New London Day

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Celebrate New London’s History

Join Friends of New London and Liberty University on October 4, 2025 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) for New London Day, featuring the preservation and restoration of Mead’s Tavern and the old Bedford Alum Springs Hotel. All activities are free of charge.

Event Location

The celebration will take place along Alum Springs Road in New London, Virginia. Events occur from the historic Bedford Alum Springs Hotel (713 Alum Springs Rd) to the African American Methodist Episcopal Church (501 Alum Springs Rd) and will include multiple sites and activities in between.

What You’ll Experience at New London Day

Learn about the ongoing architectural study and restoration on a tour of Mead’s Tavern directed by Liberty University students in period attire
Learn what archaeologists have uncovered in the excavation of the Mead’s Tavern basement and the wing
Visit the old Bedford Alum Springs Hotel property and learn about its history dating back to the Revolutionary Era, including the archaeological findings related to the New London Arsenal.
Visit the historic African American Church, built on the site of a church that predates the Civil War, and see recent preservation efforts.
Visit the camp of the Montgomery County Militia featuring live demonstrations with Revolutionary-era reenactors
Attend a local history forum featuring exhibits and demonstrations from local historical sites and an extensive World Wars exhibit.

Other events include a petting zoo, spinning demonstration, children’s activities, food vendors, and live music.

Get a Glimpse of New London Day

Students in period dress give tours of Mead's Tavern and Alum Springs Hotel on New London Day.

History students portray Sameul T. Miller and one of his students at the Roland Academy for girls c. 1910s at Mead’s Tavern, New London Day.

Artifacts recovered from excavations at Mead’s Tavern displayed on New London Day.

History students designed and led children’s activities for New London Day visitors.

Proud Partnerships

Liberty University is proud to be a Commemorative Partner of VA250—Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission. Of the thirteen original colonies, none played as fundamental a role as Virginia in the formation of our country. From the ideas that inspired it, to the battlefields that decided it, there is simply no America without it. As we mark 250 years of Independence, now is the perfect time for you to reconnect with your country in the place that made it possible. Please join us at VA250.org.