America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together
Join us for a star-filled tribute to America’s 250th anniversary in partnership with VA250 in the heart of the city where the idea of a new nation began. We welcome several special guests to the Historic Area, including singer-songwriter Judy Collins, renowned filmmaker Ken Burns, Michael Feinstein, Ryan Speedo Green, Kelli O’Hara, Richard Thomas, Adrienne Warren, Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, Virginia Chorale, a poetry reading from The Honorable John Charles Thomas, our own Nation Builders and Fifes & Drums. The grand finale features a dazzling drone show with a patriotic score recorded by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band and the largest display of fireworks in The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s history at 9:35 p.m.
We invite you to honor the past, engage the present, and be inspired by the place where the path to independence truly began.
We encourage all attendees to travel light by leaving large bags at home or in your hotel. Please be aware that bag checks may be implemented at Colonial Williamsburg venues at any time, and additional security measures may be in place at individual locations. Larger bags such as duffel bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks may be subject to inspection by venue staff before entry. Please note that luggage or large cases of any kind are not permitted. For additional information on planning your Independence Day weekend trip, please review our frequently asked questions here.
This event is one of many commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary. Click here to learn more.
Star-Filled Tribute To Our Nation
From the first melodic sounds of a violin to the thunderous pyrotechnic finale, this is a program for all Americans to see themselves reflected in our nation’s continuing story.
It blends live performance, music, historic interpretation, impactful narration and large-scale visual spectacle to create an inspiring national event that connects the nation’s founding directly to the present day.
Click through to explore program highlights.
Michael Feinstein
Multi-platinum recording artist, Emmy and Grammy nominee, Tony Award winner and “Ambassador of the Great American Songbook”
Ryan Speedo Green
Three-time Grammy Award-winning opera bass-baritone
Kelli O'Hara
Tony winner and Emmy, SAG, Olivier, and two-time Grammy nominee.
Adrienne Warren
Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and dancer.
Judy Collins
Legendary Grammy-Award-winning singer-songwriter launching her farewell tour.
Inspiring Speakers
Narration by Richard Thomas, a pre-recorded greeting by Ken Burns, and speeches by Chickahominy Chief Stephen R. Adkins, The Honorable John Charles Thomas, and Carly Fiorina, CEO of Colonial Williamsburg and VA250 National Honorary Chair.
Patriotic Favorites
Enjoy drums by Indigenous, West African, and English Colonial tradition combine with living historical presentations.
"The Heartbeat of Freedom"
Performed by Indigenous, West African, and English Colonial drums.
Dramatic Presentation of the Declaration of Independence
Read by Thomas Jefferson, Martha Washington, and James Lafayette.
"Through a Window"
Performed by Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, the Virginia Chorale, and Ryan Speedo Green.
Visual Spectacle
"Lights of Freedom" drones and fireworks display for a presentation fitting for the nation's 250th anniversary.
400 Synchronized Drones
400 synchronized drones designed to create inspiring images with the song “Through a Window.”
Fantastic Fireworks Finale
Spectacular display of fireworks accompanied by classic American favorites recorded by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band.
Tune In Together
Whether you're in person or viewing the broadcast, be a part of this celebration by joining fellow Virginians from across the state.
Broadcasting live from the heart of Williamsburg, VA across all station-branded PBS platforms including PBS.org and the PBS app.
