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 Dare County to Co-Host “Liberty & Light: A Washington’s Victory Tree Celebration” on December 7, 2026
This Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Virginia Dare Chapter and Dare County event will celebrate Revolutionary history and mark the conclusion of Dare County’s America 250 commemorations.
Dare County and the DAR Virginia Dare Chapter will host “Liberty & Light: A Washington’s Victory Tree Celebration” on Monday, December 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lobby of the Dare County Administration Building (954 Marshall C. Collins Dr., Manteo, NC).
The event will serve as a capstone to Dare County’s America 250 (Dare A250) celebrations, marking the conclusion of a year of initiatives commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
The Washington’s Victory Tree project commemorates General George Washington’s historic crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776. Following months of military setbacks, dwindling supplies and expiring enlistments, Washington led approximately 2,400 Continental soldiers across the icy river in a daring operation that helped turn the tide of the American Revolution.
The December 7 “Liberty & Light: A Washington’s Victory Tree Celebration” will feature music, light refreshments and DAR members dressed in colonial attire. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the 24-foot Victory Tree, learn more about the American Revolution and the events of 1776, and see the DAR Virginia Dare Chapter’s America 250 quilt.
The Dare A250 time capsule will also be buried at the Dare County Administration Building on December 7, 2026, as part of the Liberty & Light celebration. Additional details, including the time of the burial ceremony, will be announced soon.
A250 Liberty & Light Community Ornament Crafting Classes
In preparation for the celebration, the DAR Virginia Dare Chapter will host three community ornament crafting workshops throughout the first week of November. Participants will help create patriotic ornaments for the Washington’s Victory Tree display and make a smaller ornament to take home.
The workshops will take place at Dare County’s three community centers:
November 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thomas A. Baum Senior Center in Kill Devil Hills, NC
Call 252.475.5635 to reserve your spot.
November 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fessenden Community Center in Buxton, NC
Call 252.475.5653 to reserve your spot.
November 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Virginia S. Tillett Community Center in Manteo, NC
Call 252.475.9270 to reserve your spot.
Following the December 7, 2026 celebration, the Washington’s Victory Tree will remain on display in the lobby of the Dare County Administration Building throughout the holiday season. The public is welcome to view the display during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
By connecting beloved Christmas traditions with the story of the Revolutionary War, the Washington’s Victory Tree project reflects the DAR’s commitment to historic preservation, education and patriotism while providing a meaningful conclusion to Dare County’s yearlong Dare A250 commemorations.
For more information about Dare County’s America 250 initiatives, visit DareA250.org.
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