The Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s “Becoming Citizens” program returns this spring, offering 100% free citizenship preparation classes to help prepare people for taking their citizenship test.

For seven consecutive Thursday evenings from May 2 to June 13, 2024, VMHC staff will help prepare aspiring citizens with civics and history lessons necessary to pass the citizenship examination. Unlike other citizenship classes, this course will allow for participants to interact with original historical objects, books, maps and documents.

Participants will also receive free study material to continue their preparation after the class ends.

The program has been offered at the VMHC since 2022 and has helped people from all over the world gain a deeper understanding of American history, culture and civic responsibilities, ultimately empowering them to fully engage and contribute to their communities.

As a part of a multi-year initiative to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the VMHC is offering an increasing number of public programs over the next two years. This includes an increase in the number of citizenship ceremonies, where candidates for citizenship take the oath of naturalization.

The VMHC now hosts citizenship ceremonies on both President’s Day and Independence Day (July 4th) that are open to the public. Learn more about VMHC’s 250th Initiative at VirginiaHistory.org/250. “Becoming Citizens” classes will be held from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. every Thursday, starting May 2 to June 13, 2024. Pre-registration is recommended, but guests can register at the door on the evening of the first class. Guests should also be able to read, write and speak basic English.

For more information or to register for classes, please visit www.VirginiaHistory.org/Citizenship.