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Growing a Colonial Garden

Explore this garden filled with vegetables and perfumed by heirloom roses and herbs.

A Mother Enslaved

On the eve of an estate sale, Aggy, an enslaved mother, contemplates how much control she really has over the future of her children.

A Patriotic American

Elizabeth Braxton, 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.

A Quilter's Housetop

Celebrate the life of quilter Susana Allen Hunter and make a mini-quilt to take home.

A Soldier's Journey

Meet John Jarret Carter, a solider in Washington’s army and a barkeep in Williamsburg. The year is 1781 and Williamsburg stands on brink of invasion!

American Indian Encampment

This interpretive camp of a small American Indian delegation to Williamsburg explores the life ways of regional indigenous peoples, and their policies with the colony of Virginia.

American Indian Interpretation

Explore the diverse cultures of Native peoples striving to preserve their traditional way of life and learn about the roles they played in creating a new country.

American Indian Life Series

A different program each day will examine a specific aspect of American Indian history, society, and role in the American story.

Art Stop

Drop by the Education Studio and create a work of art inspired by an object on exhibit.

At a Glance

Join us on a 20-minute guided tour and enjoy some Museum favorites at a glance.

Behind the Wythe House

Explore the yard and first floor of the Wythe House. Discuss Enlightenment thinking and ideas.

Benedict Arnold's Conspiracy and Its Aftermath

Professor Peter Henriques examines Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the British.

Building the Public Armoury

Discover the story of the unearthing, design, and construction of the only Revolutionary War Armoury above ground today.

CW Lights

Explore our newest family-friendly evening experience in the Governor's Palace Gardens. This magical glow event will transform our world-class gardens.

Capitol Exploration

Take a guided tour of the first floor of the Capitol. Learn about the founding principles of our government and your rights and responsibilities as citizens of a new republic.

Carpenter's Yard

Discover how the carpenters use hand tools to transform trees into lumber and lumber into buildings.

Carriage Ride

Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Revolutionary City by horse-drawn carriage. Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of our unique city.

Custis Square Community Open House

Join us for free flow exploration throughout the day. Interpretive performances at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm. Guided tours at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Weather dependent.

Donor Visit with a Nation Builder

Museum members and donors who contribute $250 or more annually to the Colonial Williamsburg Fund are invited to visit with a Nation Builder. Reservations strongly recommended.

Entertainments at the Play House

See the theatrical entertainments of The Jug Broke Theatre Co. Enjoyment for all! Check the marquee by the stage for daily performances.

Fifes and Drums: From Recruit to Alumnus

Join us for an in-depth discussion of the many tunes, musical techniques, and physical tasks that a juvenile performer must master during their 8-year tenure in our Fifes & Drums.

Finding Jane Austen

On a guided tour explore three regency objects using three quotes and make a bookmark.

Fire a Flintlock Musket

Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War.

First Baptist Archaeology Community Open House

Join us for a day of archaeology on the original site of the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg! Explore the site and check out recently uncovered artifacts from 10am to 4pm.

Folk Art & Craft

Explore the Folk Art Collection then craft a piece of art using aluminum tooling foil.

Forgotten Hero: General Rochambeau

Join French General Rochambeau as he discusses his role in the American Revolution, specifically during the Yorktown campaign.

Freedom's Paradox

Explore the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence in a 60 minute walking tour which begins and ends at the Randolph Yard.

Ghost Walk Junior

Calling guests of all ages! Enjoy this 45-minute ghost tour of traditional spooky stories with a Colonial Williamsburg flavor. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Good Progress

Meet Mrs. Wager, teacher of the Williamsburg Bray School, as she debates the nature of her school with Elizabeth DeRosario, a free woman of color.

Haunted Williamsburg

Brave centuries of scares, from 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters!

How to Play the (18th-Century) Violin

The violin was played by all classes and in all settings in Colonial Williamsburg. Come hear how this instrument was played; it is easier said than done. Limited capacity.

Joy in the Morning

Gather with members of the enslaved community to experience a music-filled message of hope.

Making an 18th-Century Carpenter's Plane

Learn about try planes that help wood workers flatten, level and smooth wood into usable material. Discover how these planes were made using 18th-century tools and techniques..

Memorial Day Commemorative Program

At the Palace Circle, join Colonial Williamsburg as we honor our military veterans who died in service to our country.

Military Activity

Come explore the Magazine Yard and discover how this military storehouse and Virginia's diverse peoples shaped an empire and defined a new nation.

Music in the Galleries

Enjoy 18th-century music on a variety of period instruments (harpsichord, violin, viola da gamba) as you stroll the galleries.

My Story; My Voice

Witness a compelling story from the life of an 18th century person, and then hear from the actor interpreter as they share how they discover and bring to life a voice from the past

Nation Builders Discuss the Institution of Slavery

Join two Nation Builders to discuss how they viewed the complicated tragedy that was the institution of slavery.

Public Auction

Take part in an exciting auction! Bid on selected items from Colonial Williamsburg stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere.

Pursuing Happiness

Witness imagined conversations between Thomas Jefferson, John Locke, and King George III to discover the ghosts behind Jefferson’s drafts of the Declaration of Independence.

Rediscover Custis Square

Take a guided tour and talk with archaeologists in the field about the current archaeological investigations at John Custis IV’s 4-acre home and early 18th century gardens.

Sentiments of American Women

This museum theatre program explores the connection between the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of 18th-century women and women of today.

Social Hour at the Inn

Head to the Social Terrace after work to relax with specially priced wine, beer and cocktails as well as small plate appetizers. Monday - Thursday, 4-6pm. April 1-November 30

Talk of the Town Walking Tour

With an 18th-century Williamsburg resident as your walking tour guide, experience the events that changed both the people who lived here and the course of our nation’s history.

Talk with a Military Historian

Discuss various Military topics relating to the 18th century with a Military historian. Topics to include tactics, weaponry, flags, music, engineering, and basic soldiering.

The Arts and Mysteries of Brewing

This program demonstrates the process of brewing beer as it was practiced in the 18th century.

The Death of George Washington

Professor Peter Henriques will discuss the manner in which George Washington prepared for and faced his death.

The Musick that Binds

A special evening concert of melody and spirit that blends music, stories, and heart, featuring The Governor’s Musick ensemble, Thomas Jefferson, and Jupiter.

The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret

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.

The Public Armoury

Witness the effort of diverse individuals to support the Revolutionary War at this industrial complex.

The Sword and the Press

Join Colonel George Washington and Clementina Rind as they reflect on the last war with the French.

Tradespeople in the Galleries

Visit with our harpsichord-makers, cabinetmakers, silversmiths, tailors, engravers, wigmakers, or printers in the Art Museum.

Tradespeople in the Raleigh Tavern

Visit the wigmakers, silversmiths, leather artificers, bookbinders, apothecaries, and more to explore the techniques and tools used in their trades.

Visit a Nation Builder

Step into the past with a Nation Builder and learn about their contribution to the founding of our nation.

Visit a Nation Builder- Aggy of Turkey Island

Step into the past with Aggy of Turkey Island, Entangled with her master; fighting for her family's freedom.

Visit a Nation Builder- Ann Wager

Step into the past with Ann Wager, Educator of free and enslaved children.

Visit a Nation Builder- Clementina Rind

Step into the past with Clementina Rind, Mistress of a Free Press.

Visit a Nation Builder- Edith Cumbo

Step into the past with Edith Cumbo, Free Black Sister, Mother, Fighter, Founder.

Visit a Nation Builder- General George Washington

Step into the past with George Washington, Father of the Country.

Visit a Nation Builder- George Mason

Step into the past with George Mason, Father of American Rights.

Visit a Nation Builder- George Wythe

Step into the past with George Wythe, teacher, lawyer, judge, and revolutionary.

Visit a Nation Builder- Marquis de Lafayette

Step into the past with the Marquis de Lafayette, French Hero of Two Worlds.

Visit a Nation Builder- Martha Washington

Step into the past with Martha Washington, our Nation's first First Lady.

Visit a Nation Builder- Patrick Henry

Step into the past with Patrick Henry, the Revolution's Son of Thunder.

Visit a Nation Builder- Reverend Gowan Pamphlet

Step into the past with Gowan Pamphlet, Revolutionary Black Baptist Preacher.

Visit a Nation Builder- Thomas Jefferson

Step into the past with Thomas Jefferson, The Rebellious Philosophe.

Visit a Nation Builder- young George Washington

Step into the past with young George Washington, Colonel of the Virginia Regiment.

Visit with Foodways

Join our Historic Foodways staff as they explore cuisines of the 18th century.

Visit with the Apothecary

Discover how much, and how little, medicine has changed since the time of George Washington. Limited seating.

Visit with the Bookbinder

Learn about the tools and techniques used by Bookbinders in 18th-century Williamsburg.

Visit with the Brickmaker

Learn what Virginians figured was the height of architectural good looks with Journeyman Bricklayer Kenneth Tappan.

Walk through History with a Nation Builder

On this walking tour experience the 18th century community of Williamsburg and its echoes through time with one of our Nation Builders.

Was King George Really Mad?

During this interactive program learn about King George III's bouts of illnesses and the commemorative objects that were created to celebrate his recovery.

Weathervanes in Williamsburg

Weathervanes were a familiar sight in 18th-century Williamsburg. Talk with a blacksmith and discover the history, construction, and meaning of weathervanes.

Weavers at Work

Learn how flax, cotton, and wool are converted from tangled masses into orderly, precise fabrics.

Welcome Zone

Orient yourself to the Historic Area.

Williamsburg Inn Afternoon Tea

A seasonal selection of savories, scones, pastries and more. Enjoy Harney and Sons Tea and a glass of sparkling wine. 2:00pm, Adults, $39. Reservations Required via Opentable