YORKTOWN VICTORY CELEBRATION

The Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution, will feature military demonstrations, including musket, artillery and militia drills, and hands-on interpretive programs in re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and 1780s farm during its “Yorktown Victory Celebration,” Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special activities, including a parade and commemorative programs on Sunday, October 19, also will take place at Yorktown Battlefield and in istoric Yorktown, where Jamestown Settlement’s Godspeed will be docked for free public tours at Riverwalk Landing both days.

At the Yorktown Victory Center, visitors to the re-created Continental Army encampment will be invited to experience Revolutionary War military life firsthand by enrolling in “A School for the Soldier,” offering opportunities to drill with wooden muskets and apply tactical skills in mock combat, as well as learn about soldiers’ provisions and sleeping quarters. The program also explores methods of troop communication, espionage during the war and the importance of earthworks during a siege. “School” sessions will be offered at 10:35 a.m. and 12:35, 1:35 and 4:05 p.m. on both days.  Visitor participatory artillery demonstrations will be held at 11:05 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. each day.

Visitors to the re-created 1780s Tidewater farm can observe open-hearth cooking at 11:35 a.m., learn about the role of tobacco in the colony at 1:05 p.m., and take part in 18th-century games at 4:05 p.m. At 2:05 p.m. each day, “The Price of Liberty” provides insight to the sacrifices and hardships endured by Americans who sought independence, including military and political leaders, soldiers, farmers, merchants, women and slaves. During a militia drill at 3:35 p.m. each day, visitors can experience the colonists’ fight for freedom by training as a member of the citizen militia.

Thematic gallery exhibits provide eyewitness accounts of the American Revolution, describe the convergence of forces on Yorktown in 1781 for the climactic military engagement of the revolution, and examine the development of the Constitution and Bill of Rights and how people from many different cultures shaped a new society.

“Yorktown Victory Celebration” is funded in part by the York County Arts Commission.

Participation in event activities is included with Yorktown Victory Center admission of $9.25 for adults and $5.00 for ages 6 through 12. Children under six are admitted free. The Yorktown Victory Center, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily year-round, is located on Route 1020 near the Colonial Parkway in Yorktown. Online tickets also are available.