The 2019 Commemoration has selected Finn Partners to drive communications and public relations for Virginia's AMERICAN EVOLUTION™ campaign. The multi-year campaign, which consists of 20 events and nine legacy projects, highlights the series of events that occurred in 1619 and set Virginia and America on a course towards the ideals of Democracy, Diversity and Opportunity.

"The 2019 Commemoration has retained Finn Partners to elevate Virginia's history to the national stage and engage local and national audiences as we explore the 400-year arc of history that continues to influence our future," said Kathy Spangler, Executive Director, 2019 Commemoration. "The professionalism, expertise, creativity and tenacity demonstrated by Finn Partners will advance the Commonwealth's planning and implementation of the AMERICAN EVOLUTION campaign and build long-term awareness among Virginia and national audiences."

"Finn Partners is thrilled to support the 2019 Commemoration by generating awareness and interest in, the complex history involving Virginia and its relationship to the nation's development through promoting visitation and learning experiences at Virginia's historic sites," said Peter Finn, founding partner, Finn Partners. "Our past award-winning experience obviously played a role in winning this multi-year account."

Finn Partners will work closely with 2019 Commemoration communications, education, and partnership staff, as well as external partners, to drive local, regional and national media coverage of the Commemoration, through signature events and legacy programs.

The 2019 Commemoration explores our AMERICAN EVOLUTION through key events that occurred in 1619 Virginia and their enduring influence over the ensuing 400-years of history, which has shaped modern-day America. These pivotal events include the first representative legislative assembly in the New World, the arrival of the first Africans to English North America, the recruitment of women to the Virginia colony, the first official English Thanksgiving in North America, and the development of the Colony's entrepreneurial spirit that embodies American business culture today.

Upcoming 2019 Commemoration events include:

• March 1 – May 14 - March to Mother's Day campaign recognizing 12 Virginia women's powerful influence on American history and raising awareness of the Virginia Women's Monument in Richmond's Capitol Square.
• April 10-16 – Annual Tom Tom Founders Festival a one-of-a-kind weeklong celebration of the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community incorporating business, technology, local food, music, art and leadership in Charlottesville, VA.
• May 6 – Virginia Arts Festival, a partner of the 2019 Commemoration, showcases the Richard Alston Dance Company's performance, a British Troupe of graceful dancers that brings music to life.
• May 19 – Virginia Arts Festival, a partner of the 2019 Commemoration, showcases Lula Washington Dance Company's performance reflecting African-American history and filled with power, grace and "theatricality that is captivating."

Learn more about the 2019 Commemoration, AMERICAN EVOLUTION™, at http://www.americanevolution2019.com.

About the 2019 Commemoration

The 2019 Commemoration, AMERICAN EVOLUTION™, highlights events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 and continue to influence America today. Featured programs, events and legacy projects will position Virginia as a leader in education, tourism and economic development. AMERICAN EVOLUTION™ commemorates the ongoing journey toward the key ideals of democracy, diversity and opportunity.

About Finn Partners, Inc.

Finn Partners was launched in late 2011 to realize Peter Finn's vision to create a leading communications agency dedicated to shaping a bold new future in which innovation and partnership are strong drivers of the brand. Finn Partners specializes in the full spectrum of communications services, including digital and social media. Specialty areas include technology, consumer, education, health, travel and lifestyle, CSR, arts, and public and corporate affairs.