YORK-The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is launching “What Freedom Means,” a themed series of civics-related programs and events in June and July. The series of events is geared toward engaging younger generations in the role of American democracy. Programs commence Sunday, June 12, at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
Events and programs are held in partnership with Made By Us, a national coalition composed of more than 130 history museums, sites, archives and youth-focused civic education organizations who are dedicated to engaging, empowering, and educating younger generations with a primary focus on high school students, Generation Z (ages 18-30) and Millennials (ages 26-41).
Made By Us is committed to presenting history in pertinent, provocative, and unexpected ways.
“They do aim to appeal to new audiences, not only traditional audiences who are already going to museums and getting involved with history, but they realize the need to create new audiences as well,” said Abigail Schumann, a program manager with Yorktown Jamestown Foundation.
“We haven’t specifically targeted this age group in this way in the past, outside of our educational outreach efforts. This is a new foray, and Civic Season happens every year, so hopefully it’s something that will gain traction, become popular, and be something we’ll be able to continue offering.”
The series will kick off with An Afternoon of Civic Engagement from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, June 12. Programs designed for teens and young adults will feature art, live music by Superstition, and performances by spoken-word artists from Teens With a Purpose (TWP)-The Youth Movement. Free themed “paint-and-take” workshops for teens and young adults will be led by artist Lisa Reid-Williamson from 1:30pm to 2:45pm and 3pm to 4:30pm. Children 10 and under are required to be accompanied by an adult.
Drag Trivia: Civics Edition will be held from 6pm to 8pm. Attendees will discover captivating tidbits about American history and tips on being a good citizen during an evening of learning and laughter with Williamsburg drag artist Robert Kyle appearing as Aria Ova’here. The program is intended for ages 21 and up, with a cash bar onsite, and food will be available for purchase.
Both events are included with admission to the museum. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register online prior to the events due to limited seating.
Admission to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm, is $16 for adults, $9 for ages 6 to 12, and free of charge for children ages 5 and under. Residents of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg, including College of William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is located at 100 Water St. in Yorktown and can be reached at 757-253-4838. Visit the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation’s website for more information and to register for the Civic Season events.