In advance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation will showcase art from America’s Bicentennial commemoration to inspire new reflections on Revolutionary principles from contemporary artists and community members.

The exhibition will feature original works by Oscar de Mejo commissioned for the 1976 publication, “Fresh Views of the American Revolution,” by historian Paul Foley. The exhibition will juxtapose de Mejo’s work with contemporary art. Posing questions about the nature of liberty, freedom, equality and revolution, this exhibition will allow audiences to find their own meaning about our continuing American Revolution.

Visit the special exhibition, "Fresh Views of the American Revolution," October 18, 2025 - May 3, 2026 at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Exhibition Themes

Visitors are encouraged to reflect on themes in the original Oscar de Mejo artworks and the questions posed by each theme while viewing works by contemporary artists. The exhibit's themes are: Power, Determination, Choice and Change, Liberty, and Memory.

Power

^{Surrender at Saratoga, 1777, Oscar de Mejo, 1975, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection}

The American Revolution was a power struggle. Through these artworks, de Mejo explores how power was taken, given, accepted and fought for. Visitors are invited to consider who has power today. What kinds of power are available? How do we use our individual power? How do we use our collective power?

Determination

^{The Battle of Breed's Hill, 1775, Oscar de Mejo, 1975, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection}

What drove the colonists to Revolution? What allowed them to continue in the face of such a formidable enemy? What were they fighting for? Visitors are invited to consider what determination means to them, and how it has shaped the building of our culture and history. Is determination always positive? How do we continue to pursue the American ideals in the face of obstacles?

Choice and Change

^{Washington's Farewell, 1783, Oscar de Mejo, 1974, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection}

We make choices every day. During the American Revolution, and following it, the choices made by individuals shaped the nation as we know it. Visitors are invited to delve into the topic of choice and change as they explore the legacies of the American Revolution on society today. What recent choices have had the largest impact on society? How do we use choice to inform and influence society towards change?

Liberty

^{British Surrender at Yorktown, 1781,Oscar de Mejo, 1974, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection}

Ideas around liberty are pervasive in the American cultural landscape. The American Revolution was in many ways driven by ideals of liberty. With hindsight we often ask, liberty for whom? What does liberty mean? How is it different from freedom? Visitors are invited to consider what liberty means in our current world.

Memory

^{Betsy Ross and the Flag, Oscar de Mejo, 1777, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection}

How do we remember the American Revolution? How does this collective memory match with the reality of events and individuals? As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the stories of people like Betsy Ross and the flag are pervasive in our culture. Does it matter that this scene and this event likely never happened? What can we learn about how to develop a collective memory that more closely reflects reality?

Special exhibit included with museum admission

"Fresh Views of the American Revolution" is included with general admission to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. An annual pass offers year-round access to the special exhibition, along with most daytime programs and events.

Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive complimentary admission to both museums with proof of residency. Parking is free.

About the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

A commemorative partner of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days) and located on 200 Water Street near the Colonial Parkway, tells the story of the nation’s founding and the epic scale of the Revolution and its relevance today.

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Plan your visit today or call (757) 253-4838 for more information. Parking at the museum is free for museum visitors. A free shuttle service is available to Historic Yorktown on the Yorktown Trolley.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is administered by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.