Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Virginia First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin kicked off their 4th of July celebration last week by presenting a Spirit of Virginia Award to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
The private, not-for-profit, educational institution is the largest U.S. history museum in the world.
“The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation embodies the spirit of Virginia, where history isn’t just preserved, but brought to life,” Youngkin said. “It’s a place where the echoes of our past resonate with the promise of our future, inspiring us to embrace our heritage with pride and purpose.”
According to the First Lady, the foundation “serves as a cornerstone of Virginia’s cultural and educational landscape, enriching our community by showing our nation’s incredible history. As my husband always says, Virginia’s history is America’s history, and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation aims to show this every day.”
“We are honored to receive this recognition for our work to share a complete, inclusive and factual history of our nation and the Commonwealth,” said Colonial Williamsburg president and CEO Cliff Fleet. “We are proud to be partnering closely with the Commonwealth and other organizations across Virginia and the nation as we plan to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, when we will celebrate the foundational principles that have made the United States a beacon for all who seek freedom and a better way of life.”
Carly Fiorina, Chair of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Board, said the foundation is honored to receive the award for its efforts to share Virginia’s rich history with the nation.
“Virginia’s history is America’s story. We take pride in our leadership role, both in Virginia and across the nation, as we approach both America’s 250th anniversary and our Foundation’s centennial in 2026,” Fiorina said.
Williamsburg was Virginia’s colonial capital at the time of the Revolution and served as the political, cultural and educational hub of the largest and most influential American colony from 1699 to 1780. As the American ideals of freedom and independence began to take root, Williamsburg played a critical role in determining the success of the New World.
In the early 20th century, after Virginia’s capital moved north to Richmond, Colonial Williamsburg was restored to depict its original 18th-century appearance. Today, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation works to ensure that future generations have knowledge of Virgina’s rich history. By preserving authentic sites where the essence of our nation was born, Colonial Williamsburg enables Americans to draw inspiration from the genuine stories of individuals who, through revolution, laid the foundation of a nation grounded in principles of equality and freedom.
The Spirit of Virginia Award honors exceptional characteristics and notable accomplishments throughout the Commonwealth, celebrating Virginians for their extraordinary contributions in private sectors, education, culture, the arts and philanthropy.
The Governor and Mrs. Youngkin will present three more Spirit of Virginia Awards in 2024. All recipients of the Spirit of Virginia Award will be recognized during a holiday reception at Virginia’s Executive Mansion to take place at the end of the year.
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Rebecca Barnabi
