News Summary
A special screening of Ken Burns’ documentary ‘The American Revolution’ is set for September 20 at Yorktown Battlefield. Partnering with WHRO Public Media and other organizations, the event celebrates a year until America’s 250th anniversary. Additionally, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown has unveiled a portrait of George Washington, enriching the museum’s narrative on American history. The event and new acquisition aim to engage the community and enhance understanding of the founding values that shaped the nation.
Yorktown – A special screening of Ken Burns’ documentary “The American Revolution” is scheduled for September 20 at the Yorktown Battlefield. This event, hosted by Colonial National Historical Park, marks the one-year countdown to the 250th anniversary of America.
The screening is organized in partnership with WHRO Public Media, York County Economic & Tourism Development, and the VA250 Commission. The event aims to engage the community and celebrate a pivotal moment in American history as the nation prepares for its upcoming anniversary.
In conjunction with the screening, The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown has unveiled a significant new acquisition: a portrait of George Washington painted by Charles Peale Polk around 1790. This portrait depicts Washington as the commander-in-chief during the Battle of Princeton, fought on January 3, 1777, and is currently displayed in the museum’s Declaration of Independence rotunda. This addition enhances the museum’s narrative of American resilience and patriotism.
The museum, which is home to approximately 500 period objects narrating the American Revolution, has been an integral part of the region’s historical landscape for over 50 years. Originally opened as the Yorktown Victory Center for the 1976 Bicentennial, it will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2026. The new portrait of Washington, measuring approximately 32-by-25 inches, was previously held in a private collection in Portugal and has been authenticated by Linda Crocker Simmons, a former curator at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
The museum’s dedication to offering personal stories and soldier experiences has made it a significant educational resource for visitors. It highlights the impact of the American Revolution through diverse narratives that continue to resonate today. The introduction of the Washington portrait serves to further enrich these storytelling themes.
The Yorktown Battlefield is located at 200 Water Street (Route 1020) and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission prices are set at $20 for adults and $10 for youth ages 6-12. Children aged 5 and under can enter free of charge. There are also discounted combination tickets available that include access to the Jamestown Settlement. Residents of York County, James City County, and the City of Williamsburg, as well as William & Mary students, can enjoy complimentary admission with proof of residency.
This special screening not only commemorates the American Revolutionary War but also coincides with a significant milestone in U.S. history. As communities prepare for the 250th anniversary celebrations, events like these aim to foster a deeper understanding of the nation’s founding values and the sacrifices that shaped its path.
The Colonial National Historical Park, known for its rich historical offerings, encourages residents and visitors alike to attend the screening and engage with the history that continues to define the nation. The documentary by Ken Burns promises to be an informative and inspiring reflection on the American Revolution, making this a not-to-miss event for history enthusiasts and community members.
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HERE Resources
Ken Burns Previews ‘The American Revolution’ in Williamsburg
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily
- Wikipedia: American Revolution
- Williamsburg Families
- Google Search: American Revolution
- Daily Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Revolution
