Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission

VA250 

Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) was established in 2020 to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence, the VA250 aims to form a more perfect union by educating Virginians about their history and civic duty and sharing diverse narratives that capture Virginia’s complete story and role in shaping the nation.  The overarching goals are:

• to educate Virginians, including our students, about our history, our founding ideals and our system of government;
• to engage every community and all regions in events that tell a complete story; and
• to inspire Virginians to commit to American citizenship.

Across the Commonwealth, cities, towns, and counties are commemorating in various ways.  From historical sites and museums to events commemorating historic milestones in Virginia history, the American Revolution can be felt in every corner of the state. Explore Virginia’s living history, interactive exhibits, tours, events, festivals and more and discover why Virginia’s history is America’s story!  For more information about VA250, visit VA250.

Goals and Objectives

The 250th Commemoration will provide timely opportunities to educate, engage, and inspire Virginians around our history and foundational values and beliefs that continue to be relevant to our lives.  Over the next two years, the VA250th Education Committee will work with partners throughout the Commonwealth to accomplish the following goals:

• Make History Come Alive
• Spark a Civics Renaissance
• Celebrate Democracy

Partnerships with schools and educational institutions will supplement primary, secondary, and higher education resources through activities such as curriculum development, learning resources, student academic opportunities, teacher institutes, professional development opportunities, and development of enduring educational assets.

VA250 Upcoming Programming

• Reading Revolution – October 14 – 18, 2024 leading up to Yorktown Victory Day will be designated for the Reading Revolution Week- connecting museums, public libraries, and communities to elementary school students by encouraging reading stories about the people, places, and events during the Revolutionary era, freedom and democracy, the Constitution, or civic principles that founded this great nation. Here are some helpful tips to get your Reading Revolution started!
  
  
• National Civics Bee - National Civics Bee® events are hosted in partnership with local and state chambers of commerce in each state. Schools interested in participating next year’s National Civics Bee® should email civictrust@uschamber.com to request more information. 
  
  
• Mobile Museum - Bring the 250th Mobile Museum to your school and community!  A hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled “Out of Many, One” will be housed in a quad-expandable tractor trailer that will travel throughout Virginia and beyond, starting in Fall 2024.  For more information or pre-request, the VA250 Mobile Experience, visit VA250 Programs.
  
  
• Virginia History Day - The state affiliate of National History Day, a project-based learning program for students grades 4-12. This interdisciplinary research project helps students develop historical thinking and literacy skills while making the study of history engaging, relevant, and most of all, fun!  For more information about the Virginia History Day competition and how to participate, visit Virginia History Day.

In the Works

• Expressions of Freedom – A scholastic contest and opportunity for students in grades 3 – 12 to share their ideas and perspectives  through artwork, videos, audio recordings, or an essay in response to the question: “What does Freedom mean?”  Student submissions, contest rules and guidelines for entries will be available through the local school division central office staff. 
  
  
• Students may also participate in America250s:  America’s Field Trip contest. Contest for the 2024 – 2025 will be announced in/around October 2024.  Students from across the country submitted inspiring entries, responding to the prompt “What does America mean to you?”.  For more information about the contest, visit America’s Field Trip.
  
  
• Resources and Materials for Virginia Educators - Enrich the Virginia History and Civics Standards through linkages to Virginia museums and historical institutions. These institutions will begin the work of making the Standards come alive through videos, pictures, tours, lessons, and artifacts. Begin with the Standards pertaining to the events of the country's founding and Revolutionary War and civics topics. Expand to all history.