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 Congressional Curriculum

Join James Madison for a crash course in government from some of history’s greatest philosophers and thinkers.

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 Determined Spirit

When Charlotte, an enslaved woman on the Mount Vernon estate, is beaten twice, she takes her case to Mrs. Washington to find justice.

A Discussion of Military Topics

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

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 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.

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.

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.

Candlelight Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy

Enjoy a varied program of music by Rebecca Davy, music director & organist at Bruton Parish Church.

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.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Custis Square

Join us for Juneteenth at Custis Square! Guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free flow exploration throughout the day.

Chamber Recital

Enjoy a chamber recital by Glencora Davies on Oboe, César Pimental Ortiz on Trombone, and Rebecca Davy on Organ and Harpsichord.

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!

Coopering Basics

Participants will learn some of the basic skills involved in making a bucket. This will include shaping a stave and how to use a brace and bit.

Cost of War

Colonel George Washington discusses the Seven Years' War and its high cost on combatants and non-combatants alike.

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.

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.

Drawing With a Compass and Rule

Craftspeople have used math to create works of art. With a simple straight edge and compass, we will demonstrate exercises used to create simple geometric forms.

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.

Engineers in the Revolution

Come learn the instrumental role engineers played in an 18th-century military and in winning the Revolution.

Every Child Taught to Sew

Learn a variety of stitches and how they were used in the 18th century.

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.

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 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.

Governor’s Musick at the Raleigh Tavern

Visit with members of the Governor’s Musick to explore music in colonial Virginia and explore the ways in which music was an important part of everyone’s life.

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 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 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., enjoy music from Good Shot Judy. Coordinated by CultureFix.

Juneteenth Community Inter-Faith Experience

Join us for an interfaith worship service to celebrate Juneteenth Independence Day. This amazing worship experience will include scripture, prayers, and hymns from our community.

Juvenilia

An aspiring young writer persuades her siblings and friend into performing a double bill of mystery and comedy for her father within the family parlor.

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.

Measure of a Man's Worth

While conversing with Major James Innes, Benjamin, an enslaved carriage driver, gradually learns what the revolution has in store for enslaved men and women in Williamsburg.

Meet the Gardener

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

Memorial Day Commemorative Program

Join us on Palace Green as we honor the men and women of the United States military who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation with a traditional wreath-laying ceremony.

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.

Mistakes of a Night

The Hardcastle family is thrown into disarray when mistaken identities, drunken hijinks, and two suitors trouble the peace and quiet of their old-fashioned country estate.

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 Religion

Join two Nation Builders as they discuss various views and opinions of religion.

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.

Organ & Harpsichord Recital - Rebecca Davy

Music director and organist Rebecca Davy presents a program of both harpsichord and organ music from the past and present in this 300-year-old historic worship space.

Organ Duet Recital

Organists Peggy Brengle from Westminster, Maryland & Nathan Kyle Lively from Stamford, Connecticut team up to present a candlelight duet recital.

Organ Recital - Dr. JanEl Will

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

Organ Recital - Stephen Henley, Jr.

Stephen Henley, organist from Bon Air Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA presents a candlelight recital.

Palace Concert

Colonial Williamsburg's early music ensemble, the Governor's Musick, offers an elegant evening of chamber music.

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.

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.

Plane Talk Workshop

Join us for an in-depth, hands-on tour and demonstration of hand planes–one of the traditional woodworker’s most indispensable tools.

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.

Public Hospital Visit

Tour the reconstructed Public Hospital of 1773 and chat with a historian about Mental Health Care in the 18th century.

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.

Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Our History

During this illustrated lecture, Jobie Hill, preservation architect, will highlight ongoing slave house research, fieldwork efforts, and new methods of interpretation.

Simple Stitches for Sewing Success

Hand-sewing was an essential 18th-century life skill. Participants in this class will make a sewing roll based on an 18th-century original.

Small Cellar Stick

Join the Tin Shop in exploring the unique properties of tin-plated iron by creating a practical lighting device, a cellar stick.

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.

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.

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 Art of the Stuff Maker

Discover the popular fashions and typical construction techniques of late 18-century women's shoes that made women’s shoemaking a separate branch of the trade.

The Arts and Mysteries of Brewing

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

The Comet Huntress

The year is 1786, and Caroline Herschel has just discovered a comet making her the first woman to do so.

The Enlightenment of Gotham

In this illustrated lecture based on his new book, Dr. Lee Dugatkin discusses how four men brought the enlightenment to New York City. Book signing to follow.

The Frolic

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. captures the spontaneity and energy of multiple musicians who happen to be playing in the same space at the same time.

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.

The Peddler's Opera

The Peddler’s Opera serves as a hilarious morality play to show the downfalls of profiting off a tragedy.

The Public Hospital of 1773

The Public Hospital in Williamsburg was the first mental hospital in British North America. Discover how the treatment of patients and the facility changed over time.

The Rebuilding of Charity

Charity, a female inmate at the Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds, shares her journey from admittance to release.

The Rise and Fall of the Peale Museum

Dr. Lee Dugatkin discusses how Charles Willson Peale created the most important and famous museum in 18th-century America by fusing natural history and art.

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.

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- Edith Cumbo

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

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.

Visit a Nation Builder- The Washingtons

Step into the past with George and Martha Washington.

Visit a Nation Builder- Thomas Jefferson

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

Visit with the Apothecary

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

Visit with the Gunsmith

Discover three 18th-century Virginia rifles made along the Great Wagon Road during this photographic study.

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.

Vocal Recital - Dustin Odom

Vocal recital by Dustin Odom, Tenor accompanied by Dr. JanEl Will.

Voices of Their Hands

Discuss the lives of enslaved tradespeople on this walking tour. Hear from our historic tradespeople discussing their experiences interpreting skilled laborers and their work.

Walk through History with a Nation Builder

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

Was King George Really Mad?

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

Weaving Workshop

Try your hand at weaving in this class for all levels of experience.

What Goes Up

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

What Holds the Future

This program dramatizes the experience of enslaved servants right before they are auctioned off to raise money for the war effort.

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.

Women at Work!

Join us for a walking tour discussing the often-surprising realities of women’s labor, skills, and rights in 18th-century Williamsburg and the Colonial Atlantic World.