Step Into History at “We the People: A Yorktown Battlefield Event”

Contact: Sandra Tennyson, 757-897-4598

YORKTOWN, Va. - Colonial National Historical Park invites the public to "We the People: A Yorktown Battlefield Event," a free, one-of-a-kind celebration on Saturday, September 20 on the historic grounds of Yorktown Battlefield.

Beginning at 3 pm, the public is invited to take part in the Revolutionary Festival, featuring live music, living history demonstrations, and hands-on activities, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for all ages.

The program begins at 7 pm with a musical performance by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), quickly followed by an exclusive premiere screening of acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns's highly anticipated documentary, The American Revolution - set on the very battlefield where history was made.

Presented in collaboration with WHRO Public Media, York County, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, and the VA250 Commission, this premiere will feature never-before-seen excerpts created specifically for the event, spotlighting the pivotal Siege of Yorktown-a defining moment in America's fight for independence.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Visit our website for details: We the People: A Yorktown Battlefield Event.

"We are so excited to be hosting this once-in-a-lifetime event to experience an unforgettable evening of history and storytelling - on the battlefield where it happened," said Superintendent Jerri Marr. "We truly appreciate our gateway community partners for helping us bring this event to life and can't wait to see you there!"

The entire 12-hour, 6-part documentary, which includes scenes filmed throughout Colonial Virginia, premieres on PBS on November 16 and is co-directed by Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Schmidt, a Virginia native, will participate in the event.

Be among the first to experience the incredible storytelling and vivid imagery for which Ken Burns is known, all set against the backdrop of the very battlefield where these historic events unfolded.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

• Revolutionary Festival: Begins at 3 pm. Enjoy live music, living history, food trucks, artillery demonstrations, and interactive activities for all ages.

• Film Screening: Starts at 7 pm. Arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy unforgettable performances by the Fifes & Drums of York Town and the Old Guard.

HOW TO GET THERE:

• Battlefield Parking: Opens at 3 pm at 2100 Cook Road (corner of Cook Road & Ballard Street). Parking is limited. Arrive early and consider carpooling.

• Ride Share Drop-Off: Located near the Victory Monument (803 Main Street).

• Additional Parking: Available throughout Yorktown, including:

• Water Street parking terrace

• American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

• The FREE, accessible Yorktown Trolley runs from 10 am until 9 pm. Download the app on your iPhone or Android and follow the Trolley on the We the People route.

• ADA Parking: Available at Battlefield Parking lot for vehicles with valid handicap parking tags.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Lawn chairs, coolers, and flashlights

• Closed-toe shoes (recommended due to grassy, uneven terrain and brush)

• Be prepared for changing weather conditions

• Bug spray, sunscreen, and tick protection (long pants are recommended)

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

• Alcohol and smoking are prohibited.

• Pop-up tents, umbrellas, glass containers, pets, and drones are also not allowed.

OTHER DETAILS:

• General Information: call 757-898-2410 general information and updates.

• Follow us on social media: @ColonialNPS @visityorktown @WHROPublicMedia @jyfmuseums

• Food trucks will be available during the event.

• The event will proceed rain or shine. In case of severe weather, the event will be cancelled.

Join us for an inspiring evening under the stars as we celebrate our nation's history!

www.nps.gov

About Colonial National Historical Park Established in 1930, Colonial National Historical Park preserves and interprets sites and stories fundamental to the founding of the United States and the roots of its national identity. The park encompasses Jamestown Island, site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, and Yorktown Battlefield, where American forces and their allies achieved victory in the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. These significant landmarks are linked by the 23-mile Colonial Parkway, designated as an "All-American Road" for its scenic and historical value. Learn more at www.nps.gov/colo.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.