"Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews," celebrates the lives and philanthropy of the late Nick and Mary Mathews, beloved Yorktown restaurateurs who, on the eve of America’s 1976 Bicentennial, donated the land for the Yorktown Victory Center, now known as the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

In time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, "Patrons & Patriots" is a fitting salute to a couple who embodied the American dream.

Nick and Mary Mathews, natives of Greece who emigrated to the United States, met in New York City and married in July 1942. They later moved to Yorktown, where they opened a lunch counter in 1944 which became Nick's Seafood Pavilion, a Yorktown landmark that gained national renown. It quickly grew into a household name all over Virginia not only for its fine seafood and elaborate interior but for the owners who displayed grand hospitality and pride in Yorktown.

View artifacts and images reflecting their personal lives and professional successes, and rare objects that defined their iconic restaurant. Learn about their patrons, from Elizabeth Taylor to John Wayne, and their patriotism, from free meals for servicemen to sponsorship of the U.S.S. Yorktown.

In 1972, they donated land for the Yorktown Victory Center, one of three Virginia bicentennial centers that opened in 1976. For over 50 years, millions of museum visitors have benefited from the legacy of their generous gift, learning about the ideals and freedoms of the American Revolution and the significance of the Siege of Yorktown to secure American independence.

The Mathews Legacy Society, a group of planned giving donors, was established in their memory to benefit Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation programs and initiatives. The couple is buried on the grounds of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown overlooking the York River.

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Exhibition highlights

Through media and curated artifacts, visitors will be introduced to Nick and Mary Mathews, who tirelessly worked side by side pursuing the American dream. Signature artifacts from their estate, such as Mary’s chiffon wedding dress, will be displayed with images from their photograph collection.

Visitors will see murals of the restaurant’s exterior and of Nick and Mary greeting them at the restaurant’s counter in the early 1940s. The opulent décor and ambiance of the restaurant are represented through furniture and works of art collected by Mary.

On loan from the York County Historical Museum, a sculpture, “Freedom’s Sentinel,” speaks to Mary’s sponsorship of the guided missile cruiser U.S.S. Yorktown and the mutual admiration between Mary and the crewmembers. In the gallery, visitors are encouraged to emulate Nick and Mary Mathews' patriotism and write a postcard of thanks to a servicemember, which will be delivered by the U.S.O.

Awards and images highlight the couple's many civic and philanthropic contributions to organizations that benefited from their benevolence. Recollections of friends, family and colleagues who personally knew them are recounted in an exclusive video that offers insight to the Mathews' lasting legacy.

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Special exhibit included with museum admission

"Patrons & Patriots" 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.

Commemorating America's 250th Anniversary

"Patrons & Patriots" is among the exhibitions and events presented by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and commemorative partner of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. Learn how you can join the celebration.

About the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

A commemorative partner of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of the nation’s founding and the epic scale of the Revolution and its relevance today.

The museum, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days), is located on 200 Water Street near the Colonial Parkway. A free shuttle service is available to Historic Yorktown on the Yorktown Trolley.