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

Written By Susan Ammons

Event Features Revolutionary Festival and Exclusive Premiere Screening of Ken Burns's The American Revolution at Yorktown Battlefield

September 20, 2025 3PM, Screening 7PM

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.

Registration Flyer

Official flyer. Scan the QR code for registration.

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.

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.

Gloucester Get Together!

Drone image of Gloucester & Yorktown by Chris Clarke.

Gloucester Point was the site of the "Second Surrender" by General Charles Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington. Gloucester County is also home to the October 3, 1781, Battle of the Hook, the largest cavalry engagement of the American Revolution.

Gloucester County loudly cheers Huzzah! in support of our neighbors celebratory milestone event! Please visit the Gloucester250 vendor booth at the Revolutionary Festival.

New Visit Gloucester shirt in stock!

New Visit Gloucester shirt in stock!

Gloucester County encourages all our neighbors to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You can get involved by inviting a group of fellow history and local lore lovers to attend the event. Wear green and Gloucester gear to create a sea of support showing that Gloucester aided in ending the Revolution and starting America’s freedom! Don’t have any Gloucester gear? The Visitor Center has new stock ready to be rocked, open Sunday and Monday 1-4PM and Tuesday through Saturday 10-4PM.

Follow the Facebook Event to learn of a special seating area where we can watch the screening together!

EVENT SCHEDULE:

  • 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.

  • 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!

Press release submitted by the National Park Service and Colonial National Historical Park. Modifications by Gloucester County.

Susan Ammons