Day at the Capitol
A field trip to remember!
2023 Day at The Capitol
An HEAV-sponsored event.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
We’re so sorry–registration is full!
Not a member?
Join HEAV today! You’ll immediately get the member discount for this Day at the Capitol–plus discounts for the convention and other HEAV events! You’ll get free classes, resource discounts, teacher ID cards, and much, much more! Check out the member benefits here.
Date:
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Time
8:45 a.m. – Check-In and Rally begins at 9.
Location:
Bell Tower at Virginia State Capitol
101 N 9th St, Richmond, VA 23219. Google map here.
Registration:
MEMBERS: Wednesday, Dec. 7-13.
NON-MEMBERS:
*Note: To register a large group such as a co-op class, please see our FAQ.
Thank you to Jonathon Staddon of Lenspiration for this video!
HEAV members: $40/family, plus $5 for each non-family participant that you would like to include–a $5 member savings! Members will need to enter a discount code to save $5 off their registration
Non-members: $45/family, plus $5 for each non-family participant you register.
*Note: To register a large group such as a co-op class, please see our FAQ.
Already a member? Get Your Discount
Not a member, but want to get the discount?
Join HEAV today! You’ll immediately get the member discount for this Day at the Capitol–plus discounts for the convention and other HEAV events! You’ll get free classes, resource discounts, teacher ID cards, and much, much more! Check out the member benefits here.
Check In and Tickets
Rally at the Bell Tower (Check in and pick up event tickets.)
Parents and students will meet at the Bell Tower on Capitol grounds at 8:45 a.m. for Day at the Capitol (DATC) check-in. Families will pick up the DATC schedule and their Capitol tour tickets. Special guest speakers from the legislative branch of state government will briefly address homeschoolers.
Gallery Session Viewing
Parents and students will be able to sit in the gallery above the House or Senate chamber to see legislators in action as they debate and vote on bills. This unforgettable experience will help students understand how a bill becomes a law. It’s quite an interesting process!
Day at the Capitol: Patrick Henry Reenactment!
The day will conclude at 2 p.m. at historic St. John’s Episcopal Church at 2401 E. Broad Street in Richmond–the original site of the heated debate for independence among colonial leaders prior to the War for Independence. We have scheduled a special reenactment of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech.
Costumed, professional re-enactors will sit among homeschoolers in the church sanctuary where the Second Virginia Convention was held. Their rousing debate for independence from Great Britain will take you back to 1775. You may find yourself seated beside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Richard Henry Lee. This special performance is only for families registered for HEAV’s Day at the Capitol.
Food, Directions, and Parking
Day at the Capitol: Tours
Guided tours of the historic Capitol building designed by Thomas Jefferson are scheduled for the morning beginning at 9:30. Tickets will be given to attendees beginning at 845 a.m. at the Bell Tower.
Tours will begin at the Bank Street entrance to the Capitol.
The Capitol tour entrance is located at 1000 Bank Street. Nearby parking lots and garages can be found here.
St. John’s Church is approximately a five-minute drive (1.1 miles) from the Capitol tour entrance, located at 1000 Bank Street. Do not plan to walk as Broad Street crosses I-95.
Food Options
For your convenience, you may bring a bag lunch to eat in the Capitol Visitors Center or walk to one of the nearby eateries. The Sun Trust Bank building has a wonderful cafeteria and underground parking–it is the closest to the capitol. Other information can be found under the “Visiting the Capitol” tab here.
Note From Stephanie
View more details on our DATC FAQs, and look there for a detailed schedule soon. Now is the time to register! Tickets are limited and always fill up quickly. Don’t miss this opportunity!
I’m looking forward to seeing you in Richmond for Day at the Capitol!
Blessings,
Stephanie Konicki
Director of Outreach
House Chamber Presentations
Experience “hands-on learning” at its best! Because the General Assembly adjourned in mid-March, homeschool students are invited to sit in a state representative’s chair on the floor of the Virginia House or Senate Chamber to learn how a bill becomes a law. Ticket times will be distributed at St. John’s Church during the morning session at 9 a.m.
During the House chamber presentations, House staff will instruct homeschoolers on how a bill becomes a law. They will then guide homeschoolers in committee debates and the voting process. You will have an opportunity to discuss a mock homeschool bill then take a final vote. Students will press the same voting buttons on each desk that legislators use to pass or defeat bills. Parents are welcome to join in or help their students participate in this hands-on process in the House chamber.
