YORKTOWN — A new exhibition at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown asks visitors to see the American Revolution through the eyes of those who lived it — from Patrick Henry to enslaved people who fought for their freedom on both sides of the conflict.
“Give Me Liberty: Virginia and the Forging of a Nation” is now on display at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown as a commemorative exhibition for America’s 250th anniversary.
The exhibition explores Virginia’s role in the American Revolution, highlighting the people, events and ideas that shaped the nation’s founding.
Five sections make up the exhibition: “Protest to Action,” “Words to Action,” “Liberty in Action,” “Virginia in Action” and “A Call to Action: Our Living American Revolution of Ideas.”
A highlight of the exhibit is a rare 1833 printing of the Declaration of Independence in the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection.
Other artifacts include the broadside of Dunmore’s Proclamation, dated Nov. 7, 1775; Patrick Henry’s spectacles and an ivory paper cutter associated with his “Give Me Liberty” speech; a manuscript certification documenting an enslaved man’s enlistment in the Continental Army in place of his enslaver; and a reproduction of a “Liberty to Slaves” frock. The frock is a military uniform worn by formerly enslaved Black Loyalists who fought on the British side.
Also on display are a reproduction of Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence writing desk, Peter Force’s 1833 printing of the Declaration of Independence from W.J. Stone’s 1823 plate, the bell from St. John’s Church and a reproduction of the Speaker’s Chair from the House of Burgesses.
“What we’re trying to do is to give [visitors] a chance, at 250 years, to see the American Revolution through the eyes of the founding fathers and the people from the American Revolution generation,” said Harvey Bakari, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation curator of Black history and culture.
Travis Henline, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation curator of Indigenous history and culture, said the exhibition highlights how the conflict forced difficult choices across society.
“And while some may have wanted to remain neutral at the outset of this conflict, as it proceeded, very few had the opportunity to do so,” Henline said. “People began to realize that rights and liberties are not a spectator sport, and this touched everyone.”
This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, where it was previously on display in 2025. A mobile version of the exhibit is also traveling across Virginia through 2027, visiting local museums, libraries and community centers.
“Give Me Liberty” is included with general admission. Admission is $11–$21, with free entry for children under 3. Residents of James City County, York County and Williamsburg, as well as William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.
