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(re)educate
This theatrical performance explores the agency of free and enslaved students of the Williamsburg Bray School and the legacies of their lessons.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
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A Discussion of Military Topics
Join the Magazine staff to discuss a topic relating to 18th-century military history.
CW Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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!
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
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A Wooing We Will Go
Two men, Benedict and Ferdinand, try to win over the same woman, Isabella, in this fast-paced comedy written in the style of an 18th-century farce.
CW Admission
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Acoustic Guitar Recital
Enjoy this recital by Louis Vangieri, from Williamsburg, Virginia as you experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful 300+ year old worship center.
Open to the Public
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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.
CW Admission
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American Stories
Based on his new book, Paul Aron, Colonial Williamsburg editor, discusses the origins and evolution of our founding stories and myths.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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.
CW Admission
Free Event Ticket
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Archaeology Behind the Scenes
Visit the Archaeological Lab for a guided tour and learn about a century of archaeological discovery at Colonial Williamsburg!
CW Admission
Free Event Ticket
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Are You Hot in those Clothes?
Explore how the right clothing helped 18th-century Virginians beat the extreme summer heat and humidity.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Donor Exclusive
Free Event Ticket
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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.
Donor Exclusive
Free Event Ticket
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At a Glance
Join us on a 20-minute guided tour and enjoy some Museum favorites at a glance.
Art Museums Admission
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Baroque Violin & Cello Recital: 18th Century Music
Enjoy a Baroque Violin & Cello recital by Sophie Genevieve Lowe, Baroque Violin; Ryan Lowe, Baroque Cello; Rebecca Davy, Harpsichord.
Open to the Public
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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Bits and Bridles
Get a behind-the-scenes look at our modern stables and learn more about our carriages.
CW Admission
Event Ticket
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Candlelight Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy
Enjoy a varied program of music by Rebecca Davy, music director & organist at Bruton Parish Church.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Choral Concert - Oasis Chorale
A very special concert by Oasis Chorale, a touring a cappella choir from across the United States, under the direction of Wendell Nisly.
Open to the Public
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Choral Concert - Trinity Church on the Green
Enjoy a choral concert by the Girls Chorus from Trinity Church on the Green Episcopal Church in New Haven, Connecticut, directed by Walden Moore.
Open to the Public
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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.
CW Admission
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Colonial Williamsburg's Rare Breeds Program
Learn about the rare breeds of livestock that live at Colonial Williamsburg.
CW Admission
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Concert of Celebration
Hear the Jug Broke Theatre Company play the music of the season in this live concert!
CW Admission
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Created Equal
This performance explores African American perspectives on the Declaration of Independence.
CW Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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DIY: Centerpieces
In this hands-on class, you will learn how to make a garden-inspired centerpiece, perfect for your end table or mantel.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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.
Donor Exclusive
Free Event Ticket
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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.
CW Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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Fiddle Recital - David Gardner
Enjoy this fiddle recital by David Gardner, Violinist from Williamsburg, Virginia as you experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful 300+ year old worship center.
Open to the Public
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Fire a Flintlock Musket
Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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First Baptist Church Archaeology Project
Archaeologists have embarked on a project investigating former of of American's earliest African American churches. Come see what's new!
Open to the Public
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Fourth of July Shields 2022
Please join us at James Shield's Tavern to celebrate Independence Day with an afternoon of food and entertainment for the entire family.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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.
CW Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Harpsichord Battle Sonatas
Learn how the evolving and bombastic battle sonata helped shape an American musical identity separate from our British ancestors.
Art Museums Admission
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Haunted Williamsburg
Brave centuries of scares, from 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters!
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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.
CW Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
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Intersections
The Williamsburg community comes to life in this street theatre experience exploring the daily lives of ordinary people during extraordinary times.
Open to the Public
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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July 4th on the Lawn
Join the party on the lawn of the Art Museums before the fireworks. From 7 to 9:30 p.m., enjoy music from Good Shot Judy. Coordinated by CultureFix.
Open to the Public
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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Lighting of the Cressets
Join us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.”
Art Museums Admission
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Make According to Art
Discover 18th-century insights into the practice of pharmacy and pharmacy education.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Make a Bracelet
Make a copper bracelet with the Silversmiths.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Meet the Gardener
Garden volunteers answer questions about growing flowers and vegetables in the Historic Area.
CW Admission
Free Event Ticket
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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.
CW Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
Event Ticket
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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.
CW Admission
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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
CW Admission
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Nation Builders Discuss the Cost of Freedom
Join two Nation Builders as they discuss the Cost of Freedom.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
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Old Southern Cookery: Mary Randolph's Recipes
Using the historic recipes from Mary Randolph’s 1824 bestselling cookbook, the authors show how home cooks can prepare the food using contemporary methods.
Art Museums Admission
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Organ Recital - Agnes French
Experience a candlelit recital by Agnes French, organist from Williamsburg, Virginia, in this 18th century worship space.
Open to the Public
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Organ Recital - Dr. JanEl Will
Enjoy a candlelit recital by Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
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Organ Recital - Justin Oei
Experience a candlelit recital by Justin Oei, organist from Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Norge, Virginia, in this 300-year-old worship space.
Open to the Public
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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.
CW Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Patriotic Organ Recital
Join Dr. JanEl Will for a recital of patriotic organ music.
Open to the Public
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Patriots at Play
Participate in the daily activities of an 18th-century family at the Geddy House.
CW Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Pride not Prejudice
Join members of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Research Committee to explore some of the exciting research they have uncovered.
CW Admission
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Public Auction
Take part in an exciting auction! Bid on selected items from Colonial Williamsburg stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere.
Open to the Public
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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Raleigh Tavern Interpretation
Discuss the meanings of liberty and equality from the different perspectives of those who witnessed the events leading to our nation's independence. Tours every 20 min.
CW Admission
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Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson begins a day of pageantry, celebration, and reflection.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
CW Admission
Free Event Ticket
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Revel at Chowning's Tavern
Join us at Chowning’s Tavern for an evening of 18th-century merrymaking.
Open to the Public
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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.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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The Arts and Mysteries of Brewing
This program demonstrates the process of brewing beer as it was practiced in the 18th century.
CW Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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The Necessity of Order in Battle
Witness a demonstration of tactics that are crucial to success in combat.
CW Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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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!
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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To Market We Go
Join Historic Foodways to find out about procuring and preserving food in 18th-century Williamsburg.
Art Museums Admission
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Types & the Press: An Introduction to Printing
Join the Printers to learn the basics of printing. Set type and learn about ink balls and print an item to take home. Limit of 12 participants.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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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.
Open to the Public
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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.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- Ann Wager
Step into the past with Ann Wager, educator of free and enslaved children. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges she faced.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- Edith Cumbo
Step into the past with Edith Cumbo, Free Black Sister, Mother, Fighter, Founder.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- General George Washington
Step into the past with George Washington, Father of the Country.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- George Wythe
Step into the past with George Wythe, teacher, lawyer, judge, and revolutionary.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- James Madison
Step into the past with James Madison, Scholar Statesman.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- Marquis de Lafayette
Step into the past with the Marquis de Lafayette, French Hero of Two Worlds.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- Martha Washington
Step into the past with Martha Washington, our Nation's first First Lady.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- Patrick Henry
Step into the past with Patrick Henry, the Revolution's Son of Thunder.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- Reverend Gowan Pamphlet
Step into the past with Gowan Pamphlet, Revolutionary Black Baptist Preacher.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder- Thomas Jefferson
Step into the past with Thomas Jefferson, The Rebellious Philosophe.
CW Admission
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Visit a Nation Builder-Colonel George Washington
Step into the past with George Washington, Colonel of the Virginia Regiment. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.
CW Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission
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Voice & Guitar Recital - Judith & Timothy
Soprano Judith Olbrych and classical guitarist Timothy Olbrych from Williamsburg, Virginia present a recital.
Open to the Public
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What Goes Up
Take flight with the first passengers in a hot air balloon in 1783!
CW Admission
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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.
Art Museums Admission