John Hamant portraying Benjamin Franklin, 2007.
It is with heavy hearts that we note the passing of longtime Colonial Williamsburg Foundation employee and veteran character interpreter, John Hamant.
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John Ross Hamant, 1949 - 2017: An Appreciation
Handling the Heat: Animal Safety & High Temperatures
The heat index soared this weekend, and that naturally raises questions about safety—for both our costumed interpreters and animals. Besides plenty of water, breaks, and shade, Coach & Livestock utilizes a heat index policy for working animals.
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17 Quotes From Our Founders for 2017
Let’s face it, 2016 has been a bumpy ride. Many people are counting down the days until the New Year, but as historians, we must point out the usefulness of looking back, as well as forward. To help motivate you for the year ahead, here are some of the quote memes, featuring thought-provoking words from our Founders, that were designed and posted to our social media channels in 2016. …
You Say Cookie, I Say Biscuit…Let’s Make Them All This Holiday Season!
Today we call them cookies, but in the 18th century (and still today, if you’re British) they were known as “biscuits.” To give you a taste of colonial Virginia, we’ve teamed up with Historic Foodways Apprentice Tyler Wilson to bring you three different biscuit recipes, all with varying levels of difficulty, to try with your family this holiday season.
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10 Gifts for the Historian in Your Life
Shopping for a history buff? Step away from the “I Didn’t Know What to Get You, So Here, Buy Yourself a Book” gift card. I’ve got you covered….
Achievement in Historic Trades: Meet Our New Masters & Journeymen
This evening is a special one for Historic Trades & Skills of Colonial Williamsburg. Tonight, tradespeople who are usually seen by their colleagues in 18th-century attire (attire often marked with charcoal, dirt, or other evidence of the day’s work) will don 21st-century duds and gather for this year’s Annual Trades Dinner. The purpose? To recognize those who have completed their formal apprenticeship and are advancing to the status of journeymen, as well as a group of journeymen supervisors who have advanced to the prestigious title of master.
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The Making of a Collection: Firsts From the Library & Archives
When people think of Colonial Williamsburg, they often think of our Historic Area and the costumed interpreters, historic trades, and vibrant programs found within it. While certainly true, that vision leaves out a critical piece of the puzzle: the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library. …
Winding Through History: The Governor’s Palace Maze
The Governor’s Palace maze, 1935 & 2016
The Governor’s Palace maze. It is a “must-see” when visiting Colonial Williamsburg, and millions have wound their way through its hedges since it opened in the 1930s. If you are a die-hard CW fan, chances are you’ve traipsed through it more than once. But what of its history? How it was created? What it takes to maintain it today? Lace up your sneakers, friends. Let’s walk through it together!…
A CW Guide for Photographers
Charles Durfor
Many people associate Colonial Williamsburg with history buffs, but with the range of subject matter we see every day, it’s also a playground for photographers—of all skill levels….
Snapchat Face-Swap Kit: Founding Fathers Edition
Snapchat’s latest update allows users to face-swap with a photo from their device’s camera roll. Over the past week that’s produced a deluge of swaps with television and film star faces… but why not historical figures? And why not learn something new at the same time? Behold! Your newest Snapchat face-swap kit + reading material!…