CW Planner

A Neighbor Stops By

Tour Bassett Hall and meet a close friend of the Rockefellers. Mrs. George P. Coleman, a long-time Williamsburg resident, became a personal friend of the Rockefellers during the restoration of Williamsburg.

Abby's Art

Come make your own theorem piece of folk art in the cottage at Bassett Hall. While there, tour the house and learn about the folk art Abby Rockefeller chose for this special home.

American Indian Delegation

Explore the diverse cultures of Native peoples preserving and adapting their way of life amidst joys and hardships and discuss matters of trade, warfare, and diplomacy.

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.

Arboretum Walk: Griffin Campus

Discover Colonial Williamsburg’s Arboretum and some of the trees and woody shrubs that make up its collection (some of which are state champions!). Learn how to identify various species, how we maintain the Arboretum's hea…

Art Museum Insider

An overview tour of the history of the collection and museum.

Backstory

During this guided tour, explore the hidden stories behind the objects on display in our museums.

Behind Closed Drawers

Drop in and examine antique textiles, including clothing, accessories and household textiles.

Behind the Field Musick

Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Bruton Heights

Explore historic preservation and research with the experts. Approx. 90 minutes.

Bits and Bridles

Interested in animals? Learn more about Colonial Williamsburg's modern stable and rare breeds program on this walking tour. See reservation ticket for starting place. Children must be accompanied at all times by an adult. S…

By George!

On a guided tour for families, learn about George Washington through objects connected to him.

Carriage Rides: Red Carriage

See Our City, Differently. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Historic Area by horse-drawn carriage. Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of our unique city, far removed from the bustle of modern-day streets.

Ceramics Up-Close

Join a guided tour about ceramics.

Colonial Williamsburg Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Venture behind-the-scenes on a two-hour walking tour and discover little-known facts and secrets that only a private tour guide can tell you. Learn the complexities of preserving and recreating Williamsburg’s buildings as y…

Colonial Williamsburg Escape Room: Spies & Lies

Espionage was a vital tool leveraged by both sides of the American Revolution. Enter the world of spies and wade through the investigation. Who is your friend? Who is your enemy? Who can you trust? But most importantly, wh…

Colonial Williamsburg's Rare Breeds Program

Learn about the rare breeds of livestock that live at Colonial Williamsburg. Program is weather permitting.

Conversation with a Nation Builder

Engage in a conversation with a Nation Builder about their world and their hopes for the future.

Courtship's a Gamble

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. discuss the pleasures and pains of courtship, both in life and in plays, as they play a game of Whist.

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.

Custis Square Community Open House

Archaeological site tours and hands-on activities at the Custis Square Archaeological site. See artifacts uncovered and take guided tours throughout the day.

Dancing at the Governor's Palace

Join our dance ensemble for a lively family-friendly evening of dance and music in the Palace Ballroom. We'll demonstrate various dances of the 18th century and then invite guests of all ages to join in on the fun.

Decorative Arts Highlights

Enjoy a guided tour of decorative arts masterworks, such as paintings, silver, and textiles.

Donor Visit with a Nation Builder

Come enjoy a rare opportunity to visit with one of Colonial Williamsburg's Nation Builders as part of a small, intimate group. Meet an interpreter portraying a historical figure such as Thomas Jefferson, James Armistead La…

Drop Spindle Spinning Class

Take a hands-on wool spinning class for beginners that includes all required supplies, including your own drop spindle to keep! Not recommended for children under 10. Children 17 or under must be accompanied by a ticketed a…

Embroidery, a Branch of the Millinery Trade

Milliners often advertise that they practice "the trade in all its branches." Visit the Margaret Hunter Millinery Shop as they highlight different branches, including embroidery.

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.

Evolution of the Governor's Palace Gardens

As you stroll through the various “garden rooms” that comprise the Governor’s Palace gardens, learn how and why the 10-acres of landscaped grounds have changed since they were first designed in the early 1700s.

Faction and Vice

George Washington and James Madison debate about the formation of political parties.

Fashion Fanatics

In the 18th century, the British were fanatics about fashion. On a guided tour, view British fashions and learn whether they were popular in the American colonies.

Fifes and Drums March

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, representing military field musicians, march from the Capitol to the Palace Green.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Two men, divided by time, share in a long tradition of preaching the gospel during times of war. Gowan Pamphlet and James Russell Brown, both studied, preached, and lived in Williamsburg during tumultuous periods in America…

Finding Jane Austen

On guided tour explore six regency objects using six quotes from six Jane Austen books and make a souvenir.

Fire a Flintlock Musket

Get into the spirit of 1776 at the Colonial Williamsburg Musket Range. For just $95, participants will fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms commonly used during the Re…

Firing of the Noon Gun

The noon gun signaled a cessation of morning drills and work parties and a start to preparing the midday meal.

Focus on Furniture

Experience an in-depth guided tour of rare 18th-century tables, chests, desks and upholstered furniture.

Founders Lab

Engage in a lively talk show with the men who interpret James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Join them as they explore, both in character and out, American history, values and aspirations. Warning: This avant-garde program …

Freedom's Paradox: The Randolph House Tour

Take a 90-minute walking tour of the Randolph House, Market Square and Palace Green. Explore the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence by looking at the experiences of the free and enslaved…

Good Progress

Education means something to everyone. But can everyone agree on its value? 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.

Grand March and Review

Join the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, and other fife and drum units from across the nation, for a stirring display of military music!

Hands-On Archaeology at Custis Square

Do you have a future archaeologist in the family? Spend an hour helping Colonial Williamsburg archaeologists find artifacts and discuss what we can learn from archaeology at Custis Square. Open to guests ages 5-16.

Haunted Williamsburg

Experience Colonial Williamsburg’s ONLY ghost tour that goes inside the historic buildings! Your costumed storyteller reveals a darker side of history with chilling tales of lost love, murder, betrayal, and things that (sti…

If We Had a Theater

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. will discuss the technical side of theatre as they design and build for their shows.

Intersections

Join us on the street, at the intersection of routine and Revolution. Encounter members of Williamsburg’s diverse community and witness the ordinary and extraordinary moments of their lives as a significant moment in the Am…

Introduction to Folk Art

Guided tours by knowledgeable museum volunteers introduce you to the whimsical and fascinating paintings, sculpture, textiles, and more from Mrs. Rockefeller's original collection.

Lafayette and the French Revolution

The Marquis de Lafayette saw two revolutions in his life. Learn about his role in the French Revolution.

Level and Plumb

Work with the bricklayers to learn how to lay a brick wall that is both level and plumb.

Madam, Give a Place in your Paper

Join Clementina Rind, owner and editor of the Virginia Gazette, as she decides what to give a place in her paper in the politically charged year of 1774.

Marching into Evening

Gather on Market Square to celebrate America's enduring story with our world-renowned Fife and Drum corps!

Meet the Curator/Conservator

Walk and talk with the staff who researches and cares for antiques in the museums. (Please refer to list of topics and titles.)

Meet the Gardener

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

Memorial Day Commemorative Program

Costumed interpreters, including members of the Fifes and Drums and musket and cannon crews, commemorate the war dead with a 45- to 60-minute ceremony, beginning at the Governor's Palace and ending at the south lawn of the …

Mental Health & the Public Hospital

Tour the 1773 Public Hospital for a discussion about 18th century mental health.

Mrs. Shield's Summer Celebration Pig Roast

Mrs. Shield's Summer Celebration 18th Century Pig Roast for Memorial Day Weekend.

Mrs. Shields' Afternoon of Grace

Mrs. Shields' Afternoon of Grace.

Mrs. Shields' July 4th Celebration Pig Roast

Mrs. Shields' July 4th Celebration Pig Roast

Mrs. Shields's Private Assembly of Merriment

Join Mrs. Shields for a private assembly of merriment. Refreshments and entertainment provided along with musicians and a dance master. Guests will be encouraged to dress in 18th Century fashion (optional) and will be give…

Museum Murder Mystery: Curse of the Witch Bottle

View the crime scene, interview experts and suspects, and collaborate with other investigators as you join the team to solve a fictitious murder.

Music from Over Yonder

The Waterman family happily welcomes you all to join them as they play some of their favorite songs from home and their travels from the West. A musical experience combining all walks of life to share the sounds of the earl…

My Dear Madam

Martha Washington is asked for advice by Abigail Adams and reflects on her own life in the public eye and how her unlikely friendship with her successor, Mrs. Adams, has shaped their shared role as a President’s lady.

Mythology in the Museum

On this guided tour learn about the mythology behind Greek and Roman Gods, magical creatures, and other fabled figures depicted on silver, ceramics and furniture on exhibit. Discover how were these myths were important to …

Native American Life Series

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

Official Ghost Walk Junior

Everyone loves a haunted tale! Bring the entire family for all of the phantom fun with none of the nightmares. Enjoy this 45-minute tour of traditional ghost stories with a Colonial Williamsburg flavor.

One Knot at a Time

Join our Wigmakers to learn the art of hand-knotting, a technique used in material culture for centuries.

Order in the Court

Participate in a re-enactment of an 18th-century trial.

Ox Wagon Rides

Take a step back in time and go for a ride on an 18th-century ox wagon and enjoy a beautiful view of Palace Green.

Oxen: Learn about this Source of Power

Oxen: Learn about this source of power in 18th-century Virginia. Weather permitting.

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.

Rediscover Custis Square

Take a guided tour through Custis Square 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.

Romantic Wythe Carriage

See Our City, Differently. A romantic ride for two through the Historic Area by horse drawn carriage. Surround yourself with the sights, and sounds of our unique city, far removed from the bustle of modern- day streets.

Rubbish, Treasures, and Colonial Life: The Archaeology Labs

View archaeological artifacts in the setting in which they're studied, and learn about the archaeological staff's current research.

Secrets of the Chocolate Maker

Enjoy a demonstration of 18th-century methods of making chocolate.

Secrets of the Midwives

Three enslaved women at Carter’s Grove are in labor! Overwhelmed, Judith, the enslaved midwife, reluctantly accepts help. Notions of race, class, and gender will be challenged as different cultures, customs, and techniques…

Shields Tavern Breakfast Celebration with Thomas Jefferson

On the morning of July 4th, prior to the reading of the Declaration of Independence, guests will be invited to have a casual breakfast experience with Thomas Jefferson in Shields Tavern.

Shoulder Your Firelocks!

Guests will engage in a military drill, learning the tactics and drill of the 18th-century soldier. Participating guests must be able to stand and move for at least 20 minutes. Open to ages 9-80.

Specialist Tour

Join one of our specialists on a tour of Henry Wetherburn's Tavern.

Successful Campaign

Join the Colonial Williamsburg Senior Fifes and Drums as they perform 18th-century military field music.

The Acting Academy

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. discuss the rudiments of acting on stage as they incorporate lessons from Aaron Hill’s collection of essays on the art of acting published in the 18th Century.

The Arts and Mysteries of Brewing

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

The Ballads of the Waterman Family

The Jug Broke Theatre Co.’s Waterman Family members discuss and play songs from their favorite ballad operas from the 18th-century repertoire.

The Company Behind the Curtain

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. pull back the 18th c. curtain and give a modern look at how they create the spirit of 18th century theatre for a 21st century audience.

The Election of 1800

Explore the first modern political campaign in our history and find surprising parallels between that election and our current election with Professor Peter Henriques and Thomas Jefferson.

The Famous Barber of York

Pay a visit to Caesar Hope at his shop and experience his incredible story of slavery, freedom, and enterprise.

The Necessity of Order in Battle

Success on the battlefield depends greatly on the discipline of the soldiers and the order in which they execute their tactics and field maneuvers. Come witness a demonstration of these tactics that are crucial to success …

The Prompter's Plight

Join the Jug Broke Theatre Co. on Tuesday afternoons to hear them discuss the language of life and plays as they read and rehearse plays.

To Build a Life

Join Aggy of Turkey Island as she asks the question, “What does it take to build a home?”

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!

Tour the Town

Walk about town with one of our costumed interpreters as they share with you enduring stories of those living in Williamsburg and how their world was changed by the events surrounding them.

Trial of a Patriot

What if America's War for Independence had failed, and the leaders of the American Revolution were charged with treason? Find out in this alternative-history trial, where you question witnesses, weigh the evidence, and dete…

Virginia Resolves for Independence

On May 15, 1776, Virginia’s resolution for independence is adopted at the Capitol in Williamsburg. Join in the celebration for a free country along with their own Declaration of Rights and a Constitution for the new Commonw…

Visit a Nation Builder

Meet a Nation Builder, who helped shape their time, and whose legacy continues to influence and inspire American ideals.

Walk through History with a Nation Builder

Experience the 18th century community of Williamsburg through the eyes of a Nation Builder as they delight you and challenge you to think about our shared history in new ways.

Washington's First Crucible of War

George Washington is remembered as the man who started the French and Indian War at Jumonville's Glen in 1754. Experience the events surrounding his first war, and see how he, and the men he met, were completely changed.

Watermans performing at Chownings Tavern

Enjoy the Waterman Family's unique musical styling of vocal and instrumental music straight from the Virginia valley while you have a meal at Chowning’s Tavern.

We Want You

Enlist to make your own patriotic pinwheel to celebrate the 4th of July.

Weaving Workshop

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

Williamsburg Military Tattoo

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums hosts military units and fife and drum corps from across the country in a thrilling torch-lit march down Duke of Gloucester Street.

Williamsburg's Lost & Found

Explore museum objects that played a role in Williamsburg's unique history on this guided tour.