America Made In Virginia: Fourth at the Fort Kicks Off America’s 250th Anniversary Commemoration

Independence Day Celebration at Fort Monroe Shines a Spotlight on Virginia’s Youth

RICHMOND, Va. (June 13, 2025) – VA250, in partnership with Fort Monroe Authority, the Fort Monroe National Monument and the Hampton 250 Commission, invites the public to celebrate the beginning of our nation’s 250th anniversary year at America Made In Virginia: Fourth at the Fort on July 4, 2025.

This day-long Independence Day celebration takes place at Fort Monroe in Hampton,VA and will highlight the Commonwealth’s central role in America’s founding with music, art, and storytelling culminating with a record-setting drone and fireworks finale. The event is free and open to the public, with festivities running from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A family-friendly event, Fourth at the Fort will feature exciting opportunities for youth to express their patriotism through hands-on, interactive programs designed to inspire civic awareness and creativity among Virginia’s next generation of leaders. Highlights include:

• Voices of Tomorrow: The Society of Junior Patriots – Kids ages 8–12 can join Nation Builder James Madison in drafting their own household Bill of Rights during sessions on the Expressions of Freedom Stage.
• Expressions of Freedom Student Competition – Winning entries from students across the state will be on display throughout the day, showcasing how young Virginians interpret freedom through personal and historical lenses.
• America250 Birthday Quilt Project – Renowned artist Steve Prince will lead youth and families in creating quilt panels as part of a nationwide commemorative project to handcraft a powerful tribute to America. The finished quilt will be unveiled as part of the July 4th celebrations at Colonial Williamsburg in 2026.

Events throughout the day include:

• Morning Ceremonies (8:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.): Including an Eagle Staff Posting by Virginia’s Tribal Nations, a Naturalization Ceremony and a flag ceremony with the James Monroe Foundation.
• Community Activities (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.): Featuring “Pathways of Freedom” in Continental Park, including sensory-friendly programming with walking tours, museum experiences and interactive art and expression stations.
• Out of Many, One Festival (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.): Featuring interactive kids’ activities and family-friendly games, an exciting lineup of Made in Virginia craft vendors, community booths, museums and cultural organizations, performances and a wide variety of food trucks.
• Free to Dream Grand Ceremony (7:30 p.m.): A patriotic evening concert featuring the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band, Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, student readers of the Declaration of Independence, a breathtaking drone and fireworks show over the water.
  The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, an immersive museum on wheels, will be on site throughout the day offering visitors the opportunity to explore the true meaning of E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One – in a museum like no other. Attendees can also engage with Virginia’s historical institutions and enjoy A Taste of Virginia at the food truck court and beer garden.

Keynote speakers will include:

• Sen. Mamie Locke
• VA250 National Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina
• Dr. Anthony Parent
• James Madison, as portrayed by Bryan Austin of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

“From its founding ideas to our leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened right here in Virginia,” said Cheryl Wilson, executive director of VA250. “This is an exciting opportunity to reflect on Virginia’s role in our nation’s beginnings. By centering young voices and highlighting Virginia’s diverse stories, Fourth at the Fort sets the tone for an exciting year ahead as we look toward July 4, 2026.”
“Fort Monroe witnessed some of our nation’s most significant events and holds a unique place in America’s history. It’s only fitting that we kick off the beginning of our 250th year on these hallowed grounds,” said Scott Martin, CEO of the Fort Monroe Authority. “This event brings together our past, present and future—and there’s no better way to celebrate than by empowering young people to be part of the story.”
While the event is free and open to the public, guests are asked to register for planning purposes and to receive event updates. To learn more, visit www.va250.org/fourthatthefort.

 

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About the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission
The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) was established by the General Assembly to be the official organizing body to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Its mission is to educate Americans about our history, founding ideals, and system of government; engage with communities to tell a complete story; and inspire people to recommit to the values inherent in citizenship. Join us in our effort to form a “more perfect union” in the place that made it possible. VA250.org

About Fort Monroe Authority

The Fort Monroe Authority oversees the preservation and revitalization of Fort Monroe, a National Historic Landmark and National Monument, with a mission to protect its legacy and promote sustainable economic development. fortmonroe.org
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