WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — The Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown have announced a lineup of civic-related events and programs running from Juneteenth to the Fourth of July.
These programs are being presented as part of a national Civics Season initiative and are hosted in partnership with Made by Us. According to a June 14 press release from the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the goal of these events is to engage younger generations in the role of American democracy.
Some events are free and others require museum admission to attend. According to the release, whose who live in Williamsburg city or in York or James City counties, including William & Mary students, get in free with proof of residency.
For those outside of those localities, until July 1, adult admission is $18 and admission for children ages 6-12 is $9. On and after July 1, those prices increase to $20 for adult admission and $10 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free.
Keep scrolling to learn more about each of these Civic Seasons programs.
Prelude to Juneteenth: Emancipation on the Virginia Peninsula, June 16
The “Prelude to Juneteenth: Emancipation on the Virginia Peninsula” event will be held on Sunday, June 16, at 3 p.m. at the Jamestown Settlement. It is free of charge and open to all, though registration is recommended.
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation describes this event as “an afternoon of thought-provoking history and performances will explore the precarious nature of freedom from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth.” There will be presentations exploring the fight for emancipation on the Virginia Peninsula and dramatic readings that highlight stories from the 17th century through the American Civil War.
Presenters include Shalandis Wheeler Smith, Dale Heiskill, Brandon Lee and Valarie Gray Holmes. There will also be songs performed by Sylvia Tabb Lee and the Rejoicing Singers.
Additionally, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation notes that museum admission to the Jamestown Settlement will be free on June 19, the date of Juneteenth.
A Conversation between Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Rollison, June 20
The “A Conversation between Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Rollison” event will be held on Thursday, June 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The program is free but registration is required to attend.
It will feature Bill Barker, “world renowned for his depiction of Thomas Jefferson,” alongside James Cameron, a historian “who has brought Black entrepreneur John Rollison back to life,” according to the release.
They will take on these 18th-century personas and talk about the complexities of citizenship in early America, with their discussion moderated by Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director Christy Coleman.
A More Perfect Union, June 22
The “A More Perfect Union” event will take place on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This program is included with museum admission.
This special arts program showcasing the works of Oscar de Mejo plans to engage visitors “in examining the American identity and the American Revolution,” according to the release.
Bring an old t-shirt along to upcycle into art and take part in educational programs that “explore the Declaration of Independence, examine biographies of marginalized audiences and discuss the rights in the U.S. Constitution.”
Liberty Celebration, July 4
The “Liberty Celebration” will take place on Thursday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This special event is included with museum admission.
On this 248th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there will be artillery demonstrations, interpretive programs and a special art program.
The interpretive programs will cover topics such as the challenges that faced both the nation’s founders and the people the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply to. The special arts program will prompt visitors to examine “American identity.”
Lafayette 1824 Grand Tour Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit, through Aug. 1
The “Lafayette 1824 Grand Tour Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit” can be enjoyed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through August 1 at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This traveling exhibit is included with museum admission.
The American Friends of Lafayette have partnered with the museum to provide this special exhibit highlighting “America’s favorite fighting Frenchman,” the Marquis de Lafayette, during the bicentennial of his 1824 Grand Tour of America. According to the release, it retraces his route through 24 states.
