Juneteenth. July 4th. The 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. These celebrations are made by us – people joining together to acknowledge our past, strengthen our present, and build our future together. Instead of two weeks, let’s celebrate for two months!
Events
Juneteenth Jamboree
Fri, Jun 20. 5-9pm.
Varina High School.
Juneteenth
Sat, Jun 21. 4-10pm.
Dorey Park.
Red, White & Lights
Fri, Jul 4. 4-10pm.
Crump Park.
Block Party
Fri, Jun 13. 6-8pm.
Robinson Park.
Faces of Freedom
Sat, Jun 14. 10am-2pm.
Meadow Farm.
Mobile Museum Experience
Fri, Jun 20. 9am-5pm.
Dorey Park.
Pearl Meets Jody Rogish— Fri, Jun 27.
Jody Rogish, the supervisor for the Tuckahoe Magisterial District, will read a story and talk about what the board of supervisors does, what being a member of the board is like, and answer questions from the audience.
Pearl Learns About Community Helpers— Fri, Jul 18.
Pearl the puppet wants to know: are there people whose job is to help our community? This story time and puppet show will focus on agencies that help our local government keep the community safe and healthy.
Pearl Meets Tyrone Nelson— Fri, Jul 25.
Tyrone Nelson, the supervisor for the Varina Magisterial District, will read a story and talk about what the board of supervisors does, what being a member of the board is like, and answer questions from the audience.
Programs
For more information, contact [email protected], unless otherwise stated.
The Emancipated of Woodland Cemetery Tour
Sat, Jun 21, 9-11am. Woodland Cemetery.
All ages. This specialized tour of Woodland Cemetery will focus on the formerly enslaved interred in this historic post emancipation uplift cemetery in eastern Henrico. In honor of Juneteenth, we will delve into the lives of those who achieved freedom after a life of bondage and went on to shape and influence Richmond into the vibrant area that we know today. This tour includes a fair amount of walking on varied terrains so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Fall Out of the Atomic Age: Beyond Los Alamos
Sat, Jun 21, 2-3pm. Meadow Farm.
All ages. As part of a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we will explore different aspects of the weapon that ended the war in our new series “Fall Out of the Atomic Age.” In this first installment, we will delve into the history of the atomic bomb. You may be familiar with the Manhattan Project, but did you know that work on the bomb began years before the creation of the Los Alamos testing laboratory. Discover more about the overlooked people, places, and processes behind the creation of the first atomic bomb.
Stealing the Night: The Underground Railroad
Sat, Jun 28, 2-3pm. Recreation and Parks Main Office.
All ages. There was a train that traveled at night… and it carried passengers to freedom! The underground railroad in Virginia and across the South had many heroes who saved countless lives. The legacies of the conductors and passengers will be explored and remembered. Check out the exhibit Un/bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865 before or after the program.
Transgender Americans: The Hidden Faces in Our History
Sun, Jun 29, 2-3pm. Meadow Farm.
Ages 18+. You may be aware of Harvey Milk and Billie Jean King alongside other impactful gay and lesbian figures in American history. Transgender individuals are often underrepresented even among other LGBTQ+ historical figures. This Pride Month, we will discuss some transgender leaders and their contributions.
Stars & Stripes Flag
Thur, Jul 10, 6-7pm. Eastern Henrico Rec Center.
Ages 5-9. Let’s celebrate veterans by designing a mosaic patriotic flag picture frame. Give to a loved one who has bravely served in the armed forces. Information: [email protected]
The Rise and Fall of the Fighting Editor
Fri, Jul 11, 5:30-6:30pm. Belmont Rec Center.
Ages 13+. Born into slavery in Henrico County, John Mitchell, Jr. would become known as the fighting editor of the Richmond Planet newspaper confronting the violence and injustices of the Jim Crow South through his publication. Whether it was through the organizing of boycotts, the endless crusading against lynching laws, or public appearances to allow his persecutors to do their worst, Mitchell would not back down. Be sure to check out the traveling exhibit Un/bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865 before or after the program.
The Birth of Jim Crow
Sun, Jul 13, 2-3pm. Belmont Rec Center.
All ages. In the wake of newly found freedom for African Americans came the birth of the insidious character known as “Jim Crow.” We explore the long history of Jim Crow and how a silent film emerged at the dawn of the 20th century and the repercussions that still affect our world today. Be sure to check out the traveling exhibit Un/bound: Free Black Virginians 1619-1865 before or after the program.
Woodland Cemetery Tour
Sat, Jul 19, 9-11am. Woodland Cemetery.
Sat, Aug 23, 9-11am. Woodland Cemetery.
All ages. This walking tour encompasses the final resting place of African Americans from Richmond, Henrico, and surrounding areas. On the tour, we will highlight not only the many influential people who are at rest in Woodland’s sacred grounds, but also the ongoing recovery efforts that have occurred in recent years. The tour will cover a large portion of the grounds, so please dress accordingly.
Fall Out of the Atomic Age: Remembering the Atomic Bomb
Sat, Aug 16, 2-3pm. Meadow Farm.
All ages. On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, we will reflect on the effects of the detonations in science and on global society as the second part of our “Fall Out of the Atomic Age” series.
VA250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and US Independence in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Henrico County’s VA250 committee is part of these larger state and national efforts to recognize the people and events of the American colonies fight for independence and its founding through an ongoing series of programs, events, and projects.
While state and federal efforts may peak in 2026, Henrico County will continue offering a variety of ways to learn about the people and events of the past as well as to engage in dialogue on what liberty, freedom, and how the legacy of events 250 years ago shape the present and what our citizens hope to see for the future.
Washington Takes Command
Thur, Jun 26, 7-8:30pm. Belmont Rec Center.
Ages 10+. Two hundred and fifty years ago, in June 1775, George Washington took command of the newly formed Continental Army. What made him qualified? His experiences during the French and Indian War prepared him for leadership in the Revolution. Historian Bert Dunkerly will explore Washington’s challenges and lessons learned and how he applied them as the nation’s first military commander. Information: [email protected]
Finding Your Revolutionary War Ancestors
Thur, Jul 10, 10-11:30am. Belmont Rec Center.
All ages. Do you think you have ancestors who fought in or supported the American Revolutionary War? Learn how to successfully research and document the lineage and service of your ancestors. Information: [email protected]
Hamiltruth or Hamilfiction
Sat, Jul 26, 2-3pm. Eastern Henrico Rec Center.
Sat, Aug 2, 2-3pm. Recreation and Parks Main Office.
Sat, Aug 30, 2-3pm. Deep Run Rec Center.
All ages. Do you know your Hamiltruths from your Hamilfictions? Find out in our new trivia game where we will test your knowledge of the hit musical versus the real life of Alexander Hamilton. Be sure to check out the traveling exhibit, Founding Frenemies: Hamilton and the Virginians while you’re here. Information:
[email protected]
Family Sleuths: Revolutionary Spies
Sat, Aug 16, 10-11am. Three Lakes Park.
Ages 8-12. Do you have what it takes to be a spy? Solve secret messages, follow clues, and try to traverse the property without getting lost or captured! Information: [email protected]
Gabriel and a Man Named Nat: The Fight for Freedom
Sun, Aug 31, 2-3pm. Meadow Farm.
Ages 16+. Discover the lives of two men that changed Virginia history. Learn about their complex lives and how they both met the challenge of being enslaved in a country that said: “all men are created equal.” Information: [email protected]
