VIRGINIA SHINES IN THE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
ONE LAST PUSH ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS OF AMERICA’S 400TH ANNIVERSARY
A decade of planning for America’s 400th Anniversary is paying off as we begin the new year. Hundreds of activities and projects are taking place throughout Virginia as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. Community groups and organizations are hard at work on programs that build toward Virginia’s future. Anniversary Gardens have been planted across the state.
New hiking and biking trails have opened to the public. Commemorative gold and silver coin sales have begun and a Jamestown stamp will be available soon.
As you plan your family vacation time in 2007, consider making Jamestown one of your get-away locations. May 11-13 will be the 400th Anniversary Celebration with many, many family friendly programs. You can purchase online single day tickets which are $30 for adults, $15 for youth (6-12), and children 6 and under are free. Tickets provide bus transportation to and from satellite parking areas and admission to all three locations (Historic Jamestown, Jamestown Settlement and Anniversary Park). You can also participate in “Journey Up the James” when the replica Godspeed sails from Chesapeake Bay (Virginia Beach’s Cape Henry on April 26-27) on the original route sailed almost 400 years ago docking in 8 different locations and ending in Richmond on May 24-26. Each time the Godspeed docks there will be festivities, music, art and cultural activities planned. Checkout the Jamestown 2007 web site for more details and a large listing of spring, summer and fall events your whole family can participate in together.
Its hard to believe that the commemoration has come this far. It seems like just yesterday that Jamestown Settlement’s Godspeed was sailing north to visit port cities along the East Coast. Nearly half of the commemorative Signature Events have been completed, each vastly exceeding expectations for attendance and national impact.
While a lot has already happened to honor Jamestown’s role in history, we can’t stop to catch our breath just yet. The next several months are critical to expanding the success we have created together. News that Queen Elizabeth II plan to visit the United States in May has further thrust Virginia into the international spotlight.
We need to keep the momentum moving ahead. One last big promotional push in the weeks remaining before Anniversary Weekend, May 11-13th, will ensure the commemoration’s success.
There are several ways to help during the final push toward the main event in May and beyond. As Governor Kaine says in the public service announcements he taped for the commemoration you can participate, plant and promote.
Participate: Volunteer for one of the remaining Signature Events being planned by Jamestown 2007. Volunteers are the commemoration’s lifeblood, and thousands are needed for Anniversary Weekend alone. Volunteering sends a signal to you friends and neighbors that you want to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Your enthusiasm will rub off. Why not encourage your friends and neighbors to volunteer as well? Call (757) 220-7078 or visit www.Americas400thanniversary.com for more information.
In addition to the Signature Events, communities in every corner of the Commonwealth are planning special events and programs focusing on their history and heritage. They need your help. Participate in your local community projects and help make a difference right where you live. The Virginia 2007 communities are listed on the www.Americas400thanniversary.com Web site or you can call (757) 253-4659 for information.
Plant: Show your enthusiasm for America’s 400th Anniversary by planting an Anniversary Garden. A red, white and blue garden will broadcast your support of the commemoration to everyone who sees it. Planting a garden can be a quick and easy way to show your support for this important anniversary. Visit www.ext.vt.edu/americasgarden for planting designs and suggested plant lists.
Promote: Work with your organization to spread the word about plans for America’s 400th Anniversary. Showcase your organization’s efforts and the Signature Events planned for the commemoration in your publications. Talk to your colleagues as well as your friends and neighbors about the commemoration. Encourage them to visit the Historic Triangle any time this year. When was the last time you visited Jamestown?
A new visitors center and museum have opened at Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement has expanded its gallery space by more than 30,000 square feet to tell the story of the settlement of Jamestown in new and exciting ways.
Encourage your colleagues, family, friends and neighbors to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event – Anniversary Weekend. Direct them to www.Americas400thAnniversary.com for information on purchasing tickets for events planned for the historic commemoration.
One more push will ensure that Virginia is prepared for the international stage that has been set. Welcome to 2007 and America’s 400th Anniversary. It’s going to be a great year.
Find out about the Community Projects and Signature Events!
www.jamestown2007.org
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