The Blog of Colonial Williamsburg
Peek into the back room of the Pasteur and Galt’s Apothecary and you’ll find its most standoffish resident. Which is understandable, because while he may be articulated, he can’t talk, seeing as he’s a skeleton. But this is no ordinary bag of bones.
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We are happy to announce exciting changes are underway in the Historic Area—ones we hope will make your next visit an even more memorable one! Beginning in March 2017, the life of the town will be drawn into a tighter circle, allowing you to more quickly immerse yourself in our vibrant colonial community….
As those fortunate enough to cross his path know, Zach Hillegas (a.k.a. Zachariah Hill) has been drawing shade portraits from his corner desk in Mr. Greenhow’s store for several months now. As of this week, he is officially an Apprentice Artist. But it turns out he has a darker side……
A decent leather portfolio will set you back maybe fifty bucks at your local office supply store. But what if you want something special—really, really special? Such as a replica of the portfolio George Washington carried his papers in?…
“They’re kind of spoiled,” admits Brandon Hewitt. He’s beginning his day at Great Hopes Plantation in the usual way, feeding the chickens. Since June, he’s been afforded the rare opportunity to take a break from his position as an Orientation Interpreter to immerse himself in farm labor….
A little more than a year ago, I began volunteering at Great Hopes Plantation and I’ve learned a lot about historic farming. Now, I’m learning new skills I can use as I farm: carpentry.
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“One olive at a time.”
This phrase can be seen in several places around Master Dimitrios Klitsas’ workshop, be it in small font pinned to a cork board, in delicate watercolor as painted by one of his many students in thanks, or from the mouth of the master himself when it seems as though your project will take you a thousand years to complete. “It takes time. Go slow.”…
I love writing things down. When I got the position of Apprentice Weaver a few months ago, I knew that I would need to document what I was learning, and the significance of it all. So I got a new diary and started taking notes and just jotting down ideas throughout the day and when I got home after work. Here are a few of those entries that paint a picture of the start of this new chapter in my life and career here with Colonial Williamsburg.
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In the shade under a canvas tarp stands a barrel and a considerable pile of manure—what’s not to love? I’m in the backyard of the Powell House checking out our newest old experiment, an 18th-century egg incubator.
The project came together in just a few months, prompted by a basic question: What else can we learn about how poultry was raised 200-odd years ago?…
Al Saguto would like to clear up a few things. Interpreting historic trades is usually a pretty safe business, explains the Master of the Shoemaker Shop. Most are keeping alive crafts that the average person has only a passing familiarity with.
Shoes are different. We all wear them, and we’ve absorbed facts and anecdotes mixed with assumptions and tall tales. The misconception are what Al would like to quash. He calls setting the record straight “killing Geppetto,” and following are his top myths the Shoemakers hear every day……