VA 250

Hanover County has joined with localities across Virginia in agreeing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution over the next several years.

The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA 250) was created by the Virginia General Assembly for the purpose of planning for and commemorating the 250th anniversary of Virginia's participation in American independence. The Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Virginia’s Thomas Jefferson, was signed by fellow members of the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

On September 14, 2022, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution in support of the commemoration and authorized the appointment of a local VA 250 committee to plan and coordinate programs and events within Hanover County leading up to and during 2026 and potentially afterwards.

Appointed by the County Administrator, the local VA 250 Committee includes:

  • Amber Hawkins, Hanover County Historical Society (Chair)
  • Anne G. Cross, Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee (Vice Chair)
  • Sean Davis, the Board of Supervisors
  • Carol Beam, Daughters of the American Revolution
  • Marla Coleman, Hanover Historical Commission
  • Jaime Fawcett, Hanover Museum of History & Culture
  • David Fuller, Historic Polegreen Church Foundation
  • Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent, Hanover County Public Schools
  • Melissa Haley, Hanover Chamber of Commerce
  • Margaret Hill, Hanover Education Foundation
  • Tom Harris, Hanover County Communications Coordinator
  • Travis Hebert, Hanover Tavern Foundation
  • Betsy Hodges, Ashland Museum
  • Shaleigh Howells, Pamunkey Indian Tribe
  • Patrick Laird, Scotchtown
  • Martha J. Miller, Town of Ashland
  • Sue Randolph, Hanover County Black Heritage Society
  • Aaron Reidmiller, Hanover County Parks & Recreation
  • Brandon Turner, Hanover County Economic Development

Announced Hanover County events affiliated with the VA 250 commemoration:

On Wednesday, September 13, a marker will be dedicated at the Studley cemetery, 9477 Studley Farms Drive in Studley. Patrick Henry was born at Studley. The Old Studley/Lyons Cemetery has recently emerged as a result of historical research.  It is a registered historic site and rests on private property. It has been approved for a Virginia Historical Highway Marker. For more information read here.

On Wednesday, October 4, you are invited to join the Hanover County Black Heritage Society, Hanover Branch Library and the Hanover Museum of History & Culture as we welcome guest speaker Jean Folly for a historical presentation on the Hickory Hill Slave and African-American Cemetery. This event will be held in the Hanover Museum of History & Culture, 7496 County Complex Road, Hanover VA 23069 beginning at 6 p.m. 

On Saturday, October 7, Scotchtown's Fall Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many local and regional cultural partners will be joining us including the Scotchtown DAR chapter, Patrick Henry's Red Hill and St. Johns Church. See and experience living history with numerous interpreters, including “Patrick Henry” himself, who will be delivering his famous Liberty or Death speech. The 1st Virginia Infantry will be present, Horses in Action portraying the Mounted Dragoons of Washington's Continental Army and there will be a presentation of the history of tea with Kim Walters, author of "Tea in 18th Century America". You can buy your tickets here.

On Friday, November 3, the Historic Polegreen Church will hold their annual Founders Day event. The event will be a celebration of the 300th birthday of the Rev. Samuel Davis, who was a leader in the religious "Dissenter" movement in the years prior to the American Revolution. Davies founded churches, spread literacy among enslaved people, defended the rights of dissenters and influenced the philosophy and oratorical style of a young Patrick Henry. For more information read here.

Information about projects and events associated with the VA 250 commemoration in Hanover County will be listed on this page and announced on the County's social media platforms. Other programs and events will be announced when scheduled.

To learn more about VA 250, visit the State Commission’s website at www.va250.org

For more information about Hanover’s VA 250 commemoration, contact Tom Harris, Liaison to the Committee, at htharris@hanovercounty.gov.