The Mathews VA250 Committee is working hard on event planning and fundraising so it can provide Mathews residents with a memorable celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year.
The committee is asking individuals and businesses in Mathews and across the state and beyond to contribute to its efforts, said committee chair Fred Lyon, especially since Mathews has something unique to offer the nationwide celebration. The county is the site of the first land/sea battle that was held after the signing of the Declaration of Independence—the Battle of Cricket Hill—resulting in the final exit of Lord Dunmore, the last royal governor, from American soil. Not only that, but Mathews has an original musical to commemorate the battle, “Crickets on a Hill,” written by the late Judy Ward of Gwynn’s Island and being produced in 2026 in partnership with the Court House Players and Ward’s singing partner Dave Shuber.
With a $75,000 goal, Lyon said that committee membe...