CW Planner

(re)educate

This theatrical performance explores the agency of free and enslaved students of the Williamsburg Bray School and the legacies of their lessons.

18th-Century Field Music with the Fifes & Drums

Watch and listen to the Fifes and Drums as they demonstrate the music and drill of various military ceremonies from an 18th-century soldier's working day.

200 Years of Returns: First Look

Join us for a reading of “200 Years of Returns,” followed by a discussion with the team from Colonial Williamsburg and B4 Youth Theatre visiting from Liberia.

A Community Salute to America

The American Music Concert Series continues with The United States Air Force Heritage of America band performing patriotic favorites in a concert on the Lawn of the Art Museums.

A Demonstration of Period Tactics

Guests of all ages will step into the shoes of 18th-century soldiers to learn military drill, tactics, and engage in a mock battle from the American Revolution in Williamsburg.

A Discussion of Military Topics

Join the Magazine staff to discuss a topic relating to 18th-century military history.

A Shoemaking Primer

Participants will receive an introduction to shoemaking and learn what you need to run a successful shop. We will cover measuring, fitting, and picking out the right materials.

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!

A Star-Spangled Symphony

Enjoy the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Palace Green. Featuring the best of stirring American audience favorites, traditional spirituals with soprano and the 55-piece orchestra.

A Taste of Freedom

This performance tells the story of Americus Weston’s journey to freedom during the Civil War, developed to commemorate Juneteenth.

A Wooing We Will Go

Two men, Benedict and Ferdinand, try to win over the same woman, Isabella, in this fast-paced comedy written in the style of an 18th-century farce.

Acting How To

Learn about the new acting style published in the 1753 edition of Aaron Hill's Essay on the Art of Acting. Then test out the styles for yourself!

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.

American Stories

Based on his new book, Paul Aron, Colonial Williamsburg editor, discusses the origins and evolution of our founding stories and myths.

An 18th-Century Workday at the Margaret Hunter Shop

The mantua-makers will be cutting out, fitting and making-up a fashionable 18th-century gown in one day.

An Apprentice Founder's Workday

Learn about the daily routine of an apprentice at the Geddy Foundry by completing from start to finish a pewter spoon to take home.

An Assemblage of Wares: Tinware in the Home

Through the lens of ongoing research, we will explore who was using tinware, where it shows up, and what kind of price tag it had in 18th-century Virginia.

An Evening with the Presidents

Join us for a very special presentation of An Evening with the Presidents as we explore this pivotal moment of the American Revolution.

Arboretum Walk: Griffin Campus

Find out about Colonial Williamsburg’s Arboretum and the native and exotic trees and shrubs that make up its collection, some of which are uncommon in commercial landscapes.

Archaeology Behind the Scenes

Visit the Archaeological Lab for a guided tour and learn about a century of archaeological discovery at Colonial Williamsburg!

Are You Hot in those Clothes?

Explore how the right clothing helped 18th-century Virginians beat the extreme summer heat and humidity.

Art Museum Members: Behind the Scenes

Art Museum Members are invited to join us for a private tour behind the scenes with Mary Cottrill, manager of museum operations and the Hennage Auditorium.

Art Museums Members: Restoring Williamsburg

Art Museums Members are invited to join us for a private tour of our new exhibition "Restoring Williamsburg" with Dani Jaworski, manager of Architectural collections.

At a Glance

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

Bird Fancyer's Delight

Learn about the connection between wild birds and the music written by composers in the 18th century and how this figured into the cultural life of Williamsburg.

Bits and Bridles

Get a behind-the-scenes look at our modern stables and learn more about our carriages.

Capitol Concert

Join Colonial Williamsburg's Governor's Musick for a special evening of chamber music in the live acoustics and visual ambiance of the Hall of Burgesses.

Choral Concert - Oasis Chorale

A very special concert by Oasis Chorale, a touring a cappella choir from across the United States, under the direction of Wendell Nisly.

Choral Concert - Trinity Church on the Green

Enjoy a choral concert by the Girls Chorus from Trinity Church on the Green Episcopal Church in New Haven, Connecticut, directed by Walden Moore.

Coffee Cantata

Mrs. Charlton’s daughter is in love with the delicious juice of the coffee bean! A comedic ballad opera, based on Johann Sebastian Bach’s Coffee Cantata.

Colonial Williamsburg's Rare Breeds Program

Learn about the rare breeds of livestock that live at Colonial Williamsburg.

Concert of Celebration

Hear the Jug Broke Theatre Company play the music of the season in this live concert!

Created Equal

This performance explores African American perspectives on the Declaration of Independence.

Cry Witch

Question witnesses, weigh evidence, and determine the guilt or innocence of "the Virginia Witch." Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion.

DIY: Centerpieces

In this hands-on class, you will learn how to make a garden-inspired centerpiece, perfect for your end table or mantel.

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.

Dye Day at the Weaving Shop

Join us as natural dyes and dye recipes of the 18th century are recreated to achieve a spectrum of dazzling colors.

Expert Insights: Archaeology Update

Join our archaeologists as they share what we have learned from our current archaeological sites and new research into our artifact collections.

Fiddle Recital - David Gardner

Enjoy this fiddle recital by David Gardner, Violinist from Williamsburg, Virginia as you experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful 300+ year old worship center.

Fire a Flintlock Musket

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

First Baptist Church Archaeology Project

Archaeologists have embarked on a project investigating former of of American's earliest African American churches. Come see what's new!

Fourth of July Shields 2022

Please join us at James Shield's Tavern to celebrate Independence Day with an afternoon of food and entertainment for the entire family.

Freedom's Paradox

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

From Excavation to Interpretation

Join a Nation Builder and a Colonial Williamsburg Archaeologist as they discuss important sites in Williamsburg from the 18th century to today.

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.

Harpsichord Battle Sonatas

Learn how the evolving and bombastic battle sonata helped shape an American musical identity separate from our British ancestors.

Haunted Williamsburg

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

Highland Jubilee

In this interpretive concert, the Jug Broke Theatre Co. plays the tunes, songs, and poetry of Scottish origin that would have been heard here in Williamsburg.

Historic Organ Recital - Norman Elton

Norman Elton, organist at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy

Rebecca Davy, Music Director at Bruton Parish Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital - Sarah Bland

Sarah Bland, organist at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital with Thomas Marshall

Enjoy this Historic Organ Recital in the Wren Chapel at the College of William & Mary performed by Thomas Marshall, organist at Williamsburg United Methodist Church.

Intersections

The Williamsburg community comes to life in this street theatre experience exploring the daily lives of ordinary people during extraordinary times.

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.

July 4th on the Lawn

Join the party on the lawn of the Art Museums before the fireworks. From 7 to 9:30 p.m., enjoy music from Good Shot Judy. Coordinated by CultureFix.

Leather Breeches in the 18th Century

Discover what leather breeches are and how 18th-century peoples interacted with them, through fashion, the making of, and the ubiquitous nature of the garment.

Lighting of the Cressets

Join us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night.

Lights of Freedom

Celebrate the words and music of the American Revolution, culminating in a grand display of fireworks at 9:30 p.m. above the Governor's Palace.

Loquacious Lucy, Queen for a Day

When Lucy, a loquacious enslaved child, learns that her friend has been sold, her father must teach her hard lessons about slavery and instill in her the pride of her ancestors.

Madrigals, Catches and Glees, Oh My

From England to America, join the Governor’s Musick ensemble as it traces the journey of a form of vocal music where “each man takes his part.”

Make According to Art

Discover 18th-century insights into the practice of pharmacy and pharmacy education.

Make a Bracelet

Make a copper bracelet with the Silversmiths.

Make a Stitched Book and Decorative Paste Paper

Book Binders will show different types of books and book sections. Each participant will make a booklet to keep and make a paste sheet for later pickup.

Meet the Gardener

Garden volunteers answer questions about growing flowers and vegetables in the Historic Area.

Military Activity

Take part in activities relating to 18th-century military life and experience what it would be like to be a common soldier of the Revolution.

Mind the Music and the Step

Join members of the Governor’s Musick for an exploration of the political lyrics set to popular tunes at the time of the American Revolution.

Museum Murder Mystery: Murder in the Music Gallery

The museum photographer has been found murdered in the gallery! Join the team and collaborate with other investigators to solve a fictitious murder.

Music of Queen Anne's World

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. explores tunes and songs that wove themselves through the fabric of this important transitional time in our nation's history.

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 Cost of Freedom

Join two Nation Builders as they discuss the Cost of Freedom.

Noon Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Residents of the 18th-century Williamsburg community read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Courthouse and surrounding area.

Old Southern Cookery: Mary Randolph's Recipes

Using the historic recipes from Mary Randolph’s 1824 bestselling cookbook, the authors show how home cooks can prepare the food using contemporary methods.

Organ Recital - Dr. JanEl Will

Enjoy a candlelit recital by Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church.

Palace Exploration

Experience the grandeur of royal government in Virginia just before its collapse. Explore the residence of Virginia's last royal governor at your own pace.

Palace Garden Concert

Experience the delights of the Pleasure Garden, a popular 18th-century outdoor public entertainment featuring musical diversions, presented by The Governor's Musick.

Patriotic Organ Recital

Join Dr. JanEl Will for a recital of patriotic organ music.

Patriots at Play

Participate in the daily activities of an 18th-century family at the Geddy House.

Phillis Wheatley and the Music of Freedom

Join the Governor’s Musick in a musical exploration of the paradox of freedom as seen through the poetry of Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved person and well-known poet.

Play the Fife and Beat the Drum

Join an adult staff member of the Fifes & Drums to learn the fundamentals of fifing and/or drumming as if you were a recruit. Practice with a fife and/or drumsticks.

Pride not Prejudice

Join members of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Research Committee to explore some of the exciting research they have uncovered.

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.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson begins a day of pageantry, celebration, and reflection.

Recruiting Party and March

Participate in a light military drill, then march down Duke of Gloucester St. to the Magazine for final inspection by the Marquis de Lafayette on Sat and General Washington on Sun.

Rediscover Custis Square

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

Revel at Chowning's Tavern

Join us at Chowning’s Tavern for an evening of 18th-century merrymaking.

Revolutionary Points of View

Step back in time to the eve of the American Revolution, and there are just as many opinions about war and independence as we hear about politics and religion today.

Salute to the States

Set to the pomp & pageantry of the CW Fifes & Drums, The Virginia Military Garrison presents musket volley salutes to the original thirteen states of the Union.

State Garrison Goes South

Learn about the experience of those who went South in 1780 to defend Charleston, SC, and the impact they had on the campaigns and battles.

Summer Breeze Concert Series

Join us each Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for a variety of bands performing jazz, blues, beach music, and party and dance tunes.

Summer in the Valley

Escape the summer heat with the Waterman family. Delightful music and family stories from the 18th century as we welcome you into our music-making home.

Teach them Diligently

Journey with Ann Wager, a lifelong teacher in Colonial Virginia, as she experiences what it takes to run the Williamsburg Bray School.

The Art of Williamsburg's Weathervanes

Explore Williamsburg's architectural ironwork through an examination of the origins, iconography, and sources of the city's weathervanes.

The Arts and Mysteries of Brewing

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

The Last Two Virtuosi of the Viola da Gamba

Discover the lives of Ann Ford and Carl Friedrich Abel, two 18th-century London musicians and hear music on the most noble of instruments, the viola da gamba.

The Necessity of Order in Battle

Witness a demonstration of tactics that are crucial to success in combat.

Thomas Jefferson Book Signing

Join Thomas Jefferson scholars and authors Bill Barker and Milton J. Nieuwsma for a special book signing at Brick & Vine in Merchants Square.

Time Conquers All, and We Must Time Obey

Apprentice Engraver William Fleming explores how sundials were made and shares the collaboration between our engraving shop and foundry as they reproduced a sundial.

To Hang a Pirate

Join with us in a trial of a member of the crew of Blackbeard the pirate that actually occurred in Williamsburg in 1719. Hear the evidence and make a judgment!

To Market We Go

Join Historic Foodways to find out about procuring and preserving food in 18th-century Williamsburg.

Types & the Press: An Introduction to Printing

Join the Printers to learn the basics of printing. Set type and learn about ink balls and print an item to take home. Limit of 12 participants.

Virginia Arts Festival Big Band

A high-energy celebration of music from the Big Band era performed by the 17-piece Virginia Arts Festival Big Band, featuring jazz vocalist Sharón Clark.

Visit a Nation Builder

Step into the past with a Nation Builder. Through stories, discussion, and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges they faced.

Visit a Nation Builder- Ann Wager

Step into the past with Ann Wager, educator of free and enslaved children. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges she faced.

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- James Madison

Step into the past with James Madison, Scholar Statesman.

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-Colonel George Washington

Step into the past with George Washington, Colonel of the Virginia Regiment. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Visit with the Printers

In an overview of the Printing Office, join Peter Stinely as he shares his forty years at the letterpress through pictures and recollection.

Voice & Guitar Recital - Judith & Timothy

Soprano Judith Olbrych and classical guitarist Timothy Olbrych from Williamsburg, Virginia present a recital.

What Goes Up

Take flight with the first passengers in a hot air balloon in 1783!

Who Designed this Place?

Join Master Bricklayer Josh Graml as he explores how 18th-century buildings were designed and built as gentlemen architects plied their trade in Virginia.