The City of Chesapeake announced on Jan. 23 that it will host the “Charter to Chesapeake” event from June 19-22, 2026, at Battlefield Park. The event is free and open to the public.
The celebration marks America’s 250th year and will feature interactive living history displays, educational activities, colonial trade demonstrations, hands-on crafts for all ages, food trucks, and more. Attendees can tour the tall ship Sultana, a full-scale reproduction of a schooner from 1768. The city said this event aims to immerse visitors in Chesapeake’s maritime heritage and Early American history along the waterways of Battlefield Park.
The City of Chesapeake preserves historic districts and supports educational events such as the Battle of Great Bridge reenactment, according to the official website. Covering an area of 353 square miles across diverse environments, Chesapeake is rooted in early English settlements near the Elizabeth River dating back to around 1620 according to its official website.
Chesapeake operates under a council-manager form of government according to its official website. The city also has ties to significant Revolutionary War events including the Battle of Great Bridge in 1775 according to its official website.
As an official Sail Virginia 2026 Affiliate Harbor, this event reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities and organizations to highlight both historical preservation and community engagement.
