Show notes
Cheryl L. Wilson is the Executive Director of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), a role she has held since January 10, 2022. A nationally recognized leader in historical commemorations, Wilson is spearheading Virginia’s efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the independence of the United States in 2026. Her leadership focuses on coordinating statewide activities, collaborating with historic sites, national parks, museums, tourism organizations, and state agencies to create educational, engaging, and inclusive events that highlight Virginia’s pivotal role in the nation’s founding.
Wilson brings extensive experience to her role, having previously served as the Executive Director of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission (2006–2015), where her work was recognized as a national model for balanced and inclusive commemoration. She also led the Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission (2016–2020), developing programs to honor veterans and mark significant historical anniversaries. Her initiatives have included award-winning mobile museum exhibitions, signature conferences, large-scale commemorative events, and a document digitization effort that preserved 32,000 historical records.
With over three decades of experience working with the Virginia General Assembly, including as Deputy Clerk for Committee Operations for the House of Delegates, Wilson has a deep understanding of Virginia’s historical and political landscape. She has fostered partnerships across the Commonwealth, overseeing initiatives like the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, which launched in January 2025 to bring the story of the American Revolution to communities statewide, starting with “A Salute to Southwest Virginia” commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Fincastle Resolutions. Her work emphasizes the theme “To Form a More Perfect Union,” encouraging civic engagement and reflection on American citizenship.
Wilson has been actively involved in key VA250 events, such as the interactive exhibit at the Virginia State Capitol, the “America Made in Virginia” campaign, and the “A Common Cause to All” convening of state planners in 2024 and 2025. She has also collaborated with notable figures like Ken Burns for the premiere of his documentary “The American Revolution” and has secured support from donors like Rob and Jean Estes for the mobile museum. Her efforts have been featured in media outlets, including Cardinal News and Richmond Times-Dispatch, highlighting her role in uniting Virginians to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial.
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