CW Planner

Growing a Colonial Garden

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

"Painting is Dead!"

Join local historian, Carson Hudson, as he discusses how photography came to replace portrait painting as the primary method for acquiring an image of a person.

A Community Salute to America

The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band celebrates the return of live music performance with a program of patriotic favorites and uplifting musical selections.

A Home to Many

See the archaeological evidence that helps us to understand the men, women, and children with no choice but to make a home among their enslavers.

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.

American Indian Encampment

This interpretive camp of a small American Indian delegation to Williamsburg explores the life ways of regional indigenous peoples, and their policies with the colony of Virginia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Custis Square!

Join us for Juneteenth at Custis Square! Guided tours at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Meet Peter at 11:30 and 2:30 and hear his story. Free flow exploration throughout the day.

Clothing Enslaved People in Colonial Virginia

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

Created Equal

This museum theatre experience explores African American perspectives on the Declaration of Independence.

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.

Expert Insights: Cesar Chelor, Toolmaker

Learn about the life and trade of one of the earliest documented African-American toolmakers.

Expert Insights: Jonathan Moss, By His Hand

Around 1810, Jonathan Moss signed an exquisitely crafted sideboard in Lynchburg, VA. In this talk, learn more about his life as a free Black man in a slave-holding state.

Expert Insights: Thomas Commeraw, Potter

Explore the life of a New York City potter who was part of the "Back to Africa" Movement.

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 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.

Give Ear to My Song

Join veteran shanty man and balladeer Bill Weldon for traditional songs from the sea, the tavern, the field, and the hearth. Sing along to the music that our ancestors loved.

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.

Haunted Williamsburg

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

Honor & Reflection

A contemplative multimedia installation at the ongoing excavation of the historic First Baptist Church’s first permanent location.

How to Play the (18th-Century) Violin

The violin was played by all classes and in all settings in 18th-century Virginia. Come hear how this instrument was played; it is easier said than done.

I Hear America Singing

Join Brian Forsman and Lynn and Barry Trott for a celebration of American popular music for Independence Day, featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and bass.

John Hemmings: Enslaved Joiner of Monticello

Amanda Doggett presents her research on John Hemmings and his contribution to building Thomas Jefferson’s home on the little hill, Monticello.

Joy in the Morning

Gather with members of the enslaved community to experience a music-filled message of hope.

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.

Juneteenth Opening Ceremony

Join the Williamsburg community as we gather to commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on the Black experience in America at this year's annual Juneteenth Opening Ceremony

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 245th anniversary of the birth of our nation with this heart-pounding display of fireworks above the Governor's Palace.

Live Music on the Social Terrace

Live local music, craft cocktails, beer and wine every Friday and Saturday evening April through October, 6-9pm on the Social Terrace at the Williamsburg Inn.

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.

Meet a Spinet

Get to know how a spinet works, the tools and materials of the builders, the people who made and bought them, and best of all, hear its music.

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.

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.

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

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.

Oh Craft. Foiled Again!

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

Patrick Henry Commemoration

To commemorate Patrick Henry's first election as governor in 1776, Colonial Williamsburg and the Sons of the American Revolution, presents a special ceremony and wreath laying.

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.

Piano Bar at the Williamsburg Inn

Travis Colby and his Piano Bar on the Social Terrace at the Williamsburg Inn. First Saturday of the month April 3 through October, 6-9pm. Reservations recommended via Open Table.

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.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

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

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.

Remembrance: Honoring the Voices

For many of us, the stories of our past and where we come from are passed down through generations by word of mouth. This is especially true for African Americans.

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

The Virginia Military Garrison presents a special muster in commemoration of the 245th anniversary of the birth of our nation and a salute to the original thirteen states.

Say "Cheese," Mr. President

Join historian Carson Hudson as he looks at early presidential photography.

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.

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.

Shoulder Your Firelocks!

Engage in a military drill, learning the tactics and drill of the 18th-century soldier.

Social Hour at the Inn

Head to the Social Terrace after work to relax with specially priced wine, beer and cocktails as well as small plate appetizers. Monday - Thursday, 4-6pm. April 1-November 30

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.

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 Musick that Binds

A special evening concert of melody and spirit that blends music, stories, and heart, featuring The Governor’s Musick ensemble, Thomas Jefferson, and Jupiter.

The Public Armoury

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

The Virginia Line in the South, 1779-1783

Learn about the combat seen by Virginians at Savannah, Charleston, and Guilford, and the trials, shortages, and hardships experienced by the officers and men of the Virginia Line.

Tin-plate: Its Origins and Use in Williamsburg

Where does tin come from? In a whirlwind look at its origins, from mining to manufacturing, we will explore how it arrived in Williamsburg and how it was used.

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.

Tradespeople in the Galleries

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

Virginia's Music: From the Sea to the Mountains

On dulcimers, flutes, and more, Timothy Seaman takes you on this musical journey west from the coast to the mountains and valleys of the Blue Ridge.

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- 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- 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- 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 a Nation Builder- young George Washington

Step into the past with young George Washington, Colonel of the Virginia Regiment.

Visit with the Apothecary

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

Visit with the Brickmaker

Learn what Virginians figured was the height of architectural good looks with Journeyman Bricklayer Kenneth Tappan.

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.

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 is Scottish Fiddle Music?

Master Scottish fiddler, David Gardner presents a primer of Scotland's music with airs, marches, strathspeys, reels, hornipes, jigs, waltzes, and more.

Witchcraft in Colonial Virginia

Historian Carson Hudson discusses how colonial Virginians shared a common belief in the supernatural and the existence of witches with their northern neighbors.

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.