JAMESTOWN, Va., March 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Virginia's 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution announced its schedule of signature events, special exhibitions and programming taking place this year, which explore the 400^th anniversary of several pivotal events of 1619 Virginia that shaped our nation. These significant events include the first representative legislative assembly in the New World, the arrival of the first recorded Africans to English North America, the recruitment of English women in significant numbers, the first official English Thanksgiving in North America, and the development of the Virginia colony's entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. 

"Virginia has long been recognized as the birthplace of our nation, and in 2019 the Commonwealth is partnering with notable Virginia institutions to host more than 20 events, exhibitions and programming commemorating the 400^th anniversary of key 1619 Virginia events that still have a profound effect today," said Kathy Spangler, Executive Director of the 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution. "We invite local and national audiences to visit Virginia in 2019 and participate in our robust schedule of events and comprehensive historical programming to learn more about the enduring influence these 1619 Virginia events had an in shaping today's America. Also, as the first digital commemoration, we encourage you to engage with us online through social media; our Virginia History Trails mobile app; and through our American Evolution Stories storytelling platform."

American Evolution signature events include:

• Faith Journeys in the Black Experience, 1619-2019, March 20-21, 2019, Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA
• American Evolution Innovators Cup at Tom Tom Founders Festival, April 11-13, 2019, Charlottesville, VA
• Virginia International Tattoo, April 25-28, 2019, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA
• World Premier: Dance Theatre of Harlem , May 3-5, 2019, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk, VA
• Global Pathfinder Summit, May 20-24, 2019, Charlottesville, VA
• Presidential Ideas Festival: Democracy in Dialogue, May 21-23, 2019, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
• Dance Theatre of Harlem Ballet-John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, May 29, 2019, Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
• 400th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony of the First Representative Legislative Assembly, July 30, 2019, Historic Jamestowne, Williamsburg, VA
• American Evolution Forum on the Future of Representative Democracy, July 31– August 1, 2019, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
• African Arrival Commemoration and Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Dedication, August 23-25, 2019, Fort Monroe, Hampton, VA
• Dance Theatre of Harlem Ballet-Blacksburg, September 14, 2019, Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
• 1619: Making of America Summit, September 25-28, 2019, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
• "Voices from the Garden" Women's Monument Dedication Event, October 14, 2019, Capitol Square, Richmond, VA
• Women's Achieve Summit, October 14-15, 2019, Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA
• Customs, Cultures and Cuisines Festival, Statewide, November 2019
• Sampling the Centuries: Virginia's Food Firsts , November 2, 2019, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA
• Virginia Thanksgiving Festival, November 3, 2019, Berkeley Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia
• 10th Biennial  Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora Conference, November 5-9, 2019, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
• Fanfare to the Military and Democracy, November 9, 2019, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Pocahontas Reframed: Storytellers Film Festival, November 21 – 24, 2019, Byrd Theater, Richmond, Virginia

American Evolution special exhibitions and programming include:

• Tenacity: Women in Jamestown and Early Virginia Special Exhibition, November 10, 2018 – January 5, 2020, Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg, VA
• New Virginians: 1619 to Today and Beyond Special Exhibition, December 10, 2018 – December 7, 2019, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA
• Evolution of America: 1619 to Today Documentary (Televised Nationwide), premiered January 2019
• The Great Charter and the General Assembly: Founding a Legacy in 1619 Special Exhibition,  January 25 – December 31, 2019, Virginia State Capitol Visitor Center, Richmond, VA
• Historic Jamestowne: 1619 Democracy, Diversity and Discovery New Permanent Exhibition, Opens April 15, 2019, Historic Jamestowne, Williamsburg, VA
• Cosmologies from the Tree of Life: Art from the African American South Special Exhibition, June 8 – November 17, 2019, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA
• Determined: The 400-year Struggle for Black Equality Special Exhibition, June 19, 2019 – March 1, 2020, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond, VA

American Evolution educational initiatives include:

• 2019 Commemoration Schools

American Evolution digital platforms include:

• Virginia History Trails App
• American Evolution Stories
• Virginia to America series
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

American Evolution's signature events, legacy projects, and educational initiatives build awareness of Virginia's role in the creation of the United States and reinforces Virginia's leadership in education, tourism, and economic development. The 2019 Commemoration elevates the history and untold stories from cities and towns across the Commonwealth that had an indelible impact on today's America. American Evolution also explores the 400 years of intervening history and how issues that faced the English colonists, first enslaved Africans and Virginia Indians in 1619 Virginia remain relevant today.

About the 2019 Commemoration
The 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution™, highlights events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 that continue to influence America today. Featured programs, events and legacy projects position Virginia as a leader in education, tourism and economic development. American Evolution™ commemorates the ongoing journey toward the key ideals of democracy, diversity and opportunity. Dominion Energy is an American Evolution Founding Partner and Altria Group and TowneBank are Virginia Colony Partners.

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SOURCE American Evolution