-used) units in the Petersburg campaign.

Sharpshooter drill demonstrations will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and again at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Their encampment will be open to the public on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Sunday.

All living history events at Petersburg are family friendly, free, and weather permitting.

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Petersburg National Battlefield will participate in the 30th Annual Park Day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In honor of the Park’s upcoming 100th birthday this summer, volunteers will help create new flower containers around the Eastern Front Visitor Center. Volunteers will also participate in a field cleanup, picking up debris to keep the landscape welcoming for visitors.

Interested participants should email the Volunteer Coordinator at PETE_VIP@nps.gov, registration is limited to 30 people

Celebrate Earth Day by creating a recycled art masterpiece.

At the Earth Day art station, visitors can learn about litter and choose a recycled material as a canvas to turn into a beautiful art piece. All art materials will be supplied for this activity.

The event will be held outside the Eastern Front Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 26th.

The First Friday's series was created through a partnership between Dinwiddie County and the National Park Service. On the first Friday of each month from May to September, the Five Forks Visitor Center will stay open until 7:00 p.m. During these extended hours, park staff and Dinwiddie County Parks and Recreation will offer family‑friendly activities and special programs for visitors to enjoy.

Join us for Ranger's Choice! A park ranger led program highlighting the history or nature of Petersburg National Battlefield. Topics could include military history, soldiers' experiences during the campaign, birding, or highlights of a project/subject the ranger is currently working on.  Check in at the front desk of the Eastern Front Visitor Center for the day's program.  

The 292-day campaign for Petersburg began with four days of intense fighting between June 15-18, 1864. Join a Park Ranger for a 20-30 minute discussion of the events leading up to and the impacts of the actions of those days.  

Meet the Park Ranger for this free program at the flagpole outside the Eastern Front Visitor Center. 

Program is subject to cancellation due to weather or other issues.