Fresh Views of the American Revolution

October 18, 2025 - May 3, 2026 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

In time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution, join us for the “Fresh Views of the American Revolution” special exhibition at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, commemorating America’s 250th through contemporary voices. Discover new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution through the folk art of Oscar de Mejo created during the 1976 Bicentennial and through engaging community art programs. Learn more about this event.

Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown

November 15, 2025 – July 12, 2026 • Jamestown Settlement

The special exhibition will explore compelling discoveries that connect the early years of the Jamestown colony and Asia. Featuring Chinese porcelain uncovered during excavations of 1607 James Fort on Jamestown Island and intact objects from global lenders, the exhibition examines who may have owned these evocative pieces, how they may have been acquired, and offers fresh insights into the social life of the early 17th-century Virginia elite. Learn more about this special exhibition.

Black Artist Showcase Opening Reception

January 31, 2026 • Jamestown Settlement

In honor of Black History Month and beyond, celebrate the opening of the 2026 Black Artist Showcase exhibit. Join us at Jamestown Settlement, January 31, 6 - 8 p.m. to honor the artists, enjoy a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres, along with live music.Learn more about this event.

Black Artist Showcase

February 1 - March 29, 2026 • Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement will exhibit the Black Artist Showcase in celebration of Black History Month and beyond, connecting the past and present through vivid intersections of contemporary art and 17th-century history. Learn more about this event.

Chinese Tea Ceremonies

February 7, 2026 • Jamestown Settlement

Enjoy an exclusive glimpse into the world of Chinese teas and the art of serving tea as practiced in a traditional tea ceremony with its roots in ancient Chinese culture. Learn more about this event.

Chinese Tea Talk

February 7, 2026 • Jamestown Settlement

A unique opportunity to hear from a master of the Chinese tea arts. Feather Chen's expertise includes tea etiquette, brewing techniques and cultural insights. Learn more about this timeless beverage and its connections between cultures. Learn more about this event.

Revving up to the Weekend Music Series: Sammy Lee

February 12 • Jamestown Settlement

Rooted in blues tradition, Sammy Lee has a soul that wails. Cadence-driven, acoustically inclined, Motown folk is showcased in his pristine and energetic performances, with stylistic nods towards the cities that have provided him with his unique sound. Over a decade of vocal expertise allows this rough and dirty baritone to stun audiences with a range that bewilders, a devastatingly honest lyrical vulnerability, and a power and range that leaves Sammy in a category all his own. Learn more about this event.

Chinese Seal Printing Workshop

February 14 • Jamestown Settlement

Join Mary Swezey for a Chinese Seal printing workshop to create your very own set of Chinese seal cards to frame or send. Following a brief discussion about the significance of the Chinese seal (or chop), participants will translate their names into Chinese characters on paper. The characters will be transferred to soft printmaking blocks (Safety-Kut) and cut out using carving tools. The carved blocks will then be inked and printed on blank greeting cards. Learn more about this event.

^{This program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is funded, in part, by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.}

Revving up to the Weekend Music Series: Roberta Lea

February 19 • Jamestown Settlement

As part of our Evening Music Series throughout February, award-winning singer/songwriter Roberta Lea graces us with a live performance described as “country-neo-pop” with a “delicious, folky flair.” As a touring member of The Black Opry, one of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2023 and a voting member of The Recording Academy, she has a song and style for everyone, with a dynamic range in genre and vocal styles that fits comfortably in Country, Folk and Americana. Learn more about this event.

Finding Angelo

February 21 • Jamestown Settlement

After Angelo, a one-day program honoring the legacy of one of the first African women mentioned by name in the historical record at Jamestown, is a lively celebration of African-American culture and heritage. The event culminates Black History Month at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement, featuring a Black Artists Showcase and permanent gallery exhibits, films and interactives that recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America. Learn more about this event.

^{"Finding Angelo" - a portrait by Austin Miles}

Revving up to the Weekend Music Series: Akeylah Simone

February 26 • Jamestown Settlement

How might one describe an artist who records and performs in the genre she's feeling that day? An artist you go to see and don’t know exactly what to expect …except that you’re going to feel good. Real good. Akeylah Simone, from Hampton Roads, VA is that artist. Akeylah Simone delivers a stunning performance in the studio and on the stage by fusing genres from Neo-Soul Rock, R&B, Pop and Jazz. Her personal, poetic style of writing in addition to her sultry, soulful vocals will have you entranced. Learn more about this event.

Youth Artmaking Workshop at the Black Artist Showcase

February 28 • Jamestown Settlement

This two-hour workshop, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., introduces upper elementary and middle school students to visual storytelling through color and symbols. Inspired by Sharard X’s artwork, students will explore how artists communicate ideas, emotions and identity through visual choices. $12 per person with advance registration. Learn more about this event.

On National Commemorations and How We Do History Now: The Bicentennial, the Semiquincentennial, and What We Can Learn About the Future of the Past

March 14 • Jamestown Settlement

Join us as M.J. Rymsza-Pawlowska draws from her book on the 1976 Bicentennial, as well as in-progress research about how Americans are engaging history now, to explore and explain the way that national commemorations help to clarify, crystalize and accelerate emergent trends in historical engagement. Learn more about this event.