CW Planner

Growing a Colonial Garden

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

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 Public Audience with the 1st President, George Washington

Meet with President Washington as he looks back over his long career in public service.

A Public Audience with the 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson

Meet with President Jefferson as he looks back over his long career in public service.

A Public Audience with the 4th President, James Madison

Join President James Madison as he reflects on the invention of the executive branch of the United States.

Across the Board

Over a game of chess Thomas Jefferson and his manservant, Jupiter, challenge and amuse each other.

African American Contributions at the Governor's Palace

Learn about the contributions of free and enslaved African-Americans during your visit to the Palace. Tours every 20-30 minutes.

All Things are Possible

Robert Carter III discusses his inner struggles and new-found faith that will lead him to an extraordinary decision and an equally remarkable action.

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.

An Evening with the Presidents

Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison for a discussion of their experiences as president.

Behind the Wythe House

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

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.

Courthouse Exploration

Experience justice in the 18th century. Discover how the courthouse connects colonists to their community. Guest entry every 15 minutes

Dominion Energy Presents Liberty Ice Pavilion

Enjoy a family-friendly activity at the Liberty Ice Pavilion sponsored by Dominion Energy. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays with a few turns on the ice.

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.

Fire a Flintlock Musket

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

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.

From the Ashes

As the ashes settle on Washington D.C., James and Dolley Madison struggle to find a path forward.

Haunted Williamsburg

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

Home Educators Activity Station

Take part in an 18th-century election and learn who had the right and the responsibility to vote in the 18th century.

Home Educators Private History Walking Tour

Your group's private guide will lead your family through town to learn more about what it was like to live in the 18th century.

Judith and Daniel

Judith and Daniel, an enslaved couple, anxiously await their reunion after a year apart. Learn the tragic story resulting in their separation.

Music in the Galleries

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

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.

Nation Builders Discuss the Rights of Women

Join two Nation Builders to discuss how they viewed and debated the rights of women.

Official 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.

Palace Exploration

Experience the grandeur of royal government in Virginia on the eve of Revolution. Tours every 20-30 minutes.

Pop-Up Archaeology!

Drop in to the Art Museums for a special pop-up exhibition of artifacts from Custis Square and the First Baptist Church archaeology sites!

Powell House Home Education for Home Educators

Learn about the types of education available to children in the 18th century and decide which path would be right for you.

Public Auction

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

Randolph Yard Exploration

Explore the kitchen building and yard of the Randolph House at your own pace. Learn about the paradox of the Randolph household, home to 27 enslaved people and the Randolph family.

Recollections of Virginia’s 1st Governor

Join Patrick Henry, Virginia’s first governor, as he recounts the beginning of our republican experiment. Hear about his time in Virginia's highest executive office.

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.

She Had on When She Went Away

Explore the material culture and lives of self-liberated Black women in the 18th century and the society they inhabited.

Slavery and the Law

On your visit to the Capitol, discover how enslaved African Americans interacted with and were impacted by the law. Tours every 20-30 minutes.

Succordia's Prayer

As she mourns the passing of her beloved, Succordia, an enslaved woman in the twilight of her life, tells us her story of love and faith that transcends her enslaved status.

The Palace Garden Party

Join us on May 7, for an immersive 18th-century garden party at the Governor's Palace. Guests will enjoy seasonal enchantments with libations, traditional music, and dancing.

The Price of Womanhood

Meet two women separated by time, but not by place as they discuss what it means to be female, educated, represented, and equal.

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 at the Ludwell-Paradise Stable

Join the wheelwright at the Ludwell-Paradise Stable.

Tradespeople in the Galleries

Visit with the harpsichord-makers, gunsmiths, joiners, tailors, engravers, wigmakers, or printers in the Art Museum.

Tradespeople in the Raleigh Tavern

Visit the silversmiths, wigmakers, bookbinders, public leatherworks, 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- 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.

Weavers at Work

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

Women and the Law tours

Uncover the stories of women who engaged with the highest levels of colonial law and government as not only victims but active participants - even criminals. Tours every 15-20 min.