Mathews County is participating in local observances of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War and American independence. 

The Virginia General Assembly established the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) in 2020. Over the next few years, the commission will be organizing commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia, one of the former colonies and future states, where much of this history took place. 

The following sites in Mathews have been identified on the VA250 interactive map:

• Battle of Cricket Hill Historic Site
• Fort Nonsense Historical Park
• Gwynn's Island Museum
• Mathews Downtown Historic District
• Tompkins Cottage Museum
• Sibley’s General Store/Mathews County Visitor & Information Center 
• May Faire 2024: A Rural Life
• Thomas James Store
• Mathews Museum
• Mathews Maritime Museum
• Historic Courthouse Square
• Wolftrap Lighthouse
• Williams Wharf Landing

Upcoming Events 

Forgotten Black Patriots, Loyalists, and Women

Discover the mostly forgotten history of free and enslaved African Americans during the American Revolution. Learn about the events in 1775 that led Virginia Governor Dunmore to issue a proclamation freeing enslaved people owned by patriots in exchange for joining the British troops. Why did enslaved people risk their lives for freedom in places like Gwynn’s Island, in Mathews County? Discover the legacies of free and enslaved people who supported both the American and British causes.

 WHEN: September 26, 2024 - 7:00PM

Harvey Bikari, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Curator of Black History and Culture

Mathews Memorial Library, Free and open to the public

Sponsored by Mathews County Historical Society and Mathews Memorial Library

Refreshments will be served.

Mathews VA250 Committee

Representatives of Mathews heritage community worked with the Virginia 250 Commission to establish theMathews VA250 Committee  to coordinate with statewide activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of Virginia’s participation in American independence. The committee will plan and coordinate programs and events occurring within Mathews County. The committee will communicate regularly with the VA250 Commission.