VMHC invites travelers to explore historic sites with ‘VA250 Passport’ program

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC) is inviting residents and visitors to step back in time and explore the state’s widespread history -- one stamp at a time.

The “VA250 passport” program is a 64-page booklet that doubles as a guide and discount book. Guests at 70 participating museums and historic sites can collect stamps, receive discounts and enter to win prizes.

This includes George Washington's Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the American Revolution Museum, Virginia Tourism Corporation and Colonial Williamsburg.

VMHC affiliates coordinator Audrey Woods said the demand has grown since it started last year.

“We originally printed 250,000 passports as kind of a limited run for this year, but there has been so much, so much interest and widespread public support that we've decided to reprint 75,000 more,” Woods said. 

According to the American Alliance of Museums, attendance at museums has been down since the pandemic. Woods said the passports give these places more exposure and get people outside.

“There are people that are coming out and saying, ‘we haven't seen this place before, but we're really excited to know that it's here and kind of getting more of these institutions on the map,’” Woods said. “Even though there is an incentive with the prizes, they are excited to go get a stamp, have a weekend with family or friends and get out and learn these stories of Virginia.”

The program runs until the end of 2026.