VA250 Launches Signature Event Series Commemorating 250 Years of American Independence

 

In 2026, Virginia will take center stage in the nation’s Semiquincentennial with the launch of the America Made In Virginia Signature Event Series—a sweeping commemoration for the nation marking 250 years of the ideas, debates, people, places and defining moments that forged a new country and our United States.

The Signature Event Series invites every American to discover the Commonwealth’s full story and foundational role in shaping a more perfect Union, and to recommit to the enduring work of citizenship and self-government.

From the ideas that inspired it to the battlefields that decided it; 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 and Gowan Pamphlet. More of what made America happened in Virginia.

“Virginia has always been the crucible of the nation. Two hundred and fifty years ago was not the beginning of an idea, but the moment it came into sharp focus—shaped by years of debate, experience, and sacrifice. The Declaration of Independence has stood as our beacon ever since, challenging each generation not just to celebrate liberty, but to uphold it,” said Carly Fiorina, VA250 National Honorary Chair.

“The America Made In Virginia Signature Event Series is an invitation to look fully and unafraid into the mirror of our past, to tell the whole story, and for each of us to recommit to the enduring work of citizenship, towards a more perfect union,” said Fiorina.

The Signature Event Series brings together local communities, educators, artists, historic institutions and civic leaders to educate, engage and inspire a season of civic renewal.

The series begins April 24, 2026, at Colonial Williamsburg with America’s Semiquincentennial Celebration: Inspiring a Season of Civic Renewal. This event will ground the 250^th in the history and lived experiences of Tribal Nations, broadening our understanding of the American story, and setting the tone for a year of reflection and engagement.

Throughout the spring and summer, signature events will take place at many of Virginia’s most iconic historic sites:

• Pen to Paper: The Civic Gospel of the Declaration of Independence
  May 2, 2026 — Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
• The Flame of Revolution: 250th Anniversary of the 5th Virginia Convention
  May 15–16, 2026 — Colonial Williamsburg
• Virginia Resolved: A Commemoration of Independence — 250th Anniversary of the Lee Resolution for Independence
  June 7, 2026 — Stratford Hall
• George Washington: A Revolutionary Life, celebrating the new education center at Mount Vernon
  June 2026
• Freedom Flows on the Potomac: Celebrating 250 Years of the Virginia Declaration of Rights
  June 12–14, 2026 — George Mason’s Gunston Hall & Old Town Alexandria
• Sail250® Virginia: Goodwill Tour with International Fleet of Tall Ships
  June 12–14, 2026 — Yorktown, Hampton, Richmond, Onancock, Smithfield & Alexandria
  June 19–23, 2026 — Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Portsmouth & Norfolk
• Juneteenth: Virginians are invited to attend Juneteenth events and programs throughout the state exploring the African American journey toward freedom. Learn more and submit your organization’s Juneteenth event at VA250.org/Juneteenth.
  June 2026

On July 4, 2026, the Commonwealth will host a landmark day of celebration beginning with a Naturalization Ceremony at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello—an annual tradition for more than six decades. The day will culminate that evening at Colonial Williamsburg with America Made In Virginia: 250 Years Together, a free two-hour live event and telecast featuring stirring performances from outstanding American artists and a fireworks display for the ages.

America Made In Virginia Signature Events will continue throughout the year, including:

• • African Landing Day Commemoration
    August 2026 — Fort Monroe, Hampton
  • Kings Mountain (Barter Theatre production)
    September 17–October 31, 2026 — Barter Theatre, Abington
  • First Virginia General Assembly; 250th anniversary
    October 7, 2026 – Colonial Williamsburg
  • 250th Anniversary of the Historic First Baptist Church
    October 9, 2026 — Colonial Williamsburg

More details about the Signature Event Series and individual events will be shared in the coming weeks. Visit https://va250.org/signature-events.

VA250 images, logos and videos can be found here.

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About Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission

Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) was established by the General Assembly to be the official organizing body to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the founding of our nation. Its mission is to educate Americans about our history, founding ideals, and system of government; engage with communities to tell a complete story; and inspire people to recommit to the values inherent in citizenship. Join us in our effort to form a “more perfect union” in the place that made it possible. VA250.org [va250.org]