The year 2026 marks 250 years since American independence. Virginia’s 250th anniversary is led by a state commission known as VA250. Its work runs well past 2026.

Quick answer: The American Revolution 250 Commission, or VA250, leads the events. The General Assembly set it up in its current form in 2023. It marks 250 years of the Revolution, the war, and independence. The law that created it ends on July 1, 2032.

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The commission behind Virginia’s 250th anniversary

The commission is part of the legislative branch of state government.[1] The law gives it one task. It marks the 250th year of the Revolution, the war that followed, and the independence of the United States.[1]

The law dates from the 2023 session of the General Assembly (chapters 655 and 656). It sits in Title 30, Chapter 66 of the Code of Virginia. Each section is marked to end on July 1, 2032.[1]

Why the dates reach past 2026

The events cover the whole Revolution, not only the year 1776. The war went on for years after the Declaration of Independence. Its last great siege was at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. An end date in 2032 leaves room for those later anniversaries. The story of the colony before the Revolution is in The Virginia Colony.

Library of Virginia programs

The Library of Virginia, in Richmond, runs its 250th programs with the commission.[2] Its records for the anniversary include the Virginia Gazette and the papers of the Revolutionary Conventions of 1774 to 1776. They also include the journals of the House of Burgesses and petitions to the legislature from 1776 to 1786.[2]

Programs listed for late 2026:[2]

  • November 10, 2026 – a talk on the role of Virginia Indians in the war, “Land, Liberty and Loyalties.”
  • December 9, 2026 – a book group talk on A Perfect Frenzy.
  • “Envisioning Revolution” – a free show with Old Dominion University, open since June 13, 2026. Students made art based on the old petitions.

The Library says it adds new events to the list over time.[2]

Frequently asked questions

What is VA250? VA250 is the American Revolution 250 Commission. It leads Virginia’s 250th anniversary events.

When does Virginia’s 250th anniversary end? The law behind the commission ends on July 1, 2032.

Where are the records kept? At the Library of Virginia in Richmond, which holds the Virginia Gazette and petitions from 1776 to 1786.

References