VA250 for Tourism Partners

VA250 is the statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Revolutionary War, and US Independence. As these major historic events spanned more than a decade, VA250 programming will occur from 2022 to 2032.

VA250 is an opportunity to highlight early American history and how ideals of the Revolution influenced our local community from independence to today.

The website, VA250.org, is a hub for all related activities. Here you will find information about signature events throughout the Commonwealth, local events, and places to visit for each community. VA250 exists to help Virginia residents and visitors learn more about our state’s role in the American Revolution, including events that led up to it, and to inspire everyone to participate in this important milestone.

VA250 is part of America250 -- the nationwide celebration for our country!

The VA250 Commission has tasked localities across the state to establish their own local planning committees. We are the convener of local partners interested in offering experiences related to VA250. We represent entities within Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the Town of Scottsville.

Our role is to communicate local efforts with the statewide VA250 commission, serve as a liaison to our community partners, manage local business listings and events on VA250, and attend meetings and conferences in order to stay abreast of opportunities we can share with local partners. Charlottesville Albemarle committee meetings are held virtually, and we welcome all tourism partners to attend. Email VA250@visitcharlottesville.org if you would like to be added to the invite list.

The offices of Economic Development in Nelson, Orange, Fluvanna, and Greene Counties are leading their local VA250 efforts. Not based in Charlottesville or Albemarle County? You can search here to find your local committee’s contact information.

Member Organizations of Local Charlottesville Albemarle Committee

If you have an idea for participating in VA250 celebrations, we’d love to hear from you! We can help promote your plan, connect you with other partners, and work to identify available grant funding as needed.

Here are some ways your business can help mark this important milestone:

• Organize a celebratory event such as special concert, footrace, or Civic Season gathering
• Share information through exhibit, lecture, or workshop
• Give expression through performance or art
• Help people experience what life would have been like at that time – think about food, drink, technology, craft, interactive roleplay, and more
• Develop a unique tour
• Create a special menu or craft beverage honoring the 250th
• Offer a 250th-themed discount or merchandise.

VA250 is not just about events leading up to and during the Revolutionary War but also revolutionary ideas throughout our nation's history. Think about revolutions that continue or are still unfinished to this day.

We’re always on the lookout for VA250 events!

Hosting an event that relates to the 250th anniversary? Email a description to VA250@visitcharlottesville.org, and it will be considered for calendar at VA250.org. Please include one photo with your event description (minimum 1,000 pixels wide). Events can be in-person, hybrid, or virtual. You should be prepared to report back to the VA250 Commission with attendance data.

We encourage you to submit in-person events to our calendar on visitcharlottesville.org. We've even created an VA250 event category tag.

Events may help visitors and residents celebrate, commemorate, or explore the 250th.

Explore upcoming projects and programs on our public-facing VA250 pages!

There are several pop-up exhibits, created by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, that will travel to different localities over the next two years. We as the local VA250 committee are working to bring these exhibits to our community through partnerships with local organizations. Let us know if you are interested in hosting one of these exhibits, including:

• Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865
• Founding Frenemies: Hamilton & the Virginians
• Determined: The 400 Year Struggle for Black Equality
• Virginia & The Vietnam War
• Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation
  Look for it at JMRL Northside Library January 5 - February 16, 2026
• We the People
  Look for it at JMRL Northside Library August 31 - October 12, 2026

In addition, "Out of Many, One" VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, which James Monroe's Highland hosted July 31 - August 2, 2025, during the Albemarle County Fair, will be touring the state through 2027.

Watch this page for updates! Don't have the space to host an exhibit? Consider creating related programming that connect residents and visitors with the 250th milestone.

If you’re interested in having a listing on the VA250 website, please reach out to VA250@visitcharlottesville.org to learn more.

We are focused on historic sites, attractions, and experiences that are open to the public and fall into the time frame between the pre-colonial era and 1830 or speak to our nation's efforts to become a more perfect union. “Places to Visit” could include a historic site, a trail (such as a beverage trail or historic route), or historic accommodation.

Don't forget to refresh your Visit Charlottesville business listing with images that showcase the visitor experience.

Examples of History Listings

Examples of Historic Accommodation Listings

If you are interested in getting more involved at the state level, consider becoming a VA250 Commemorative Partner. You can learn more here.

Grant funders are looking for projects that tell lesser-known histories, bring the past to life by showing how people lived, and encourage visitors and residents to explore history throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle.

The following grants are available to support VA250-themed programming and events.

July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There is no doubt that 2026 will be a busy year for America. The world is interested in this milestone and will be visiting!

With over twenty federal agencies offering programs and exhibits, visitation to nearby Washington, DC is expected to double by 2026. Many travelers will extend their trip to Central Virginia, and many DMV residents will plan vacations as respite from the busyness.

FIFA World Cup is coming to North America in 2026. Charlottesville is accessible by car, train, and direct flight to host cities of Atlanta, Philadelphia, and the New York-New Jersey metro area.

Local milestones in 2026 will include the 50th anniversary of the Downtown Mall, the centennial of the Jefferson School, and the 50th anniversary of Bikecentennial, which launched Bicycle Route 76.

However, national celebrations are not limited to 2026. 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and recently announced 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup will bring more visitors to the US, many of whom will explore Virginia with a focus on history, cultural heritage, and outdoor enjoyment.

So start thinking now about ways you can serve visitors, particularly through the lens of VA250.

Have Questions? Contact VA250@visitcharlottesville.org