Plans are being finalized across the United States, throughout Virginia and in Craig County to celebrate the nation’s semi quincentennial anniversary. Semiquincentennial refers to the 250 years since our Founding Fathers declared independence from Great Britain.
This historic milestone commemorates not only the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but also the resilience and contributions of Virginians throughout the fight for freedom. The official slogan of the VA250 Commission is “America. Made in Virginia,” reminding us that from its founding ideals to its leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened here in Virginia.
The Craig250 Commission, in partnership with Craig County Public Schools, has arranged to bring The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience to Craig County. The museum will be located on the Craig County Public Schools campus Thursday and Friday, Feb. 19-20. Every Craig County student will have the opportunity to tour this interactive, immersive museum. The Museum will also be open to the public after school hours. Details will be announced soon.
This past year the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDF) surveyed and documented twelve of the oldest oak trees found across the Commonwealth. Often referred to as “Witness Trees,” each are at least 250 years old and bore witness to many historical events. Their plan is to plant a seedling at each school they visit. Seedlings of the special edition “Legacy White Oak” are now available to the public at https://buyvatrees.com/shop/oak-legacy-white/ ($5 each/minimum order five). The seedlings will include a photo and brief description of the parent trees.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture recently launched their Virginia250 Passport. This is a great tool to guide travelers to the many Virginia historical sites a few hours’ drive from Craig County. The Passport also offers many discounts and opportunities to win prizes. They are available at many of the participating sites, as well as Virginia Welcome Centers. They will be available at the VA250 Mobile Museum while supplies last.
In addition to the 5th Annual Craig County Independence Day Parade in New Castle on the morning of Saturday, July 4, Craig County will take part in a nationwide event that afternoon. Bells Across America will have churches, fire stations, courthouses, and neighborhoods ringing their bells jointly at 2:50 PM. Watermelon may be served to add to this historic and fun occasion!
Across the state the following VA250 Signature Events are being planned. For those who can’t be there in person, each will offer live webcasts.
• Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Honoring Indigenous Peoples: A Tribal Nations Celebration, Colonial Williamsburg
• Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Pen to Paper: The Civic Gospel of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville
• Friday, May 15, 2026 – Saturday, May 16, 2026 – The Flame of Revolution: 250th Anniversary of the 5th Virginia Convention, Colonial Williamsburg
• Sunday, June 7, 2026 – Virginia Resolved: A Commemoration of Independence: 250th Anniversary of the Lee Resolution for Independence, Stratford Hall
• Thursday, June 11, 2026 – In the Eyes of the World: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence, George Washington’s Mount Vernon
• Friday, June 12, 2026 – Sunday, June 14, 2026 – Freedom Flows on the Potomac: Celebrating 250 Years of the Virginia Declaration of Rights George Mason’s Gunston Hall & Old Town Alexandria
• Friday, June 12 – Sunday, June 14, 2026, and Friday, June 19 – Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – Sail250® Virginia: Goodwill Tour with International Fleet of Tall Ships at various locations including Yorktown, Hampton, Richmond, Onancock, Smithfield, & Alexandria and Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk
More events will be added for both the Commonwealth and Craig County. Plan now for these truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Follow The Craig250 Commission Facebook page and http://www.VA250.org for more information.
–Submitted by: Craig250 Commission