The Blog of Colonial Williamsburg
Chaz Mena as Bernardo de Gálvez.
March, 1781. General Bernardo de Gálvez, governor of Louisiana, has seen enough dithering.
The Spanish fleet is poised to seize Pensacola and wrest control of West Florida from Great Britain, but uncertainty has the ships stalled just outside the bay that protects the strategic outpost. Will they be able to safely navigate the channel? Will they be sitting ducks for British cannon fire?…
Time for a quick update on our spring babies! We’ve currently got a dozen lambs so far in the Historic Area, with more on the way. Six ewes are still due to have little ones over the next few weeks – so keep an eye out for more lambs!…
A stylish female figure can be seen in many photographs documenting the architectural team who undertook the restoration of Williamsburg’s historic district. She often stands out as the one lone woman amidst the group of men….
The historic area in the spring can be a little hectic. Between the excited school groups who are happily (and let’s face it, loudly) learning about our nation’s history, the gorgeous and varied dogs on DoG street, and the many other guests here to take in the beautiful weather and bright flowers… it can get a little crazy!
We wouldn’t have it any other way – the school groups are lively, the dogs fluffy and all the various guests make Colonial Williamsburg a beautiful bustling town, but sometimes we need a breather!…
Before she was Mrs. Washington, Martha was Mrs. Custis. It’s well known that Martha and George Washington were not blessed with any children of their own during their 40-year marriage (theories abound…we’ll get to that another time). Martha did have four children, though, during her first marriage to Daniel Parke Custis.
This period of Martha’s life has fascinated me and has become the center of my study and program development for the spring season. I suppose I have good reason: my husband and I just welcomed our first child….
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. …
Lena Richard. Courtesy Newcomb Archives and Vorhoff Library Special Collections, Newcomb College Institute, Tulane University.
Today the Travis House contains offices and sits in its original location at the corner of Francis and Henry. But once upon a time, it was a Colonial Williamsburg restaurant at the foot of Palace Green, and it was where a talented chef with an entrepreneurial knack built a national reputation for her take on Southern cuisine….
Photo by Wayne Reynolds
The weather has turned in a very nice direction just in time for Spring Break. We’re looking forward to seeing lots of families spending their days off with us here in Williamsburg. So if you’re looking for a few tips for enjoying the 18th century with kids (and without too much stress), here are a dozen suggestions….
On this day, March 30, back in 1957, Colonial Williamsburg unveiled its new “Information Center,” with adjacent Motor House and Cafeteria–the state of the art for mid-20th century tourist facilities….
As the father of a one-year-old daughter, I try to be “up” on all things Disney, though I’m far from an expert. But I’m also a curator of costumes and textiles, and sometimes the costuming catches my attention….