A. The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
1. Formulate and implement a program for the inclusive observance of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States and the Revolutionary War in Virginia, including (i) civic, cultural, and historical education and scholarship concerning the ideals of the American Revolution and their contemporary relevance; (ii) visitation of museums and historic sites, including battlefields; (iii) creation and publication of historical documents and studies; (iv) cooperation with agencies responsible for the preservation or restoration of historic sites, buildings, art, and artifacts; (v) establishment of exhibitions and interpretive and wayfinding signage; (vi) arrangement of appropriate public ceremonies; (vii) a comprehensive marketing and tourism campaign encompassing calendar year 2025 through calendar year 2026; and (viii) the general dissemination of public information regarding Virginia's involvement in the American Revolution and its legacy today;
2. Appoint and establish an advisory council composed of nonlegislative citizen members at large who have a knowledge of relevant history or expertise in areas useful to the work of the Commission, including a representative of the Sons of the Revolution in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a representative of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, and a representative of the National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association. The advisory council shall make recommendations and provide comment as requested by the Commission. The Commission may from time to time appoint, add, or remove members of the advisory council. Members of the advisory council shall serve without compensation or reimbursement;
3. Appoint and establish an executive committee composed of members of the Commission, including the Commission's chairman and vice-chairman and one representative designated by each of the following: the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, and Gunston Hall; and
4. Perform such other duties, functions, and activities as may be necessary to facilitate and implement the objectives of the Commission.
B. The Commission may solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, grants, donations, bequests, or other funds or real or personal property for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission. In accordance with the appropriation act, the Commission may procure supplies, services, and property, and make or enter into contracts, leases, or other legal agreements as it may deem necessary to carry out its duties as set forth in this chapter. No contract, lease, or other legal agreement shall be entered into by the Commission that extends beyond the date of expiration of the Commission.
2023, cc. 655 , 656 .
