WILLIAMSBURG — The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation announced Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will join other museums and historic sites across the country to host Civic Season June 19 through July 3.
Civic Season is a series of civics-related programs and events designed to engage younger generations in the role of American democracy. With the approach of America’s 250th anniversary, JYF encourages Generation Z and millennials to take part in a conversation café, decipher an escape room, vote on the most relevant grievance from the Declaration of Independence and share their wish for America’s future.
Programming includes:
- Community Helpers Day — June 21
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Learn about the helpers throughout our community as local groups provide information about their organizations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore the principles of civic engagement in action through the support these groups provide to our region. - Chips, Dips & Civics Trivia Night — June 25
Precarious Beer Project
Sharp minds battle over big questions from 6-8 p.m. at Precarious Beer Project with chips, dips and an exploration into America’s civic legacy. Players will test what they know and discover how the past still speaks to the world today. Ages 21 and older. Valid ID required. Alcohol sold separately.
The following Civic Season activities are offered daily 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday, June 19 through Thursday, July 3, and are free with museum admission.
- America’s Wish Wall
Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
In the lobby of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Great Hall at Jamestown Settlement, visitors can share their wish for America’s future in 10, 50 and 100 years. The large wall of wishes is part of a national campaign organized through Made By Us and available online. - Nick & Mary’s Conversation Café
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
In the Grand Corridor just outside of the “Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews” special exhibition, explore how civics plays an everyday role in our lives through community building and creating spaces of belonging. Take a seat at one of the tables, read the Conversation Café menu and pick a civic conversation starter. Appetizers have people comfortably talking, entrées begin deeper conversations and desserts are sweet endings. - Escape Room Experience
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
In this escape room scenario, join in organizing a community food festival, “Around the World in 80 Plates,” in which someone is stealing the ingredients. Teams will have 45 minutes to solve puzzles and unlock the missing food items to save the festival. There are two versions of the escape room, as one is suited for families and the other, designed for adults, is a bit more challenging. One session of each of the escape rooms will start on the hour and half-hour, beginning at 10 a.m. Sign up to participate in the escape room at the visitor services desk in the main lobby. - Dissent & Protest Project
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
The Declaration of Independence records many grievances against King George III and Great Britain. In the Grand Corridor, visitors can vote on which one they think is most relevant today. Then, engage with real-world First Amendment civic dilemmas and decide what should happen along a spectrum between protecting or placing limits on a protest in each scenario. - Civic Season Celebrates America’s 250th
In partnership with Made By Us, Civic Season programs aim to celebrate and inform civic engagement. With 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this is the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a meaningful, vibrant commemoration for all.
All daytime events and exhibits are included with admission. Individual museum admission is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under. A value-saving combination ticket to both museums is $34 for adults and $17 for ages 6-12. Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person.
Free admission is provided to residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, with proof of residency. In partnership with Museums for All, free admission is available to SNAP benefit recipients, up to four visitors per EBT card. Visit jyfmuseums.org/visit/tickets
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Jamestown Settlement is located on Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is located at 200 Water Street in Yorktown. Parking is free. For more information, call 757 253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org.
