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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THE WORD ON DOG STREET: REVERSING ATTENDANCE TRENDS
The word on DoG Street is that the program changes at Colonial Williamsburg over the past few years have led to a decline in attendance. In fact, just the opposite is true. In 2014, after President Mitchell Reiss and his new team brought innovative program changes to CW, attendance rose after a seven-year decline….
An Open Letter to the Colonial Williamsburg Community
The role of Williamsburg in America’s founding is nothing short of extraordinary. In the years leading up to the Revolution, this colonial capital city was a thriving center of culture, enterprise, education — and revolutionary ideas. It was here — in these homes, government halls and taverns — that Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and so many other Founders of our future United States wrestled with critical questions of independence, liberty, self-governance, and citizenship. Together with their fellow patriots across the colonies, they defied the odds to establish what had yet to be achieved anywhere: a functional, sustainable democracy.
Today, the complex and courageous stories of our founders offer inspiration to all Americans – and indeed, all those who seek freedom and a better way of life. Now more than ever, it is critical that we ensure the future of Colonial Williamsburg, a unique national treasure that exists to preserve and to share America’s history with the world.
Our goal is to find a way for Colonial Williamsburg to continue to tell America’s enduring story. This means, first and foremost, that we need to focus on our core educational mission – Historic Area preservation, the Museums, and educational programs. These are the reasons why people come visit us. It is why they care about us. It is why they support us. …
An Insiders Guide to the 4th of July Festivities 2017
We hope you’re making plans to celebrate independence the right way—with us! Our 4th of July festivities will feature a lot more than spectacular fireworks. We offered a preview a couple weeks ago-now here’s your practical guide for navigating the day….
7 Ways Our Free App Will Improve Your Visit
The official Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app just received another big upgrade, so now there are even more reasons to make sure you make it part of your visit….
Reflections of a Revolutionary in Residence
“Papi, am I a princess?”
“Yes, Anabella, you are. But we all are. In our country every one of us is a king or a princess,” I said, echoing the words of young Mr. Jefferson as played by Kurt Smith….
Join Us for the 4th of July!
Seriously, is there a better place in America to celebrate the Fourth of July than Williamsburg? In times that incline us toward cynicism, here is a place where you can leave that behind for a little while, and renew your sense of patriotism….
The Word on DoG Street: Why We Need Your Help
The word on DoG Street is that the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation receives state and federal taxpayer support and that an increase in that support could help solve the serious financial challenges facing the Foundation. If only that were true….
An Anecdotal History-and Mythology-of the Stars and Stripes
June 14 is Flag Day, marking the day in 1777 that the Second Continental Congress adopted the stars and stripes as America’s national banner. But it takes a bit more than the dawn’s early light to make out the origins of the flag. Still, it’s worth a try….
Did 18th-Century Tradespeople Worry about Machines Taking Their Jobs?
The fear of machinery replacing jobs is a fear as old as… invention itself. While it is easy to consider this a modern anxiety – cashiers being replaced by automated checkouts, industry being hit by mechanized assembly lines – the concern goes back centuries. Becoming obsolete is a frightening prospect in any era….