As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, the USS Yorktown Foundation—the nonprofit fundraising partner of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum—is inviting the community to help preserve America's stories for future generations through the launch of its Give for America 250 campaign.
The campaign comes during a milestone year for Patriots Point, which is celebrating its own 50th anniversary of honoring the men and women who served our nation through preservation, education, and community engagement.
"History doesn't preserve itself," said Beverly Hardin, Executive Director of the USS Yorktown Foundation. "As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're reminded that preserving these stories requires people who believe they matter—and who are willing to invest in passing them on to future generations."
Through the generosity of donors, members, corporate partners, and community supporters, the USS Yorktown Foundation helps preserve the museum's historic ships and artifacts, fund educational scholarships, develop engaging exhibits, and support programs that inspire future generations.
The campaign also highlights a new partnership with Real Liberty Copper, offering a limited-edition Lady Liberty Enlightening the World commemorative coin crafted from authentic copper removed from the Statue of Liberty during its landmark restoration between 1984 and 1986. Created to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, the historic copper has been transformed into a lasting keepsake celebrating freedom, democracy, and hope.
Ten percent of every commemorative coin purchase will directly support the USS Yorktown Foundation's mission to cultivate a unique learning environment that connects generations by celebrating America’s history and its heroes while inspiring freedom, patriotism, leadership, and service.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to celebrating America's history during this milestone anniversary. Like the Statue of Liberty, Patriots Point connects visitors with the stories and people that remind us where we've been, what we've overcome, and the ideals that continue to unite us.
As the Foundation begins its new fiscal year, they will also advance several major initiatives, including Operation Restoration: Phase II, which will restore the historic helicopters in Patriots Point's Vietnam Support Base, and the development of a new exhibit exploring the lasting impact of military service and the invisible wounds of war. Thanks to the generosity of two of our donors, a couple who retired from Boeing, every gift supporting Operation Restoration: Phase II will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000, doubling the impact of every contribution toward restoring these historic aircraft.
Community members are invited to take part by making a Give for America 250 donation, becoming a Patriots Point member, or purchasing a commemorative Lady Liberty Enlightening the World coin.
For more information about the campaign, to make a gift, or to learn more about the Lady Liberty commemorative coin, visit patriotspoint.org/foundation.