19 minute read
HISTORIC AREA PROGRAMS
from 2023 Winter Planner
by CWResorts
H I S T O R I C A R E A
PROGRAMS
Saturday, Mar. 4 9:30am - 4:30pm | Milliner & Mantua-maker Visit with the Mantua-makers at the Margaret Hunter Shop throughout the day to track their progress as they create a gown from start to finish in an eighteenthcentury workday. Join us to celebrate the skilled hands of enslaved and free women who practiced our trade on the eve of the Revolution.
All Things are Possible
Sunday, Feb. 5 Sunday, Feb. 19 Sunday, Feb. 12 1:30 - 2:15pm | Hennage Auditorium Meet with Robert Carter III, who, in 1791, owned more enslaved individuals than any other Virginian. His inner struggles and newfound faith led him to an extraordinary decision, followed by an equally remarkable action. Knowing what is right and doing it was just as difficult in the 18th century as it is today, but not to those who truly believe that “all things are possible.”
American Indian Interpretation
Sunday, Feb. 19 Sunday, Feb. 20 9:30 - 11:30am | Governor’s Palace East Advance
Native nations came to Williamsburg regularly in the 18th century to discuss matters of trade, warfare, and diplomacy. Explore the diverse cultures of Native peoples striving to preserve their traditional way of life and learn about their roles in creating a new country.
Amoury Activity Stations for Home Educators
Daily | Feb. 25 - Mar. 6 9:30am - 4:30pm | Public Amoury How did industrialization impact America’s fight for freedom? Explore the Anderson Amoury compound and learn about the war’s demands on Williamsburg’s industry. Recommended for all ages. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a Homeschool Admission Ticket.
An Apprentice Founder’s Workday
Saturday, Jan. 7 Saturday, Feb. 11 Saturday, Jan. 14 Saturday, Feb. 18 Saturday, Jan. 21 Saturday, Feb. 25 Saturday, Jan. 28 Saturday, Mar. 4 Saturday, Feb. 4 Saturday, Mar. 11 10 - 11am | Foundry | $60 per person Learn about the daily routine of an apprentice at the Geddy Foundry by completing a pewter spoon to take home from start to finish. Minimum age is 7. Limit of 10 participants. Participants arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be admitted.
A Patriotic American For Home Educators
Tuesday, Feb. 28 3:30 - 4:15pm | Hennage Auditorium $5 per person Thursday, Mar. 2 10:30 - 11am | Hennage Auditorium $5 per person Elizabeth Braxton, the wife of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, reflects on the changes, challenges, and consequences faced by her family during the Revolution. Explore identity, loyalty, and patriotism as she ponders how to define an American when you cannot define the country.
Saturday, Feb. 18 11:30am - 12:15pm | Governor’s Palace Stage Meet with President Washington as he looks back over his long career in public service. How did his years in the House of Burgesses prepare him for later roles? Learn what it was like to serve as the commander in chief of the American forces during the Revolutionary War. Listen as he reflects on his part in drafting the Federal Constitution, which led to his election as the first President of the United States.
Sunday, Feb. 19 11:30am - 12:15pm | Governor’s Palace Stage Meet with President Jefferson as he looks back over his long career in public service. He will reflect on the American Revolution, drafting the Declaration of Independence, and his tenure as governor of Virginia during the war. Listen to his personal insight on what he thinks of his roles in the new government.
Monday, Feb. 20 11:30am - 12:15pm | Governor’s Palace Stage Join President James Madison as he reflects on the invention of the executive branch of the United States. Hear the philosophy and history that inspired the United States Constitution, and how the small city of Williamsburg played a pivotal role in developing the earliest ideas of liberty and republican government in this young country.
Handicapped-accessible Separate ticket required
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Museum admission required Family program Special Event Please note that programming is subject to change. Always check our website — colonialwilliamsburg.org — for the most current information.
Has America realized the principles established in her earliest writings? What will the future hold for this American Experiment?
Archaeology Behind-the-Scenes
Monday, Jan. 9 Monday, Feb. 13 Monday, Jan. 23 Monday, Feb. 27 Monday, Jan. 30 Monday, Mar. 6 Monday, Feb. 6 9:30 - 10:30am | 11am - 12pm | 1:30 - 2:30pm 3 - 4pm | Corner of Botetourt and Nicholson Street How do we know about the people who lived and worked at Custis Square? How do we know what Williamsburg’s first Baptist Meeting House looked like? Find the answers to these questions and more by joining a guided tour of the Colonial Williamsburg Archaeology Lab! See archaeological objects, hear about current excavations and curatorial efforts, and find out how nearly 100 years of archaeological discoveries shed new light on our colonial past and inform the stories told of Colonial Williamsburg’s past, present, and future. Free reservation required. Space is limited for this program. To book your reservation, please visit a ticket office or call our Guest Services at (888) 9657254. Not wheelchair accessible.
A Taste of Freedom for Home Educators
Tuesday, Feb. 28 10:30 - 11:15am | Hennage Auditorium $5 per person Before Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation, thousands of formerly enslaved men, women, and children gained freedom and sanctuary by escaping to Union camps in the South after Shepard Mallory, Frank Baker, and James Townsend secured their liberty at Fort Monroe. Learn about one of those men, Americus Weston, and his journey to freedom in this performance developed to commemorate Juneteenth.
Capitol Activity Stations for Home Educators
Daily | Feb. 25 - Mar. 6 9:30am - 4:30pm | Capitol What role does a government play in defining freedom? Learn about the founding principles of our government and your rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens. Recommended for all ages. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a Homeschool Admission Ticket.
Capitol Freedom Tour for Home Educators
Daily | Feb. 25 - Mar. 6 10 - 10:45am | 3 - 3:35pm | Capitol Circle $5 per person How is the meaning of freedom determined? Students and their families are invited on an engaging and interactive tour of Virginia’s second capitol building. Rediscover the founding principles of our government and your rights and responsibilities as citizens of a new republic. Learn who was included and excluded by the laws passed in this building. Recommended for all ages. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a Homeschool Admission Ticket.
Cry Witch
Friday, Feb. 17 Monday, Mar. 6 Monday, Feb. 20 Tueday, Mar. 7 Friday, Mar. 3 Friday, Mar. 10 7:30 - 8:30pm | 9 - 10pm | Capitol Hall of Burgesses/Capitol General Court $19 per person You decide! Is Grace Sherwood a witch? Question witnesses. Weigh evidence. Finally, cast your vote for the guilt or innocence of “the Virginia Witch.” Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion. Tuesday, Jan. 3 Friday, Jan. 13 Friday, Jan. 6 Sunday, Feb. 12 Saturday, Jan. 7 Tuesday, Feb. 14 Sunday, Jan. 8 Friday, Feb. 17 Tuesday, Jan. 10 Saturday, Feb. 18 Saturday, Jan. 14 Sunday, Feb. 19 Sunday, Jan. 15 Tuesday, Feb. 21 Tuesday, Jan. 17 Friday, Feb. 24 Friday, Jan. 20 Saturday, Feb. 25 Saturday, Jan. 21 Sunday, Feb. 26 Sunday, Jan 22 Tuesday, Feb. 28 Tuesday, Jan. 31 Friday, Mar. 3 Friday, Feb. 3 Saturday, Mar. 4 Saturday, Feb. 4 Sunday, Mar. 5 Sunday, Feb. 5 Tuesday, Mar. 7 Tuesday, Feb. 7 Friday, Mar. 10 Friday, Feb. 10 Saturday, Mar. 11 Saturday, Feb. 11 9:30 - 10:30am | 11am - 12pm 1:30 - 2:30pm | 3 - 4pm | Williamsburg Lodge $95 per person Get into the spirit of 1776 at the Colonial Williamsburg Musket Range. Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms commonly used during the Revolutionary War, and learn about the history of the weapons. Must be age 14 or older to participate. Guests ages 14–17 must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult.* All participants must sign a waiver or have a waiver signed by a legally responsible adult. A valid photo ID is required to receive a waiver. All signed waivers must be turned in upon arrival at the Musket Range. Participants must report to the front lobby of the Williamsburg Lodge 15 minutes prior to their session start time to complete paperwork and to allow for transportation to the range. While shuttle transportation is available, participants may also follow the Range van out to the site. Each participant is allowed one observer.
All observers must be age 12 or older. Observers may also provide assistance to disabled or special needs guests. The session includes range instructions, ammunition for weapons, targets, and safety equipment. *Accompanying adult must be capable of making legal and/or medical decisions for the youth participant. Weather Permitting.
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Handicapped-accessible Separate ticket required Museum admission required Family program Special Event Please note that programming is subject to change. Always check our website — colonialwilliamsburg.org — for the most current information.
Freedom’s Paradox for Home Educators
Daily | Feb. 25 - Mar. 6 2:30 - 3:30pm | Peyton Randolph House What does freedom look like in a slave society? Learn about the evolution of slavery, and how the institution impacted Williamsburg, the Colony of Virginia, and both the master and enslaved people. Explore how founding Fathers, like Peyton Randolph, President of the First Continental Congress, depended on slavery to support their lifestyle. Examine the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence on this one hour walking tour.
From Freedom to Slavery
Saturday, Mar. 4 Saturday, Mar. 11 1:30 - 2:15pm | Hennage Auditorium After making a free life for herself as an adopted Shawnee Indian, Methotaskee is brought back into slavery. Her compelling story unfolds as her mistress prepares her to reenter Williamsburg society as Elizabeth.
From the Ashes
Sunday, Feb. 19 3:30 - 4:15pm | Hennage Auditorium Sunday, Mar. 5 1:30 - 2:15pm | Hennage Auditorium As the ashes settle on Washington D.C., James and Dolley Madison struggle to find a path forward. In a rare moment away from the public spotlight, the two share their fears for the young nation and find courage in their partnership that made history. Thursday, Nov. 24 Thursday, Dec. 22 Friday, Nov. 25 Friday, Dec. 23 Saturday, Nov. 26 Saturday, Dec. 24 Thursday, Dec. 1 Monday, Dec. 26 Friday, Dec. 2 Tuesday, Dec. 27 Thursday, Dec. 8 Wednesday, Dec. 28 Friday, Dec. 9 Thursday, Dec. 29 Thursday, Dec. 15 Friday, Dec. 16 Friday, Dec. 30 Saturday, Dec. 31 5:30 - 6:15pm | 6:45 - 7:30pm | Weaver $8 per person Calling guests of all ages! Ghost Walk Jr. is returning to the Historic Area to bring an exciting new interactive storytelling experience for those seeking less fright and more fun! Enjoy this 45-minute ghost tour of traditional spooky stories with a Colonial Williamsburg flavor. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Runs rain or shine, except in cases of severe inclement or cold weather. Appropriate for ages 4+.
God is My Rock
Monday, Jan. 16 Monday, Feb. 20 Monday, Feb. 6 Monday, Feb. 27 Monday, Feb. 13 1:30 - 2:15pm | Hennage Auditorium Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved man and popular local preacher, offers his perspective on slavery, religion, and freedom. With the context of the Great Awakening, this story tells the life of Pastor Gowan Pamphlet and Old Paris, a firstgeneration Ibo African.
Haunted Williamsburg
Daily, Nov. 24 - Jan. 1 (excluding Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 25) | 7 - 8pm | 8:30 - 9:30pm | Play House Stage | $19 per adult, $12 per youth (6-12), $12 per child (5 and under) Telling ghost stories in the darkness of winter nights is a centuries-old tradition. This season, experience Haunted Williamsburg, the ONLY ghost tour that goes
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inside the historic buildings! From authentic 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters, costumed storytellers share unnerving tales. This onehour candlelit walking ghost tour begins at the Play House Stage on Palace Green and is suitable for children 8+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that some interior spaces are not ADA accessible. Runs rain or shine, except in cases of severe inclement weather. Pets are not permitted. Haunted Williamsburg is the official ghost tour experience of Colonial Williamsburg.
Loquacious Lucy, Queen for a Day
Saturday, Feb. 4 Saturday, Feb. 25 Satuday, Feb. 11 Saturday, Mar. 4 Saturday, Feb. 18 Saturday, Mar. 11 10:30 - 10:55am | Hennage Auditorium When Lucy, a gregarious and loquacious enslaved child, learns that her best friend has been sold, her father must teach her hard lessons about slavery and instill in her the pride of her ancestors.
Nation Builders Discuss the Rights of Women
Friday, Mar. 3 Friday, Mar. 10 1:30 - 2:15pm | Hennage Auditorium Join two Nation Builders to discuss how they viewed and debated the rights of women. What did they think of the vote? Do all women have rights? Are women equal to men in law and society? Speak with the Nation Builders, and the historians who portray them, to discuss this in and out of their 18th-century world.
Handicapped-accessible Separate ticket required Museum admission required Family program Special Event Please note that programming is subject to change. Always check our website — colonialwilliamsburg.org — for the most current information.
Monday, Jan. 2 Saturday, Feb. 4 Tuesday, Jan. 3 Sunday, Feb. 5 Wednesday, Jan. 4 Monday, Feb. 6 Thursday, Jan. 5 Tuesday, Feb. 7 Friday, Jan. 6 Wednesday, Feb. 8 Saturday, Jan. 7 Thursday, Feb. 9 Sunday, Jan. 8 Friday, Feb. 10 Monday, Jan. 9 Satuday, Feb. 11 Tuesday, Jan. 10 Sunday, Feb. 12 Wednesday, Jan. 11 Monday, Feb. 13 Thrusday, Jan. 12 Tuesday, Feb. 14 Friday, Jan. 13 Wednesday, Feb. 15 Saturday, Jan. 14 Thursday, Feb. 16 Sunday, Jan. 15 Friday, Feb. 17 Monday, Jan. 16 Tuesday, Feb. 21 Tuesday, Jan. 17 Wednesday, Feb. 22 Wednsday, Jan. 18 Thursday. Feb. 23 Thursday, Jan. 19 Friday, Feb. 24 Friday, Jan. 20 Saturday, Feb. 25 Saturday, Jan. 21 Sunday, Feb. 26 Sunday, Jan. 22 Monday, Feb. 27 Monday, Jan. 23 Tuesday, Feb. 28 Tuesday. Jan. 24 Wednesday, Mar. 1 Wednesday, Jan. 25 Thursday, Mar. 2 Thursday, Jan. 26 Friday, Mar. 3 Friday, Jan. 27 Saturday, Mar. 4 Saturday, Jan. 28 Sunday, Mar. 5 Sunday, Jan. 29 Monday, Mar. 6 Monday, Jan. 30 Tuesday, Mar. 7 Tuesday, Jan. 31 Wednesday, Mar. 8 Wednesday, Feb. 1 Thursday, Mar. 9 Thursday, Feb. 2 Friday, Mar. 10 Friday, Feb. 3 Saturday, Mar. 11 12 - 12:40pm | Courthouse Saturday, Feb. 18 Monday, Feb. 20 Sunday, Feb. 19 12:30 - 1:10pm | 1:15 - 1:55pm | 2 - 2:40pm Courthouse
Courthouses served as centers for local communities. People conducted business, interacted with the government, and observed trials and punishments. After a short exploration of the Courthouse and its surroundings, participate in a local court session where lives, liberties, and property are contested. Take on the role of justice, attorney, litigant, petitioner, or defendant and experience how the rights of Virginians were maintained in open court. Adult subject matter.
Order in the Court for Home Educators
Daily | Feb. 25 - Mar. 6 11 - 11:40am | Courthouse
What is the difference between freedoms, rights, and privileges? Participate in a local court session where lives, liberties, and property are contested. Take on the role of justice, attorney, litigant, petitioner, or defendant and experience how the rights of Virginians were maintained in open court.
Palace Activity Stations for Home Educators
Daily | Feb. 25 - Mar. 6 9:30am - 4:30pm | Governor’s Palace East Courtyard
What happens when the meaning of freedom changes? Step into the palace gardens and participate in an interactive spotlight on loyalists at the time of the American Revolution. Recommended for all ages. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a Homeschool Admission Ticket.
Palace Freedom Tour for Home Educators
Daily | Feb. 25 - Mar. 6 10 - 10:45am | 3 - 3:45pm | Governor’s Palace East Courtyard | $5 per person How did evolving definitions of freedom cause conflict between Great Britain and America? The Royal Governor of Virginia wielded great influence over the colony of Virginia, and the Palace was meant to project British authority and wealth. Feel the tension between the rulers and the ruled in this revolutionary time as the British government’s authority was increasingly questioned. Recommended for all ages. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a Homeschool Admission Ticket.
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Saturday, Feb. 18 Monday, Feb. 20 Sunday, Feb. 19 9:30am - 4:30pm | James Geddy House Create memorable experiences as you participate in the daily activities of the Geddy House, a prospering trades home. Activities change regularly with the rhythm of an average 18th-century day. Discover a variety of interactive, sensory, and fun opportunities for families throughout the Geddy House.
Popular Science: Enlightenment for Home Educators
Saturday, Feb. 18 11:30am - 12:15pm | Governor’s Palace Stage How did enlightenment philosophies impact America’s definition of freedom? Engage in the 18th-century pastime of natural philosophy or scientific observation. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math are essential subjects today and were vitally important in Williamsburg in the 1770s. Step into the shoes of 18th-century students to learn what is on the cutting edge of enlightenment science. Recommended for ages 8 years old and up. Students under 18 must be accompanied by a non-participating adult with a Homeschool Admission Ticket and a Special Program Ticket.
Salute to the Presidents
Sunday, Jan. 19 Monday, Jan. 20 1 - 1:30pm | Market Square, North Join us for a celebration of the presidency with our Nation Builders, military program staff, and the Fifes and Drums of Colonial Williamsburg. This celebration will recognize those citizens who have served in office over the centuries and the states most closely associated with each president.
Handicapped-accessible Separate ticket required Museum admission required Family program Special Event Please note that programming is subject to change. Always check our website — colonialwilliamsburg.org — for the most current information.
Saturday, Mar. 4 Saturday, Mar. 18 Saturday, Mar. 11 Saturday, Mar. 25 7 - 8pm | Courthouse |$16 per adult, $9 per children, ages 12 and under It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten. Sankofa is often associated with this African proverb, and its meaning is the inspiration for this new storytelling program. The Sankofa Chest contains seemingly ordinary things that spark memories of stories that have traveled over continents through the centuries, preserved by our ancestors. Please note that this is not ADA accessible.
She Had on When She Went Away
Thursday, Feb. 2 Thursday, Feb. 23 Thursday, Feb. 9 Thursday, Mar. 3 Thursday, Feb. 16 Thursday, Mar. 9 1:30 - 2:15pm | Hennage Auditorium Explore the material culture and lives of self-liberated Black women in the 18th century and the society they inhabited. In this collaboration, based on runaway ads from 18th-century newspapers, see garments worn by our actor interpreters and made by our Milliner and Mantuamakers.
The Art of Politics & Dining
Monday, Feb. 6 1:30 - 2:15pm | Hennage Auditorium Valley Forge is remembered as one of the coldest winters of the American Revolution. While the weather was harsh, the politics were harsher. Join Martha Washington as she discusses the political war waging at Valley Forge and how influential a woman could be in a man’s world.
The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret
Monday, Feb. 20 3:30 - 4:15pm | Hennage Auditorium Join Mrs. Washington in December of 1799 as she comes to terms with the General’s Last Will and Testament and hear from George Washington on his evolution on slavery.
To Hang a Pirate
Saturday, Feb. 18 Wednesday, Mar. 8 Wednesday, Mar. 1 Saturday, Mar. 11 Saturday, Mar. 4 7:30 - 8:30pm | 9 - 10pm | Capitol General Court | $19 per person In late 1718, a Royal Navy expedition, dispatched from Virginia, killed Blackbeard the pirate off the coast of North Carolina. Also at that same time, 15 members of his crew were captured and brought to the Public Gaol in Williamsburg. They were tried for piracy at the Capitol by Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood in early 1719. Join in this recreation of the actual trial of Israel Hands, a member of Blackbeard’s crew. Hear the evidence and make a judgment! How would you sentence a pirate? Due to the subject matter, this program is not recommended for young children.
Handicapped-accessible Separate ticket required
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Museum admission required Family program Special Event Please note that programming is subject to change. Always check our website — colonialwilliamsburg.org — for the most current information.
To Purchase a Likely Man
Tuesday, Feb. 7 Tuesday, Feb. 21 Tuesday, Feb. 14 Tuesday, Feb. 28 1:30 - 2:15pm | Hennage Auditorium Join Colonel and Mrs. Washington as they discuss the intricacies and complexities of purchasing a pair of enslaved brothers in roles that will place them by their sides for decades to come.
Visit a Nation Builder
Daily | Jan. 14 - Mar. 11 | 11:30am - 12:05pm Governor’s Palace Stage Step into the past with a Nation Builder. Through stories, discussion, and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges they faced in Williamsburg and beyond.
Visit with Oconostota for Home Educators
Monday, Feb. 27 Sunday, Mar. 5 10:30 - 11:15am | Hennage Auditorium $5 per person Step into the past with Oconostota, the Great Warrior of Chota. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced. Saturday, Feb. 4 Saturday, Feb.18 Satuday, Feb. 11 Satuday, Feb. 25 11am - 12pm | William Pitt Store $15 per person Explore the lives of enslaved tradespeople on this one-hour walking tour. Hear from our historic tradespeople discussing their experiences interpreting skilled laborers and their work. Learn about our continuing research into the lives of enslaved and free tradespeople of the 18th century. Limit of 25 guests.
Women at Work!
Saturday, Mar. 4 Saturday, Mar. 11 11am - 12pm | William Pitt Store | $15 per person We have all heard that a woman’s place was in the home during the 18th century, but it was far from the only place. Join us for a walking tour discussing the often-surprising realities of women’s labor, skills, and rights in 18th-century Williamsburg and the Colonial Atlantic World. We will explore roughly half a mile of sites, stories, and continuing research into hidden history. Limit of 25 guests.
Handicapped-accessible Separate ticket required
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Museum admission required Family program Special Event Please note that programming is subject to change. Always check our website — colonialwilliamsburg.org — for the most current information.
