The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is an archives/research facility devoted to preserving grassroots history of Fredericksburg and the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. The Center houses a wealth of information on family histories, slavery, businesses and organizations. Court Records including deeds, wills, marriage records, slave registers. Also books, plats, maps and photographs. Open to researchers Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, the first Saturday of each month from 9 AM to Noon, and by appointment.

The museum is located next to the Spotsylvania County Visitor Center. Displays of original Civil War arms, equipment and a life-size diorama give visitors an understanding of the hardship of camp life and the carnage of the battlefield. A narrated, 3-D slide show tells the story of Civil War life. A children’s area gives young visitors an opportunity to learn through hands-on play. Well stocked museum store. Admission: Adults: $5, Children (7-16): $2, discounts for Seniors, Military and groups. Open February 1-December 22, 9 am – 5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and December 23-January 31. Handicapped accessible. Bus and RV parking available.

Retrace some of the history of the Civil War at four battlefields: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House. During the summer walking tours guided by park historians are available in certain locations. The battlefields are open daily until dusk. Two visitor centers at Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg help interpret the four battlefields with audio-visual presentations and museum exhibits. Maps, brochures and assistance from park historians are available. Open daily from 9 am-5 pm, except January 1, Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Hours expand on spring and fall weekends and daily during the summer. Admission is free, but a fee is charged for the 22 minute film: $2 ages 10-61, $1 ages 62 and above. Please allow 50 minutes for your visit. For complete information from the National Park Service, visit www.nps.gov/frsp.

Massaponax Church was founded in 1788, and the church building was built in 1859. The original church was only the front portion of today's church building. During the Civil War, the church was used as a headquarters for both the Confederate and Union armies, a hospital for the wounded, and a stable. One unique characteristic of the church are the writings on the wall. During the Civil War, many soldiers wrote on the walls. Much was painted over during renovations, but some were preserved and are still visible today in the balcony of the church. These writings are a must-see for any Civil War enthusiast.

Nearly two centuries of banking history are encapsulated in this museum housed in one of the oldest buildings in America serving continuously as a bank. Objects reflect the history of the city's prosperous and challenging times. No admission charge. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm. Closed weekends and all Federal holidays.