Welcome to Suffolk's VA 250 Commemoration (Recap of 6/21/23 Meeting)

​Join us as we celebrate the 250th Commemoration through education, exhibits, historical sites and artifacts, and special events across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

​​Revolutionary Sites & Events in Virginia

Virginia is for history lovers, and revolutionary history can be found all across the Commonwealth. 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!

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​Suffolk’s VA 250 

• Passed a Resolution Supporting the Virginia America 250 Commission (VA250) (Read and adopted April 5, 2023)
• Determined Suffolk’s VA250 Committee Leadership – Suffolk Tourism (Suffolk’s Official Destination Marketing Organization or DMO) lead by Theresa Earles
• Attended VA250 Committee Roundtable Discussion and Information Session (June 8, 2023)
• Convene Committee Members and Stakeholders (June 21, 2023)
  • Identify our Local Stories
  • Stories that Created the Fabric of the Nation
  • More than a War, but a Revolution of Ideas
  • Virginia is the Mother of Presidents
  • Virginia History is American History

• Establish sub-committees to brainstorm and propose various programs, themes and activities
  • Sample sub-committees:
    • History, Research & Education
    • Community Engagement & Special Events
    • Funding (Grants, Sponsorship & Fundraising)

 

• Develop a plan to commemorate anniversaries, events, significant Suffolk contributions to the American Revolution and the evolution of our community
• Research and apply for grants when applicable   
  • Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) up to $10,000 grant with a 1:1 cash match (Current round closes 7/18)
    • VTC Grant Program will be offered twice a year through 2025
    • Requires three partners and support from local DMO
• Virginia Humanities Content Development Grant opportunities will be available as early as Fall 2023 – Up to $10,000
• Virginia Commission for the Arts to offer Creative Community Partnership Grants to Arts Organizations throughout the Commonwealth beginning in early 2024. Up to $4,500

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• Create Micro-website within the VA250.org site
• Establish a dedicated page for Suffolk’s VA250 programs via
• VisitSuffolkVa.com, along with promoting via VisitSuffolkVa social media platforms.

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Additional VA 250 Resources

• Travelling Displays (pull-up screens) ideal for small museums, libraries, community centers, etc.
• Mobile Museum (Stand-alone educational exhibit available beginning Fall 2024

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Currently in the works for Suffolk's VA 250 Commemoration

• Friends of Lafayette will commemorate Major General Lafayette’s American Farewell Tour through Suffolk, February 24-26, 2025.
• Activities will include arrival of Lafayette by horse drawn carriage, living history interpreters, an art exhibit of Lafayette artifacts, a re-creation of Lafayette’s Suffolk banquet, historic tours including an event in Somerton, educational lectures and programs, etc. 

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​Opportunities for events/activities

• ​On June 4, 1775, Glebe Church’s minister was presenting a sermon calling for support of the crown and consequently was requested by a church warden and parish magistrate to cease his sermon and to step down from the pulpit.  The minister, Rev. John Agnew, left the church and parish never to return after 21 years of service to the Lower and Chuckatuck parishes. He went on to serve as a chaplain in the British Navy.

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• Glebe is also known to be the only church that still owns its original glebe land which was a king’s grant in 1636. That land is located on east side of the Nansemond River on Kings Highway. It was originally 450 acres and now 250. Glebe’s 1738 church is still in service near Driver after major renovations following the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

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​Concepts for Potential Themes, Programs, Events, Exhibits, etc.

• American Revolution-themed guided tours
• Lectures and Educational Programs
• Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown Experts
• Art Programs: How the American Revolution Affected Art . . . “Art and Society of the New Republic, 1776–1800”
• The Role of Native Americans throughout the American Revolution

  (Examining the relationship between the Native Americans, the Colonists and the British)

• The Great Dismal Swamp and its value – refuge for maroons and runaway slaves, as well as sought after lumber by Washington.
• “Tea Party” with Living History, Sea Shanties, etc.
  
• Agriculture during the American Revolution and how war affected rural life
  
• Revolutionary Book Club … focusing on the role and impact of the revolution on families, women, enslaved peoples, etc. Themed book displays at local library branches.
  
• Educational programming coinciding with SOLS.
  
• A Suffolk VA250 display at major Suffolk events and festivals. 

​Important Dates to Remember

• The Revolution didn’t just start in 1776. There were many events leading up to it that Virginia will be commemorating. Here is just some of those dates:
• March 10 – 12: A Common Cause to All: 250th Anniversary of the Committee of Correspondence
• Fall 2024: Lafayette Grand Tour
• November 9, 2024: Yorktown Tea Party
• March 23, 2025: 250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech
• May 2026: Sail250
• July 4, 2026: 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
• October 19, 2031: Yorktown Victory Day

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​Next Steps

Sub-Committee Volunteers + Independent Brainstorming
Next Meeting Full Committee Meeting:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 (Location TBA)

MEETING UPDATE: The September meeting is being rescheduled for November. More details to follow. Thank you.

Send any ideas and suggestions to: [email protected] Subject: VA250 
Download Meeting Presentation