"Our Face to the World: The Clothing of James and Elizabeth Monroe" presents, for the first time, the Museum’s entire costume collection – one of the most complete presidential collections in the country. The 42 pieces in the collection, which includes gowns, suits, vests, hats, gloves and other accessories are priceless sources of information about life in early America. In 2005, the museum embarked on the largest and most expensive conservation project in its history, with the goal of restoring the costumes to their original 18th- and 19th-century appearances. We are pleased to be able to display at last the stunning results of this project. Through such highlights as Elizabeth Monroe’s wedding dress and vests worn by James Monroe on the eve of the Revolutionary War, the public will gain a better understanding of the personalities and daily lives of the Monroes. The limited-engagement exhibit runs through April 2010.

Come and join us for live music every Friday evening from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Potomac Point Winery. Enjoy listening to music while dining at our bistro. Call 540-446-2266 for details or check our event calendar on our website each week for a list of performers.

an intriguing exhibit of items from the Simpson Library collection that takes viewers on a journey across the globe to examine the changes in perceptions of women through the years; a Women’s History Month event; Simpson Library, second floor; free; (540) 654-1125.

On March 1, Gari Melchers’ "Madonna of the Rappahannock", loaned by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, will be the feature of a “spotlight” exhibition in his former workspace at the Gari Melchers Home and Studio in Falmouth. Annual spotlight exhibitions from outside collections have become a tradition at Gari Melchers' Home & Studio, giving local patrons a rare opportunity to view significant examples from Melchers’ body of work. "Madonna of the Rappahannock", painted in 1923, was chosen because of its ties to the Fredericksburg area. The models are Eva Fritter and her infant ward, are neighbors of the artist who pose before the banks of the Rappahannock River. The painting will be on display through Memorial Day.

members of the UMW community present original research and creative work on women’s studies with the outstanding student-presenter receiving $100; a reception will follow; a Women’s History Month event; Combs Hall, Room 139; 4 p.m.; free; contact Professor Och at moch@umw.edu.

part of the Great Lives Lecture Series; by Thomas Maier, an investigative reporter for Newsday and author of "Masters of Sex." George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7:30 p.m.

poetry Reading, You’re Beautiful No Matter What, by faculty, students and community members; sponsored by the Department of English, Linguistics, and Communication; a Women’s History Month event; Combs Hall, Room 139; 5-5:30 p.m.; free; (540) 654-2124.

A Down Under Reading at the Mansion, by Heather Taylor Johnson, an Australian poet, editor and UMW graduate; other local writers and musicians, including UMW Professor Steve Watkins, also will participate; 1201 College Ave.; 7-9 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1536.

Wear your green to Potomac Point Winery all weekend long in celebration of St Patrick's Day! BISTRO Specials include Corned Beef and Cabbage, Guinness Stew, and a Build a Potato Bar! Authentic Irish music on Friday March 12th from 6:30PM-9:30pm. $5.00 cover charge. The Leprechaun Toss is back!!! Throughout the weekend, we will gather a crowd of people in the Ballroom for the toss. Each person gets three little leprechauns and three chances to toss the leprechaun in the LARGE wine glass. If you get one of the three in, you can move on to the next round. Each round gets harder and harder as we move the line back a few feet. Last person standing WINS! May the Luck of the Irish be with you!!

The 8th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at 12 noon and includes fire trucks, classic cars, high school marching band, community organizations, Irish dancers, horses, military equipment and local pageant winners. Parade ends at new home of Blue & Gray Brewing. From 10am-2pm, the St. Patrick's Day Fundraiser (a 501c 3) sells corned beef,cabbage, potato meals for $5.00 at the brewery($7.00 day of). A limited number of meal tickets available the day of event. $1.00 hot dogs for kids. Proceeds from meals benefit local Vol. Fire & Rescue Dept's

concert by the UMW-Community Symphony Orchestra; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7:30 p.m.

duPont Gallery, College Ave. at Thornton St.; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.

"The Costs to be Beautiful: Personal Care Products and How They Transform Our Minds and Bodies," the discussion will closely examine various women’s personal care products, their ingredients, cultural use and the effects on a woman’s body; co-sponsored by the Ecology Club; a Women’s History Month event; Combs Hall, Room 237; 7:30 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1055.

Lecture, Join the Journey...Into the Minds of Madmen, an evening with Dr. Stephen R. Band, Ph.D., former chief of the behavioral science unit for the Federal Bureau of Investigation; sponsored by the Departments of Psychology, History, Sociology, and Classics, Philosophy, and Religion; 7 p.m; (540) 654-1552.

Bell Bottoms to Business Suits: Black Student Association Fashion Show, a celebration of women and the fashions that have changed their lives; co-sponsored by the Black Student Association; a Women’s History Month event; Woodard Campus Center, Great Hall; 6 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1055.

We will have over 10 different Irish & Scottish Ales on tap and at least ten more in the bottle. This is a 21 and above event starting at 5:00pm. entertainment by: Wayne Jordan Noon-1:30 & 4:00- Midnight Eagle Pipes & Drums Menu items will include traditional Irish fare such as Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, whisky steak and potatoes along with our regular menu.

Lecture, "Pricing Beauty: The Making of a Fashion Model," by author Ashley Mears; Mears is an assistant professor of sociology at Boston University who draws from her ethnographic research in London and New York to show how cultural inequalities are actively constructed and institutionalized in the fashion industry; co-sponsored by the Dept. of Anthropology and Sociology and the UMW Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta; a Women’s History Month event; Woodard Campus Center, Red Room; 7 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1037.

"Ladies First: Women in the Permanent Collection," Ridderhof Martin Gallery, College Ave. at Seacobeck St.; 5 to 7 p.m.

In this inspiring and educational celebration of what makes America unique and great, beautiful patriotic music shows not only how the Constitution applies to our past, but also to our present and future. Everyday life is showcased in funny and touching vignettes that explore the deeper meanings of the Constitution. This review reminds us that the remarkable words written by our forefathers are still a living document. Lunch and show are enjoyed from private candlelit tables. Time: Sat. matinee 1:00-3:15pm; select Tues. & Thurs. 10:00am-12:45pm.

"Ladies First: Women in the Permanent Collection," exhibition; Ridderhof Martin Gallery, College Ave. at Seacobeck St.; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.

Bring a canned food donation to the Liberty Tax on Route 3 and meet the Mascots. We will have a clown, fire truck, moon bounce and more. For more information and to see pictures from last years event visit www.fredjaycees.com.

George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7:30 p.m.

learn to use basic techniques to create showpiece cakes; Seacobeck Hall; 1 to 4 p.m.; registration required by Mar. 15; 540/654-1928 or www.umwdining.com

a buffet dinner prior to the Fredericksburg Forum; Dining Room at Seacobeck; seating 5 to 6:30 p.m.; reservations required by Mar. 15; 540/654-1930

Since 1996 the Fredericksburg Forum has sponsored two compelling programs each year featuring nationally known speakers. The Forum continues to provide opportunities to explore the political, social, cultural, and scientific trends and issues that affect our community.

Film, Tapped, documentary about the bottled water industry; sponsored by the Departments of Geography, Biology, Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences; Jepson Hall, Room 100; 7 p.m., panel discussion follows; free; (540) 654-1493.

The UMW Department of History and American Studies presents the "Great Lives" public lecture series during the spring semester. Caroline Weber, Professor at Columbia University and Author of 'Queen of Fashion' will be discussing Marie Antoinette.

Come see the area's youngest creative talents! Local children ages 4yrs - 12th grade display their work in various media. Sponsored by Cox Communications. Artwork deadline 3/19

Join the excitement in this fun-filled day to celebrate spring. Children will enjoy a day of activities including an egg hunt. Price includes all activities (food not included); no charge for adults. Advanced admission $7; cost at the gate is $9. Ages 10 and under. Time: 11am-3pm

Take a guided tour of the woods and fields of Belmont; led by members of the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program; 2 p.m.

The UMW Department of History and American Studies presents the "Great Lives" public lecture series during the spring semester. Emily Yellin, Author of 'Our Mothers' War' will be discussing Rosie the Riveter.

From Pop to Peep: How We’re Learning to Love Watching Ourselves and our Neighbors (in the age of reality television, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and so much more!), by Hal Niedzviecki, author of “The Peep Diaries: How We’re Learning to Love Watching Ourselves and Our Neighbors”; sponsored by the departments of psychology, sociology and anthropology, and computer science, and CARC; Jepson Hall, Room 100; 7:30 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1559.

PRISM Dancers Showcase! Diverse styles of BellyDance from Fredericksburg's well-known PRISM Dance group. CRRL Theatre, downtown Fredericksburg. VA, 22401 Show 7 - 9pm.