The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, or VA250, was established by the General Assembly in 2020 to lead the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of the former colonies and future states, where much of the nation’s history took place. At the local level, this commemoration is coordinated by city and county committees. The Newport News VA250 Committee members are:
Anne Miller, Superintendent of Historic Services, Newport News Parks and Recreation (Committee chair)
Robin Boyd, Senior Marketing Coordinator, Newport News Department of Development
Jennifer Kohms, Tourism Development Coordinator, Newport News Tourism
David H. Niebuhr, Chief Operating Officer, The Virginia Living Museum
Sheri Shuck-Hall, Professor of History, Director, Public History Center, Christopher Newport University
Luisa A. Vázquez-López, Senior Director of Advancement, The Mariners’ Museum and Park
From its founding ideals to its leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened here in Virginia. This makes Virginia the ideal place to learn about our nation’s beginnings, no matter what state you call home.
In Virginia, the American Revolution was more than a war. It was a revolution of ideas, a challenge to govern, interact, and even think differently. That challenge has continued for almost 250 years, inspiring Virginian presidents, civil rights leaders, artists, scientists, engineers, authors, educators, inventors, and more to create a more perfect union.
The Newport News VA250 committee is eager to hear what your neighborhood or organization has planned to commemorate the anniversary! Please reach out to us at nnhistoricsites@nnva.gov. For more information about VA250, visit http://www.va250.org.
Upcoming events in Newport News include:
Experience the American Revolution in Virginia through the eyes of those who witnessed it with this living history weekend at Historic Endview! The People’s Revolution will include a series of reenactments of local events, a large-scale artillery siege, a theatrical performance, and more. The VA250 Mobile Museum will be on-site both days with its exhibit, “Out of Many, One,” open from 9AM to 5PM.
Saturday’s programming will focus on Virginia’s entry into the American Revolution. Reenactments will include the aftermath of the Battle of Hampton from the point of neutral Virginians deciding which side of the war they will fight for, a reading of Dunmore’s Proclamation, and the Battles of Kemp’s Landing and Great Bridge. In the afternoon, along with an artillery tactical demonstration, there will be a performance of the acclaimed theatrical piece, “Tag, Rag, and Bobtail: Women Belonging to the Army,” by Meadow and Stars, LLC, telling the stories of women on both sides of the conflict, Loyalist and Patriot.
On Sunday, there will be an 18th-century military church service, horse and drill demonstrations, and a large siege battle reenactment in the afternoon.
Admission to all programs is FREE. All programming is outdoors, so guests are encouraged to dress accordingly. There will be a food truck as well as historical and modern vendors available. While service animals are welcome, pets are not permitted on the event grounds.
Questions? Please email nnhistoricsites@nnva.gov.
Newport News Veterans Day Ceremony
Tuesday, November 11, 11:00AM
Virginia War Museum
Virginia has been home to veterans for more than 200 years. Celebrate all those who have served our country with this annual ceremony at the Virginia War Museum, sponsored by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post 25.