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
Desiree McDaniel, Tourism Manager, 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:
Women’s History Tours
Every Saturday in March from 10:00 AM to 3:30PM
Historic Endview and Lee Hall Mansion
Guided tours highlight the lives and stories of the women who lived, labored, and shaped the history of these sites.
Coffee with a Historian: Maria Curtis
Wednesday, March 25 from 11:00AM to 12:00PM
Lebanon Christian Church
Hosted in partnership with Lebanon Christian Church, this informal program invites guests to enjoy coffee and light snacks while exploring the legacy of Maria Curtis, matriarch of the Lee Hall community.
Women at War: A Women’s History Month Celebration
Saturday, March 28 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM
Virginia War Museum
This special event honors the service, sacrifice, and leadership of women in the US military – past and present – with opportunities to explore special collections items, meet modern military and veterans, and speak with the young women of Menchville High School’s JROTC about their drone program and STEM careers for women in the military.