CW Planner

Growing a Colonial Garden

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

A Celebration of the Yule Log

Follow the Yule log, hauled by wagon, from the Capitol circle to Market Square, accompanied by music, festivity, and the community of 18th-century and present-day Williamsburg.

A Community Celebration of Music and Song

Each Saturday evening, highlighted ensembles from the Williamsburg community will fill the air with seasonal music throughout the Historic Area.

A Congressional Curriculum

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

A Grand Display of Fireworks

Simultaneous 18th-century style pyrotechnics at the Governor’s Palace and Capitol Building.

A Grand Illumination Celebration on Palace Green

Featuring Goodwin & The Ghost: A Williamsburg Christmas Tale with author Bryan Austin concludes with a special appearance by Father Christmas and leads into the fireworks.

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 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!

Acoustic Guitar Concert

Come and enjoy the sounds of acoustic guitar as Louis Vangieri performs in the yard of the Bruton Parish Church.

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!

Alcohol in 18th and 19th c. Virginia

Author Tara Nurin discusses both the common and unique ways alcohol production in colonial and pre-industrial Virginia was produced by women.

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.

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 Infallible Guide to the Hidden Degrees of Fate

Based on the book of the same name, a woman named Madam Zuzah uses her mystical powers of divination to predict the fate of some of her audience members.

Arboretum Walk: Griffin Campus

Discover Colonial Williamsburg’s Arboretum and some of the native and exotic trees and woody shrubs that make up its collection, some of which are uncommon.

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 Scenes at the Barn for Home Educators

Explore Colonial Williamsburg’s modern stable and carriage facilities to meet some of our animals and view the various vehicles owned and operated onsite.

Big Cat Explorers

As you tour the folk art collection, search for lions and tigers in art. Then create your own big cat work of art to take home.

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.

Captives to Citizens

Discuss the 18th c. practice of captive taking, and subsequent adoption, in eastern woodland tribes – and the unique definitions of citizenship in these American Indian communities

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.

Clothing Enslaved People in Colonial Virginia

Join apprentice tailor Tim Logue to discover some of the complex relationships between apparel, labor, identity, and enslavement.

Constitution Day Event

Colonial Williamsburg celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution with a free event, "To Support and Defend" on the lawn in front of the Art Museums.

Copperplate Engraving at Colonial Williamsburg

Engraver C. Lynn Zelesnikar shares the development, practice, and future of copperplate engraving here at Colonial Williamsburg.

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.

Drawing the Line

Lord Dunmore, the last Royal Governor of Virginia, finalizes his proclamation issuing martial law and offering freedom to enslaved people owned by those rebelling against the king.

Entertainments at the Play House

Jug Broke Theater Co. presents stories of the 18th-century world, engaging audiences of all ages through original plays, musical entertainments, and theatrical interpretation.

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.

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 Freedom to Slavery

After making a free life for herself as an adopted Shawnee Indian, Methotaskee is brought back into slavery.

From Manuscript to the Street

Discover how the Fifes and Drums of Colonial Williamsburg take a musical manuscript from the 18th century and bring it back to life.

From the Ashes

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

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.

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.

Gunpowder, Elixir of Life

A discussion on the creation of gunpowder, uses for, and how it relates to the development of firearms.

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 Area Illumination Ceremonies

The lighting of candles along Duke of Gloucester Street continues with three simultaneous ceremonies at the Raleigh Tavern, George Wythe House, and Randolph House.

Historic Organ Recital - Norman Elton

Norman Elton, organist 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

Historic Organ Recital by Thomas Marshall in the Wren Chapel at the College of William & Mary

Home Ed Apprentice Experience

Through family-friendly activities, learn what it meant to be an apprentice in the 18th century.

Home Educator Basic Rudiments with Gowan Pamphlet

Come and learn the ABCs of basic education to children, and the young at heart, in post-war Williamsburg. Meet one of America's unsung nation builders, Gowan Pamphlet.

Home Educator Lessons in Survival with Edith Cumbo

Discover what family meant to those in the Black community, both free and enslaved, and how education was a means to survival.

Home Educators Loquacious Lucy, Queen for a Day

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

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.

Homebrewing in 18th-Century Virginia

Learn about the importance of beer in colonial Virginia and how it was made.

In Defense of Our Liberty

Enlist in the Continental Army, become a recruit, and see what it was like to be a soldier in the 18th century.

Is that a cello? Or a viol?

Explore these two bowed-stringed instruments' history, construction, and repertoire and hear them both in action!

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.

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.

Ladies of Llangollen

In 1780, Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler eloped together. This musical romance gives life to the ladies’ own words, lovingly adapted from their diaries, letters, and poetry.

Lafayette and Kayewla: The Marquis and the Oneida

Join the Marquis de Lafayette, known as a friend of the Native Americans, in 1824 as he recounts his history with the Oneida Indians during his time in America.

Lighting of the Cressets

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

Make a Toy

Explore the galleries and discover playthings from the past. Then create a spinning Thaumatrope to take home.

Meet the Gardener

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

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.

Missing the Forest for the Trees

Early settlers remarked on the vast virgin forests. Peter Hudson discusses historically significant species of trees and their contribution to the development of our country.

Mother Goose's Riddle and Rhymes Tour for Home Educators

Explore Williamsburg using familiar riddles and rhymes along with bits and pieces like a stub of candle or a hank of wool.

Museum Murder Mystery: Curse of the Witch Bottle

With the help of crime scene clues and expert and suspect interviews, join the team to solve a fictitious murder.

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 Dear Madam

Mrs. Washington reflects on her life in the public eye and how her friendship with Mrs. Adams has shaped their shared role of President’s lady.

My Story, My Voice- Sam

Sam, a Black soldier, tells his heroic story of self-liberation, his encounters with the Shawnee, his supposed enemy, and those who enslaved him. Which army will he fight for?

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

Myths and Misconceptions in Historic Kitchens

Explore misunderstandings about food during the 18th century, such as who was working in kitchens, how they kept food from going bad, and how they worked in those clothes?

Nation Builders Discuss Myths

Discuss with our Nation Builders and the historians who portray them the myths about their 18th-century world.

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.

Oh Craft. Foiled Again!

On a guided tour explore folk art examples of metal works, then craft a work of art using tooling foil.

Organ Recital - Dr. John Lowe

Experience a candlelit recital by Dr. John Lowe, organist from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville, Florida, in this 300-year-old worship space.

Organ Recital - Stephen Henley, Jr.

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

Organ Recital: New Music for a New Instrument

Come enjoy this organ recital performed by Rebecca Davy featuring the premiere of 'First Flight' by Cecilia McDowall on the new Dobson pipe organ.

Please Stay Little Stranger

Follow Mrs. Rind as she examines the dangerous journey of childhood from her own life, newspaper articles, and the experiences of friends, neighbors, and their enslaved people.

Private Family 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.

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.

Quiltmaker

Celebrate the life of Alabama quilter, Susana Allen Hunter as we discuss one of her pieced quilts. Then make a mini-quilt to take home.

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.

Religion in Education with Patrick Henry: for Home Educators

Deliberate with Patrick Henry on the question of “freedom of religion” in the founding of our new nation.

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.

Same Song Different Day

The Jug Broke Theatre Co. performs holiday songs from the 18th century as well as familiar modern-day songs.

Secrets of the Past: Concealed Footwear

Join us for a presentation on the custom of concealed footwear, its possible origins, and how the Shoemakers use the knowledge obtained from concealed footwear.

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.

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.

Slaves and Goods: The Transatlantic Slave Trade

Historic Trades carpenter Harold Caldwell describes his travels to the United Kingdom and West Africa to better understand the British slave trade.

Songs for Jane

Through story and song, many fictional scenarios are introduced as two sisters discuss how music might be a larger part of their performances in the future.

Student Activity Stations for Home Educators

Learn different aspects of the 18th century with our educational activity stations.

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.

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 Actors' Lament

See a new humorous interactive play, engaging you in a theatre company's intrigues and secrets. Will they open on time? Find out during this open-air evening theater experience!

The Dismal

Through poetry, melody, storytelling, and song, the Jug Broke Theatre Co. explores the conflicting perception of the Dismal Swamp.

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 Necessity of Order in Battle

Come 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 Armoury

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

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.

Tradespeople in the Galleries

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

Veterans Day Proclamation Ceremony

Join Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, Virginia Military Garrison, and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation employees for this heartfelt tribute.

Veterans Day: A Military March Honoring America's Veterans

Join us this Veterans Day weekend for a march and ceremony honoring America's veterans.

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- 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- 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- 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 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.

Voices in the Community

Join Rev. Pamphlet, pastor of newly constructed but long-established First Baptist Church, as he explores the importance of their role as members of the congregation and community.

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.

Washington's Birthnight

Through comedy and song, audiences become a part of Colonel James Innes’ struggle to fight for his right to party.

Washington's First Crucible of War

Experience the events surrounding George Washington's first war, the French and Indian War at Jumonville's Glen in 1754.

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.

What Made George Washington Tick

Professor Henriques explores George Washington's motivations.

Your Truly Affectionate Sister

Through the years of the Revolution, Sarah Trebell and John Galt, siblings, must navigate personal and political upheaval as the world changes underneath their feet.