In July 1776, a group of colonists gathered in Philadelphia to sign a declaration of independence, dissolving their ties to the British Crown and kickstarting what would become 250 years of an American experiment.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”
Declaration of Independence
At the National Trust, we are marking this anniversary by embracing the essential promise that “all people are created equal,” underscoring how historic places and people across the nation continue to shape our journey to becoming a more perfect union.
The lived experiences embedded in historic landscapes, homes, neighborhoods, and landmarks give us what we need to meet the next 250 years; an honest accounting of where we’ve been and the humility and courage to imagine where we can go.
Join us for a year of conversation, commemoration, and action:
The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) breathes new life into long-untold stories and helps communities protect places that form our cultural identity. To mark the 250th anniversary, the Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the HPF for ten years and increase its authorization to $250 million, annually.
A VA250 descendent-centered program at four National Trust Historic Sites in Virginia. The events at Woodlawn, Belle Grove Plantation, Oatlands, and Montpelier will be begin on Juneteenth, followed by a July signature event at Oatlands, before culminating with a series of events in the fall.
Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation is the signature exhibition of the Virginia America Revolution 250 Commission organized in partnership by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Belle Grove is hosting the companion traveling exhibit from April 28-June 7.
Cliveden is open on July 4th, part of Wawa Welcome America‘s Free Museum Days! We will be open 10am to 2pm, and offering free tours of the first floor of the house. The Cliveden Barn and Arboretum will be open to the public as well.
Montpelier launched Salon 1776, a lecture series that features a short lecture on a topic related to Montpelier and the founding-era, followed by a cocktail reception. Held in the Grand Salon in the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, these gatherings provide an atmosphere of socially engaging education for the public in a welcoming, intimate environment. Please join us!
July 11 Topic: “As American as Apple Pie: Food and Feasting in 18th-century Virginia” with Kelley Fanto Deetz, PhD, RPA
Chesterwood presents The Minute Man: Examining Patriotism, Victory, and Loss. Presented in the galleries of French’s recently renovated residence, the exhibition commemorates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, bringing together works by French and his colleagues that celebrate notable Americans and address themes of loyalty, freedom, triumph, and grief.
This National Preservation Summit will bring together leaders from the preservation community alongside national, civic, business, and community figures from across the nation. With a theme of All People Are Created Equal, this convening will explore community revitalization, the interpretation of the past to foster a shared future, and unity through historic places.
Support our work to save places that matter.
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