Commemorating 250 Years of American Independence
Explore the role of Virginia’s Frontier and its people during the American Revolution at the Frontier Culture Museum. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of independence from Great Britain we are considering the unique contributions of the people of Virginia’s Frontier to American independence. Join us for lectures by leading scholars of the Revolution, living history programs recreating the events and people of the American Revolution, and field trip programs introducing students to the life of revolutionary soldiers on and from Virginia’s Frontier.
Throughout the Revolutionary War the farms of the Valley of Virginia would provide important foodstuffs, allowing Washington’s army to continue functioning in the field. The Valley of Virginia and its people played a key role in the success of the Revolutionary cause. Units of expert riflemen from this area were among the first Continental Army units raised at the outset of the war, and their unique combat experience gained fighting indigenous people, and in many cases adopting their tactics, would prove invaluable.
Here at the Frontier Culture Museum, we explore these soldiers of Virginia’s Frontier through the lens of Lt. Col. Joseph Crockett’s Western Battalion, who were raised in this area in 1779. Their service during the Revolutionary war included guarding the captured British and German Prisoners of war taken at the Battle of Saratoga, and patrolling against British allied Native American nations along the Ohio River. Come see our staff recreating these Virginians with their distinctive Brown coats and rifled guns during one of our living history programs.
The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia is joining the Virginia 250 Commission in commemorating the events leading up to the American Revolution, the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the events of the war that followed.
Educational Resources
Revolution on the Frontier School Program
Explore the Virginia frontier during the American Revolution with this brand new field trip program as we approach the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Sign up for Crockett’s Western Battalion, train as a soldier, and see the important roles women played.
Upcoming Events
June 14, 2025: Flag Day
Join the Frontier Culture Museum on Saturday, June 14, 2025, for our annual Flag Day event! Stop by the tailors shop at our German farm as our staff race against the clock to create a flag in a day. This year we will be recreating the Culpeper Minute Man flag.
Militia units in the Shenandoah Valley formed individually and headed north to the New England area before, with, and after the B-Line March occurring in July. In preparation for the treck north, to becoming Americans, Flags like the Culpeper flag would be made for regiments to take with them, ultimately distinguishing them from the rest of the army by doing so. Join us this flag day to learn more about this flag, and many others like it!
July 5, 2025: Independence Day Celebration
In 1809, the Staunton Eagle recorded Independence Day as “ About 50 gentlemen and a number of ladies…partook of a plain Barbecue, where none but Domestic productions were eaten…In short, the whole afternoon was spend with a good humor, harmony, and joy, which the fourth of July ought always to inspire into the bosoms of Americans.”
Let the Frontier Culture Museum provide you and your family with an opportunity to find good humor and joy with our pay-what-you-will Independence Day celebration! Starting at 9 am and lasting all day, we’ll have apple pie making, games of all kinds, an audience participation required 19th century Civics Bee, and of course, a reading of the Declaration of Independence!
Join the Frontier Culture Museum this July 5 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM to celebrate American Independence and learn how people celebrated Independence Day throughout history!
Past Events
September 7 & 8, 2024 – Lord Dunmore’s War Weekend
Before the American Revolution began in 1775, the roar of guns and the beat of drums could already be heard beyond the Blue Ridge. 250 years ago, in 1774, western Virginia was engaged in America’s last “colonial” conflict, Lord Dunmore’s War.
The Frontier Culture Museum was joined by historians and scholars in September for a dynamic discussion on Lord Dunmore’s War, you can watch their lectures now by clicking on the link below.