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Find Events For Your Visit

Event Name Category Date/Time Location
Hands-on History: Family Activities at the Benjamin Powell House
  • Kid Friendly
  • Walk-in program
Family Program Today, 9/4/2010 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Powell House

A visit to this original house will give everyone a chance to get their hands on history! Children of all ages and families are invited to experience the rhythm of the day and the Powells at play! Learn about seasonality, housewifery, food, diversions, and much more.

Guests may enter and exit any time during the program.

Orientation Walk
  • Kid Friendly
  • Repeats throughout the day
Family Program
Walking Tour
Today, 9/4/2010 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Gateway Building

The orientation walk is designed to help guests plan their visit. Our volunteers and costumed staff lead the 30-minute walks and provide guests with the latest information on programming, dining, and shopping options. Guests also get an overview of the 18th-century community and learn about the restoration of Williamsburg.

Included in all Historic Area or Museum admission passes. Tours depart every 10-15 minutes.

Through the Garden Gate
  • Reservation required
Walking Tour Today, 9/4/2010 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Printing Office

This tour focuses on the historic documents and archaeological evidence used in creating the Historic Area gardens.

Available to annual pass and Hotel Guest Pass holders only. Free reservation required.

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Museum Today, 9/4/2010 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

See an extensive collection of American and British antiques. See furniture, metals, ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, firearms, and textiles from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and the Public Hospital of 1773. Attend lectures and musical performances in the Hennage Auditorium. Visit the Museum Store and the Museum Café.

View Current Exhibits

DeWitt Wallace Museum
Museum Today, 9/4/2010 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM DeWitt Wallace Museum

Enjoy changing exhibitions of American folk art, the colonial and contemporary artists and craftspeople who work outside the mainstream of academic art to record aspects of everyday life. Attend lectures and musical performances in the Hennage Auditorium. Visit the Museum Store and the Museum Café.

View Current Exhibits

Programs and exhibitions at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.

Star-Crossed Lovers
Revolutionary City
Revolutionary Stories
Today, 9/4/2010 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM King's Arms Tavern

A ball at the Capitol for Lady Dunmore provides an opportunity for romance. Will young Mister Randolph and Miss Nicholas begin their "dance?"

On Duke of Gloucester Street, in front of King's Arms Tavern.

Children's Orientation Walk
  • Kid Friendly
Family Program
Walking Tour
Today, 9/4/2010 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Gateway Building

The Children's Orientation Walk is designed to assist guests with planning their visit and will highlight options that families will enjoy. Guides share the latest information on programming, dining, and shopping options. Guests will receive an overview of the 18th-century community and specifically understand what childhood and family life was like in the 18th century. The walking tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Revolutionary City: Collapse of Royal Government 1765-1776
Revolutionary City Today, 9/4/2010 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Duke of Gloucester Street

From October 1765 to May 1776, events take place in Williamsburg that change Virginians from servants of a distant monarch to citizens of a self-governing republic. These events cause colonists to declare that they are no longer dependent on the British crown, but are citizens of the free and independent United States of America.

The Revolutionary City recreates these critical moments that relive Williamsburg's role in the American Revolution and the War for Independence. Come take part in the everyday life of the city against the backdrop of these momentous, world-changing historic events.

Meet famous patriots like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Patrick Henry, and lesser known people such as, Alexander Hoy, a poor man who enlisted in the army, enslaved African Americans like Kate, Hannah and Marcus who debate whether to escape to the British, and a Baptist preacher named Gowan who talks about his hopes for the future where all citizens are equal.

Meet the men and women—rich and poor, great and humble, free and enslaved—who live in these extraordinary times and create our nation.

 

Learn more.

Guests may enter and exit any time during the program.

Get Revved! Revolutionary City for Families and Patriots of all Ages
  • Kid Friendly
Family Program
Revolutionary City
Today, 9/4/2010 10:55 AM - 11:00 AM Charlton's Coffeehouse

Find out what to look for and how best to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Revolutionary City scenes and events that take place today. Program is approximately 5 minutes long.

Decorative Arts Highlights
Museum Program Today, 9/4/2010 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM DeWitt Wallace Museum

Guided tours by knowledgeable museum volunteers introduce you to some of the masterworks on exhibit, such as paintings, ceramics, furniture and silver.

Included in museum admission ticket.

Programs and exhibitions at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.

The Next Disagreeable Thing
Revolutionary City Today, 9/4/2010 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM Charlton's Coffeehouse

In 1765, Richard Charlton’s Coffeehouse was a center of political debate, commercial transaction, and social discourse. On October 30, 1765, Gentlemen of property, The Royal Governor, his Council, and George Mercer, Virginia’s appointed Stamp Distributor, all converged at Charlton’s Coffeehouse. Is this the beginning of a Revolution?

Program takes place on the Coffeehouse porch.

Children's Orientation Walk
  • Kid Friendly
Family Program
Walking Tour
Today, 9/4/2010 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Gateway Building

The Children's Orientation Walk is designed to assist guests with planning their visit and will highlight options that families will enjoy. Guides share the latest information on programming, dining, and shopping options. Guests will receive an overview of the 18th-century community and specifically understand what childhood and family life was like in the 18th century. The walking tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The Gale From The North!
Revolutionary City Today, 9/4/2010 11:30 AM - 11:40 AM Raleigh Tavern

In the night of April 19 in 1775 Virginia’s Governor, Lord Dunmore removed the gunpowder from the Public Magazine. Some local patriots threatened retaliation. Several days later, as Peyton Randolph, president of the Congress prepares to leave for Philadelphia news arrives of the battles of Lexington and Concord.

An Introduction to Folk Art
Museum Program Today, 9/4/2010 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM DeWitt Wallace Museum

Guided tours by knowledgeable museum volunteers introduce you to the whimsical and fascinating paintings, sculpture, textiles, and more from Mrs. Rockefeller's original collection, for which the museum was founded.

Thirty-minute tours begin at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. Included in museum admission ticket.

Programs and exhibitions at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.

Resolved: Free and Independent States!
Revolutionary City Today, 9/4/2010 12:10 PM - 12:25 PM Capitol

May 15, 1776—With the local Militia providing fife and drum fanfare and cannon salutes, the representatives of the free men of Virginia take the bold first step in breaking from Great Britain by passing resolutions for independence. They must now set about establishing a republican form of government!

Bits and Bridles Walking Tour
  • Kid Friendly
  • Requires Extra Ticket
Walking Tour Today, 9/4/2010 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Corner of Nicholson and Botetourt streets

Ticketed event.

This one-hour walking tour takes guests through the stable and carriage facilities and introduces them to the rare breeds conservancy program operated by Colonial Williamsburg. Guests will view the facilities, see some of the animals, and view the various vehicles owned and operated here.

Discussion of animal treatment, training, equipment use, and the Coach and Livestock operation is ongoing throughout the tour. This experience includes some hands-on activities, such as trying out a sidesaddle or inspecting a horse’s hoof.

Children must be accompanied by adults at all times. Space is limited.

Please make reservations at any on-site ticket location. Not included in one-day ticket.

Reservations or additional tickets required. Call 1-800-HISTORY for prices and reservations.

Decorative Arts Highlights
Museum Program Today, 9/4/2010 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM DeWitt Wallace Museum

Guided tours by knowledgeable museum volunteers introduce you to some of the masterworks on exhibit, such as paintings, ceramics, furniture and silver.

Included in museum admission ticket.

Programs and exhibitions at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.

Fifes and Drums March
  • Free Event
  • Kid Friendly
Family Program
Fife and Drum
Holiday Events
Music program
Today, 9/4/2010 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM Capitol

Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums, representing militia field musicians, march from the Capitol building to the Palace Green.

Jefferson Discusses the Declaration
Museum Program
Revolutionary City
Today, 9/4/2010 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM DeWitt Wallace Museum

Everyone knows Thomas Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of American Independence, but how did he decide what to say? Meet the President as he recollects writing the Declaration of Independence and ask him questions about this important document. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Declarations of Independence" at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

 

Programs and exhibitions at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.

Workin' the Soil, Healing the Soul
African American Today, 9/4/2010 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Great Hopes Plantation

In colonial Virginia, the majority of enslaved African Americans lived in the countryside. Join us to explore what daily life was like for them. Learn about the work they performed and the integral role slavery played in the Virginia economy. Find out how the ruling class coerced and controlled the enslaved population and discover how slaves resisted, survived, and drew strength from the unique community they built.

Weather permitting. Not suitable for young children.

"Order in the Court!"
Today, 9/4/2010 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Courthouse

Come and participate in a local court session where lives, liberties, and property come into contest. Our guests may take on roles as justices, attorneys, litigants, petitioners, or defendants. See how the rights of Virginians were maintained in open court.

Offered Tuesday through Saturday every 30 minutes between scheduled times. Program is approximately 25 minutes long.

An Introduction to Folk Art
Museum Program Today, 9/4/2010 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM DeWitt Wallace Museum

Guided tours by knowledgeable museum volunteers introduce you to the whimsical and fascinating paintings, sculpture, textiles, and more from Mrs. Rockefeller's original collection, for which the museum was founded.

Thirty-minute tours begin at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. Included in museum admission ticket.

Programs and exhibitions at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.

Public Audience with a Founding Father
Revolutionary Stories Today, 9/4/2010 4:00 PM - 4:35 PM Coffeehouse Backyard

Enjoy an interactive public audience with a Founding Father of our nation in the historical context of the 18th century, discussing political and social events of the day.

Guests may enter and exit any time during the program.

Dance, Our Dearest Diversion
  • Kid Friendly
  • Requires Extra Ticket
Evening Programs
Family Program
Today, 9/4/2010 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Capitol

Ticketed event.

"Virginians will dance or die," wrote an 18th-century diarist. What better time than the 21st century to learn a few "new" dance steps in the candlelit Capitol or the Governor's Palace? The Hall of the House of Burgesses comes to life as you experience one of the most favored pastimes of colonial Virginians. The dancers discuss various types of 18th century dances, from country dances to minuets, then demonstrate them for the audience. At various intervals throughout the program, you will be asked if you wish to participate in the fun.

Recommended for families. Additional Ticket Required.

Tickets $12 for adults, children under 6 $6.00.

Reservations or additional tickets required. Call 1-800-HISTORY for prices and reservations.

Calendar Legend

  • Kid Friendly
  • Walk-in program
  • Repeats throughout the day
  • Free Event
  • Reservation required
  • Requires extra ticket

NOTICE: All events and exhibits listed on the calendar are subject to change. Call 1-800-HISTORY for reservations and check the daily program schedule upon arrival.


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