CW Planner

A Congressional Curriculum

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

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 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 First Lady, Martha Washington

Join Mrs. Washington as she speaks about being the first President’s wife and the expectations placed upon her while the new Nation watches on.

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.

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!

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!

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 Life Series

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

An Evening with the Presidents

Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison for a discussion of their experiences as president. Hosted by Barbara Hamm Lee.

Armoury Activity Stations for Home Educators

Enhance your visit with our educational activity stations. Explore Anderson’s armoury compound and learn about the demands that war placed on Williamsburg’s industry.

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.

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.

Benjamin Spraggins Carriage Dedication

Join us as we honor the legacy of Benjamin Spraggins Sr. and early Colonial Williamsburg Black Coachmen with a carriage processional and dedication ceremony.

CW Lights

Explore our family-friendly evening experience in the Governor's Palace Gardens. This magical glow event will transform our world-class gardens.

Candlelight Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy

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

Chamber Recital - Celebrating Black History Month

Come and celebrate Black History Month with music by Black American composers in this candlelit chamber choral & organ recital presented by Bruton Capella.

Change is Coming with G. Pamphlet and G. Mason

Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved Baptist preacher, asks George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, how this new document will change his world.

Clothing Enslaved People in Colonial Virginia

Discover some of the complex relationships between apparel, labor, identity, and enslavement.

Colonial Williamsburg's Rare Breeds Program

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

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.

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.

Daub to Dough

Learn how to build a bread oven out of materials found in your backyard.

Discovery Lab at Custis Square!

Here's your chance to get behind the scenes at the Custis site! Join archaeologists on April 4-8 for an up-close look at the excavation and a week of interactive programming!

Discovery Lab at the First Baptist Site!

Join archaeologists for an up-close look at the First Baptist Church excavation and a week of interactive programming!

Discovery Lab at the Powder Magazine

Join archaeologists for an up-close look at the Powder Magazine excavation and a week of interactive programming!

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.

Embroider Your Way to Organization!

Join the Milliners to learn two of the basic embroidery stitches and use hand-dyed wool yarns to embroider a copy of a thread case from circa 1795.

Every Child Taught to Sew

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

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 Impressions

Martha Washington and Sally Cary Fairfax have always maintained a deep and abiding friendship. How will they continue their connection over distance, time, and politics?

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 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.

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.

Handbell Concert - Apex United Methodist Church

The Apex United Methodist Church Handbell Choir from Apex, NC under the direction of Todd Arant give a concert in this beautiful 300 year old worship center.

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 - 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.

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.

How Did They Survive?

Join Journeyman Carpenter Ayinde Martin to discuss enslaved people in Colonial Virginia and their survival techniques and skills.

Intermediate Weaving Workshop

Take your basic weaving knowledge to the next level with this two-hour workshop.

Intersections

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

Introduction to Coopering

Participants will have the opportunity to use drawknives to back and hollow staves and raise the walls of a bucket (assembling the staves).

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.

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.

Making 3D Objects from Drawings and Images

Discover how 18th-century tinplate objects are reproduced at the Armoury Tin Shop when only an image exists or is available.

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.

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.

Mother Goose's Riddle and Rhymes Tour for Home Educators

Explore Benjamin Powell's property using familiar riddles and rhymes, along with items like a stub of candle or a hank of wool. Where did we get the wool? Baa! Baa!

Music in the Galleries

Enjoy 18th-century music on a variety of period instruments as you stroll the galleries.

My 46 Years as a Silversmith

Join our Master Silversmith George Cloyed for a candid discussion about the people he learned from, the changes he has seen, and his thoughts on the future of the trade.

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

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 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.

Organ Recital - Cheryl van Ornam

Experience a candlelit recital by organist Cheryl Van Ornam from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Richmond, Virginia, in this 18th century worship space.

Palace Activity Stations for Home Educators

Enhance your visit with our educational activity stations. Step into our gardens and participate in an interactive spotlight on different aspects of the 18th century.

Palace Exploration

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

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.

Pop-Up Archaeology!

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

Popular Science: An 18th Century Science Lecture for Home Educators

Step into the shoes of 18th-century students to learn what is on the cutting edge of enlightenment science.

Pride not Prejudice

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

Queen’s Menagerie

Inspired by a journal entry of John Wesley in 1767, a dreamlike story takes us through the menagerie of Queen Charlotte as an 18th-century opera.

Re-animating 18th-century Fashion

This illustrated talk (fashion show) explores how we recapture 18th-century life and work with clothing.

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.

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 Presidents

Fifes, Drums, and Cannons salute the nation's presidents on Market Square. Washington, Jefferson, and Madison are in attendance.

Sam's War

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?

Sash Windows: History and Construction

The Joiners discuss the evolution of windows, the tools used in their construction, and their indication of status.

Sentiments of American Women

This 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Talk with a Military Historian

Discuss various Military topics relating to the 18th century with a Military historian. Topics to include tactics, weaponry, flags, music, engineering, and basic soldiering.

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 Comet Huntress

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

The Doctrine of Representation

Meet Hannah Corbin & her brother Richard Henry Lee as they explore the future of voting rights and the meaning of representation.

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 Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret

Join Mrs. Washington in December of 1799 as she comes to terms with the General’s Last Will and Testament, and hear from George Washington on his evolution on slavery.

The Peddler's Opera

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

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 Widow's Masquerade

With support from her fellow soldiers, Hannah Snell became the first woman to receive a pension from the British government. Approximately 20 minutes.

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!

Tools Tell Stories: The Planes of Cesar Chelor

Join the Cabinetmakers as they construct a raised panel door using planes reproduced from originals made by free Black plane-maker Cesar Chelor.

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- Ann Wager

Step into the past with Ann Wager, Educator of free and enslaved children.

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- Patrick Henry

Step into the past with Patrick Henry, the Revolution's Son of Thunder.

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.

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.

Weaver Explorer Experience

Learn about the importance of local fabric production in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War in this immersive, hands-on workshop.

Weaving Workshop

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

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 and the Law tours

Uncover the stories of women who engaged with the highest levels of colonial law and government as victims and active participants—even criminals.

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.