This week’s Black History Month events include special programs in the Historic Area and the DeWitt Wallace Museum, Feb. 16-22. And in honor of President’s Day weekend, today’s programs will celebrate the United State’s founding fathers and their legacies. Check our calendar for new and updated information.
The Daily News: Listen in on colonists as they discuss the headlines of their day this Sunday from 10 a.m. until noon at the Raleigh Tavern.
Duties of a President’s Wife: A Conversation with Martha Washington: In celebration of President’s Day weekend, Martha Washington the role of the First Lady. Mrs. Washington will speak Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Visitor Center Theater.
A Public Audience with the First President, George Washington: Listen to President Washington as he reflects on his many accomplishments, from serving in the House of Burgesses to serving as the First President of the United States. Mr. Washington will share his thoughts on his career in the Courthouse this Sunday from 2-2:45 p.m. and from 3-3:45 p.m.
Salute to the Presidents: Join the Revolutionary City’s Fifes and Drums in honoring the institution of the American presidency. This event will take place this Sunday from 4-4:30 at the southern end of Market Square. The founding fathers will be in attendance!
An Evening with the Presidents: Listen to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison discuss their presidential relationship with the legislative branch this Sunday in the Kimball Theater from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Palace Concert: from Coronation to Inauguration: Enjoy a concert by Colonial Williamsburg’s early music ensemble, The Governor’s Musick, and learn how musical tastes changed as the colony became more revolutionary. This performance will take place this Sunday at the Governor’s Palace from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and from 9:00-10:00 p.m.
African American Artist Tours: Take a guided tour of the DeWitt Wallace Museum’s collection of 18th- and 19th-century folk art created by African Americans and explore their cultural heritage. Tours will take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
God is My Rock: Attend a worship service with slave and preacher Gowan Pamphlet and hear his abolitionist sermon this Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Dewitt Wallace Museum’s Hennage Auditorium.
Secret Keepers: Literacy, Slavery, and the Law: Because Virginia Law forbade “all slaves to read and write,” literate slaves were known as “secret keepers.” Learn how these brave enslaved people used their literacy to practice their religion, communicate with family, plan escapes, or petition the government. This event will take place this Wednesday from 11:30-12:30 p.m. at the Dewitt Wallace Museum’s Hennage Auditorium.
Blesséd Be the Ties that Bind: Meet Jane Vobe, owner of the King’s Arms Tavern, and hear about how the teachings of her slave Gowan, a Baptist preacher, helped her through hard times. Hear the story this Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the DeWitt Wallace Museum’s Hennage Auditorium.
His Chosen Master: Meet Bristol, a slave whose late master’s will determined that Bristol should choose a new master for himself. Bristol will discuss his decision this Thursday at the Mary Stith House from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Duty and Faith: Meet Robert Carter III, a wealthy planter who attempted to free his nearly 500 slaves after he converted to evangelical Christianity. Robert will speak this Thursday at the Raleigh Tavern at 1 p.m.
Daniel’s Dilemma: Meet Daniel, an enslaved foreman whose responsibilities as a plantation supervisor conflict with his allegiance to the enslaved community. Daniel will share his story this Friday at 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. at the Mary Stith Shop.
Freedom to Slavery: Meet Elizabeth, an enslaved African American woman forced back into slavery after living free with the Shawnee Indians on the western frontier. Elizabeth will speak this Saturday at 11 a.m., 11:30 and noon at the Millenary Shop.
– Claire Weaver
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