Special Events & Exhibitions
Resolve & Revolution – June 8, 2024
In the summer of 1774, the Virginia Colony was reeling from the news from Boston, Massachusetts. In response to the Boston Tea Party in December 1773, the British government had passed the Coercive Acts, known in the colonies as the “Intolerable Acts.” Prince William County became the first County in Virginia to formally protest these Acts, meeting on June 6, 1774 to pass the “Prince William Resolves.”
Lafayette Grand Tour 200th Anniversary - October 17, 2024 at Mount Vernon and November 4, 2024 at Monticello (other locations to be announced)
In 1824, President James Monroe invited the last living American General from the Revolutionary War on a tour to the popular cities to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary. As the “Nation’s Guest”, Lafayette was welcomed by Americans in the 24 states with parades, balls, dinners and other celebratory events in a 13-month expedition across the nation he helped gain independence for.
The 243rd anniversary of America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown – October 19, 2024
America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown will be celebrated at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with artillery firings, military programs and music. Visitors can interact with Revolutionary War re-enactors and take part in interpretive demonstrations.
Yorktown Tea Party Commemoration – November 7-9, 2024
Boston wasn't the only place to host their own Tea Party in the 18th Century. Virginia held one in Yorktown on November 7, 1774. There will be lectures, a tea festival, tall ships in port and a tea party reenactment.
Arnold's Raid of Richmond - January 2-5, 2025
St. John’s Church - 4 days of living history, militia skills exhibits and speaker events in Richmond and Henrico commemorating Bendict Arnold's Raid of Richmond – 1781.
Give me Liberty – March 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond - This exhibition will inspire a deep appreciation for the continental and global forces as well as the individual actions by both iconic and ordinary people that brought about a model of democratic government that would change the world.
250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's Liberty or Death Speech at the 2nd Virginia Convention - March 23, 2025
St. John’s Church, Richmond - Professional actors in 1770s attire portray nine delegates, including prominent Virginians Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Witness the democratic process at work through the animated reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention, which culminates in Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech. 3 reenactments at 1:30, 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Call to Arms: The Solder and the Revolutionary War – June 14, 2025 – June 14, 2027
National Museum of the United States Army – Exhibit examines the evolution of the soldier and Army during the Revolutionary War. This exhibit uncovers and shares compelling stories through diverse people who served during complex events which sparked America’s ongoing efforts in liberty, equality and self-government.
Fresh Views of the American Revolution – Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
This exhibition will invite 21st-century visitors to explore the ideals and values of the Revolution and what they mean to us today through the re-emergence of 18 original images in the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection from artist Oscar De Mejo, created to commemorate the 1976 Bicentennial.
250th Anniversary of the Battle of Great Bridge – December 9, 2025
Historical reenactments of the Battle of Great Bridge, 1775.
Arnold's Raid of Richmond - January 2-4, 2026
St. John’s Church - 3 days of living history, militia skills exhibits and speaker events in Richmond and Henrico commemorating Bendict Arnold's Raid of Richmond – 1781.
We The People – March 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond - This exhibition will explore the many people who, over centuries, have made Virginia the unique place it is in America and in the world, and the dramatic impact of the immigrant experience throughout Virginia’s history as people arrived from the four corners of the globe.
Virginia International Tattoo - April 2026
Norfolk - In tribute to the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, the Virginia International Tattoo will bring an international cast of more than 800 performers, including civilian and military bands and drill from seven nations, in a rousing and emotion-filled celebration of freedom. https://www.vafest.org/tattoo/
Sail250 Virginia – June 19-22, 2026
Norfolk/Hampton Roads/Chesapeake Bay - A fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships, in an epic peacetime gathering, will sail into the port of Virginia as part of Sail250® America. 4,000 officers, cadets, and crews of more than 60 ships from 20 nations will engage with residents and visitors across the Chesapeake Bay region in events and programs symbolic of the bonds of international goodwill.
Independence Day in Colonial Williamsburg: America’s 250th Birthday - July 4, 2026
Statewide - “A Celebration of Citizenship” Naturalization ceremonies will occur throughout the Commonwealth. Citizens will join in taking the oath of citizenship and recommit to the values of being an American. Statewide naturalization ceremony at key locations with nationally recognized speakers simulcast at prominent venues throughout the state.
Free Black People in Virginia – July 14, 2025 -July 5, 2026
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond - This exhibition explores the lives of free Black Virginians from the arrival of the first captive Africans in 1619 to the abolition of slavery in 1865. Through powerful objects and first-person accounts, visitors will discover how Virginia’s people of color achieved their freedom, fought for their civil rights, and persevered within a legal system that recognized them as free but not equal.
The 250rd anniversary of America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown – October 2031
America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown will be celebrated at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with artillery firings, military programs and music. Visitors can interact with Revolutionary War re-enactors and take part in interpretive demonstrations.
Walking Tours of Neabsco Creek Boardwalk – On Demand with prior reservations
Neabsco Creek was reshaped by the colonial era industry dependent on its waters. The Tayloes operated the Neabsco Iron Works here from the 1730s until the early 1800s with mostly enslaved or convict labor. During the Revolution, John Tayloe II supplied iron for muskets made at Fredericksburg, cannonballs, tools for the Prince William County militia, and naval supplies for Virginia’s small fleet.