Fresh Views of the American Revolution

October 18, 2025 - August 31, 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.

Virginia Declaration of Rights Dinner with Michael W. Twitty

June 11, 2026 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, join celebrity chef and James Beard award-winning author Michael W. Twitty for a curated feast based on cross-cultural insights from his cookbook, “Kosher Soul.” View the menu and learn more about this event. 

Juneteenth Program

June 14, 2026 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Come celebrate Juneteenth at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown! Join us for performances and tours that celebrate both the 18th century connections to Juneteenth as well as the legacies that echo through to today. Learn more about this event.

Civic Season

June 19-July 4, 2026 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown join museums and historic sites across the country to host Civic Season, a series of civics-related programs and events to engage younger generations in the role of American democracy. Explore your story and how it connects to our nation’s complex past through events, activities and resources from credible sources. Learn more about this event.

Following the Dragon Members-only Tour

June 23, 2026 • Jamestown Settlement

Join us for a members-only tour of “Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown,” led by Jamestown Senior Curator Dr. Bly Straube. This tour offers an intimate look at the remarkable global connections revealed through Ming porcelain uncovered at the 1607–1625 fort site at Historic Jamestowne. Learn more about this event.

Civics Trivia Night

June 24, 2026

Join us at Precarious Beer Project, 110 S. Henry St., Williamsburg, for an exploration of America’s 250th anniversary and civic legacy, testing what you know and discovering how the past still speaks to the world today. Learn more about this event.

Family Day: Civically Yours

June 27, 2026 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

As part of the national Civics Season initiative and America's 250th anniversary, share your wish for America in 50 years, puzzle your way out of a civics-themed escape room and meet organizations that help people in the community. Outdoors, in our immersive living-history areas, learn how civics impacted people during the American Revolution through fun demonstrations. Learn more about this event.

Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation

July 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Presented by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission and produced in partnership by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the exhibition highlights Virginia’s leading role in the American Revolution and invites visitors to embark on a journey to uncover the civic stories and accomplishments of Virginia’s founders. Learn more about this event.

Liberty Celebration

July 4, 2026 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

On the Fourth of July holiday, salute the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, as well as those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply. Learn more about this event.

Star-Spangled Cookout

July 4, 2026 • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Join the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for an evening of old-fashioned Fourth-of-July Americana! We will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country with traditional cookout fare of hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixings! Once your bellies are full, there will be music, puppet shows, crafts and competitions with prizes to continue the celebration. Join our gunners to end the event with a bang as we salute America’s birthday with an artillery firing. Learn more about this event.

Mapping the Dragon: An Indigenous History of Bacon's Rebellion

July 15, 2026 • Jamestown Settlement

Rarely acknowledged in historical narratives, Virginia’s Indigenous nations shaped American history in countless ways, including the events surrounding Nathaniel Bacon’s 1676 insurrection. The panel draws on traditional ecological knowledge alongside military history, environmental and archaeological evidence, and both traditional and non-traditional documents to highlight the Indigenous perspectives of what is now known as Bacon’s Rebellion.Learn more about this event.

Homeschool Program Days

September 5 -13 • Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Homeschool students will love discovering the sights and sounds of the 17th and 18th centuries while learning about our nation’s history. A special ticket offers homeschool families unlimited admission to both museums during Homeschool Program Days. Education stations at each museum on select dates allow families to interact with educators as they explore a variety of historical topics. Learn more about this event.