Patrick Henry’s Speech

250th Anniversary

March 23, 2025

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
 

Step back in time to March 23, 1775! At the Second Virginia Convention, held within the hallowed walls of St. John’s Church in Richmond, Patrick Henry ignited the flames of revolution with his legendary speech. His words galvanized the Virginia delegation, leading to a resolution that committed Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War.

250 years later, on March 23, 2025, St. John’s Church and VA250 brought history alive with a series of reenactments in the very spot where this pivotal moment unfolded. Relive that moment through the archived livestream of the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. This program featured keynote addresses from VA250 National Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina and filmmaker Ken Burns, making his first public appearance to promote his newest and highly anticipated documentary PBS documentary series “The American Revolution” premiering November 16, 2025.

Watch the Livestream

Local Events

Goochalnd County Witness Tree ChallengeGoochalnd County Witness Tree Challenge
January 15, 2026 - March 01, 2026
Goochland County

We are challenging Goochland County Citizens to identify "Witness Trees" throughout the County. They are to submit entries by March 1st. A committe... Read More

Naturalization CeremonyNaturalization Ceremony
May 29, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Charlotte County

The Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation will host its annual Naturalization Ceremony on the grounds of Red Hill, Henry’s last home and burial place, o... Read More

Patrick HenryPatrick Henry's 290th Birthday
May 29, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Charlotte County

Join us for a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of Virginia's first governor, Patrick Henry. ... Read More

O Henry! A Revolutionary LifeO Henry! A Revolutionary Life
May 29, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Charlotte County

Join Patrick Henry descendants visiting from across the country on May 29, 2026 at 7:00pm at 246 The Main in Brookneal, VA for a recollection of Patri... Read More

Oh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life @ 246 The Main Cultural Arts TheatreOh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life @ 246 The Main Cultural Arts Theatre
May 29, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Charlotte County

Join Patrick Henry descendants visiting from across the country on May 29, 2026 at 7:00pm at 246 The Main in Brookneal, VA for a recollection of Patri... Read More

O Henry! A Revolutionary LifeO Henry! A Revolutionary Life
May 30, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Charlotte County

Join us on May 30, 2026 at 7:00pm at 246 The Main in Brookneal, VA for a recollection of Patrick Henry’s pivotal role in the founding of the nation.... Read More

O Henry! A Revolutionary LifeO Henry! A Revolutionary Life
May 31, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Charlotte County

Join us on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 2:00pm at Randolph Henry High School in Charlotte Court House, VA for a recollection of Patrick Henry’s pivotal r... Read More

Oh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life @ Randolph Henry High SchoolOh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life @ Randolph Henry High School
May 31, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Charlotte County

Join us on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 2:00pm at Randolph Henry High School in Charlotte Court House, VA for a recollection of Patrick Henry’s pivotal r... Read More

O Henry! A Revolutionary LifeO Henry! A Revolutionary Life
June 06, 2026 - June 06, 2026
Charlotte County

Join us on June 6, 2026, at 7:00pm at Liberty University’s Black Box Theater in Lynchburg, VA for a recollection of Patrick Henry’s pivotal role i... Read More

Oh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life @ Liberty University’s Black Box TheaterOh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life @ Liberty University’s Black Box Theater
June 06, 2026 - June 06, 2026
Charlotte County

Join us on June 6, 2026, at 7:00pm at Liberty University’s Black Box Theater in Lynchburg, VA for a recollection of Patrick Henry’s pivotal role i... Read More

O Henry! A Revolutionary LifeO Henry! A Revolutionary Life
June 07, 2026 - June 07, 2026
Charlotte County

Join us on June 7, 2026 at 2:45pm at St. John’s Church in Richmond for a recollection of Patrick Henry’s pivotal role in the founding of the natio... Read More

Oh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life Play @ St. John’s Church-RichmondOh, Henry! A Revolutionary Life Play @ St. John’s Church-Richmond
June 07, 2026 - June 07, 2026
Charlotte County

Join us on June 7, 2026 at 2:45pm at St. John’s Church in Richmond for a recollection of Patrick Henry’s pivotal role in the founding of the natio... Read More

Independence Day CelebrationIndependence Day Celebration
July 04, 2026 - July 04, 2026
Charlotte County

Celebrate Independence Day at the final home of Virginia’s first governor! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to choose your spot on the lawn co... Read More

Annual Quarter Place TributeAnnual Quarter Place Tribute
September 26, 2026 - September 26, 2026
Charlotte County

Join Patrick Henry’s Red Hill and members of the descendant community to honor the lives and legacies of the enslaved population at Red Hill and the... Read More

In The News

“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” Speech – 250th Anniversary

March 23, 2025
CSPAN

Tim Kaine: 250 years later, the Virginia flag still warns usabout tyranny

Tim Kaine: 250 years later, the Virginia flag still warns usabout tyranny

March 31, 2025
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Liberty or death' wasn't Patrick Henry's most important advice for Americans

Liberty or death’ wasn’t Patrick Henry’s most important advice for Americans

March 28, 2025
Washington Post

Revisit Timeless Landmarks in Richmond

Revisit Timeless Landmarks in Richmond

March 25, 2025
Garden & Gun

Williams: Liberty or Death? It’s Up To Us

March 26, 2025
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Reporter’s Notebook: A Founding Father’s fears about presidential tyranny

March 25, 2025
CBS Evening News

Experience the legacy of liberty at this landmark exhibition

Experience the legacy of liberty at this landmark exhibition

March 25, 2025
RIC Today

Youngkin dodges anti-DOGE protesters outside Virginia church

Youngkin dodges anti-DOGE protesters outside Virginia church

March 24, 2025
Fox News

'Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!' Patrick Henry's Rallying Cry for Freedom Turns 250

‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!’ Patrick Henry’s Rallying Cry for Freedom Turns 250

March 24, 2025
CBN

Ken Burns reflects on his FOMO after watching Patrick Henry speech reenactment

Ken Burns reflects on his FOMO after watching Patrick Henry speech reenactment

March 24, 2025
The Richmonder

‘Give me liberty or give me death’ turns 250. Here’s what it meant in 1775

‘Give me liberty or give me death’ turns 250. Here’s what it meant in 1775

March 23, 2025
Associated Press

Youngkin greeted by protestors at recreation of Patrick Henry’s famous speech

Youngkin greeted by protestors at recreation of Patrick Henry’s famous speech

March 23, 2025
RadioIQ

250 years since ‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death’ speech

March 23, 2025
Times Dispatch

Demonstrators rally at site of Patrick Henry’s ‘Liberty or Death’ speech

Demonstrators rally at site of Patrick Henry’s ‘Liberty or Death’ speech

March 23, 2025
WRIC-TV

Give Me Liberty!

Give Me Liberty!

March 23, 2025
Epoch Times

Special Edition The Revolutionary Shore: Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!

Special Edition The Revolutionary Shore: Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!

March 23, 2025
WESR-FM

Virginia Museum Kicks Off America’s 250th

Virginia Museum Kicks Off America’s 250th

March 23, 2025
The American Conservative

Did Patrick Henry really say 'Give me liberty or give me death'? Maybe not.

Did Patrick Henry really say ‘Give me liberty or give me death’? Maybe not.

March 21, 2025
The Washington Post

‘It Is What We Expect of You’

‘It Is What We Expect of You’

March 21, 2025
Richmond Magazine

Patrick Henry's 'Liberty or Death' speech turns 250 on Sunday

Patrick Henry’s ‘Liberty or Death’ speech turns 250 on Sunday

March 19, 2025
Axios Richmond

Patrick Henry’s words have echoed through the centuries, and around the world

Patrick Henry’s words have echoed through the centuries, and around the world

March 18, 2025
Cardinal News

Patrick Henry’s ‘Give me liberty or give me death!’ speech celebrates its 250th anniversary

Patrick Henry’s ‘Give me liberty or give me death!’ speech celebrates its 250th anniversary

March 18, 2025
Cardinal News

Dispatch from 1775: Spurred on by Patrick Henry, Virginia votes to arm itself for war

Dispatch from 1775: Spurred on by Patrick Henry, Virginia votes to arm itself for war

March 18, 2025
Cardinal News

Ken Burns brings ‘The American Revolution’ to Richmond

Ken Burns brings ‘The American Revolution’ to Richmond

March 20, 2025
Richmond Free Press

Travel: Discovering America as she turns 250

Travel: Discovering America as she turns 250

March 9, 2025
The Christian Post

VPM, filmmaker Ken Burns to host special docuseries preview at Altria Theater

VPM, filmmaker Ken Burns to host special docuseries preview at Altria Theater

February 12, 2025
ABC8 News

Program

PROGRAM


Location

Historic St. John’s Church
2401 East Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23223