"Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews" celebrates the lives and philanthropy of the late Nick and Mary Mathews, beloved Yorktown restauranteurs who donated the land for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Opening in 1944, Nick’s Seafood Pavilion quickly grew into a household name all over Virginia not only for its fine seafood and elaborate interior but for the owners, Greek immigrants turned American patriots, who displayed grand hospitality and pride in Yorktown. Learn about their patrons, from Elizabeth Taylor to John Wayne, and see rare objects that defined this iconic restaurant establishment.

Special exhibit included with museum admission

"Patrons & Patriots" 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.

Inaugural 'History Makers Dinner' Honors the Mathews

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, members of The Mathews Legacy Society, The 1607 Society, and guests celebrated History Makers Nick and Mary Mathews at a special themed Nick’s Seafood Pavilion fundraising dinner.

The event featured a paddle raise to support the special exhibition that will honor the legacy of Nick and Mary and Yorktown’s famous Nick’s Seafood Pavilion. Guests were treated to a one-night special exhibition preview of artifacts celebrating the lives and philanthropy of the late Nick and Mary Mathews, beloved Yorktown restauranteurs and donors of the land where the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown now sits.

Enjoy a video tribute to the patriotism and generosity of Nick and Mary, which was created especially for the event.

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.