^{The Declaration of Independence, 1776 by Oscar de Mejo, 1973}

In time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution, join us for the “Fresh Views of the American Revolution” special exhibition at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, October 18, 2025 - May 3, 2026, commemorating America’s 250th through contemporary voices.

Discover new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution through the folk art of Oscar de Mejo created during the 1976 Bicentennial and through engaging community art programs.

View more than a dozen original paintings of de Mejo’s work in the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation collection, including “The Declaration of Independence, 1776.”

New reflections on liberty

The American Revolution was more than a political or military victory, as John Adams reflected in 1818, “radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments and affection of the people, was the real American Revolution.” This living revolution of principles, opinions, and sentiments continues to shift and grow with each new generation and is the centerpiece of the "Fresh Views" exhibit.

In advance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will be showcasing its collection of art from America’s Bicentennial commemoration to inspire new reflections on the principles and ideas of the American Revolution from contemporary artists and community members.

Using these pieces of Americana as an inspiration for dialogue and responsive art-making, the "Fresh Views of the American Revolution" exhibition will juxtapose de Mejo’s work with contemporary art created through community and school programming and a call for artists to reflect on the revolutionary themes seen in the original artworks.

By posing questions about the nature of liberty, freedom, equality and revolutionary sentiments, this exhibition and its connected programs will allow audiences to make their own meaning about the ideals of this never-ending American Revolution. 

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Special exhibit included with museum admission

"Fresh Views of the American Revolution" is included with general admission to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. An annual pass offers year-round access to the special exhibition, along with most daytime programs and events.

Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive complimentary admission to both museums with proof of residency. Parking is free.

About the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

A commemorative partner of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days) and located on 200 Water Street near the Colonial Parkway, tells the story of the nation’s founding and the epic scale of the Revolution and its relevance today.

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Plan your visit today or call (757) 253-4838 for more information. Parking at the museum is free for museum visitors. A free shuttle service is available to Historic Yorktown on the Yorktown Trolley.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is administered by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.