The VA250 Traveling Museum

On September 26 and 27, the VA250 Traveling Museum stopped in Fincastle, inviting residents to explore 250 years of Virginia’s Revolutionary legacy. Parked near the Fincastle Library, the mobile exhibit offered an immersive experience that connected statewide history with local heritage.

I checked out the museum on Friday with several friends. We had a really good time, especially when we were all reciting Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty" speech together. I guess every Virginian was required to learn that in the 4th grade.

The museum is part of the VA250 initiative, a multi-year commemoration of the American Revolution’s 250th anniversary. The rolling exhibit features interactive displays, historical artifacts, and digital storytelling that highlight Virginia’s role in the founding of the United States. It's on a tractor trailer and moves from town to town.

While we were there, we explored themes ranging from indigenous history and colonial resistance to civic evolution and community memory. For Botetourt County, whose own Revolutionary contributions include the drafting of the Botetourt Resolutions in 1775, the museum’s presence served as both education and affirmation.

The Botetourt Resolutions were a significant declaration by the leaders of Botetourt County, Virginia, expressing support for American independence and self-governance. The document was issued during a time of rising tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. 

It was prepared by the freeholders of Botetourt County and sent instructions to their representatives attending the Second Virginia Convention. This document was a response to the increasing dissatisfaction with British rule and the desire for greater autonomy among the colonies. 

The resolutions articulated the county's commitment to liberty and the principles of self-governance, setting a precedent for the revolutionary movement. They emphasized the importance of unity among the colonies and called for action against British oppression. The Botetourt Resolutions predated the Declaration of Independence by more than a year, highlighting the county's early stance in favor of independence.

Local volunteers and historians helped contextualize the broader narrative, linking national milestones to Fincastle’s own layered past. The museum’s visit was part of a larger series of events planned throughout Virginia leading up to 2026, as communities reclaim their place in the nation’s founding story.

I became so involved in reading the history that it wasn't until we were nearly done that I remembered to take pictures for the blog, so these are not the best.

If it comes to a location near you, it's definitely worth seeing.