The Blog of Colonial Williamsburg
Imagine being welcomed through the gates of the Governor’s Palace for an evening of drink, dancing, and delightful diversions. Now imagine everyone—you included—is suitably attired for their 18th-century personas. Then sprinkle in some fireworks.
That’s just a little of what’s in store at “A Celebration of May: An Immersive Palace Garden Party” on Friday, May 5 from 7-9 p.m. …
If you’re inclined to buy the old adage that “behind every great man is a great woman,” then you should know the name Elizabeth Hayes. For 18 years she was the personal secretary to Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, the “father of Colonial Williamsburg”—and like so many other women who toiled out of the limelight, her contributions to making the dream of Colonial Williamsburg a reality deserve more attention. And we have the records to prove it….
On January 2, the Historic Area shut down for four weeks of extended maintenance, while interpreters and support staff took time to research, train, and catch up after the holidays….
February 22, 2007. The conversion of the Public Gaol was already well underway when Colonial Williamsburg historian—and newly-minted historical film consultant—Cathy Hellier arrived on the set. Just the evening before she had been assigned to help out with the filming of HBO’s “John Adams,” the acclaimed seven-episode series based on David McCullough’s biography of our second president….
My name is Haley Morton Haines, and I’m a third year law student at the College of William & Mary Law School. My husband is Matthew Haines, and he is a sergeant in the Marine Corps. On Saturday, January 7, we got married… in the snow… in front of the Governor’s Palace!…
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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Like last year, much of the Historic Area will fall quiet during January as we take advantage of the shortest days of the year to tidy up, train staff, and get all our sheep in a row for spring. Here’s your guide to what is happening, what’s closed, and some of the work we’ll be doing behind the scenes….
Four years ago, I met a California cowboy at the University of Virginia. Three months ago, we had the southern Virginia wedding I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl. We like to say that Thomas Jefferson (“TJ”) brought us together, because we probably never would have met had it not been for the university he founded. Colonial Williamsburg provided the perfect backdrop, charm, and hospitality for our special day. They even gave us TJ! I am thrilled to share a glimpse of our Williamsburg wedding with you….
Presumably it was one of Mr. Rockefeller’s junior employees who stepped into the Western Union office on that morning in early December. In all likelihood, neither he nor the telegraph operator had an inkling that the origin story of Colonial Williamsburg was passing through their hands….
As usual, Colonial Williamsburg went all out with the Grand Illumination festivities over the weekend. (We hope you enjoyed them either in person or via social media!). Now that we’re fresh off Grand Illumination weekend, it’s time to talk decorations. You may remember from last year’s post that the tradition in our house is to let the kids pick the theme (for better or worse). At first, I wondered how we could outdo our Star Wars wreaths of last year, but then I heard the kids’ new theme. And truth be told, I was probably more excited than they were……