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
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:
Stars in the Sky: America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
Saturday, July 4 from 6:00PM to 9:15PM
Victory Landing Park
Coffee (Ice Cream) with a Historian
Saturday, July 18 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM
Aux Delices – Kiln Creek
Sixth Annual Pawpaw Festival
Saturday, August 22 from 9:00AM to 3:00PM
Historic Endview
A Story of Generosity and Gratitude: The Merci Train
Saturday, October 3 at 9:00AM
Exhibit opening at the Virginia War Museum
Virginia Archaeology Month Kickoff Celebration
Saturday, October 10
Historic Endview
Coffee with a Historian: Historic Cemeteries
Wednesday, October 28 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM
Lebanon Christian Church
Veterans Day Ceremony
Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00AM
Virginia War Museum
Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony and Wreath-Laying
Monday, December 7
Virginia War Museum
The Shipyard Experience Trolley Tour
Saturdays, July 11, August 8, September 12, & October 10 from 10:00AM to 11:30AM
Departs from Virginia War Museum