Historic Alexandria partners with 70 premier historic destinations in Virginia to launch first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey in celebration of America’s 250th

For Immediate Release: November 11, 2025

Media Contacts:

Jeanene Harris
Office of Historic Alexandria
[email protected]

Brad Tuggle
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
[email protected]

Historic Alexandria partners with 70 premier historic destinations in Virginia to launch first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey in celebration of America's 250th

The Virginia 250 Passport will offer prizes and discounts to historic sites and museums, encouraging individuals and families to explore and experience history together.

Alexandria, VA. - The City of Alexandria's Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA) and its museums - including Gadsby's Tavern Museum, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, and the Alexandria Black History Museum - are featured as a destination in the newly launched Virginia 250 Passport. This collaborative, statewide initiative - organized by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC), Colonial Williamsburg, George Washington's Mount Vernon, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (JYF) and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello -encourages Virginians and visitors to commemorate America's 250th by engaging with the Commonwealth's foremost historic sites and museums. The project is supported by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) and the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC).

Beginning Nov. 11, 2025, Passports will be available free of chargeat signature sites - VMHC, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Monticello and the JYF's Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown - as well as at the VA250 Mobile Museum, select VA250 events and all 12 Virginia Welcome Centers, each located at gateways along interstate highways. A total of 250,000 copies will be distributed.

"This statewide partnership between some of the finest history institutions in the nation is an example of how, when we work together, we can create engaging, meaningful experiences for our fellow Virginians," said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. "We encourage you to pick up your passport while supplies last and spend a year with us traveling around our great Commonwealth."

The Virginia 250 Passport serves as a travel guide, discount book and keepsake. The 64-page commemorative booklet features descriptions of the 70 participating museums and historic sites across five regions of the Commonwealth: Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, Southwestern Virginia and Tidewater.

Governor Glenn Youngkin published a video announcement for the program.

"America's 250th anniversary is a once in a lifetime opportunity to come together, reflect on our shared past, and recommit ourselves to the continued progress of our nation. And there is no better place to do this than right here in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Jamie Bosket, president & CEO of the VMHC.

Travelers can collect unique stamps while visiting each passport site. Once they have secured a stamp in their passport, they can receive up to a 15% discount at future participating locations that charge admission. Collecting at least five stamps makes them eligible to enter the prize drawing. Prizes will be drawn in December 2026 and include yearlong museum memberships and cash awards up to $2,500.

"This collaboration is a wonderful example of how, when Virginians work together, we can show the world the best of who we are," said Gretchen Bulova, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria. "With support from the Virginia Tourism Corporation and VA250, this statewide effort celebrates Virginia's pivotal role in shaping America's past, present, and future-and serves as an inspiring model of collaboration and shared pride."

The Virginia Department of Education will be partnering with superintendents across the Commonwealth to ensure that schools and teachers are aware of the passport, and are sharing it with students and families statewide.

"The Virginia 250 Passport is a wonderful tool that can be used both inside and outside the classroom to inspire curiosity, learning and civic pride as it makes history come alive across the Commonwealth," said Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Virginia secretary of education. "By exploring the people and places that shaped our nation, young Virginians and their families can connect more deeply with our shared story and gain a greater appreciation for the ideals that continue to define the Commonwealth and our country."

The Virginia 250 Passport program runs from Nov. 11, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2026. More information, including sweepstakes rules, is available at VirginiaHistory.org/250Passport.

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SIGNATURE SITES

• Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• Colonial Williamsburg
• George Washington's Mount Vernon
• Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Museums
• Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
• VA250 Mobile Museum Experience
• The Sovereign Nations and Indian Tribes of Virginia

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

• Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
• Fredericksburg Area Museum
• George Washington's Ferry Farm
• Hanover Museum of History & Culture
• Historic Kenmore
• Historic St. John's Church
• Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
• James Madison's Montpelier
• James Monroe Museum
• James Monroe's Highland
• John Marshall House
• Louisa County Historical Society
• Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
• Mary Washington House
• Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
• Patrick Henry's Red Hill
• Patrick Henry's Scotchtown
• Rising Sun Tavern Museum
• Robert Russa Moton Museum
• Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
• The Valentine
• Wilton House Museum

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

• Alexandria Black History Museum
• Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
• Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
• Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail
• Gadsby's Tavern Museum
• George Mason's Gunston Hall
• Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
• Manassas Museum
• National Museum of the Marine Corps
• National Museum of the United States Army
• Spotsylvania County Museum
• Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

• Belle Grove Plantation
• Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
• Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
• Rockbridge Historical Society Museum
• Rocktown History

SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA

• Avoca Museum and Historical Society
• Birthplace of Country Music Museum
• Blue Ridge Institute & Museum
• Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc
• Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
• Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
• Historic Smithfield
• Historical Society of Western Virginia
• Montgomery Museum of Art and History
• Salem Museum
  

TIDEWATER

• Bacon's Castle
• Colonial National Historical Park
• Deltaville Maritime Museum
• Eastern Shore Barrier Island Center
• Fort Monroe
• Gloucester Museum of History
• Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum
• Hampton History Museum
• Historic Christ Church & Museum
• Mariners' Museum and Park
• Menokin
• Military Aviation Museum
• Shore History
• Stratford Hall
  

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About the Office of Historic Alexandria

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City's past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City's equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

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