The Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc. is featured as a destination 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).
Beginning Nov. 11, Passports are available free of charge at signature sites — VMHC, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Monticello and the JYF’s Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown — as well as at the VA250 Mobile Museum, select VA250 events and all 12 Virginia Welcome Centers, each located at gateways along interstate highways. A total of 250,000 copies will be distributed.
“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.”
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 year-long museum memberships and cash awards up to $2,500.
“We’re thrilled that the Botetourt County Historical Society is part of the VA250 Passport Program. This initiative connects communities across Virginia through our shared history, and we’re proud to help visitors discover Botetourt’s important role in the story of America’s independence.” states BCHS Executive Director, Lynsey Allie.
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.”
More than 70 historic destinations across Virginia are joining the Virginia 250 Passport Program, offering visitors a chance to explore the Commonwealth’s rich history leading up to America’s 250th anniversary.
Signature Sites include:
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Colonial Williamsburg, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Museums, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience.
Southwestern Virginia is represented by institutions such as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Historic Smithfield, the Salem Museum, and the Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc., among others.
Central Virginia features museums such as the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, James Madison’s Montpelier, Patrick Henry’s Red Hill and Scotchtown, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, and The Valentine in Richmond.
Northern Virginia sites include George Mason’s Gunston Hall, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and the National Museum of the United States Army.
Shenandoah Valley highlights include the Frontier Culture Museum, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, and Belle Grove Plantation.
Tidewater sites include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe, the Mariners’ Museum and Park, Bacon’s Castle, and Stratford Hall.
Together, these museums and historic sites invite Virginians and visitors alike to explore the people, places, and events that helped shape the nation.
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.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
