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A Revolutionary in Residence Highlights the Spanish Role in the Revolution

April 26, 2017 by Bill Sullivan 2 Comments

Chaz Mena as Bernardo de Gálvez; ; Revolutionary in Residence Spring 2017

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?…

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Filed Under: History, Interpreters & Sites, Plan Your Visit

A Quick update on our Spring babies

April 22, 2017 by Meghan McNicholas 7 Comments

Lamb cuddled to momma

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!…

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Filed Under: Coach and Livestock

Susan Higginson Nash: Pioneer Interior Decorator for the Restoration

April 19, 2017 by Marianne Martin 4 Comments

Susan Nash highlighted in a group of Colonial Williamsburg architect at the George Wythe house, 1940

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….

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Filed Under: Behind the Scenes, History, Williamsburg Style

Finding Tranquil Spaces

April 15, 2017 by Meghan McNicholas 13 Comments

Bench in spring, flowers, peaceful, garden

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!…

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Filed Under: Gardens & Scenery

Becoming Mrs. Washington: Martha the Mom

April 14, 2017 by Katharine Pittman 11 Comments

Katharine Pittman as Martha Washington

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….

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Filed Under: History, Interpreters & Sites

There Will Be No Bystanders at Mr. Jefferson’s Garden Party

April 10, 2017 by Bill Sullivan 9 Comments

Revelers at the Governors Palace

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. …

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Filed Under: Behind the Scenes, Plan Your Visit

The Story of Lena Richard, the Talented Chef Who Put Travis House on the Map

April 8, 2017 by Sarah Nerney 2 Comments

Lena Richard. Courtesy Newcomb Archives and Vorhoff Library Special Collections, Newcomb College Institute, Tulane University.

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….

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Filed Under: History

12 Ways to Put Some Spring in Your Family’s Visit to Williamsburg

March 31, 2017 by Bill Sullivan 20 Comments

Lamb, March 2017. Photo by Wayne Reynolds

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….

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Filed Under: Fifes and Drums, Historic Trades, Interpreters & Sites, Plan Your Visit

Throwback Thursday, March 30, 1957: The Story of a Patriot Debuts… and Shares Top Billing with a Cafeteria

March 30, 2017 by Bill Sullivan 5 Comments

Information Center June 1957

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….

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Filed Under: History

Beautiful or Beastly? A Curator’s Take on the Costuming of Belle, The Beast, and Gaston

March 25, 2017 by Neal Hurst 6 Comments

Beauty and the Beast detail

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….

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Filed Under: Museums and Collections, Williamsburg Style

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Catch Up On Recent Posts

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