Love art? Love history?

First off, don't click out of this article if you're reading it after the display dates of art exhibits and events listed below. Or beyond 2026- in every sense of the word, this post is what we bloggers call "evergreen."

It stays relevant. (and yes, I do update my posts as well!)

And don't worry: Before the closing words from history, I'll offer up links to help you find art commemorating our nation's 250th (and beyond!).

Disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

Partial view, Karen Rinaldo's Road to Liberty, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

2 exhibits I saw before July 4th.

Fresh Views of the American Revolution

Through September 7, 2026 at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Link here.

The work of folk artist Oscar de Mejo is foundational to this exhibit which goes well beyond traditional. From immersive sound (poetry read aloud) to sculptures as well as framed art, inspiration is only one layer of the experience.

Told from multiple perspectives, the American Revolution through war, and continued expansion of laws, ideas, faith and hope is broken down into "sections."

Words like 'Power,' 'Determination,' and 'Memory' guide the stories told throughout the journey.

Fresh Views signage.

Oscar de Mejo used his perspective to put oil to canvas for the bicentennial of American Independence. Now, as America celebrates 250, his work is a profound insight into a 1976 view of major events such as the British Surrender at Yorktown and the Boston Massacre.

Oscar de Mejo work on display.

The vibe is as important as the well-placed and perfectly-sorted art (bravo to the curators!). I've visited the exhibit several times and have always walked away proud to be a citizen in a nation where words like 'determination' -- and liberty -- carry multitudes of nuance.

A nation of shared history, echoed with Fresh Views of the American Revolution and the many contributing artists.

Maremi Andreozzi's Mary Kittamaquund Brent

1776-2026 Art Show at Petersburg Visitor's Center

Through August 2, 2026 at the South Depot in Petersburg, Virginia.

Link here.

If you've read my post about Petersburg, Virginia, you know it's a city steeped in history and exploding with passionate people working to preserve and share that history.

Entry hall, Petersburg Visitor's Center.

The South Side Depot, built in 1854, now serves to welcome guests- it's the city's Visitor's Center. And as of now, July, 2026, the home of a 250th art exhibit expanding understanding of the revolutionary era from three distinct artist perspectives.

Also- three distinct mediums to tell the stories of Petersburg, Virginia, and early America.

Daniel Jones, photography.

Angela Orrell, mixed media.

Bobby Lynch, oil pastel and pencil on hand-tinted paper.

From native tribes of Virginia to members of government and the land they all inhabited, you get a profound view into the region. A 250th represented through art, by local creators.

Angela Orrell's work on display.

Exploring the 1776-2026 exhibit in Petersburg is intense. High ceilings, light and airy spaces filled with emotion-invoking creations. Each one instilling thoughts of the people impacted by the Revolutionary War, their homes, their actions, their perspectives.

And isn't that the point? To inspire a deeper dive into stories that make our history relatable? Truly, these artists are preserving our shared history through photography, oils, and more.

If you read this after August 2nd- no worries. Petersburg is there to discover- click here to open my article on this compelling city in a new tab (filled with links of course!).

Art found through America250.

If you open America250.org in a new tab, you'll be able to search art exhibits near you as well as virtual events. (use the calendar button!)

I attended a lecture earlier this year focused on the Hudson Valley River School. Click here to learn about the men and women who painted nature and whose names will forever be connected.

A few active temporary exhibits across the nation include:

• Colorado: Mile High Expressions through November 2, 2026- student art exhibited at the Denver Airport; every piece created to tell the story of Colorado's past, present, or future as the state celebrates 150 and the nation 250!

• Louisiana: American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition through January 17, 2027 at the Historic New Orleans Collection on Royal Street- an immersive 3D exhibit where visitors can experience pivotal moments of our Revolutionary era.

• New York: Folk Nation: Crafting Patriotism in the United States through September 13, 2026 at the American Folk Art Museum- an exhibit diving into Folk Art as a discipline and into the complexity of utilizing it to tell the stories of our shared past!

250 flag decor, Petersburg Visitor's Center.

The Revolution continues, and so will the art.

Art celebrating, dissecting, analyzing, and honoring our shared American history is everywhere. As we continue on this great experiment of our republic, so will the art. New sculptures. New perspectives. Paintings, portraits, and pottery from the past.

Art tied to the history of this land and this nation is constantly on display.

Get out there and find it. Or... create it. Celebrate the power of art to preserve our shared history.

Did you think I wouldn't offer you an offer?

If you'll be visiting this region of Virginia, book a call with me to discuss a curated itinerary, started at $99, which can include sites where you'll find revolutionary (or Revolutionary-specific!) art. Click here.

Closing words from history.

The value of art to the memories of our American Revolutionary 'heroes.' This excerpt requesting Thomas Jefferson's opinion on committing Sam Adams to the historic record- through a sketch.

To read the letter in full on Founders Archives, click here.

Benjamin Waterhouse to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1819

(letter continues...)

A few months Since the rich men of Boston caused a fine bust of marble to be made by a French sculptor of John Adams, & placed it in the Town-hall, while the merits of Samuel Adams are passed over in Silence. This neglect induced Tempus to make the enclosed Sketch, to recall the half lost memory of Samuel Adams, and the few remaining old patriots of the revolution have shouted applause

Another reason for throwing this Sketch of S. A. before the public in the News papers, was to profit by the remarks & objections, should I ever venture to introduce the picture of that undeviating patriot into the history of our times. I cannot however conceal the strong desire I have to know your opinion of Samuel Adams. It is reported that Prest Jefferson has repeatedly said that Samuel Adams was the earliest, most active, & persevering man of the revolution. Should you give me your opinion, I would, if thought best, conceal it.

Should the history of our revolution, down to the conclusion of our late war appear, written in the manner of “Tempus,” would the stile of it correspond with the subject?

If I am wrong in my opinion that Samuel Adams was the most meritorious man (his poverty, & all such things taken into consideration) in our revolution, I should deeply regret inserting it in permanent history.

I rejoice, in common with our countrymen, in the restoration of your health, and am with a high degree of respect
your obt servt

Benjamin Waterhouse.

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.