VA250: 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence

About VA250

From the first English settlement at Jamestown to the surrender of the British at Yorktown. From “Give me liberty or give me death” to “all men are created equal.” From Washington and Jefferson to Madison and Monroe. From Powhatan and Pocahontas to James Armistead Lafayette and Gowan Pamphlet. From the ideas that inspired it to the battlefields that decided it. There is simply no America without it, and no better time than now to reconnect with your country in the place that made it possible.

The Semiquincentennial is not simply about our past; it reflects how our founding continues to shape our present and future. Our founders knew there was more work required 250 years ago, and work remains to be done. This is why the VA250 Commission has chosen “To Form a More Perfect Union” as its theme.

The overarching goals of VA250 are:

  • to educate Americans, including our students, about our history, our founding ideals, and our system of government;
  • to engage with every community and every Virginia locality in events that tell a complete story; and
  • to inspire us all to commit to the values inherent in American citizenship.

Things to Do: Revolutionary Sites & Events in Virginia

"Virginia is for history lovers, and revolutionary history can be found all across the Commonwealth. From historical sites and museums to events commemorating historic milestones in Virginia history, the American Revolution can be felt in every corner of the state. Explore Virginia’s living history, interactive exhibits, tours, events, festivals and more and discover why Virginia’s history is America’s story!"

From VA250, Things to Do

 

Founding Fathers' Independence Celebration

Jul 5th | 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Enjoy light non-tea refreshments and a colonial craft while exploring local history resources.

Civic Lab: Local History, part of a series

Ever wonder about what transpired in your neighborhood years, decades, or even millennia ago? Stop by our Civic Lab table!

What's Turning 250 This Year

Patrick Henry’s "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death" Speech

March 23, 1775

Patrick Henry’s impassioned speech about the rights of colonies, delivered before a Virginia assembly, became the rallying cry of the revolution.

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride

April 18–19, 1775

Paul Revere rode from Charlestown to Lexington to warn Revolutionary leaders that the British were marching toward Concord. He arranged his famous signal lanterns in Boston’s Old North Church steeple: “One if by land, and two if by sea.”

Battles of Lexington and Concord

April 19, 1775

These first skirmishes marked the official beginning of the American Revolution. It is still unknown which side fired the first shots.

Battle of Bunker Hill

June 17, 1775

The first major engagement of the Revolution, the Battle of Bunker Hill, was fought in what is now part of Boston. The British eventually claimed victory but at a heavy casualty cost.

Movies for the 4th of July

These films and TV series, mainly geared to adult audiences, can be enjoyed while waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Fredericksburg Welcomes the Marquis de Lafayette

Learn the story of how a French aristocrat helped the United States break away from Great Britain and what happened during his 1824 return.
Joy

My Librarian: Touring Virginia's Historic Sites

These fantastic guidebooks will help you get acquainted with the many fascinating historic places Virginia has to offer.

John Francis Mercer of Stafford County

John Francis Mercer served as an officer in the Revolutionary War and was a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress.

Colonial America

A comprehensive list of all things Colonial America, along with books specifically about growing up in Colonial Virginia.

The American Revolution (1775-1783)

Learn about the American Revolution and the nation's fight for independence from Britain with these titles for young readers.

Red, White, and Blue Music

Learn about good ole American Music just in time for the 4th of July.
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