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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2025
The George Washington Foundation
1201 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore partner with 70 premier historic destinations in Virginia to launch first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey in celebration of America’s 250th
The Virginia 250 Passport will offer prizes and discounts to historic sites and museums, encouraging individuals and families to explore and experience history together.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The George Washington Foundation’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore are featured as destinations in the newly launched Virginia 250 Passport. This collaborative, statewide initiative — organized by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC), Colonial Williamsburg, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (JYF) and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello —encourages Virginians and visitors to commemorate America’s 250th by engaging with the Commonwealth’s foremost historic sites and museums. The project is supported by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) and the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC).
“This statewide partnership between some of the finest history institutions in the nation is an example of how, when we work together, we can create engaging, meaningful experiences for our fellow Virginians,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “We encourage you to pick up your passport while supplies last and spend a year with us traveling around our great Commonwealth.”
Beginning Nov. 11, 2025, Passports will be available free of charge at signature sites (listed below). A total of 250,000 copies will be distributed. The Virginia 250 Passport serves as a travel guide, discount book and keepsake. The 64-page commemorative booklet features descriptions of the 70 participating museums and historic sites across five regions of the Commonwealth: Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, Southwestern Virginia and Tidewater.
Governor Glenn Youngkin published a video announcement for the program.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a once in a lifetime opportunity to come together, reflect on our shared past, and recommit ourselves to the continued progress of our nation. And there is no better place to do this than right here in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Jamie Bosket, president & CEO of the VMHC.
Travelers can collect unique stamps while visiting each passport site. Once they have secured a stamp in their passport, they can receive up to a 15% discount at future participating locations that charge admission. Collecting at least five stamps makes them eligible to enter the prize drawing. Prizes will be drawn in December 2026 and include yearlong museum memberships and cash awards up to $2,500.
“We’re proud to be a part of this special program celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said Bill Garner, President and CEO of The George Washington Foundation. “With the increased visitation and excitement
America’s 250th will spark, The George Washington Foundation seeks to share new information about Washington and his family learned through intensive research and archaeological investigation. We’re thrilled with the opportunity to welcome guests from across the region and nation to learn from these stories and to celebrate the legacy that is our shared American heritage.”
“As we look back at the last 250 years, we see a history of determination and sacrifice that still shapes the world we live in,” said Dave Muraca, Vice President of Museum Content at The George Washington Foundation. “The stories associated with both Historic Kenmore and Ferry Farm are illustrative of this special history.”
The Virginia Department of Education will be partnering with superintendents across the Commonwealth to ensure that schools and teachers are aware of the passport and are sharing it with students and families statewide.
“The Virginia 250 Passport is a wonderful tool that can be used both inside and outside the classroom to inspire curiosity, learning and civic pride as it makes history come alive across the Commonwealth,” said Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Virginia secretary of education. “By exploring the people and places that shaped our nation, young Virginians and their families can connect more deeply with our shared story and gain a greater appreciation for the ideals that continue to define the Commonwealth and our country.”
The Virginia 250 Passport program runs from Nov. 11, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2026. More information, including sweepstakes rules, is available at VirginiaHistory.org/250Passport.
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Media Contact:
Brad Tuggle
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
btuggle@virginiahistory.org
SIGNATURE SITES
· Virginia Museum of History & Culture
· Colonial Williamsburg
· George Washington’s Mount Vernon
· Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Museums
· Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
· VA250 Mobile Museum Experience
· The Sovereign Nations and Indian Tribes of Virginia
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
· Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
· Fredericksburg Area Museum
· George Washington’s Ferry Farm
· Hanover Museum of History & Culture
· Historic Kenmore
· Historic St. John’s Church
· Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
· James Madison’s Montpelier
· James Monroe Museum
· James Monroe’s Highland
· John Marshall House
· Louisa County Historical Society
· Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center
· Mary Washington House
· Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
· Patrick Henry’s Red Hill
· Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown
· Rising Sun Tavern Museum
· Robert Russa Moton Museum
· Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
· The Valentine
· Wilton House Museum
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
· Alexandria Black History Museum
· Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
· Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
· Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail
· Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
· George Mason’s Gunston Hall
· Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
· Manassas Museum
· National Museum of the Marine Corps
· National Museum of the United States Army
· Spotsylvania County Museum
· Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
· Belle Grove Plantation
· Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
· Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
· Rockbridge Historical Society Museum
· Rocktown History
SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA
· Avoca Museum and Historical Society
· Birthplace of Country Music Museum
· Blue Ridge Institute & Museum
· Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc
· Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
· Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
· Historic Smithfield
· Historical Society of Western Virginia
· Montgomery Museum of Art and History
· Salem Museum
TIDEWATER
· Bacon’s Castle
· Colonial National Historical Park
· Deltaville Maritime Museum
· Eastern Shore Barrier Island Center
· Fort Monroe
· Gloucester Museum of History
· Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum
· Hampton History Museum
· Historic Christ Church & Museum
· Mariners’ Museum and Park
· Menokin
· Military Aviation Museum
· Shore History
· Stratford Hall
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