On Tuesday, Feb. 20, Virginia leaders, lawmakers, historians, and several costumed reenactors gathered to hear plans for VA250, the commonwealth’s commemoration of the American Revolution.
The announcements were given inside Historic St. John’s Church — the site of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech at the Second Virginia Convention in 1775.
Governor Glenn Youngkin, Delegates Delores McQuinn and Terry Austin, and VA250 National Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina addressed the crowd.
VA250 events have already begun, and will continue throughout the year. The schedule includes a large Independence Day celebration at the State Capitol this summer. A mobile museum program will also travel to every middle school in Virginia.
Check out the full schedule of events to see how to engage with Revolutionary history around Virginia this year. Here are a few highlights for the current month.
April
The Other Tea Parties | April 11 | 7 p.m. | Belmont Rec Center | Did you know there were roughly 17 other tea parties apart from the famous Boston one, including one in Virginia? Historian Bert Dunkerly will discuss the role these events played in the growing conflict with England.
Scotchtown After the Henrys | April 13 | 11 a.m. + 2 p.m. | Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown | Get acquainted with the Sheppard and Taylor families, who occupied Patrick Henry’s manor house in the 19th and 20th centuries, and learn more about the preservation of the landmark. $5 house admission
“The Art of Presidential Persuasion” | April 17 | 5:30 p.m. | VMHC | Presidential historian Talmage Boston will discuss the the rhetorical and persuasive skills of eight former presidents.
An Evening with Christy Coleman | April 18 | 7 p.m. | Historic St. John’s Church | Hear from the Executive Director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation about advocating for museums, narrative correction, diversity, and inclusiveness. $20 tickets
Henricus History Hike | April 27 | 1 p.m. | Henricus Historical Park | Learn about the Revolutionary War Battle of Osborne’s Landing with a lecture and a two-mile hike on the route of the Virginia militia. $5-15 tickets
James Monroe Day Ceremony | April 28 | 11 a.m. | Hollywood Cemetery | Gather at Monroe’s gravesite for this annual presentation of wreaths and comments from local and state leaders.
