Signature events gathered Virginians, travelers, history lovers, and special guests throughout Virginia to join events in the themes of democracy, diversity, and opportunity. Signature events took place during the commemorative year with the help of partners and sponsors. Below, they are listed in the order in which they took place during 2019. Learn more about these commemorative events that made history for the Commonwealth by clicking on each.

Evolution of America: 1619 to Today Documentary
Nationwide
Premiered January 2019

Faith Journeys in the Black Experience, 1619-2019
Virginia Union University
March 19-21, 2019

American Evolution Innovators Cup
Charlottesville
April 11-13, 2019

Virginia International Tattoo
Scope Arena
April 25-28, 2019

Dance Theatre of Harlem
May 3, 2019, Chrysler Hall
May 29, 2019, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
September 13, 2019, Virginia Tech’s Moss Art Center

Global Pathfinder Summit
Charlottesville
May 20-24, 2019

Presidential Ideas Festival: Democracy in Dialogue
University of Virginia
May 21-23, 2019

Visit by Speaker Bercow of the House of Commons
Virginia State Capitol
May 28, 2019

400th Anniversary of America’s First Representative Legislative Assembly
Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement
July 30, 2019

American Evolution Forum on the Future of Representative Democracy
Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary
July 30-August 1, 2019

First African Landing Commemorative Weekend
Fort Monroe
August 22-25, 2019

Condoleezza Rice and Philip Zelikow: To Build a Better World
Charlottesville, Virginia
September 12, 2019

1619: Making of America Summit
Norfolk State University
September 25-28, 2019

Women’s Achieve Summit
Greater Richmond Convention Center
October 15, 2019

Virginia Customs, Cultures, and Cuisine Festival
Statewide
November 1-30, 2019

Sampling the Centuries: Virginia’s Food Firsts
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond
November 2, 2019

Virginia Thanksgiving Festival
Berkeley Plantation
November 3, 2019

Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora (ASWAD) 10th Biennial Conference
Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary
November 5-9, 2019

Fanfare to the Military & Democracy
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
November 9, 2019

Pocahontas Reframed “Storytellers” Film Festival
The Byrd Theater
November 21-24, 2019

400th Commemorative Ceremony of the First Official English Thanksgiving
Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg
December 4, 2019