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Civic Season Celebrations at Jamestown and Yorktown Museums

Families explore democratic discussions during Civic Season celebrations.

News Summary

Join the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for Civic Season celebrations aimed at enhancing public understanding of American democracy. Running from June 19 to July 3, visitors can participate in interactive activities, including conversation cafés, escape room challenges, and a voting exercise on the Declaration of Independence. With a focus on civic engagement, these events provide a unique opportunity for attendees of all ages to discuss important topics and learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Local residents enjoy free admission, promoting accessibility for all.

Jamestown, Virginia – From June 19 to July 3, the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are inviting visitors to engage in a series of Civic Season celebrations aimed at enhancing public understanding of American democracy. The activities, designed for all ages, run daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and participation is included with museum admission.

As part of a nationwide initiative, the two museums are collaborating to attract younger generations to discussions surrounding civic engagement and historical reflection. A variety of activities will support this aim, including interactive and informative sessions for families and individuals alike.

Among the key events is the Conversation Café, where attendees can take part in conversations focusing on various civic topics. The café is structured like a menu: appetizers encourage informal discussions, entrées promote deeper dialogues, and desserts bring conversations to a thoughtful close. This unique approach seeks to foster a comfortable environment for participants to voice their opinions and share ideas.

Additionally, the museums will host an escape room challenge named “Around the World in 80 Plates”, featuring both family and adult versions. The sessions for the escape room begin at 10 a.m. on the hour and half-hour, with prior registration required at the visitor services desk. This interactive experience adds an element of excitement and teamwork to the celebration.

Visitors can also take part in a democratic exercise by voting on the most relevant grievance from the Declaration of Independence. This activity serves as a poignant reminder of the historical context that shapes contemporary civic life. A display wall at both museums will allow visitors to share their hopes and wishes for the future of America, further encouraging active participation in civic discourse.

The event will also feature the Dissent & Protest Project, encouraging engagement with real-world First Amendment civic dilemmas. This initiative aims to promote understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and to provoke thought on civic rights in today’s society. On top of these activities, local community groups will be on-site at the American Revolution Museum to provide information about ongoing civic engagement efforts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For those wishing to celebrate on June 25, a special civic-themed event at the Precarious Beer Project will offer participants a chance to explore America’s civic legacy while enjoying free snacks. Such community events are designed to make civic discussions approachable and enjoyable for a wider audience.

The museums are also committed to accessibility, offering free admission for local residents of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg upon proving residency. Military personnel and up to three family members can enjoy free entry on designated observance days. Furthermore, individuals who are enrolled in the SNAP program can access the Museums for All initiative, allowing admission for up to four visitors per EBT card, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder participation in these educational events.

As Civic Season unfolds, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the diverse programming designed to engage individuals with the fundamental principles of democracy while connecting them with their history. This initiative not only fosters civic awareness but also builds community and encourages dialogue across generations.