You may have heard the word semiquincentennial (go ahead, try pronouncing that one), but it simply means our nation is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. Here in Fredericksburg and throughout the Commonwealth, you can commemorate this milestone with hands-on, family-friendly events with VA250.

 

By partnering with communities statewide, VA250 is showcasing Virginia’s rich history. From 12 signature events highlighting key moments in our nation’s history to smaller local events right here in Fredericksburg, VA250 helps families experience the life of those who lived during the nation’s founding. Kids can even track their adventures with the free VA250 Passport.

 

Walk in History

 

From the founding of Jamestown in 1607 to Virginia's Thomas Jefferson penning the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and from the British defeat at Yorktown in 1781 to Virginian George Washington becoming the nation’s first president in 1789, America would not be the same without Virginia.

 

That legacy is especially evident here in Fredericksburg. Known as one of the cradles of American history, our city is home to sites like George Washington’s childhood home at Ferry Farm, the Mary Washington House, the Hugh Mercer Apothecary, the Rising Sun Tavern and the Fredericksburg Battlefield.

 

Local families can walk where the founders walked, sit where they sat and explore the ideas that shaped the nation’s founding. And kids are already discovering these ideas in their own way. We spoke with local kids to hear what freedom, the Revolutionary War and their town means to them.

 

For 5-year-old Caliyah from Fredericksburg, freedom today looks like “being with my family, having lots of my favorite foods, playing at the park and going on fun trips.”

 

Others are imagining themselves in history, too. Nolan, a sixth-grader from Stafford, has already thought it through.

 

“If I could travel back to the Revolutionary War for one day, I would do three things. First, I would meet all the Patriot generals. Then I would give the Patriots maps of the 13 colonies,” he said. “Lastly, I would give the Patriots a log of every British attack, encampment, fort and troops. This would help them strategize. If you're wondering why I wouldn't want to go to any battles, it's because it would be too dangerous for a 12-year-old."

 

Keefer, a fifth-grader from Spotsylvania, says if he could meet anyone in Virginia history, it would be George Washington.

 

“Since he and I were born and lived in the Fredericksburg area it would be exciting to meet him. First, I would ask him ‘what was life like here in the 1700s?’ Second, ‘What was the most exciting event he experienced in his life?’ Third, ‘What was the experience like to be involved in the Revolutionary War?’ Last, ‘what was it like to be the first president of the United States?’ ‘What did you like most and least about being president?’”

 

And some, like Kaleah, a pre-K student from Stafford, would ask George Washington a simpler question, like “Why did you cut down that tree?”

 

Why It Matters Today

 

The Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary War were just the beginning for our nation. Virginians like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson may have left a complex yet enduring legacy devoted to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,” but by learning from the past, we can make changes in the present to aim toward an even better future.

 

That’s what the founders of America did, and it’s what we can do too. It’s up to us now to carry on the work they started.

 

To learn more and find all of VA250’s events, go to www.va250.org or fredericksburgparent.net for local events around the ‘Burg.

 FredParent is your go-to resource for raising a family in the ’Burg. Whether you’re planning a memorable celebration without overspending, exploring local history through VA250, discovering a standout high school senior or just planting a kid-friendly herb garden, we've got you covered. 

Plus, find fresh takes on date spots, the BEST ice cream shops around town, spring festivals worth a stop. From simple afternoons to can’t-miss events, it’s all here.