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Step Back in Time To 1774
Colonial Williamsburg today is much like Williamsburg was in 1774
on the eve of the American Revolution. It invokes all of the senses.
Hear the clang of a blacksmith’s anvil and the beat of the
Fifes and Drums. Smell the delightful aromas of our 18th-century
kitchens. Listen as true patriots such as Thomas Jefferson and George
Washington share a point of view that we continue to share today
– that the idea of freedom comes with a price. In this colonial
town, centuries away from the stresses of 21st-century life, you
can truly experience early America as if you were there.
Hands-on Fun
What’s it like to be an 18th-century kid? Throughout
the year, you and your children can participate in the
family life at the Benjamin Powell and James Geddy sites.
Try your hand at 18th-century household tasks. Explore
varied indoor and outdoor family activities and talk
with family members, young and old, about family life
in the 18th century.
Justice, Colonial Style
Law enforcement and the criminal justice system were
entirely different in 18th-century Virginia. The accused
were quickly brought to trial, and punishment generally
was swift. Meet the accused, their accusers, and their
defenders and learn how justice was served in colonial
times.
Can You Dig It?
We can, and do, at Colonial Williamsburg where ongoing
archaeology uncovers new information about the past
and gives visitors a chance to get dirty in the name
of discovery.
Women of Williamsburg
Though they were unable to vote, 18th-century women
exerted their influence in a variety of ways –
as business owners, family leaders, social liaisons
and molders of opinion. Meet printer Clementina Rind,
Martha Washington, Elizabeth Randolph, wife of 1st Continental
Congress President Peyton Randolph, slave Charlotte,
milliner Margaret Hunter, and other Williamsburg women
and learn of their important contributions to the community.
Historic Trades
Our carriages are made by hand, not by fairy godmothers.
Just ask any of the scores of trades people who work
here – apprentices, journeymen, and masters of
trades such as silversmiths, wigmakers, shoemakers,
and tailors. Wondering what Williamsburg’s 18th-century
residents ate? Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic
Foodways Program examines the 18th-century kettle to
learn about the lifestyle of our ancestors. Foodways
delves into every aspect of meal planning, ranging from
procurement and preparation of foodstuffs to dining
to preservation. Foodways interpreters use 18th-century
utensils and techniques for cooking demonstrations.
Through the Historic Trades you’ll find out what
it took to supply the capitol of Virginia with food,
clothing and other necessities.
Rare Breeds Make a Comeback
In an effort to preserve genetic diversity in today’s
livestock, Colonial Williamsburg adopted a Rare Breeds
program. Three breeds in the program – the Leicester
Longwool sheep, American Cream Draft horses and America
Milking Devons – have fewer than 200 animals registered
in North America. Talk with the foundation’s coach
and livestock staff about these “fuzzy friends”
and their importance to the living history museum’s
interpretation of 18th-century Williamsburg.
The Grass is Always Greener
Colonial Williamsburg boasts more than 100 gardens and
greens covering 90 acres. In addition to the highly
ornamental gardens in the Historic Area, Colonial Williamsburg
abounds with dozens of kitchen and vegetable gardens
that reveal the more immediate needs of the majority
of 18th-century Williamsburg citizens. The untold story
of Williamsburg’s 18th-century professional gardeners
is the focus of the Colonial Nursery that also sells
licensed historical gardening tools and heritage seeds.
Christmas is Coming
With its white lights, natural greens, feasts and 18th-century
merriment, the Christmas holidays at Colonial Williamsburg
are a tradition known far and wide. Meet the men and
women who use miles of pine roping, thousands of wreaths
and truckloads of fruits, berries and other plant materials
to transform the Historic Area to its yuletide splendor.
Shop 'til You
Drop
Recreate 18th-century elegance in your
home or office with WILLIAMSBURG®
licensed products. From gift shops at
the Williamsburg Lodge and the Visitor
Center to specialty stores such as Williamsburg
Craft House, Williamsburg Celebrations,
and Williamsburg at Home, Colonial Williamsburg
retail stores offer a variety of reproduction
home furnishings and accessories, mementos,
and apparel. Learn about the origins of
early American products and their continual
presence in today’s home.
Lodging
No visit to the Historic Area is complete without a
relaxing stay at one of our world-class hotels. A leader
in the hospitality industry, Colonial Williamsburg has
recently reopened our landmark hotel, the Williamsburg
Inn, after a yearlong renovation. The Woodlands Hotel
& Suites, our new 300-room hotel, includes daily
continental breakfast for guests. Set amid acres of
pine trees, it's a great family retreat. Other lodging
includes the Williamsburg Lodge, Colonial Houses and
the Governor’s Inn. Witness the evolution of these
world-class accommodations and learn why Colonial Williamsburg
has become synonymous with “hospitality.”
Museums
Sure, we are the country’s biggest outdoor history
museum. But we have some pretty amazing indoor museums
too. Take the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.
Thanks to John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s wife, this
was the first museum ever to be solely dedicated to
American Folk Art. Today the museum’s 18 galleries
are filled with paintings, embroideries, whirligigs,
weathervanes, toys, and other works created by the “common
man,” dating from the 1720s to the present. The
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is the home of
Colonial Williamsburg's exceptional collection of English
and American antiques. From furniture and silver to
textiles and ceramics, the museum delights and inspires
visitors with a wide variety of traditional and trend-setting
displays.
18th Hole, 18th Century
Rare is the golf resort that combines a world-class
golf experience with living history, museums, shopping,
children’s activities, and a full range of recreational
activities: tennis, swimming, lawn bowling, croquet,
a health and fitness center, fitness trails, biking
and more. Come experience the legendary Golden Horseshoe
Gold and Green Courses. Colonial Williamsburg also is
conveniently located near major theme parks, beaches
and other historical sites.
Historic Area Dining
Located in the heart of the Historic Area, Colonial
Williamsburg’s dining taverns, complete with costumed
interpreters and wait staff, offer visitors the experience
that 18th-century patriots savored as they contemplated
revolution.
18th Century Meets 21st Century
So “…that the future may learn from the
past,” Colonial Williamsburg offers a state-of-the-art
distance learning experience for school students nationwide
in support of the Foundation’s educational mission.
Colonial Williamsburg uses satellite technology to broadcast
educational programs about African-American and women’s
history and the American Revolution to schools around
the country. These Electronic
Field Trips take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST,
in the Lane Auditorium of the Bruton Heights School
and are free and open to the public.
Historic Triangle
