INSIDE JYF
from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Around every corner and inside every exhibit case, curiosity awaits at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with countless opportunities to learn about the story of America.
In this issue of INSIDE JYF, we explore our collection of paintings by Italian artist Oscar de Mejo made for the 1976 Bicentennial. Surrealist characters from our nation’s past leap off the canvas to reveal colorful impressions, provoking questions about the meanings of freedom. They are the focal point of a new special exhibition, “Fresh Views of the American Revolution,” which will be juxtaposed by contemporary art, sculptures and paintings, to offer new perspectives as our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary.
In time for the Fourth of July, learn about the significance of our new acquisition of a 19th-century copy of the Declaration of Independence, that’s now taking centerstage in “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation,” a Virginia 250 signature exhibition now on display at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. The famous document will make its way to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in July 2026 at the high point of America’s birthday.
You’ll also discover new ways our museums are engaging youth through a series of Family Days and art workshops, and Civic Season programs from Juneteenth to the Fourth of July.
Get an update on the one-year milestone of the Susan Constant restoration project, and the progress made to repair the vessel and return it to its home port at Jamestown Settlement next summer. And read about the great work at the museum while the ship is away to inspire visitors in learning about piloting and navigation in the 17th century.
We remain grateful to our steadfast board and leadership to guide the museums and the dedicated donors, volunteers and staff who cultivate and interpret the fascinating stories of people and events that shaped our nation. We invite you to open the pages, and above all, remain curious.
Warm regards,
Christy Coleman Executive Director
INSIDE JYF
MARK MULLIGAN TRACY PERKINS
Editors
JOAN HEIKENS JANET KANE Production Management
HOLLAND WINSLOW Designer CONTRIBUTORS
Brian Forrester, Constance Graham, Heather Hower, Lianne Koch, Mariruth Leftwich, Lisa Lucas, Sally Meyer, Deana Ricks, Melissa Gill Thompson, Glenda Turner, Meghan van Joosten WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS
Harvey Bakari, Lisa Bishop, Elizabeth Bostelman, Morgan Culbertson, Jane Hohensee, Dexter Johnson, Janet Kane, Travis Henline, Homer Lanier, Heather Minty, Kaia Moseley, Keith Nitka, Konstantin Rega, Deana Ricks, Nate Rodda, Eric Speth, Meghan van Joosten
Enjoy INSIDE JYF? Support the museums by donating to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc. If you no longer wish to receive INSIDE JYF in print or would like to convert to digital, email insidejyf@jyf.virginia.gov or call (757) 253-4139.
INSIDE JYF
Volume 5, No. 2 – printed May 2025
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an educational institution of the Commonwealth of Virginia accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, fosters through its museums—Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown—an awareness and understanding of the early history, settlement, and development of the United States through the convergence of American Indian, European, and African cultures and the enduring legacies bequeathed to the nation.
JAMESTOWN-YORKTOWN FOUNDATION
P.O. Box 1607, Williamsburg, VA 23187 (757) 253-4838
jyfmuseums.org
table of CONTENTS
Susan Constant Restoration
Innovative programs at the pier teach visitors about waterways while the Susan Constant is away.
Fresh Views of the American Revolution
Discover the curious collection of Oscar de Mejo works from the 1976 Bicentennial and 21st-century perspectives on the legacies of the American Revolution in a new exhibition timed for America’s 250th anniversary. Among more than a dozen paintings in the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection, the cover features de Mejo’s 1973 piece “The Declaration of Independence, 1776.” 4
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Family Programs
Discover how immersive, hands-on programs for kids and families cultivate curiosity about America’s beginnings.
14
Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Marks 100th Anniversary
The ferry celebrated its 100th birthday during an event at Jamestown Settlement.
Declaration of Independence Acquired in Time for America’s 250th Anniversary
A 19th-century copperplate printing of the Declaration with a captivating origin story takes center stage in the “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation” VA250 signature exhibition, to debut at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in July 2026. Shown is the Declaration of Independence, copperplate engraving printed on wove paper. Imprint at bottom left, “W. J. STONE SC WASHN” [William J. Stone, Washington, D.C. ca. 1833]. Printed for Peter Force’s American Archives, Series V, Vol I,” recently acquired by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. 8
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In the Museum Shops
Celebrate the Virginia History Road Trip with new merchandise featuring every exciting stop.
Donor Spotlight: Kenita Hill and Wilma Sharp
Read the inspiring stories of donors connected by JYF’s mission.
New Perspectives in Indigenous Histories Learn how cultivation of key partnerships with tribal communities stewards authentic history.
‘Fresh Views of the American Revolution’ Invites New Perspectives for the 250th Anniversary
OCTOBER 18, 2025 TO MAY 3, 2026
In time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will debut the “Fresh Views of the American Revolution” special exhibition on October 18, 2025, in conjunction with the observance of the decisive 1781 victory at Yorktown.
Visitors will be invited to discover new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution through the folk art of Oscar de Mejo created during the 1976 Bicentennial. More than a dozen original paintings of de Mejo’s work in the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection, including “The Declaration of Independence, 1776,” featured on the magazine cover, will be used as a centerpiece for inspiring curiosity about the American Revolution and its continued relevance.
Using de Mejo’s commemorative artwork for the bicentennial as an inspiration, the exhibition will juxtapose de Mejo’s work with contemporary art created by working artists and students from across the Commonwealth of Virginia. These new works represent modern interpretations of the revolutionary themes and questions reflected in the original artworks.
ABOUT OSCAR DE MEJO
Oscar de Mejo, an Italian immigrant to the United States, used his artistic talent to celebrate America and Americans. De Mejo came to America with his wife, actress Alida Altenburger, in the late 1940s. Once in America, he took an interest in folk art, an influence that would last his entire career. While de Mejo had degrees in both law and political science, he was constantly searching for creative endeavors and, after a stint as a jazz composer, de Mejo returned to his first love — painting.
As a curator at the Butler Institute of American Art reflected, “De Mejo’s paintings are a mesmerizing mixture of the naïve
and the sophisticated, the literal and the outlandish. They are primitive in the sense of being direct, playful, brightly colored, and precisely delineated. His work is sophisticated in its choice of themes and the degree to which it is artfully influenced by the primitive. His depictions of American life are immediately engaging, but upon closer observation their complexity becomes fully apparent, and his unique brand of surrealism is revealed.” De Mejo’s work is born out of artistic curiosity about American history and intentionally rendered in ways that prompt viewers to wonder and ask questions.
COMMEMORATING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Since the 1876 Centennial of the American Revolution, artists have been inspired by commemorative moments and anniversaries. Famous examples include the “Spirit of ’76” painting by Archibald MacNeal Willard and the Statue of Liberty given to the United States by France — all created to reflect the ideals of a still young nation, just a decade after the end of the Civil War. The 1976 Bicentennial fell in a similarly tumultuous time in American history. The Vietnam War ended the year before, and the struggle continued for racial equality throughout the nation.
It was in this environment that Oscar de Mejo and hundreds of other artists created commemorative artwork reflecting history and their present moment. Consistently, throughout these celebrations and commemorations, leaders, historians and artists have looked to the ideals of the American Revolution for inspiration. In 1963, Virginia Representative John Marsh stated that the bicentennial should be a “renaissance of the concepts and ideas of the American Revolution and the application of the same to the problems of a changing world.” As 2026 approaches, national, statewide and local commemorative groups are emphasizing the opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaning of American ideals.
FRESH VIEWS
It was with this spirit of being curious about the past and present that JYF issued a call for artists to submit their own “fresh view” of the American Revolution. Student and working artists were asked to consider the themes of the exhibition and questions that interrogate themes of de Mejo’s work, inspiring ideas about the country’s founding principles and the moments that made America.
The exhibition committee accepted 21 working artists’ sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs. Perspectives varied widely and were inspired by history, personal experiences, patriotism and more. Some sought to answer these questions directly; some came with questions and curiosity of their own.
At left, “Surrender at Saratoga, 1777.” Oscar de Mejo, 1975. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation YG86.3.6
Below, “Betsy Ross and the Flag, June 1777.” Oscar de Mejo, 1973. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Archie Elliot Jr., Assistant Chief of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia will have “What IF?” on view in the exhibition. This piece is a customary wampum belt that asks: What if Nottoway boys had not been taken from their culture and homes to attend American Indian boarding schools? It will be on display alongside de Mejo’s “Surrender at Saratoga,” encouraging viewers to consider power and how it has been held and used in history.
Caroline Creeden’s photograph of her sculpted piece, “Embedded History: Shells,” may pique interest and inspire curiosity because it requires viewers to look closely to see all the detailed imagery embedded in the shells. This photograph will hang alongside de Mejo’s image of Betsy Ross and George Washington examining the new American flag, an event that did not happen, but has been memorialized throughout stories of the Revolution. Viewers can consider what has been remembered and why certain stories of the nation’s past endure.
Spaces in the exhibition gallery will provide opportunities for visitors to share their own perspectives and reflections on the continued meaning of the American Revolution. Inspired by artistic interpretations that pose questions about the nature of liberty, freedom, equality and revolutionary sentiments, this exhibition will allow audiences to make their own meaning and spark more questions about the ideals of this never-ending American Revolution.
— Sally Meyer, Director of Learning and Community Engagement
Learn more about Oscar de Mejo’s paintings and the “Fresh Views” exhibition at jyfmuseums.org/fresh-views
— Mariruth Leftwich, Senior Director, Museum Operations and Education
Among the contemporary works in the exhibition is Caroline Creeden’s photo of her sculpture, “Embedded History: Shells.”
“What IF?” by Archie Elliott Jr. is a customary wampum belt that elicits the question of what if Nottoway Indian boys had not been forced to attend American Indian boarding schools.
DE MEJO’S SURREALISM
The image shows the five-man committee for the Declaration: Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin with, of course, the spirit of liberty.
Jefferson holds a volume of Plato — perhaps indicating the connection between American democracy and ancient Greece.
Lady Liberty is shown with a crown of castle turrets and wings. She appears differently in several of de Mejo’s paintings, but most often is dressed in the American flag garment.
Viewers often comment on how de Mejo uses size and scale for hands and legs, a choice that lends itself to emphasizing the movements or gestures of individuals and contributes to his general surrealist style.
De Mejo’s paintings use surrealism to create scenes and moments that likely never occurred. Writing the Declaration of Independence was treason, and it would have been done in private, not in a public outdoor space.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Force Printing Takes Center Stage
Commemorative events have begun for America’s 250th anniversary of the July 4, 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It states the grievances of the 13 united American colonies with Great Britain, declares the colonies free and independent states and enshrines the principles upon which the new nation was founded. In anticipation of the commemoration and to enhance the collection, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation acquired a circa 1833 full-scale replica of the Declaration of Independence, printed from William Stone’s 1823 copperplate engraving. It is the centerpiece of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission’s signature exhibition, “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation.”
The “Give Me Liberty” exhibition is a partnership between Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Curated by JYF curators, the exhibition is on display in Richmond through January 4, 2026. The exhibition will debut at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown during the pinnacle of America’s 250th anniversary on July 1, 2026, and conclude on January 31, 2027.
About the 1833 Force Printing of the Declaration of Independence
Nearly 45 years after it was handwritten on parchment and signed by the 56 delegates to the Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence was showing signs of aging due to light exposure and handling. In order to preserve the content of the historic document, then Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned William J. Stone to make a full-size copperplate engraving, which took three years to complete. In 1824, the U.S. Government ordered 200 facsimiles to be printed from the copperplate onto parchment and distributed to authorized recipients, such as the surviving signers of the Declaration and governors of states and territories.
Nearly 10 years later, Peter Force, a historian, publisher and later mayor of Washington, D.C., envisioned a
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation circa 1833 copperplate engraving of the Declaration of Independence is a centerpiece in the “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation” signature VA250 exhibition, now on display at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. It will debut at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on July 1, 2026. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation photo.
multi-volume publication that would include facsimiles of documents relevant to the founding of the United States of America. After receiving authorization from the U.S. Government, Force contracted with William Stone to print facsimiles of the Declaration of Independence utilizing the Stone copperplate in the possession of the Department of State.
This “Force” printing on translucent machine-made paper was included as a fold-out in an anthology titled “American Archives” — containing documents, letters and broadsides, that was reprinted several times.
After undergoing conservation to reduce staining and repair minor tears, the circa 1833 “Force” printing of the
Declaration of Independence in the JYF collection is the focal point of the “Give Me Liberty” exhibition.
The exhibition chronicles the pivotal grievances, protests, actions and a video reenactment of Patrick Henry’s iconic “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. Visitors can explore events that led to the Declaration of Independence through an interactive activity, “Growing Grievances” where visitors must identify historical events connected to the grievances outlined in the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the exhibition, visitors embark on a journey to uncover the civic stories and accomplishments of Virginia’s founders.
In the section, “What does liberty mean to you?” visitors explore how Indigenous people, free and enslaved Black Americans, and women viewed the meaning of liberty as encapsulated in the Declaration of Independence. This section also illuminates the complex decisions that individuals and communities faced as they grappled with the implications of independence.
In the closing section, the “Liberty Tree” multimedia installation illuminates how the seeds of American liberty continue to grow from the 18th to the 21st centuries, as people protest for rights and liberties cherished in the Declaration of Independence.
Following its display in the “Give Me Liberty” exhibition, JYF will showcase the “Force” printing of the Declaration of Independence in the permanent gallery at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
— Harvey Bakari, Curator of Black History and Culture
— Jane Hohensee, Senior Registrar
The “Give Me Liberty” exhibition invites visitors to explore events that led to the Declaration of Independence, including a video reenactment of Patrick Henry’s iconic “Give me liberty or give me death” speech and through a “Growing Grievances” interactive activity. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation photo.
Susan Constant Restoration Marks One-Year Milestone
One year into its two-year restoration, Mystic Seaport Museum Shipyard is making steady progress on the Susan Constant ’s restoration with an eye to have the ship return to Jamestown Settlement in Summer 2026.
The flagship arrived in Mystic, Connecticut, in June 2025 and by late summer, all topside hull planking and heavier wale planking were removed to expose the ship’s structure for planned repairs.
During the fall and winter, shipwrights removed deteriorated wooden sections of the hull structure including 36 bulwark stanchions, or upper sections of the ship’s frames or
ribs, and 47 futtocks, which are the individual sections that make up the hull frames.
Patterns were carefully made to match the shape of all removed structural elements and transferred to large timbers of Purple Heart wood imported from Guyana, South America.
Using a ship saw (a massive bandsaw), new stanchions and futtocks were sawn from this hard and durable wood. Shipwrights then trimmed each piece to precisely fit where the deteriorated parts were removed. As spring arrived, Mystic shipwrights completed all structural repairs to the
stanchions and frames, marking a major project milestone.
As summer nears, shipwrights will continue to shape and install wale planking (or heavy structural planking) and regular hull planking. Other work includes repairs to the stem and beakhead areas, catheads, bowsprit partners, decking, bulkhead planking, doors and rigging parts. Follow updates on the Susan Constant ’s restoration and learn how you can support the Jamestown Settlement ships, at jyfmuseums.org/ susan-constant-restoration.
—Eric Speth, Director of Maritime Operations
Hull and wale planking are installed on the Susan Constant on April 22, 2025. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation photo.
Opportunities to Reimagine SHIP INTERPRETATION
While the Susan Constant is away for a two-year restoration, Jamestown Settlement interpreters have turned the absence of the flagship from a daunting challenge into an opportunity. While visitors can still join in hands-on learning through setting and handling sails, loading cargo or working with navigational tools, interpreters are delving into deeper themes by reimagining traditional programs and piloting new ones.
Among them is “Art and Exploration,” which invites visitors to consider when they have been in a new and unfamiliar environment and relate those to experiences among the English, Powhatan and West Central African cultures. Through drawing and interaction with an interpreter, visitors record what they feel is important to remember about an experience and dialogue about differing perspectives.
While relaying the Virginia Company of London’s 144-day voyage to Jamestown, interpreters also share how waterways connect many different peoples. People from these three cultures all used waterways for food, travel, trade and warfare— activities that brought them into conflict as well as convergence.
To focus on these interactions, Exhibit Services is expanding signage at the pier, notably a cutaway view of a fully loaded merchant vessel with John Smith’s supply list of what to bring to Virginia and his map of Virginia alongside a modern rendering. Jamestown Settlement also is working with Plimoth Patuxet Museums on a long-term loan of a longboat, or shallop, like one that Smith would have used in his exploration of the Chesapeake Bay in 1607-1608. Utilizing these items together, staff can create a space to tie in themes of exploration, trade and the importance of waterways both historically and today.
The interpretive team is working with Digital Media Services to produce pier shelter videos to showcase a tour of the Susan Constant, above and below decks, and its restoration. Eventually, topics may expand to include trade winds and current circulation and the voyage route of the 1619 West Central Africans. Waterways connect people. Powhatan and West Central African canoes and European ships facilitated the movement of goods and people, which led to the exchange of ideas, faith traditions and technology. By piloting new programs and reimagining current ones, staff are embracing an opportunity to demonstrate the role that waterways play in connecting people and cultures, both historically and today.
— Kaia Moseley,
Jamestown Settlement Living History Manager — Keith Nitka, Ships’ Interpretive Coordinator
Jared Sapp, a Jamestown Settlement living-history interpreter, uses one of several piloting and navigation tools of the 17th-century.
Family Days & Workshops Cultivate Curiosity
Museums have long been incubators for wondering, questioning and developing an inquiring mind for learners of all ages.
Cultivating curiosity is at the heart of a new series of youth and family programs at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, building on the abundant museum opportunities for visitors to grow their interest in America’s beginnings.
Workshops for Kids, designed for rising 3rd – 6th graders, explore artistic mediums based on objects on display at both museums. Families can pre-register for these workshops with a nominal fee.
In June, kids can wonder about the art of mosaics, connecting the classical Greek world with mosaics that once were in Nick’s Seafood Pavilion (a feature of the “Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews” special exhibition). They can let their curiosity guide them as they design a miniature mosaic to take home. In July and August, kids can investigate painting outdoors in the plein-air style or how to create a series of prints using linocut printmaking.
Family Days programs, which launched with a Farmers & Foragers theme in May, invite visitors to explore a topic or exhibit from multiple perspectives, develop questions to help them discover more and participate in hands-on activities. These programs are included with museum admission, allowing families to drop in for an enriching experience.
Additional summer program themes allow families to cultivate curiosity about the combination of citizen science
and Jamestown’s history, and Jamestown historical portraits, including who is and who is not recorded in the history of the colony.
By cultivating curiosity, learners of all ages can approach something new in a fun, informal way that is driven by their own observations and questions. Learn more at jyfmuseums.org/youth-programs.
— Nate Rodda, Youth and Family Programs Manager
Youth & Family Programs
Mosaic Workshop
June 26
Citizen Science Family Day
July 12
Plein Air Painting Workshop
July 17
Printmaking Workshop
August 21
Portraits of Jamestown
Family Day
September 13
Family Days programs launched in May with Farmers & Foragers at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
Jamestown-Scotland Ferry marks
Celebrate the Jamestown-Scotland Centennial by viewing a Virginia Department of Transportation video at jyfmuseums.org/ferry.
The Capt. John Smith was the first modern ferry to connect the southside and the peninsula across the James River. Undated photo courtesy of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Marking 100 years to the day, Jamestown Settlement hosted the Centennial Celebration of the JamestownScotland Ferry on February 26.
Together with partners from the Virginia Department of Transportation Hampton Roads District, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, and the Surry County Historical Society, more than 130 community members and dignitaries, including many past and present ferry employees, turned out for the event.
The festive ceremony began with a ferry crossing across the James River, complete with a vessel of vintage vehicles in a symbolic gesture of its beginning.
On February 26, 1925, the ferry, given the moniker the Capt. John Smith, began the first modern automobile ferry service crossing the James River linking the southside to the peninsula. Established and operated by Captain Albert F. Jester, the ferry service provided an important link for the Maine-to-Florida traveler through Surry County to Jamestown Island.
Built in Battery Park, Va., by the Isaiah Hundley Marine Railway, the 65-foot wooden vessel was powered by a 60-horsepower engine and could carry 16 Model-T automobiles.
The ferry service was acquired by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1945. With the approaching 350th anniversary of Jamestown’s founding, the ferry terminal was relocated in 1956 from Jamestown Island to nearby Glasshouse Point, directly adjacent to what became Jamestown Festival Park and later Jamestown Settlement. Larger ferries soon replaced small wooden-hulled vessels as traffic increased during the 1957 commemoration.
Over time as the region grew, the older traditional ferries gave way to new larger and more efficient boats that can carry 50 to 75 cars. Today the Pocahontas, Powhatan, Williamsburg and Surry operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week transporting over 900,000 vehicles annually across the James River.
— Homer Lanier, Director of Visitor Experience
Marlon Spratley poses with his Model A at Jamestown Settlement during the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry event marking its 100th anniversary. JamestownYorktown Foundation photo.
Grab Your Troops. Grab Your Gear.
Hop on a Virginia History Road Trip.
6 Days. 9 Iconic Sites. 250 Years in the Making.
Rediscover Virginia’s inspiring history and commemorate the Semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
For nine Virginia museums and historic sites, this momentous anniversary inspired a strategic collaboration to develop a one-of-a-kind collection of commemorative merchandise designed to inspire guests from around the world to embark on a classic family adventure: a Virginia History Road Trip.
Promoting Virginia’s revolutionary roots
The Virginia History Road Trip, a partnership that began with a Virginia Tourism Corporation recovery grant following the pandemic, is now emerging as a leading tourism catalyst.
Rooted in partnerships across Virginia, itineraries have been shared through print and social media, sales calls and group tour events, including the American Bus Association, in 2024 and 2025 to drum up interest in the 250th anniversary.
New efforts with VA250 will feature a digital passport connecting Virginia’s historic locations. Learn more at vahistoryroadtrip.com.
Stop at iconic landmarks across the Old Dominion that witnessed the nation’s founding and visit estates of founders, all while wearing gear with the VA250 slogan — “America. Made in Virginia.”
Visit the Museum Shops, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From the first English settlement at Jamestown
To the surrender of the British at Yorktown
From “give me liberty, or give me death!”
To “all men are created equal”
From Washington and Jefferson
To Madison and Mason
From Powhatan and Pocahontas
To James Armistead Lafayette and Gowan Pamphlet
From the ideas that inspired it
To the battlefields that decided it
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Wilma Sharp and Kenita Hill
For donors Wilma Sharp and Kenita Hill, history is more than just the past; it is a powerful story waiting to be told.
An Evening with Educators
On May 3, donors met with JYF educators for an inside look at the incredible variety of cutting-edge educational programs they provide to students and teachers, including immersive tours and on-site activities, classroom outreach, distance learning, the summer Teacher Institute, and virtual workshops for teachers throughout the year. Donors also had the opportunity to meet with Master Teachers, a select group of Teacher Institute participants who work with JYF all year to develop outstanding educational programming.
A Tidewater native, Wilma’s passion for history was sparked in a high school classroom, where she first read the words: “The roots of the present are buried deep in the past.” From creating artifact trunks during her long career in education to traveling the world in search of historical connections, Wilma has always sought to understand the past. “Everywhere I go, I want to know the history,” she said. “And that really started here, at Jamestown.” Wilma and her husband, Marc, have been Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation donors for 18 years, but her connection to the museums goes back even further. She fondly remembers witnessing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s visits in 1957 and 2007, moments that underscored the lasting significance of these sites. Wilma also connects deeply with history through gardening. She works in historic gardens at Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Island and the Old Custom House in Yorktown, sharing her knowledge of native plants, as well as the vegetables and herbs that the English brought to Virginia.
Kenita, who moved to Williamsburg in 2014, discovered her passion for history later in life. “History is about telling a story,” she reflected, a principle that resonates deeply with her work as a voice actor. Kenita’s path to voice acting was unexpected; after years in risk management for nursing homes, the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to pivot, leading her to enroll in a voice acting program. She quickly excelled, winning a Telly Award in her first year and eventually earning four more as she built a thriving career lending her voice to healthcare, banking and, fittingly, museums. Kenita values JYF’s commitment to sharing history from all perspectives — especially the difficult stories that need to be told.
For those considering supporting JYF, Kenita and Wilma offer heartfelt endorsements. “Making a gift is a way to leave a legacy,” Kenita said. “It’s a way to do some good in the world by supporting something that truly makes a difference.” Wilma echoed that sentiment: “When you give at any level, you’re really investing in the future.”
— Heather Minty, Director of the Annual Fund — Morgan Culbertson, Director of Major Gifts
Marc and Wilma Sharp
Kenita Hill
Cultivate Curiosity. Inspire the Future.
Curiosity is the spark that brings history to life. At Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, we create experiences that inspire visitors of all ages to ask questions, explore the past and discover new perspectives.
When you give to the Annual Fund, you help provide hands-on exhibits, engaging programs and interactive learning opportunities that turn curiosity into lifelong learning.
And now, through our Impact Funds, you can choose exactly how you want to make a difference:
• Acquisitions – Preserve the past by adding new artifacts to our collection, each one a tangible piece of history that connects us to those who came before.
• Educational Resources – Expand access to hands-on history through museum experiences, classroom programs, teacher training and digital learning.
• Exhibitions – Bring dynamic, engaging stories to life in our permanent galleries and special exhibitions.
• Jamestown – Help us share the stories of cultural exchange that shaped our nation.
• Yorktown – Help us tell the personal stories of people living in extraordinary times.
REVOLUTION IN VIRGINIA: 250th Anniversary of the Gunpowder Incident
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the 1775 gunpowder incident in Williamsburg. While the Boston Tea Party and the Battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts are often considered the beginnings of the American Revolution, did the gunpowder incident spark revolution in Virginia?
On May 27, 1774, John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, the last Royal Governor of Virginia, encountered resistance to his authority when the House of Burgesses, in solidarity with Boston after Parliament voted to close its port, passed a resolution to observe a day of fasting, prayer and humiliation. In response, Dunmore dissolved the Burgesses, but they persisted in meeting in taverns to plan their strategies.
Two days after Lexington and Concord, on the night of April 21, 1775, Dunmore ordered the Royal Marines to seize the gunpowder and ammunition from the public magazine in Williamsburg. This left the residents defenseless against attacks. When confronted, Dunmore justified his actions of removing the gunpowder to protect the citizens from a rumored slave rebellion. Patriot leaders dismissed his explanation.
To reduce resistance, Dunmore privately threatened to release all the slaves and burn the city to ashes. This posed a public safety threat, as enslaved people comprised around 40 percent of the population in Virginia and 55 percent of Williamsburg. Many worked in taverns, which served as hubs for revolutionary discussions.
As pressure mounted, Dunmore fled Williamsburg in June, setting out on a mission to reclaim control of Virginia from the Chesapeake Bay. He commanded a fleet of naval ships and engaged in conflicts and battles across various regions. In November, he issued a proclamation granting freedom to slaves of “rebel” masters, and he raised a regiment of approximately three hundred escaped enslaved men known as the Royal Ethiopian Regiment. In December, Dunmore’s forces were defeated at the Battle of Great Bridge, which is widely regarded as the first significant battle in Virginia. Despite this setback, Dunmore continued his efforts to regain control until his fleet departed Virginia in August 1776. Although the gunpowder incident is not as widely recognized as events in Massachusetts, it sparked revolutionary actions in Virginia 250 years ago.
— Harvey Bakari, Curator of Black History and Culture
Cultivating New Partnerships for Indigenous Histories
History museums are dynamic spaces for inspiration, learning and reflection. Instead of remaining static, museums are always transforming, as curators, educators and interpreters learn new information and ask new questions. With input from diverse viewpoints, museums continually refine approaches to strive for more authentic and expansive understandings of the past and present.
JYF’s Indigenous Peoples Program has undertaken efforts to engage with tribal communities to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into interpretations of Indigenous histories and create opportunities for visitors to interact with tribal citizens directly.
In 2023, JYF created an Indigenous Advisory Group comprised of designated representatives from Virginia’s recognized tribes. Through oral histories, sharing of lived experiences and community insights, tribal perspectives inspire exploration of new questions and frameworks. The relationships cultivated through these partnerships will continue to foster new understandings of Indigenous histories and cultures that will inform refreshes and revisions to museum galleries, living-history areas and programming, ensuring shared authority and narrative sovereignty.
By centering tribal community-informed interpretations, JYF museums are providing guests with opportunities to discover new ideas and explore new questions about tribal histories and cultures they may not have experienced or considered. Moreover, many guests may have never had a chance for a direct interaction with Indigenous tribal members. Public programming involving tribal members creates “contact zones” for these direct interactions. For example, at Indigenous Arts Day, museum guests had the opportunity to directly engage with artisans and performers from Virginia Indian communities. JYF will continue to create programs that allow for direct engagement between tribal citizens and guests to its museums.
The relationships created and sustained with Indigenous tribes continue to educate JYF staff about Indigenous histories and cultures, inspiring new approaches to exploring the American past shared by all three cultures represented in the agency’s mission. JYF looks forward to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities and welcoming guests to new exhibits and programming realized by these invaluable partnerships.
— Travis Henline, Curator of
Indigenous History and Culture
At Indigenous Arts Day, Chief Keith Anderson of the Nansemond Tribe leads a group of visitors in a dance at Jamestown Settlement. At left, Nathan Elliott (Nottoway) performs on a hand-crafted wooden flute as part of the annual event.
calendar of EVENTS
Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews
THROUGH JULY 27 AT AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, in time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, see a special exhibition that is the fitting salute to a couple who embodied the American dream.
Prelude to Juneteenth
JOIN US JUNE 15 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, for thought-provoking history, a film and river paddle exploring the forgotten stories of the rivers of Central Virginia and the precarious nature of freedom from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth. Program is free with advance registration; paddle is $35 per person. Free admission to both JYF museums on June 19, the official Juneteenth holiday.
Liberty Celebration
JULY 4 AT AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, salute the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the culmination of Civic Season, as we join museums and historic sites across the country to host a series of civics-related programs and events to engage younger generations in the role of American democracy.
Workshops for Kids
THIS SUMMER AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT & AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, rising 3rd-6th graders are invited to join teaching artists for a Mosaic Workshop on June 26, Plein Air Painting Workshop on July 17 and Printmaking Workshop on August 21. Tickets are $12.
Talking History Lecture Series
THIS SUMMER AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT & AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, enjoy guest lectures from authors Andrew Lawler on July 5 and Alphonso Saville on August 24, plus future presentations from researcher Carol Jarboe on September 20 and historian Carson Hudson on October 4.
Director’s Series
THIS FALL AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, join JYF Executive Director Christy S. Coleman as she sits down with Native American museum director James Pepper Henry on September 17 and journalist Michele Norris on October 22 for compelling conversations on today’s most important topics.
‘Fresh Views of the American Revolution’ Debuts October 18
OCTOBER 18 through MAY 3, 2026 AT AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN discover new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution in the folk art of Oscar de Mejo created during the 1976 Bicentennial and through new engaging community art programs. This special exhibition debuts with a bang, featuring artillery firings, exhibits and interpretive programs examining the significance of the American and French alliance during the Yorktown Victory Celebration October 18-19.
Homeschool Family Days
SEPTEMBER 6-14 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT & AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, homeschool students will love discovering the sights and sounds of the 17th and 18th centuries while learning about their nation’s history with a special ticket offering unlimited visits and education stations.
MORE 2025 EVENTS & PROGRAMS
The American Soldier • June 14 | First Africans Commemoration • August 16 History Makers Dinner – Saluting Education • September 27 | Family Frights • October 24-25 Museums open year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tours and ticket information available at jyfmusums.org/visit. Check out the complete calendar at jyfmuseums.org/events.
View an exhibit of a 1776 Declaration of Independence broadside daily at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Gift of The Gladys & Franklin Clark Foundation
