Enter the Weaver’s Shop on DoG street, and you’ll be surprised at all the noise! Weaving on a loom is a remarkably loud business as the boards slam into each other in a rhythmic commotion. Work days were long and very strenuous in the 18th century. It’s hard to imagine doing this for 12-14 hours a day, especially on a hot summer day like today!…
We Want to Know: How Did They Predict Weather in the 18th Century?
Have you ever wondered how weather was predicted in the 18th century? You know—before all those weather apps, doppler radar, and the local weather guy (or gal) giving an extended forecast? And what about really big events, like hurricanes and tornadoes? How did people protect themselves during these major storms?…
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How We Find and Train Our Horses!
Meet Lucky, one of the newest additions to the Colonial Williamsburg family. We think Lucky is well—lucky! Not only does he have one of the best trainers around, his new gig will soon take him from the stables out into the Historic Area where he may just get to meet some of you.
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The Head of Our Coach & Livestock Department Prepares to Hand Over the Reins!
Richard Nicoll, the Bill and Jean Lane Director of Coach and Livestock, is retiring today after serving Colonial Williamsburg for 31 years! Originally from Somerset, England, Richard says he was always happiest when working with horses and carriages. …
Martha Jefferson and Peter Pelham: Student and Teacher
Colonial Williamsburg’s Michael Monaco portrays musician Peter Pelham.
By Karen Gonzalez
Peter Pelham’s musical influence found a way into the life of a Founding Father, according to new research.
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Behind the Palace Wall — Come Inside to Hear More
Virginians were very pleased with their very first palace in their new Williamsburg home. A professor from the College of William & Mary described the Williamsburg scene in 1724, when the Governor’s Palace was just 2 years old. …
Signs of the Times
Anthony Hay’s Cabinetmaker’s Shop
By Karen Gonzalez
Wander down the Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg and you’ll see a variety of attractive and iconic shop signs. Replicated from English-style signs found in 18th-century London, they were an important part of advertising a business location.
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The World Made Small: Exploring Life in Miniature
The Morris-Canby-Rumford dollhouse dates to 1820 and was made in Philadelphia.
By Karen Gonzalez
Miniature houses furnished with tiny decorations have fascinated us for thousands of years. The earliest examples of these scaled-down rooms were found in Egyptian tombs, complete with tiny replicas of servants, furnishings, livestock and even pets.
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Spirituals Communicate More Than Just Words and Music
In colonial times, spirituals and religious folk songs did more than carry musical messages of faith and hope. For those who were enslaved, they were also a way to communicate….
An Actor’s Life: Theater in the 18th Century
In the 18th-century, theater thrived in Williamsburg – so much so that it took three venues to accommodate the demand….