Events & Programs

Explore VA250 events and programs from the lens of those in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, ranging from live performances to exhibits.

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Scroll left and right to view a variety of events and programs related to VA250 in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

West Lawn of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Civic Season at Monticello

June 19 — July 4, 2026

Join Monticello during Civic Season, June 19 - July 4, for a special series of events and programs. Civic Season is a nationwide initiative, started by Made by Us, that connects history, civic engagement, and community participation. In 2026, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Monticello is proud to present its most ambitious slate of Civic Season programming to date!

Don't miss the US Mint at Monticello, Feast of Reason Restaurant Day, 1.776 Montalto Challenge, and the annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony on Monticello's West Lawn.

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VA250 Mobile Museum Experience
VA250 Mobile Museum Experience

Near Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall July 3 — 4

The VA250 Mobile Museum is coming back to downtown Charlottesville on July 3 and 4, just in time for the Downtown Mall’s 50th anniversary and our community's July 4th celebrations. Explore Virginia’s history in an engaging, hands-on museum on wheels. The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled "Out of Many, One" is housed in a quad-expandable tractor-trailer that is traveling throughout Virginia and beyond.

During its visit, the Mobile Museum will be located on Second Street NE adjacent to Market Street Park and the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, between E. Market Street and E. Jefferson Street. Admission is free and open to the public:

• July 3: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• July 4: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

This visit of the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience is made possible by Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Friends of Charlottesville Downtown, the City of Charlottesville, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, and VA250 Charlottesville-Albemarle.

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VA250 Mobile Museum Experience
VA250 Mobile Museum Experience

At James Monroe’s Highland July 30 — August 1, 2026

James Monroe's Highland will host the VA250 Mobile Museum July 30 - August. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive “museum on wheels,” the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled “Out of Many, One” is housed in a quad-expandable tractor trailer that is traveling throughout Virginia and beyond. The mobile museum brings key stories of Virginia’s rich history to schools, museums, local events, fairs, and more, highlighting every region of the state.

It will be stationed in the main Highland parking lot and will be free and accessible to the public from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm from Thursday, July 30, through Saturday, August 1.

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Exhibits

Declaring Independence: Creating and Recreating America’s Document

This permanent exhibit at UVA's Special Collections Library offers highlights of the Albert H. Small Declaration of Independence Collection, the most comprehensive collection of letters, documents, and early printings of the Declaration of Independence.

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James Monroe’s Highland: A Window to a New America

This exhibit, created in honor of the nation's 250th, explores the people and events of historic Highland and their connection to U.S. history. It was completed in collaboration with Highland’s Council of Descendant Advisors.

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Then & Now: Charlottesville in the 1970s

On display at Vault Virginia

Visit this exhibit by the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society to look back at Charlottesville 50 years ago. Featuring 10 portraits by local artist and activist Frances Brand and historic photographs and newspaper articles. Open M - F, 9 am - 5 pm.

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Legacies of Independence: Four Exhibits at the Fralin Museum of Art

August 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027

This slate of exhibitions explores the legacies of Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. Through historic and contemporary approaches, the art considers ways Thomas Jefferson helped shape the U.S. and promoted ideals we continue to deliberate today.

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We the People

Traveling Exhibition at JMRL Northside Library August 31 — October 12, 2026

Series

Fighting for Freedom: The Declaration of Independence & Its Legacy

January – July 2026

ACHS is hosting an 8-part program series that will discuss the ways Americans have fought for freedom throughout history, and the importance of continuing to question what Thomas Jefferson’s words of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness mean.

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Pursuits of Knowledge: Conversations at Monticello

The Pursuits of Knowledge series explores the enduring legacy of curiosity, innovation, and learning inspired by Thomas Jefferson, and the people and paths that created the United States.

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Guided Experiences

Founding Friends, Founding Foes Tour at Monticello

This new guided tour experience at Monticello invites guests to learn about the politics of the early United States through the complicated relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

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Jefferson Remembers the Declaration

Mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a special guided theatrical experience inside the Monticello house featuring Thomas Jefferson, as interpreted by veteran historical interpreter, Bill Barker.

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Feast of Reason

Monticello's Feast of Reason is an engaging program that encourages conversations about history and democracy over food and drink. Join the discussion! Available every Thursday through Sunday until October 25. Bring a picnic or purchase lunch from the Monticello Café.

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