Making History

The Blog of Colonial Williamsburg

Photo Essay: A Foot of Snow Transforms the Historic Area into a Winter Wonderland!

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We knew early last week a winter storm was coming our way. And on Friday, a blizzard warning went up for southside Virginia. It extended onto the Peninsula, getting as close to us as Hampton. But local meteorologists still weren’t saying too much about Williamsburg. Yet.

A little after midnight, the first flurries started to fall. And it wasn’t long before the Historic Area was transformed into a winter wonderland. The taverns, lamp posts, and even the sheep were soon be buried under more than a foot of snow! Yes, we know this might be common for our fans up north but for us, this was an epic way to start the season.

The snow is still coming down out there! We're up to about eight inches and counting. Our CW and local photographers…

Posted by Colonial Williamsburg on Saturday, January 7, 2017

Almost immediately after the sun came up, the pictures started coming in from local photographers brave enough to set their alarms and venture out into the storm. The first was sent in by Shannon Schojan—a playful wrestling match on Palace Green—barely visible through the falling snow.

Just a couple hours later, we received this picture from Lisa Martin Lee—a scene so peaceful, you could almost imagine yourself stepping into into it to join her for a stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street. The image was immediately liked and shared by thousands of people Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

In addition to content from the community, our own Colonial Williamsburg photographers were busy sending in amazing shots. The clear winner was this gorgeous image from Senior Photographer Dave Doody—a vibrant splash of red in a sea of white.

Dave and fellow CW photographers Tom Green and Darnell Vennie hit the streets again Sunday before the sun was even up and as you can see, with the frigid temperatures, the snow hadn’t even begun to melt! The sun, glistening off the snow and icicles that had formed overnight.

But enough chatting. I know what you’re really here for! Please, scroll through our gallery of highlights from our amazing photogs, and let us know which is your favorite. You can also support the Foundation (and spruce up your office or home!) by ordering prints of these snowy images and others taken during the storm. Here’s a link to our complete gallery!

“BEST OF” WINTER STORM HELENA
(Sunday, January 8)

We again want to extend our sincerest thanks to ALL of the fabulous photographers who contributed to social media posts throughout the storm: Dave Doody, Darnell Vennie, Tom Green, Wayne Reynolds, Victor M. Rosello, Shannon Schojan, and Lisa Martin Lee!

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Comments

  1. I visited Williamsburg this past late March and had beautiful weather. We stayed 4 days and did this, Yorktown, and Jamestown. It was not enough time. I love history and loved Williamsburg and all that I learned during my visit. I also loved the photos of Williamsburg in the snow. I also think that you should make note cards of those photos…..I certainly would buy some. I just sent my support check before Xmas and plan to do so yearly. Thank you for such a lovely, beautiful spot from our American History. I enjoyed every bit of my stay. Nancy Burns

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  2. How could you pick one favorite picture? Amazing photos…as I scrolled through them, one by one I said, “I love this one”, “I love this one”, “I love this one”. Thank you for this beautiful pictorial visit for those of us who live far away from this magical place we love!!

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  4. Beautiful captures of my hometown that I miss and think of fondly, Last time I recall a foot or more of snow was January 6, 1996 and I was moving-couldn’t go more than 20 mph so it took forever. I love Making History, especially as it makes me feel I’m not so far from CW and all the wonderful times I was fortunate enough to have had in such a lovely and historical place. Thanks for the memories.

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  5. All of these beautiful pictures should be postcards! I was just thinking that just a month ago I found out that I was able to come for just one night. I am so glad that I did because it had been almost 2 years since visiting this most beautiful, magical, wonderful, historical little town called Williamsburg….What a most gorgeous place it must be with all of the snow!!

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  7. What an amazing collection! It is such a great blessing to be able to live near such a magical place. Having the opportunity to photograph the first snowfall in CW is such a joy! Thank you for the mention. It truly was like walking into a colonial winterland!

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  8. Excellent photography, well done Dave Doody, Tom Green and Darnell Vennie.. I continue to enjoy your visual artistry and high caliber photography!

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  9. Beautiful! Thank you to all the hearty souls that ventured out in what we in the Chicago area usually have.

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  10. All the pictures here are wonderful, but Lisa Martin Lee’s is of exceptional quality - worthy of printing and offering it for sale. It just draws the viewer into this world of Colonial Williamsburg…is it 1776 or 2017?
    One simply cannot tell from her beautiful photograph.
    Perfection.

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  14. Lovely photos of an absolutely beautiful blanket of snow. But these talented photographers need their own photo credits!

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  16. Dave Doody I have long admired. His crimson cardinal in a sea of white is my favorite. All of the photographer’s did such an outstanding job of capturing this beautiful town.

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