Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission Builds on Historic Fourth as America Made in Virginia Continues

RICHMOND, VA (September 22, 2026) — Following a historic Fourth of July celebration, America Made in Virginia (AMIV) is looking ahead to the next chapter of Virginia’s commemoration of the American Revolution. The celebration at Colonial Williamsburg brought together over 70,000 people in the single largest event in the Foundation’s history. That evening, America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together aired live nationally on PBS, reaching approximately 5 million television viewers. The program was carried by 326 PBS stations across the country as well as YouTube, providing national distribution comparable to PBS’s widest-reaching programs. Audiences also continue to engage with the celebration online.

Program: America Made In Virginia: 250 Years Together

“July 4 was an extraordinary moment for Virginia and for our country, but it was just the beginning of the story we have to tell,” said Delegate Terry Austin, Chairman of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. “Virginia played a central role throughout the American Revolution, including the decisive Siege of Yorktown and British surrender that secured American independence. Our responsibility is to tell that complete story — the people, ideas and events that ultimately made American independence possible.”

“The Fourth of July demonstrated the power of bringing Americans together around our shared history,” said Senator Mamie Locke, Vice-Chair of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. “There is a real appetite for these stories and for understanding the people and ideas that created our nation. But the story of the American Revolution did not end on July 4, 1776, and neither does our work. We will continue telling that story through Yorktown and use these important anniversaries as opportunities to bring Americans together.”

Supporting Virginia’s Record-Breaking Visitor Economy

This is a time of historic strength for Virginia’s tourism industry. The Commonwealth recently reported a record $36.2 billion in visitor spending, as Virginia welcomed a record 46.6 million overnight visitors. Visitors are now spending approximately $99 million every day across Virginia, supporting restaurants, hotels, attractions, retailers and other businesses in communities throughout the Commonwealth.

America Made in Virginia continues to create compelling reasons for visitors to experience America’s founding chapter where it happened. Major commemorative events, statewide programming and national exposure are introducing new audiences to Virginia and translating interest in the American Revolution into visitation and economic activity.

The Commemoration Continues

Our 2026 Signature events continue – find them HERE. And the Commission is already planning programming for 2027 and beyond. For example, AMIV is pleased to announce that A Common Cause to All will return in early April 2027. First convened in 2023 and continued in 2024 and 2025, A Common Cause to All brings together leaders and organizations from across the country to collaborate on education, engagement, and civic renewal.

Leadership Continuity for the Years Ahead

Delegate Terry Austin will continue as Chairman of the Commission and Senator Mamie Locke as Vice-Chair. Carly Fiorina will continue as Principal Executive and Commission Member, and Ben Dendy will continue as President of Virginia Commemorations, Inc.

Frank Sadler, who has served as Acting Executive Director, will become Executive Director, while Jessica Kilgo will continue as Chief Financial Officer.

“We have tremendous momentum, committed leadership, an experienced team, and important work still ahead of us,” said Carly Fiorina, Executive Principal and Commission Member. “Our mission continues to be to educate by telling the whole story; to engage with every community so that every American sees themselves in our shared story; and to inspire civic renewal so that citizens understand our nation’s governance, principles and ideals and their role in forming a more perfect union. Our purpose is to elevate Virginians and Virginia institutions; to leverage all their good work; to amplify their impact; and to collaborate together and coordinate our efforts so that we achieve the scale necessary to have a measurable impact and lead the nation.”

Richmond is an independent city in the Richmond region.

Williamsburg is an independent city in Hampton Roads.