PBS has announced America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together, a live two-hour special broadcasting from Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET and it’s going to be unlike anything we’ve done before.
This isn’t just a TV event. It’s a national celebration — blending live performance, music, historic interpretation, and large-scale visual spectacle, all set in the very place where America’s founding ideas first took hold. Produced in partnership with VA250, the special marks the nation’s Semiquincentennial by connecting 250 years of American independence directly to the present day.
Timed to coincide with the nation’s Semiquincentennial, the two-hour broadcast will celebrate the ideas, people, and defining moments that gave rise to the United States. Set in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER (w.t.) will blend live performance, music, historic interpretation, and large-scale visual spectacle to create an inspiring national event that connects the nation’s founding directly to the present day, offering a powerful reflection on America’s past, present, and future.
“As we mark 250 years of American independence, there is no more fitting place to celebrate than Colonial Williamsburg, where the founding ideas that shaped our nation first took hold,” said Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming at PBS. “This special brings that history to life in a way that honors the past while resonating with audiences today. We’re proud to partner with VA250 to continue our long-standing tradition of live programming in celebration of America’s birthday.”
“This exciting partnership is grounded in shared values: educating every American; engaging with every community; and inspiring a season of civic renewal that energizes and unifies us. As the birthplace of our nation, Virginia belongs to every American. As we come together on July 4, 2026 to celebrate 250 years of independence, it is Virginia’s honor to welcome America home.” said Carly Fiorina, National Honorary Chair of VA250.
Rooted in Virginia’s central role in the nation’s founding — from Jamestown to Williamsburg to Yorktown — the event underscores the enduring impact of the Commonwealth in shaping the United States. Designed as both a celebration and a unifying national moment, the broadcast invites audiences to reflect on the past, engage in the present and see themselves reflected in America’s continuing story.
“This is truly an historic moment – for Williamsburg, the Commonwealth and the United States – and we look forward to welcoming the world to our revolutionary city,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “We are deeply honored that PBS will broadcast our celebration live to millions across the country. America’s vote for independence began here in Williamsburg, and we are excited to join with VA250, PBS and all Americans to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with our most spectacular Independence Day event ever.”
Additional details, including featured talent and participants, will be announced at a later date.
AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER (w.t.) will stream simultaneously with broadcast and be available on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS app, which is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and VIZIO.
AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER (w.t.) is part of a slate of new programming for PBS America @ 250, a multiyear celebration of U.S. history, culture, and children’s programming that pays homage to America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. As part of the largest national and local engagement effort in its history, PBS member stations are activating events in more than 75 markets nationwide. In addition to tentpole programming like THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION from Florentine Films, PBS KIDS, PBS LearningMedia, PBS Digital Studios, and PBS member stations are exploring these topics at a national and local level. PBS America @ 250 programming will span across History, Music and Culture, plus programming from PBS KIDS. Visit the PBS America @ 250 Explore Page at www.pbs.org/explore/pbs-america-at-250 for more program information and PBS LearningMedia resources.
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Attention All:
Abigail Scamberger, new governess of Virginia, has cancelled 250th Anniversary festivities for all except taxpayers send her their ATM pin codes. She promises not to take too much money and will spend it wisely.
Go vote Hell No!