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.
But to be able to continue to tell our story requires us to be financially stable and, sadly, that stability is threatened unless we take decisive action. Only financial stability will allow us once more to focus on what we do better than anyone else in the world – share America’s history and deliver outstanding guest experiences.
For a variety of reasons – business decisions made in years past, less American history being taught in schools, changing times and tastes that cause us to attract half the visitors we did 30 years ago – the Foundation loses significant amounts of money every year. In fact, in 2014, we lost a total of $62 million, or $176,000 every day. This is not acceptable, and it is not sustainable.
We compounded these large annual losses by borrowing heavily to improve our Hospitality facilities and Visitor Center in the years leading up to Jamestown’s 400th anniversary in 2007. For a variety of reasons, the Foundation did not realize adequate financial returns on these investments. By the end of 2016, our debt burden stood at more than $300 million, with due dates for repayment coming very soon.
All of this has placed significant pressure on our endowment, which acts as a type of savings account that has in the past covered our yearly losses and allowed us to stay in business. While most non-profit organizations withdraw 5% annually from their endowment, in 2001 we began to withdraw more than 5%, at times reaching as high as 12%. If we continue at this rate, we could exhaust the endowment available to support our operations, including many related to our core educational mission, in just eight years, and perhaps sooner. That outcome would lead to mission failure.
When I started at the Foundation two-and-a-half years ago, we tried new programs and events to cut costs and generate revenue, but without making fundamental changes in the way the Foundation did business. While this approach has helped, to the tune of more than $10.4 million in financial improvements over the past two years, it is not enough. Instead, it is clear that we need a plan that’s bigger, bolder, and gets us back to basics by reinvesting in, and focusing us on, our core educational mission.
If we are going to rededicate ourselves to our core educational mission, we can no longer do everything the way we did it in 1976, or 1986 or even 2006. So over the past six months we have examined every single unit across the Foundation to see where we could save money or grow revenue. No department or program has been immune.
After much deliberation and consultation with leading experts in financial and non-profit management, we believe that outsourcing offers the Foundation a way to run some of our commercial businesses more profitably. So I am announcing today that the Foundation will be outsourcing our golf operations, our retail stores, much of our maintenance and facilities operations, and our commercial real estate management.
As we’ve entered into these outsourcing agreements, our primary consideration was that our employees be treated fairly and respectfully. After a series of tough negotiations, we have required each vendor to retain every employee in these four areas for at least one year. If employees in these four areas decide to join their new employer or if they decline to do so, they will receive a generous severance payment from the Foundation.
Regrettably, some employees in other departments will be asked to leave the Foundation. No one likes to see a colleague or a neighbor lose his or her job. It’s upsetting. It’s painful. We will help to make this transition less difficult for those who are leaving with generous severance, and unprecedented transition services including career counseling, skills workshops, and interview training with the assistance of Lee Hecht Harrison, a leader in the HR industry.
As difficult as these decisions are, for as much as they impact our Colonial Williamsburg colleagues today, it would be far worse for the large majority of our employees and the future of the Foundation if we did nothing and just hoped that our financial fortunes would somehow change next year, or the year after. Ultimately, doing nothing would mean the end of this national treasure, and that would harm every single person who works here, their families, and our community. It would mean the end of our mission. No one wants that future. No one is willing to accept it. And so we choose to act now.
Even though I am confident that these actions will return the Foundation to financial stability and allow us to continue to share America’s enduring story, there is no denying that this is a very tough day. If there was any other way to save the Foundation, I would eagerly have taken it. But there isn’t. For the first time in years, we now have a detailed, comprehensive plan – and an opportunity – to return the Foundation to stable financial health. But time is not on our side. We must take these difficult decisions today.
As essential as these actions are to the future of the Foundation, this is about much more than one organization. The fate of Colonial Williamsburg will have a massive impact on the surrounding community – economically, culturally, and otherwise. And as important as Colonial Williamsburg is for the local and regional communities, our mission has an even larger impact on our Nation.
What we do here - bringing our history alive and telling America’s story - is what grounds us, what connects us, and what helps us to understand one another. This is the role that Colonial Williamsburg has played in the past. It is the role we play today. It is the role we will play far into the future, provided we take action now.
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carol shapiro says
I visited for the first time in 2015 with three friends. We very much enjoyed our visit…however, with the exception of the book store, I did not feel the actual gift shops that were contained within Colonial Williamsburg related to me. The actual shop from which I still now receive email updates does not reflect my interests or my home decor. In other words, it was very limiting. I remember contacting CW and mentioning that I very much thought that fashion accessories such as moderately priced wraps and shawls would be a welcome addition to the mix of product. Also, they could take lessons from Mystic, CT - a dynamic downtown, Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium and the Shops at Mystic have all added to a well rounded experience - destination for children and adults alike. The Mystic Seaport allows you to visit their gift shop without having to pay admission and also Mystic runs dedicated town wide events throughout the year… At the time I lived in CT, I knew I could always stop in. Also while living in CT, I lived 45 minutes from Sturbridge Village, and felt they did very well , enticing folks from near and wide to visit..
Seems to me the unique challenge CW has is there has become an increasingly greater contrast between the mission and what the general public want.
A business like Busch Gardens just has to keep up with the times and put in new rides and the popular music acts and so on that appeal to the current crowd. Their number one goal is to attract people and make money.
CW is offering the opportunity for people to explore history and committed to a presentation of real history. For the most part they succeed. The problem is only a tiny portion of the general public care to do that. They just want “fun” experiences that don’t require a lot of reflection or effort.
Giving them what they want can easily compromise the mission, The axe throwing range comes to mind. I am not a weapons and fighting techniques expert but it seems to me that in any kind of skirmish throwing a weapon like that would be risky. You miss and you have just given the enemy another weapon. I could imagine an axe a useful weapon to keep in hand and swing. So now CW has a range and I really doubt that the people of the timeframe portrayed in CW spent time practicing throwing axes or did so in battle very often. Excepting Mel Gibson in “The Patriot”.
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Ralph G. Larson says
It has been my experience, in the past, that when you start outsourcing work you lose control of your company, or in this case Foundation. Would it not be better, as the engineers before us rebuilding Colonial Williamsburg, to go back to the foundation and start rebuilding by keeping what has worked in the past?
Marie Smith says
I took my daughter and 5 year old granddaughter for two nights and stayed in one of the colonial houses. There were several things that went wrong in the house during the stay, but the staff at the front desk were more than helpful making things right. The gentlemen who greet visitors at the door of the Inn are wonderful and also very helpful. In fact one of them gave my granddaughter a small stuffed animal last year after striking up a friendship with her. She was most disappointed when he was not there this time. All of that being said, several things bothered me this visit. The reflecting pool seems like an extreme waste given the financial situation that I just read about. The design obscures the front of the Inn as you approach and seems out of place. I also dislike the canned music that seems to permeate the air around the Inn. The gardens, including the lovely one that was where the pool is now seem less taken care of this year, except for the ones that the volunteers are in charge of. I miss that incredible floral arrangement that was in front of the lobby. A small thing but it changes the ambience. More importantly, one of the things that makes Colonial Williamsburg what it is are the interpreters and even shopkeepers who are informed and care about the mission of Williamsburg. I hope this will not be lost when everything is turned over to people who do not love and live for that mission.
Please read the entire editorial written on July 9th by the Virginia Pilot Editorial Board on this link
https://pilotonline.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-colonial-williamsburg-s-new-mission-should-be-a-return/article_32e26389-c34f-599b-81d1-d7e187ff4d48.html
An excerpt: “It means that nothing — virtually nothing — occurs within the historic area of Williamsburg that has the effect of trivializing or diminishing the values that long distinguished the foundation’s work.” Virginia Pilot Editorial Board
Hear ! Hear !
“It means that nothing — virtually nothing — occurs within the historic area of Williamsburg that has the effect of trivializing or diminishing the values that long distinguished the foundation’s work.” AMEN!
DON’T try to be Disneyland, or Busch Gardens! They will always do that kind of thing better than CW ever could. I remember wondering how much money was wasted on the elaborate costumes in CW last Halloween. And being very uncomfortable with the feeling that the new CW message is that evil walks the streets of Williamsburg, a logical follow-on to all the ghost tours. As a child, I always had a warm, safe, delightful experience at night. So now we will have a generation of children who are trying to see what might be lurking behind the tree just ahead of them? You are introducing side shows that are destroying the heart and soul of Williamsburg, the essence that brings visitors back, just to make a fast buck. Remember what sets Williamsburg apart, don’t try to make Williamsburg over in the image of tourist traps!
Jennifer Douglas says
I agree, totally!
I have been visiting Williamsburg for 48 years. When I got off the train last year, Halloween, 2016, I was horrified to see large, green, monster type balloons blowing in the wind near the Capitol building. I simply could not believe it.
As night fell, I was then met with the Halloween very loud music, monsters, hideous, scary creations - all over the place. I knew CW had been having a rough financial status but to me, it has sold itself out, once and for all.
I talked to several people and they told me to “lighten up” - that this extra little Halloween special was only for 4 days each year. I saw it all as a sign that things are just not right. After reading these articles, and several references to “business decisions made in the past” etc… I smell a rat, or several.
I hope I am wrong, I hope that it really is just a change in the taste of what tourists want to see, etc.
I only know that we must fight to keep CW alive. It meant everything to me as a 7th grader, on a field trip, to see in person, what I had studied so long. My love of history started that very first visit to Williamsburg.
I just returned from a week’s long stay in Williamsburg, early October, 2017. Even since my visit of a year ago, I saw things which made my heart heavy. So much has changed.
I was there during lovely weather, not one drop of rain, gorgeous - every single day. Too bad that there were so few tourists that I mainly had the streets to myself.
This outsourcing scares me. It might be the beginning of the end to a national treasure.
I am lucky that I was able to learn and to enjoy, Williamsburg, in the good old days.
I would like to see a blog on the one day making of a dress that occurred on June 21’st.
We were there that week but our car broke down that morning with a unusual electrical problem and we couldn’t spend that day in town. That event was one we most looked forward to checking on through out the day.
It is time for a new topic.
I agree with almost all of the comments, since we have been coming since 1980! BUt I also think 10 days is enough. Let’s get a new blog please.
Food trucks in CW restored area at 3 pm on 4th of July. on DOG Street and in front of Peyton Randolph House.
A sign of what is to come in the future? Who at CW invited food trucks in the restored area?
http://www.vagazette.com/news/va-vg-food-truck-0707-story.html
As a long time visitor to CW it would be educational to know more specifics. I realize CW is a private entity but at this time some more detail might help us understand. If not, then what are we being asked to believe? Or donate towards?
I feel like a juror who knows the verdict of the trial but is not allowed to hear any of the court proceedings. For example, what functions lose money? Hotels? Golf Courses? Merchandise? If commercial operations were never profitable then why take so long to address this? I say this because we are now being told that the Williamsburg Business entity has lost money since the 1980’s? There are so many questions that could be asked here.
I donate and receive the “Trends and Traditions” magazine. This month we received the annual report along with the magazine. That is a way to keep up with things.
Finally had a chance to review the “more information from Mr. Reiss” link. Obviously, things need to be done to right the foundation’s financial ship. Operating the commercial operations at a loss for 34 years was pathetic. Many of the measures which will be implemented to accomplish this sound like good ideas.
1. Expanding the Teacher’s Institute - This is a plus on several levels: leading to more emphasis on teaching history in our schools and possibly increasing field trips to the historic area.
2. Professional certification for interpreters - Probably good if it actually makes for better interpreters. I am not sure the certification will increase their knowledge of colonial and revolutionary American history. Hopefully this will not be a “gimmicky feel good” certification that really does not add much to the quality of interpretation. I admit speaking from ignorance on this issue because I am not familiar with the NAI.
3. Closing the Kimball - Sad but necessary. Programs at the Kimball could be held at the Hennage Auditorium in the museum complex.
4. Outsourcing golf and commercial real estate operations - can probably be done without a material drop in quality. it looks like CW tried to consider needs of its employees who will be affected by the outsourcing.
5. Outsourcing retail = Caution is in order here. Outsourcing stores in Merchants Square appears to be a good idea. I am not so sure about outsourcing stores, such as Greenhow’s and others, in the historic area. Current retail staff at stores in the historic area have been knowledgeable about the colonial period. I am not sure the same will be true for an outsourced employees, especially if current CW employees decide not to continue their employment with new management.
6. Facilities and maintenance - Again, caution is in order here. This may work if the outsourced employees are supervised carefully by CW employees and have the same appreciation for the history interpreted by CW as current employees. I am not sure that will be the case.
I like most of the innovations referenced in the Reiss material: the skating rink (it would be better though if this was put just outside the historic area), the musket range, the Liberty Lounge, the dog mascot, the Halloween program, the Kids Dig, ox cart rides, “Journey to Redemption,” new Nation Builders, expanded carriage rides, etc… I do wonder if uplighting the historic area is cost effective.
Clearly, CW can not continue to withdraw 12% of its endowment each year to pay for operations. I wonder if the chart showing elimination of the endowment allowed for continued contributions by donors. I suspect that it did not. Nevertheless, a 12% withdrawal from the endowment is not sustainable.
Given the present state CW’s finances. Is it wise to undergo the museum expansion expense? Perhaps nothing can be done because funds were donated for that specific purpose.
CW claims it receives no state or federal dollars yet I noted the Reiss document indicated, “we received no annual state or federal dollars.” Perhaps “annual” is the key since past annual reports noted receipt of some government funds. CW appears to be less than candid about the receipt of government funds. Governments funds are not, however, a significant CW revenue source. The less CW receives from the government the better. Government funds, even in the form of a bailout, come with conditions.
Prudent investment in hotels and restaurants was necessary. I question, however, the value of the reflecting pool in front of the Williamsburg Inn. That money would have been better spent elsewhere!
CW’s decision to focus on the historic area, its museums and educational programs is a great idea. Focus on the historic area should lead to a reversal of the decision to downgrade to the point of near non-existence interpretation at the Great Hopes Farm and the jail. Perhaps historic farming - as opposed to the raising of garden crops - will be returned to Great Hopes and moved outside the town area. I do not believe crops such as wheat and tobacco were grown in town during the colonial period.
Here is a problem. I am glad Mr. Reiss wrote this open letter describing CW’s financial challenges. Now it’s the 4’th of July and it’s still the newest posting. Nothing to say about CW on the 4’th of July and so the remaining headline is the financial woes. That won’t encourage people checking in to be enthusiastic visitors.
I did see the post from days ago on enjoying the 4’th there. But people coming to the blog for some days, who are interested in CW and the holiday probably stopped perusing with the downbeat financial report.
I have loved Colonial Williamsburg since 1960, when I heard a costumed guide give part of one of Patrick Henry’s speeches in a candlelit Capitol tour. I was only 5 years old, and don’t remember which speech, but the candle light, the speech, the taste and smell of the gingerbread at the Raleigh Tavern bakery, the movie “The Story of a Patriot” – all those things touched my senses unforgettably and brought me back again and again. Those sensory experiences were every bit as important as the history I learned, and nudged me into becoming a reenactor. One of the proudest moments of my life was dancing the opening minuet for a ball at the Capitol put on for reenactors encamped in the city. I enjoyed seeing the answering gleam in the eyes of children who got “hooked on history” as a result of our presentation of history – I was passing on the magic of fascination with history! The current cadre of Founding Fathers (& Mothers) fascinate visitors while imparting lessons on history. Activities for kids get them into a little Living History, and they start to realize that these were real people like themselves. They learn that the outcome of the American Revolution was not a foregone conclusion, and that some of these people staked everything they had on the dream of independence. And if they are like my kids, they started to realize that if those people could make a difference back then, they can make a difference now. I think it may be one of the last places in the country that encourages civic responsibility for the right reasons.
I think in the beginning that Williamsburg appealed to the high end, because they portrayed what was basically aristocracy. If you’ve ever read the Diary of a Williamsburg Hostess, however, you know that even “back then” the visitors ran the gamut from high to low end, and was enjoyed across the spectrum. Visitors were fascinated, and Williamsburg made available reproductions that were available to all visitors, if only one small piece that made the visitor remember Williamsburg and feel like they were living a piece of the dream of candlelight, silver, mahogany, and damask. I suspect this fascination was bolstered to some degree by escapism into another, more beautiful world. Then CW tore out things like the Chinese Chippendale supper room in the Palace, because it “wasn’t appropriate.” Oh, how I miss that room! But the goal was to capture the reality of the period, not showcase antiques. Decor was simplified and made to look lived in, crafts were demonstrated and results could be taken home, but there was still the element of escapism into another world. There was also the very famous element of Williamsburg, the Old South hospitality, that I first experienced in 1960 and on up into the 1970s. The very people who worked there were a link with the past, and made everyone welcome. Personally, I felt like a welcome guest, not a purse to be picked. Plus, Williamsburg was in the forefront of taking down racial barriers before it was forced, because it was the right thing to do. The Founding Father interpreters do not shy away from addressing slavery, and in my experience it is addressed factually and not as a lecture in political correctness or defended as just one of those things.
The 70s brought in increasing commercialization, probably due to the Bicentennial. Suddenly there were more workers, and many of them seemed more interested in punching tickets than sharing history. Living History made a good foothold along about the same time, but the illusion of being invited in to meet the past was shattered by commercialization. The Craft House might as well have been the Pottery Barn. Stainless steel food coolers in the Raleigh Tavern bakery - need I say more? Williamsburg lost its old charm and became another Disney World, largely focused on making a buck, but without the elements that draw people to Disney World that cannot be experienced elsewhere. Williamsburg pretty much lost its heart and soul, although some fought valiantly to keep those elements alive. Some of those people in Tarpleys, Greenhow’s, the Milliner’s, and most especially Prentis, managed to convey the period while selling goods, fascinating the public and inviting them to come again (and buy more!). I am devastated to think that those amazing folks are being outsourced. Fine, outsource the Craft House, Visitor’s Center, golf course, hotels, and other commercial sales, but keep the colonial area stores staffed by interpreters. Otherwise, you have just ruined the visitor’s experience within the colonial city itself.
Williamsburg should not try to become another Busch Gardens, or Disney World, of Universal Studios Theme Park, or whatever amusement park or destination you can think of. We have plenty of those. Return to what made Williamsburg UNIQUE, and gave it heart and soul - made people want to visit again and again, or live there, and made them want to take a few pieces or entire rooms back to their own homes to continue the experience. Clue: ice skating rinks and Halloween adventures are not enough to bring people back. I can list businesses that have lost sight of their niches and have gone belly up or are in the process: Sears, Penny’s, Lands End, Montgomery Ward, etc. Yes, things change, but they need to change in the right way or the end is failure.
Mr. Reiss, thank you for your work to save Williamsburg. I would encourage you to focus on what makes Colonial Williamsburg unique, that enables it to stir love in the hearts of those who have been coming for years, and that will encourage new visitors to make it their own. That sense of ownership is what will save the city, I think. Return to what has made people choose Williamsburg over other destinations for decades – almost a century now! Find that VISION – that dream – that has taken a back seat for awhile. Thank you for fighting to preserve what so many of us have loved for so long – but please be sure you understand why we love Colonial Williamsburg so much, and what makes us want to come again, and again, and again . . . . .
Ya’ll have a blessed 4th of July, and remember to thank a Patriot for the freedoms you enjoy today!
Maybe I got too long and tedious in the above - so here it is in a nutshell: rediscover the passion!
I really like what you said…….”Rediscover The Passion”…….that says it all!
Jennifer Douglas says
You wrote a beautiful essay, Ms. Blackburn. You stated what I am thinking but could not write. yes …. Rediscover the Passion. That says it all!
This is what has worried me for the last couple of years. The people who understand finance are not the people who understand how the magic is created.
The CW employees in the taverns, and all the shops in the restored area and all the gardeners working in the gardens are just as much a part of the magic as the interpreters. You cannot simply outsource this.
One of the CW ads I saw on tv this year showed a vehicle directly in front of the palace. It was visible only for a second but this should have been caught by anyone who understands what CW is really all about.
Will these new companies have it in their contracts that no vehicular traffic can be in the restored area during daylight hours?
I really fear what makes CW so special is going to slowly disappear as CW employees are replaced with lower paid hourly workers from companies that exist only to make a profit.
After reading the open letter and supporting materials I have a few thoughts.
I am terribly sorry to learn of the financial difficulties the CW Foundation finds itself in. I love CW, I come as often as I can, I stay in the hotels, eat in the Taverns, enjoy special tours and evening programs and shop in the stores. My home is full (and I mean full) of items and decor purchased from the CW retail stores and online.
I agree that the draining of the endowment must end now. That is not what an endowment is for! While unpleasant, it appears that the decisions made to get the Foundation on sound financial footing by 2019 are for the best.
I was disturbed to read that the for profit company formed in 1983 has never turned a profit and this is what has drained the endowment. If I understood what I read, that’s 34 years with no profit……what company stays in business 34 years with no profit? Doesn’t sound like something Mr. Rockefeller would have endorsed or been a part of. I am in no position to lay blame, but I do ask, “where was the stewardship all of those years?” How in the world was that allowed to continue? Transparency is so important and I do appreciate details which help understand.
If the record crowds of the nation’s bicentennial are what inspired the now regrettable financial decisions which lead to the current financial distress, maybe planning for the American Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) in July, 2026 can serve as inspiration for getting back on track.
Are you able to share any details for beginning to eliminate the $300 million debt?
I will continue to support the CW Foundation to the best of my limited ability and I hope all who care for CW will do the same.
One suggestion would be to add a donation option for pedestrian visitors who walk around D.O.G. Street and do not buy passes to tour buildings. This would apply to day visitors, local residents, or anyone else who wants a to enjoy the historic area without purchasing passes.
They could place boxes at strategic entry locations for cash donations and retailers could add a line on credit card receipts for donations. Also investigate cell phone payment methods such as Apple Pay.
Occasionally our family walks around the historic without purchasing passes and we would be glad to give a small donation for the privilege.. I would think locals who frequent the area but are not interested in purchasing passes would be willing to contribute to help CW maintain the buildings and provide ambience they so enjoy.
I think it a good idea. Only issue could be the city owns the streets and there are probably legal complications.
Sonia Jones says
Maybe the city could or Chamber of Commerce could ask for donations because Williamsburg does draw a lot of people to businesses throughout the city, and adds jobs for citizens
Growing up, I loved coming to the Williamsburg area for vacation. My family and I would stop there enroute to Virginia Beach from Washington D.C.. My sister, brother and I loved the old Pottery Factory toy store (before it burned down) and touring CW. I don’t understand why Busch Gardens and the Outlets don’t attract a greater number of tourists. I know coworkers and friends tend to go to other beach destinations (Ocean City or Myrtle Beach) for vacation rather than VA Beach, so that could be part of the problem. I’m also sad to see that the old Pottery Factory is a mere shadow of its former glory. My parents retired in the CW area and recently visited the Pottery Factory, only to be disappointed at a lack of inventory of any kind. I don’t know why the toy section was never rebuilt after the fire. They used to offer fun, inexpensive toys and goods like moccasins for kids, etc. I”m sorry to hear that CW is struggling. It’s such a great resource, and beautifully maintained.
Reading these comments has been heartening for me in one way.. Kudos to the vast majority of people who have been far more civil and constructive than you see in most forums like this.. Unfortunately the thread has also reinforced my view of the real problem facing CWF.
I have been a serious contributor to CWF for about 20 years. A few years ago I started seeing a word in CWF correspondence that troubled me. The word is ‘relevant’. IMO, you can not make Colonial Williamsburg more relevant to modern times. The changes in the magazine and other institutions don’t make it more relevant, they only pander to segments of the public who don’t want its reality to be relevant. Colonial Williamsburg is inherently relevant to today because it represents the founding and the history of our country. And while many people today don’t believe it, you really do need to properly understand history to understand current events.
I believe many of the comments here are getting to the heart of the problem. We live at a time when a large segment of the citizenry doesn’t just have little respect for education but seems intent on making fun of it. Not coincidentally, these same people substitute echo chamber blogs and revisionist history for real facts and therefore aren’t comfortable with the real history of the founding of America..
Unfortunately I don’t believe that CWF can really fundamentally change the situation they find themselves in. The only way to see a change in the current “trends” is to have a public that re-educates itself to the “traditions” of America.. This is one of the reasons I hate the new name of the magazine. What we need are leaders who value education and do their best to provide it without ridiculous rhetoric about what we can afford. The one thing we cannot afford is a citizenry who doesn’t understand world events in a historical context. Or a generation of Americans who aren’t willing to spend their college years actually working hard in a math or science curriculum in order to have a relevant and financially rewarding career.
I fear that a large part of America is now more interested in being in control of government than they are in the government being a true democratic republic for the people, by the people.. Unfortunately, these people have found it profitable to downplay education and then feed the public alternative facts that support theories of government that were long ago proven not to provide for the common good but the good of the wealthy.
If we do not re-connect the American public with a love of education and true knowledge a lot more than CWF is at risk. But it won’t happen because we stop telling people how vile an evil slavery was, or hide from them the fact that terrorism was a worrisome part of colonial life..
If I have my wish, I would much rather have dinner in a colonial tavern which recreates the atmosphere of the real thing, serves food that is at least reasonably typical of what the colonials would have eaten, and enriches the learning experience of being in Colonial Williamsburg, rather than have a 21 shrimp platter that resembles a Red Lobster creation but guarantees cups with lids for my kids. One option is relevant to the experience because it is reasonably authentic and educational.. The other is just dinner and can not be made relevant by trick of word or even a multi-media experience..
My advice to those who are considering whether they should visit or support CWF is this; If you go, remember that you are in a place of museum curators and archaeological experts. If they tell you something they speak from a position of education and experience. They may not always be right, but they probably have a better foundation for what they say than you do. If you don’t want to hear the truth don’t go. If you donate, pressure the foundation to use the money to portray history as it took place, with all its warts and scars, and fight attempts to somehow make Colonial Williamsburg relevant to those who would have it be some Disneyesque white-washed version of history. I would rather see the foundation fail and the area fall into ruin than have it become a lasting symbol of. American greed and ignorance. .
Very well said.
We went down with the purpose of shopping at Merchant’s Square during the past week, and we live 35 minutes from CW. I had hoped to receive a map of the stores at the visitor’s center (at the small bldg. in Merchant’s Square). The staff people working at the window said that they don’t provide maps. ? How does a typical tourist locate anything? There were a few maps on street poles, but they were not specific-they indicated just a few larger stores and restaurants. There are so many neat, smaller stores in Merchant’s Square. I think a lot of tourists would appreciate a printed map. Many people don’t like to read maps on their 2- inch cell phones. (And at Prime Outlets - the experience was the same. No maps!)
Also - why not focus more on effective marketing and promotions campaigns. And to capitalize on employing local talent & save a few $, why not employ some W&M business students to create an advertising campaign. What a real-world opportunity for some savvy future business leaders! - I’m a former MBA grad (30 years ago) and would have loved the chance to work on a CW marketing campaign!
Thank you for your remarks. In an age where sound bites are taken as fact, where political rhetoric replaces meaningful discourse, and at least half of the registered voters are complacent to the point of non-involvement, institutions such as Colonial Williamsburg are needed to remind and educate us that the liberties we enjoy are protected by a thin layer of interest and participation by an involved and informed citizenry.. CW is a valuable asset whose core mission must be fostered and preserved regardless of the inconvenience to patrons and community and the loss of ancillary attractions.
I agree with this entire statement. I have been going to Williamsburg for 50 years. It needs to continue to educate people to our history. We cannot fix what happened in the past by taking down statues as New Orleans did and other cities. This happened, it is who we are. There is so much to learn in the museums, the old homes and the stories told.. It is very sad what is happening in this country.
I’m not sure anyone cares about my comment. However, i can say I’ve been there 4 times in my 71 years. I loved it from the first time when I was 13. Most of the buildings were still not there or restored. We have taken our grankids there and they are asking to go back. We would love to take them, but travel is getting more difficult.
I will continue with my small donations in the hopes that I can help in a small way to keep the doors open. Thank you for doing what you do and thank God for Colonial Williamsburg.
Thank you for this comment. I feel the same way.
I appreciate the effort being undertaken to save this national treasure. I hope the new CEO disregards the rudeness of the commenters, especially given the lack of knowledge we all have with regard to what all let to this position. I expect the salary of the person tasked with this incredibly thankless and difficult job is commensurate with what it will take to undo the.mistakes of his predecessors and have to.listem to everyone second guess and offer their unfounded opinion such as on this blog. Kudos for your strength and transparency Mr. Reiss. I for one will continue to enjoy spending 2-3 weeks per year in CW, eating in the taverns, shopping in the stores, and buying tickets to special events. Now that I understand the financial position I plan to increase my annual giving to help preserve what is an important part of my family’s life.
Permitting critical response comments on its blog is a credit to Colonial Williamsburg and its CEO, evidencing true dedication to the ideals of the American Revolution and its offspring, a republic if we can keep it. Happy 4th to all - both those praising and those criticizing recent developments.
Would the funds that were used to construct the new reflecting pool in front of the Williamsburg Inn have been better spent elsewhere?
Yes.
I applaud your moves to return CW to financial stability but would like to ask a few questions. To be clear, I have no direct or indirect financial connection to CW or any of its branches. I am simply a lifelong student of history, a native Virginian, and an annual donor to CW.
1) Will any of the executives who approved the ill-advised expansions of 2007 be asked to leave CWF? Seems like a no-brainer to someone on the outside.
2) Please explain to me how golf was pertinent to those revolutionary founding fathers of whom you speak so fondly? Unless Jefferson and Madison discussed independence while on the back nine, there is no defensible reason why CWF should be in the golf business. You should be a destination for history, not a luxury resort.
3) Speaking of luxury resort, why is CWF in the hotel business at all? Leave hospitality to the private sector who does it far better than you. The mission of the CWF should be history and interpretation. Period. The restaurant recreations are perfectly appropriate as are the historical lodgings, but the Williamsburg Hotel, the Lodge and the other accommodation locations should have no place in the CWF. Sell them outright.
4) You have always vastly overcharged for some things and undercharged for others. Instead of charging $40 to enter the buildings, why not just charge everyone $3 to enter the historical district and include the buildings in that cost? Offer schools and groups the usual bulk discounts, and give the locals a break, but everyone else ponies up a small amount each. Your coffers would fill crazy fast and no one would complain.
Narrow your scope, reduce your ambition and everything will be fine.
Please excuse my confusing the CW Company with the CW Foundation. When reading my comment, simply replace one reference for the other when appropriate.
Just a quick response, is that they do give locals a break and regarding the hotels, I apptciated being able to stay on property and was more likey to shop and eat there. The Woodlands were family friendly and I will definitely be going back.
Fully agree with the above financial analysis. The BOD has CLEARLY made unsound fiduciary decisions for decades & no well crafted words about the significance (note: NOT Relevance) of our nation’s foundation & people therein will cover up their mistakes. There was mention of decisions around 2007 - that was 10 years ago!! A quality p&l analysis done at that time would have provided essential data to determine appropriate investments - if any of that veered from center course. I recently stepped down from a BOD that thought it “ok” to put payroll on a credit card, ignore ee concerns & not hold BOD members accountable for position fullfillment. It WAS the morally right thing to do - but not without a politely initiated meeting of the BOD (I was VP) in order to review clear concerns & make recommendations. Recent BOD attrition revealed exiting due to same. During the said leave-taking mtg., the member who had not adequately fulfilled his duties behaved in a most inappropriate manner: yelling, making false accusations & being abusive. Not unlike much of what I have recently observed in the demise of civil political discourse in our country. Group Think was the order of the day & now some nearly 2 yrs. later, the recommendations have been glossed over. Why did I share this reality? Because I, too, love Williamsburg - I went there first as a 13 yr. old on a family vacation, went there with my daughter & husband for Christmas, have been many more times before & since. It’s life as a historical national treasure has been blemished by greed, laziness, & an extreme lack of fiduciary responsibility. I was just at the Pottery Store last summer - it sits in a near abandoned recently constructed “high end” attempt at glitzy shopping area- amid grounds of abandoned buildings & warehouses. It is a visual debacle - as is its inventory - with cashiers proudly displaying & pointing out the Trump wine available there!! Visuals tell stories - & this was shameful. I can see that a focus on everything but telling our nation’s founding story have made up the time spent as senior organization executives & BOD members. This kind of demise doesn’t happen overnight & I have no doubt a greedy & ego-serving form of Group Think was the culprit here. Shame on all who stayed silent, who didn’t listen to those with legitimate concerns. You have begun & followed a path completely inconsistent with our Founding Fathers. NOTHING in the formal letter speaks of Democracy & collaboration. It sounds like it is time for several executives & BOD members to come clean, step down & let sincere business professionals & historians step in & take their rightful place at the governance table.
Was the Trump wine comment really necessary? People with less than favorable opinions of President Obama manage to comment on this blog without making references to him.
Yes - thank you for your question. Had the cashier gushed as much over the mission of CW - I would have nio had a reason to mention. But the gushing over Trump & how much she, her co-workers & family loved him was not only ott - it was awful PR for CW z& the ideals of balance in a democracy. I gave a polite nod & said to remember not all guests will agree. Her response was dismissive at best.
Apologies for the typos….using my cell phone
I don’t believe the pottery store is a Colonial Williamsburg facility. Agreed, it is inappropriate - and highly unprofessional - for store employees to expose customers to their political views. Your response to the employee was completely appropriate in my most humble opinion.
I haven’t been to CW in many years. Last times were when I was 10 & 12 in 1970 and 1972 and came on family trips from Boston,, where I grew up. The visits were magical. I remember many of the historic sites and a gingerbread cookie that my sister bought me at a bakery. My mouth waters at the recalled taste today.
This year, on July 1, I was driving home to Chicago from the Outer Banks with my wife and our two younger children (7 & 9). We pulled off I-64 just to take a quick look. We enjoyed a great drive through the restored area before having to get back on the road and vowing to return soon.
Seeing this note of sea change, I wish we’d been encouraged at some point on our drive-through (how American) to donate in some way online. Now we will.
Ironically, this is a topic I know a bit about as a business consultant to non-profits for more than 30 years.
The CW story, as outlined, could be a case study in non-profit management trends for the last generation. Starting in the 1980’s places like CW (yes there are actually quite a few) readily got into the for-profit ancillary businesses like golf. It didn’t work for most of them and some still are invested but few got into as deeply as CW and few had the endowment that could paper-over losses for so many years like CW could. CW many have dug in so deeply because the substantial private-sector attraction investments nearby made it seem as though they would be fools to miss the moment, the abundance of land around the core asset made it possible, and the widespread belief that American culture would stay the same in the future (golfing, resorts, and the primacy of colonial era history).
The extent of the investment and a likely corporate culture shift towards an entertainment company probably made turning back difficult. As did showcase events like congressional retreats that inflated the ego if not the bottom line.
Trends change, and in 2017 it’s all about authenticity, the moves, as outlined seem spot-on. But the way the outsourcing is done will be critical. The point that off-loading retail real estate management is quite different than operating shops is really important. The vendor skill sets required are completely different. The overall strategy seems to be that outsourcing will eliminate the drag on the endowment. Good move, but the management deals should explicitly be designed to not just get CW out from under the burden but to make CW money that will replenish the endowment and/or retire the dept incurred over time. The deals need to encourage keeping ahead of the recreational and shopping curves too. Golf has dropped from a national participation rate of 14% to 8% in the last decade and will drop further. Millennials don’t play. A re-use plan for the course should be in the works. Retailing is shifting rapidly online. Alliances with retail management that knows that and puts some entertainment in its retail operations - or other reasons to come and shop in real life (not online) are important. Similarly expanding an online presence for shopping and seeing the authentic places is important. CW has a regional audience but a national one too. If we can’t get there easily, we still can virtually - and buy reproductions for our homes and lives too.
The biggest changes are cultural. Since 2014 more than half of US births have been non-white babies and nearly half, 49% have been funded by Medicaid. CW’s story must be meaningfully told to reach these youths - half of whom will not be growing up in the middle-class. Fun and accessible ways to make the importance of CW clear to this audience will be critical and most importantly, affordable. Perhaps there are already nearby youth hostels and inexpensive lodging with ways to get to historic area. If not, those are some of the tourism support structures this new market will need.
Making the cultural connection won’t be easy. My wife took some friends from Texas to Plimoth Plantation, another living history attraction near Boston. Their reaction was, cute, but not MY history. Happened more than once so now it’s off our Boston visitor itinerary. Hope that never happens to CW.
I recently worked on adding some tourism assets to the Outer Banks (hence my family trip there from Chicago) they have been successful but it was first project in the area and I’m still a bit stunned at the vacation wealth that flows down to OBX from DC , Baltimore, & Philadelphia (more than from the rest of North Carolina - they go to coastal points south of the OBX). There has to be a way to siphon more of that off the path to OBX, which passes nearby, to fuel CW in the future.
CW is a drive-in destination. It will forever be reliant on a natural regional market and some nuts like me from across the country - some of whom will come visit while others can be reached online. I’ll get my younger kids back there on a driving vacation sometime soon, most won’t so the virtual world is the best way to reach them.
Good luck, but put in benchmarks for success that if not reached, cause a reappraisal of the assumptions and keep watching over your shoulder for new places that tell stories in new, more effective, ways.
Now THAT’S positive, practical good advice!
I applied for several jobs here over the years that I was clearly qualified for and willing to accept the low pay they offer. I would have dropped my current salary and benefits just for the opportunity to live history everyday. Interestingly, I was always told in email that I was not a good fit for each position each time. Perhaps I am not. Now more interestingly, I see the people largely behind rejecting my applications are responsible for leading years of massive deficits. As a pass holder and frequent visitor since 2009, this news has aided my decision to not renew and never return to the site, until I see a follow up story regarding the exit of the current leadership team. Its time for CW to try something new with new leadership as well. For me, as they have said, CW is just not a good fit.
I write a comment in this blog pretty frequently. Often mine is one of two or three such responses, even to an interesting blog piece. But this “open letter” has surely inspired a LOT of responses. As long as CW is “there” we are content to not be very involved or engaged enough to participate. When we perceive a threat then there is a lot of excitement.
Ticket prices have to be a fair and overall equal amount across the board for visitors and those who care more for the place need to donate more above that.
Please do a blog entry about the late benefactor Forrest E. Mars , Jr’s contributions to CW that we all enjoy.
If outsiders are running the show, they expect to make a profit. So either prices have to go up or quality has to go down, or a combination of the two. I doubt the outsiders will contribute “greater efficiencies” that will avoid either of those outcomes.
Without strong supporting players, the pressure to deliver within the Historic District will be even greater. But cuts are being made there, too.
It’s a fine line Reiss and his highly paid VPs are walking. I think it’s time for more than management and outside consultants to be solving CW’s problems, since many more will bear the brunt of their decisions.
Now children, fight nice! Obviously the many people who are on this site care about what is happening to CW or they wouldn’t be on this site talking about it. Like our ancestors two hundred years ago, what we need to do is come together and agree to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
We live in Richmond. I am an elementary teacher, and my kids are 14. We have never purchased a ticket for the full experience because it costs $164 for a family of four to go in a few more buildings than that you can visit for free. To me, this is an outrageous price. I would love to go see the governor’s palace and the beginnings of our government but, living so close, this is not a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation-this is a daytrip, and I just can’t justify the cost. Other major tourist attractions will always be our choice over Colonial Williamsburg, for us and for our out-of-town guests given the cost: Jamestown is $68 for us, Mount Vernon is $72, Monticello is $112-and that’s pushing it but doable very occasionally. My point is: this wonderful place should be accessible and not cost so much more than all the other historical experiences around.
Do you know anyone in Williamsburg? Because locals get Good Neighbor passes that carry a benefit of buying tickets for out of town friends at a reduced rate. We locals can help you cut the cost and have an excellent experience. And I’d like to point out that you’re talking about $50 more than Monticello (which I also love visiting), but you get many more houses and gardens and stories at CW than you do at Monticello. I’m not disagreeing with you that it’s expensive to visit CW, and I think they should consider restructuring the ticket prices. But it can be more affordable if you make some friends in Williamsburg. Want to be friends? .
Every year at Thanksgiving they have a buy one get one annual pass on line. Basically cuts your cost in half. School teachers are always half price.
I GUESS DISNEY WORLD IS OUT TOO! A FAMILY OF 4 FOR 3 DAYS IS $1200. WILLIAMSBURG IS A BARGAIN AND A LEARNING EXPERIENCE AS WELL . THE NEXT STEP IS TOP CLOSE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER STREET TO ALL BUT TICKET HOLDERS. OR MAYBE A WALK AROUND ONLY TICKET!
Great advice, Phil!
So where are you going that is comparable and cheaper? I’m just curious, not trying to be antagonistic?
OK- I see that you’ve been to Monticello-not really comparable as it’s only one house and one garden. Same for Mt. Vernon. I love Jamestown, but it’s not really an “experience”. Why not spend one night at the Lodge and attend an evening event like one at the Wren Building where they teach all the court and country dances that were done in the period, or tour the stable area and see the horses that pull the carriages and hear about how livestock were taken care of.. These are fascinating and typically well priced. I think if you go for the “experiences” where you interact with the interpreters rather than just the museum events and house tours, it will seem like more of a bargain to you.
Invest in the year pass and go multiple times. Each season has it’s own appeal, especially for the Grand Illumination and the smaller ones during the Christmas season.
*its*
CW has been slowly pricing itself too far out of reach for the average guy. People with children would rather sink major dollars into one or 2 days at Busch Gardens with their kids than buying passes , especially when they can walk around and accomplish a lot of the same things. It’s the “Lucy Van Pelt” theory…. if you can sell one ticket for $50.00 then there is no need to sell 5 tickets for $10.00. That kind of thinking has sunk many a ship. I use to go stay for the weekend since I live 2 hours away. Now I go for the day unless it’s off season. My dream has always been to retire there but given the cost, I doubt that will happen. SAD.
No blame here at all — THANK YOU for taking the critical (and tough) steps necessary to preserve Colonial Williamsburg’s core basics.
Our grandchildren will never thank you for preserving our history… because they won’t have to, thanks to this critical step forward.
I read with great interest Mr. Reiss’ open letter. I found much of it compelling and it helped my understand the serious situation CW faces. However, I found one disingenuous part that made me question the rest of the argument On page 24, Mr Reiss makes the argument that.closing the Kimball Theatre will save the Foundation hundreds of thousands of dollars that can be “redirected to our core educational mission.” If all the Foundation does is spend the savings on something else, how does this help the problem of drawing down the endowment? That amount of money is still being spent and is still depleting the endowment, Surely, the money saved from closing the Kimball must not be spent elsewhere - it must remain in the endowment until the endowment stabilizes and begins to grow. I really don’t care about closing the Kimball, I’m just suspicious of the stated reason for and benefits of doing so.
I am distressed to learn of the closing of the Kimball Theater. We are from PA and come to CW at least once a year for a week at a time. We have been doing this for at least 209 years. We attend at least one or more presentations at the Kimball each visit.
Sorry, that was 20 years!
Thought you were a time traveler for a minute!
CW is one of the most amazing places on earth, but even in upholding the preservation of history you have to keep up with the times to draw new visitors. Virtual reality exhibits that bring visitors into actual historical events would reach new audiences of adults and their children. Partnerships with relevant TV shows like “Turn” would create interest from potential visitors from all over the world. A more robust, interactive presence on all forms of social media would draw interest from audiences that don’t get their information from newsletters and magazines. All of this can be done without sacrificing the integrity of the history that is CW. In my opinion, these are some of the reasons CW has lost relevancy. Connecting past events with their relevancy today is the way to go. I hope CW can turn things around and remain the national treasure it has been for so many years. As an example, the city of Nashville has done a phenomenal job of “modernizing” the Grand Ole Opry, while still upholding the traditions of classic country music that the town was founded on.
I was hoping to make my first visit in over 20 years this fall. After reading these comments about the decline of CW I’m thinking of putting it off to see if they can right the ship and restore some of the good things I remember - guides who could express the philosophies of the Founders, interesting high quality food, “traditional” crafts worthy of becoming souvenirs, and the sense I gained as a boy that I might bump into Thomas Jefferson around the next corner.,
Putting off your visit is exactly what is at the root of this issue. Come! Bring friends and family! CW continues to be dedicated to the education and presentation of history unlike any other place in the country. The guides, interpreters and staff offer a quality experience worth every minute and dollar you invest on the property.
No they need visitors!!
Just FYI it is not in decline. We visited several times last year and had a great experience with everything. I am going back in A couple weeks to celebrate my 50th birthday.
There is no DECLINE of CW in the visitor experience. The dramatization of colonial life is phenomenal. The issues that are being addressed here are out of sight of the visitor experience. Please come to Williamsburg. It’s worth it.
My mom and I just visited last week and we had an amazing time! We brought along our American Girl Felicity dolls (Felicity is American Girl’s Colonial Williamsburg character). Ever since I got my Felicity doll almost 20 years ago (she was my first AG doll), I’ve wanted to visit CW with her! I’m glad I had the opportunity to do that this year.
We toured some of the buildings, ate dinner at Chowning’s Tavern, watched marches, stood-and participated in a mock session at the Courthouse, had photos taken in the pillory and drank chocolate at the Charlton Coffeeshouse among other things. It was an amazing experience and is similar to (but larger) Strawbery Banke, Sturbridge Village and other living history museums. These types of museums make learning about history fun as they make history come alive!
I am a visitor since 1970 and a contributor since then. I have spent a lot of money at CW and have been richly rewarded for that. My wife and I spent our honeymoon at the Market Square Tavern and have visited the Inn numerous times for Anniversaries or Illuminations. The fundamental problem is and always has been the shortsightedness of the Board over the years to not privatize the roads in the historic district and that has led to the inability of the Foundation to secure the premises and charge admission. I remember back in the day when over one million visitors came and the streets were crowded. Lines at the Taverns. Lines to get in the exhibits. BUT…CW allowed everybody to just walk in as they gave the most Important thing away for free-access to the experience that is Colonial Williamsburg. What if every visitor-say an average of 600,000 per year-had to pay $10 to get in the gate? That’s only $6 million per year over 50 years or $300 million to improve the experience and back up the endowment. And those people spend lots of money while they’re in there and are unlikely to leave for lunch once they pay admissions. This is a huge amount of money. Now the city doesn’t want to give up the streets but if CW goes private like Carter’s Grove what kind of city will they have? Who goes down the Country Road now? One thing I always noticed while staying at the Inn was that the previous management was always there, always casual, and always with friends. I attended a meeting and this same management was either in drink as they used to say or senile.. I think the previous management took their eye off the ball. Now the new management is scrambling. to make up for lost time. It’s time for a new business model-speaking as a retired CEO.
One last thought. Back in the day people came to CW to view how the wealthy lived in the colonial days and to see the crafts, food, and reproductions. Same as Hollywood. Recently I took a tour of the Peyton Randolph house and was greeted by an obese, sweaty person who complained the entire tour about how hard it was to be a slave, how other slaves were beaten, and how this tour conductor just couldn’t wait to run away.. I didn’t need to hear this and I would never seek out a diatribe like this or pay for it. Things were different then but they were just as different for white indentured servants and the middling farmer class. Even the wealthy didn’t have it as good as the worker class today. I had just gone to see the oak paneling in a bedroom.
It would appear the predicted gate receipts you project would barely cover the salary of the board members. Don’t even get me started on the 21st century political correctness that gets mixed into the 18th century historical experience. For over fifty years I’ve watched this treasure decline.
According to the Foundation’s 2015 990s the Trustees are NOT paid. Am I missing something?
Can you give an example of the “21’st century political correctness”?
I’ve always wondered why CW doesn’t charge *something* just to enter. It baffles me. I know it would mean setting up ticket spots on DoG street, but the first time I was in ever “in” Williamsburg, we just drove around and parked the car, and I could visit the magazine and a bunch of other places. That should stop.
I am surprised you were able to enter one let alone several buildings without an admissions ticket. Interpreters at the entrances should not have allowed you to enter. During my past visits they seemed to check carefully for tickets. The answer is not to charge an admission fee to anyone walking on city streets within the historic area but to ensure that employees diligently check for tickets before letting anyone enter exhibit sites..
Sorry sir but walling off CW is not the answer. At least some previous admissions purchasers would refuse to buy tickets if there was an additional $10 per visitor charge. Allowing people to stroll through the town without paying an admission fee is good advertising. Some of those folks buy things in stores, get something to eat at a CW facility and - liking what they see - decide to purchase an admissions ticket so they can enter exhibit buildings. They would not do any of that if they had to pay a fee merely to walk through the town. CW prides itself on authenticity. There was no wall around the town in the 18th century. Bringing historic farming into town is bad enough. Putting a wall around the town would be even worse. Finally, many visitors enjoy an early morning or evening walk, run or bike ride through CW before its exhibit buildings are open or after they are closed. A wall would prevent those activities.
The day they stop bringing to light the evil of slavery there is the day I stop visiting and supporting CW.
I know that the “” sweaty, obese” guide you had at the Randolph House is black. You reveal a lot with that part of your post. There is nothing like being outright owned. There is nothing approaching an accurate history of colonial America that minimizes in ANY way the impact of slavery on that society. If the lives of African Americans were minimized in CW offerings it would be completely fake. A fantasy.
The day they stop bringing to light the evil of slavery there is the day I stop visiting and supporting CW.
I know that the “” sweaty, obese” guide you had at the Randolph House is black. You reveal a lot with that part of your post. There is nothing like being outright owned. There is nothing approaching an accurate history of colonial America that minimizes in ANY way the impact of slavery on that society. If the lives of African Americans were minimized in CW offerings it would be completely fake. A fantasy.
You commented on “seeing how the wealthy lived”.
It was off the backs and by the sweat of an evily enslaved race of their fellow man.
William Kovak—-you made me laugh out loud while reading your comment to my wife. I hardly EVER laugh out loud! Thanks!
I’ve been visiting CW since the mid 70’s as a child and donate monthly. Staying on the property has been like a home away from home not only for my wife and I but also for our young children. I can honestly say I have never had a bad visit. There was a time within the last 10 years that I thought the food slipped a little in the taverns but recent visits were enjoyable. Losing $150,000 a day is astonishing so tuff decisions had to be made such as outsourcing. I have no problem with Marriott running the lodge(points!!) or the golf course being taken over by a corporation (most courses no a days are corporate run and in most cases better than before). I just hope they retain the great people I have been accustomed to seeing every year.
The Williamsburg community must shoulder some of the blame. Residents used the historic area as a public park, ruining the historic experience for visitors. They have also balked at any sort of reasonable pricing for the neighbor pass and refused to stop non contributing tour business and guides to act as parasites. The community wanted all benefit at no cost. The golden goose is dead.
It is too bad that CW and some of its patrons fought the Walt Disney Company when they were very interested in purchasing Busch Gardens and Water Country USA a few years back. CW may not have remained the top dog in the area after Disney converted Busch Gardens to a History Based Theme Park, but there would have been a lot more people visiting the area and a lot more people visiting CW. and this new influx of visitors may have gone a long way to help with CWs financial woes. CW did not want to have people in goofy hats walking down Duke of Gloucester street, so they resisted Disney coming into the area. They wished things to remain the way they are, Sometimes you get what you wish for even if it isn’t good for you.
I am a retired business man who had many customers in Williamsburg including the Williamsburg Hotel Motel Assosciation as well as others I will not name here. Our son is a W&M grad.uate
And so, what is to become of the historic, depression era (1933) Kimball Theater after it closes next week? What will CW, the company whose business is preserving old, historic buildings, do with it?
I put a lot of stock in the endorsement of these moves by the three members of the Rockefeller family. Posts that basically imply that there is incompetence or ill intent at work are simply not a reflection of the reality.
No incompetence? Have you been watching how the CWF has been managed for the last 20 years?
No human controls the world. If competence can only mean that everything remains just as everyone wants it, no matter the economy and no matter how much less more of the public cares for history than everyone is incompetent.
Have you see the executive health spa building sitting vacant and for sale on Henry Street? That was a great idea. Or how bout selling Carter’s Grove? That will surely bring the tourists in. What about kicking out Williamsburg Drug in order to put in a Williams and Sonoma? Like no one can go to a W&S at any mall in the country. Who makes a day trip to Williamsburg to go to W&S? And what about the Precious Gem as one of the anchor stores in Merchant’s Square? And then the renovations at the Lodge? And replacing the Motor Court with a building that is little more than a Holiday Inn Express? They never got that people returned to those places because they were those places and they didn’t want new and improved. That was like taking an Adirondack lodge and mowing it down to put up new and improved. The company was run by a bunch of people that knew a lot about business, but didn’t understand CW. They had no stake in the company (or the community) other than to pad their resumes and move on, leaving the mess they created for the next guy. I could go on… Yeah, incompetent.
Carters grove was sold many years ago. Just a heads up, please reasearch before you make suggestions
Here’s your heads up: Carter’s Grove was sold in 2007 (ten years ago), but that fell through… And again, fin 2014 (three years ago).
I feel we have less shop of today and have more historical attribute tell of our founding areas. We might just make it back to having more interesting thing about our history. I have found more as a adult how much I love history
As a business Col Williamsburg having to do what is needed to thrive is understandable, however look at the people you have brought in to do this, unless the “team” has respect for History Col Willamsburg will be a golf couse for the rich since History is dead…..as it was overheard spoken from one of the fixers you brought in..he clearly spoke his mind on the future.
True! Let the golfers and resort fanatics head to Kingsmill or Fords Colony! When we first started visiting CW in my youth we did have to have passes to enter the street. A sign was posted to the effect of “ticketed guests only beyond this point.”
Very sad state of affairs. I visited for 9 years so far at a week at a time. I stayed on property and spent good money. I would love to know why it has taken so long to see they were losing that much daily? I donate every year, so I do my part. Sad that people will loose their jobs etc. Who is going to start overseeing the financial aspect of the foundation? If changes need made, there needs to be a change in the oversight of the funds as well. I wish you all the best.
Maybe just close the golf course and build complementary educational buildings and research centers? What does golf have to do with CW?
As a person who is very interested in history and craft that seems to be declining in the US,, I visited CW for the first time a couple of years ago. I could tell it was already started the decline outsourcing creates. I was unhappy with the lack of opportunities for those of us who actually still want to learn and perfect the old skills. It already seemed a shell of what it was purported to be. I wish CW would turn back to professional level education and not descend into the Disney world of nothingness. I hope those with real knowledge will be given new opportunities to teach their skills and that the only thing left won’t be an illusion before it’s sold off. Incidentally, what I most enjoyed, that would keep me coming back, was authentic discussion/demonstration with those in shops and on site, and availability of things actually made on site and supplies I need to replicate skills at home. My least favorite things? Hyped marketed scavenger hunts/merchandise, articles for sale offsite (esp foreign) and fake crap. I also wonder how many tourist dollars have been been lost to the new fake Jamestown experience.
Well geez, tell us how you really feel! Actually your comment about Disney World is incorrect. Disney brings much joy and happiness to every single person who visits…and it makes money! They would do well to hire some Disney imagineers to bring CW to life. If anyone could do it, they surely could..
- Previous Disney Cast Member
The strength of CW is not fantasy, it’s authenticity. Disney won’t work here. Let’s hope they don’t go farther down that rabbit hole.
I like the new things.
From what I read it would seem that the reasons I vacation an average of three times a year will remain largely the same. The interpreters, the buildings, and the museums are not going anywhere. There is going to be a new archeology lab/museum and the renovation of the museum at the Public Hospital has begun.
It’s not unreasonable to believe the attendance is down. It’s always been difficult to get much of the population to seriously pursue the study of history beyond generalities.
My wife and I don’t buy annual passes every year or give to the foundation because there are golf courses and retail shops in CW. We do so first because we love going into the historic area, interacting with the interpreters and going to the museum. I think their goal is to concentrate on those core offerings.
I really doubt the board wants to run CW into the ground.
As someone who visits frequently (we have a visit scheduled this Friday) I too have noticed the quality slipping.
Also, I question the amount of fundraising appeals that I receive. Even after I donate, I still receive 3-4 appeals. I understand that you have to ask for money, but I get overwhelmed and this could be an area where savings could be realized. Certainly not a lot, but at this point every little bit helps.
Please elaborate on what “outsourcing of maintenance and facilities operations” means.
We are disappointed. Imagine how the employees feel who learned of this today just like we did.
The employees laid off in June will receive health benefits through July — a benefit which typically would only last to end of month, Reiss said.
http://wydaily.com/2017/06/29/colonial-williamsburg-fundamentally-restructures-citing-dire-financials-business-news/
There are some excellent comments of which I agree with, especially those made by C.S., and Travis Clements .
I would like to add my own suggestion to what they said, and, yes it’s a simple one,, but one that I believe can help.
I live here in Michigan and I visited Colonial Williamsburg last year for the first time. What an amazing time we had!
Upon returning, I wrote a six part series about my adventures there for my Passion for the Past blog, and I included hundreds of my best photos. I also posted this series on the various Colonial Williamsburg Facebook pages, as well as on the Friends of Greenfield Village Facebook page, and that’s what garnered quite a bit of attention. You see, most members of the Greenfield Village page live here in Michigan and have never been to CW…but my posts and pictures were well received and I know of at least a dozen members (and there may have been more) who planned to visit CW this year because of that.
Now, if my little ol’ blog can muster a dozen visitors, imagine what you can do if you put some effort into your advertising dollars in states outside of Virginia and its neighbors. Advertise here in Michigan, in Wisconsin, in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois. Work out a trade off with Greenfield Village such as giving discounts for members to either historic village, which will compliment each other greatly (and do the same with Old Sturbridge Village, Connor Prairie, and other historic open-air museums).
The silly Super Bowl ad from a couple years ago was a waste of money – it showed nothing of what Colonial Williamsburg truly is, and. If that’s the best that department can do, then you need to revamp it and start with a new, less “artsy” crew.
We’re heading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - - use this time to your advantage.
I am not saying this is THE solution, but it certainly can help., for I would hate to see so great a loss as Colonial Williamsburg becoming a shell of itself.
They used to have a social marketing person, my friend, who was let go about 6 months ago. I thought it was ridiculous to cut back on marketing, but oh well. And that Super Bowl ad was the biggest waste of money they could’ve done.
Alienation of their core supporters has resulted in the financial crisis. PR gaffes have been handled both with arrogance and ineptitude. Let’s hold these executives accountable.
Add to your list what I consider the failed attempt to make the Foundation’s magazine hipper. Going from The Journal to Trends & Traditions turned me off. If I wanted Southern Living magazine I would get it. Trying to entice people who have no interest in the serious work of CW. I have stopped giving to the Foundation as my trips to CW are not as frequent and the magazine made previous year’s gifts (since about 1996) more than worth a donation. I don’t need any more Christmas ornaments, tote bags or plush dolls. Just get back to the basics and you can get me back.
I agree. The marketing department leaves something to be desired. I sent an email to Mittchell stating that the best marketing people for CW would be those who love it. They know what the draw is and how to convey it. I said they could hire the best marketing company whose employees have the best degrees, but if they didn’t have the passion for CW it didn’t matter. I also said CW needs to market to all age groups. I think my email was poo pooed because he usually emails me back. But not this time b
I am actually amazed that you were able to post your photos and get away with it, as the CWF has been adamant about controlling which photos get published (theirs, not anyone else’s) on blogs and travel websites. Partnering with the travel writing community could increase interest in CW…but instead, over the years, the CWF has insisted that travel writers and bloggers use their stock photos, thus depriving writers who want to promote CW to their specific audiences of that opportunity.
I vote that the CWF sell the golf course and “commercial real estate” (???) and focus on its core mission, partnering with the writers and photographers who love CW and want to see it flourish. I normally don’t give my work away for free, but to save CW, I might be willing to do so.
I don’t think the blame for CW’s decline has much to do with how U. S. History is taught in schools. (Full disclosure: I teach U. S. History at two home school tutorials.) The interest in seeing how our country’s democratic experiment began is still there. CW needs to reach out to students via social media in genuine ways (without stock photos of older white people) and connect with teachers, parents and grandparents who want to bring their loved ones to CW.
I visit CW every year with my BFF and the streets are thronged. I wonder how many of those people paid for tickets? I get that the CWF wants to make the Historic Area open to all, and I appreciate that gesture, but when revenues are down and people are losing their jobs, surely admission to the Historic Area should be on the table?
Hopefully the new operators of the outsourced operations will pay close attention to customer service and upkeep, as CW will lose even more visitors if reports of poor service or lack of maintenance turn up on TripAdvisor, Yelp, etc.
I like the idea about getting together with other living history museums like Old Sturbridge Village (I went there once as a kid and hope to visit again sometime, maybe either this year or next year).
Living history mueums offer unique experiences and help history to come alive.
Not sure how outsourcing at golf course detracts from the “Colonial Experience”. The retail could be a different issue, but does that include the CW historical stores or just the Market Square Shoppes???
I know they have already joined the Lodge with Marriott, I will see this Fall if that changes the service.
For everyone outraged, what do you give to CW each year?????
I have been coming to CW since the 1970s and began brining my children there at a young age. I have continued to visit every year and frequently multiple times annually. The most recent was December and I am booked for August. We stay in CW hotels, we eat in CW restaurants,mwe play golf at the Gold and Green Courses. In short, I think I have a visitor’s historical perspective but not an inside knowledge of CW’s operations, although I am a donor. My sense is that the core experience has deraded and that the decline has hastened recently. There were food trucks in the historic area during my last visit.
Contracting out functions is typically a short term savings coupled with long term personnel disruptions and the loss of dedicated employees. The only way for a contractor to make what the owner deemed to be an excessive cost profitable is to cut employee wages and benefits and cut back on operations and maintenance.
It appears an easy out to attrubute the devline in visitors to less emphasis on American History. An American Revolution Museum recently opened in Philadelphia and appears to be doing well notwithstanding the accuracy of the former claim. I have e feeling CW is moving in the wrong direction. As the chief magistrate might say - “sad”.
I bring approximately 100 8th graders every year to CW to visit and eat at one of the taverns. The food and service at the taverns is terrible. We can’t get refills on drinks, extra rolls, butter etc. If their was anyplace else to eat we would go there. We generally eat at Shields Tavern. From the doorman to the waitresses this place could use a change of attitude.
Oh my, the service is terrible. We are in a tavern in December and we’re told there were no cups with kids for our 3 year-olds. I assumed they were just doing that to be historically accurate, until I saw other children with cups with lids. Our server still wouldn’t give them to us and of course there were spills that luckily I didn’t have to clean up.
I have to agree. Over the last ten years our experiences at the taverns have been hit or miss. Sometimes the food is awful and sometimes it’s good. It is rarely great. The service is sometime exemplary and sometime perfunctory at best. One night at the King’s Arms we were seated in a room that contained a door that opened into a service room with very bright florescent light. The staff were constantly going in and out, and each time they did it totally destroyed the ambience of the meal.
The point of Colonial Williamsburg is to honor and celebrate American history and craftsmanship. Craftsmanship is a rare thing these days, especially in this country, where almost everything we purchase and use on a day to day basis has been produced by foreign sweatshops with laughably inferior production standards and then foisted off on us as our only affordable choices. The remark that more of this junk has already made its way into CW retail shops is true as is the fact that more people now leave said shops empty-handed for this reason. This wasn’t the case when I was a kid, and it wouldn’t be the case now if CW management hadn’t tried to cut the wrong corners. Outsourcing an AMERICAN icon out to foreigners is incredibly stupid, and the fact that many Americans who have dedicated their working lives to CW will be rewarded with a good swift kick out the door because their upper management were greedy morons has forced me to lose the last shred of respect I had for the place. I don’t want to come to CW and buy Chinese made products or be subjected to Middle Eastern or Indian hospitality. I want to bring my children to CW to experience something AMERICAN. From now on I won’t bother. Might as well just take them to Disney World to see the Hall of Presidents.
I have read every one of the comments up to this point, and I have to say that Travis Clements’ statement above is most likely to be the main issue. There are way too many people in each department, and it is an interesting statement to question how many assistants and staff each paid “manager” is given .It is highly likely that most of the waste is at the top. Should that house get cleaned out first, I imagine that there would be a lot more funding than currently realized. Or, at least there would be a lot more funding than is willing to be disclosed. Everyone wants solutions to problems so long as it doesn’t affect their personal pocket book. As a resident and a very active visitor, it saddens me that this has even gotten to this point. Our nation is riddled with stories like this; landmarks given up to greed and mismanagement. It affects the people who work there tirelessly day in and day out. And it affects the visitors who come to CW to take a step back into a simpler time and maybe catch their breath. Every effort SHOULD be made to preserve this, yes. But, it should begin at the top. Should the heart of management be in the right place, I imagine they would find they can do their job with a lot less perks and fluff.
What is Mr. Reiss’s salary? Is it in alignment with a private not for profit educational institution of this size? Especially one with such financial difficulties?
Be careful, Mr. Reiss. Don’t destroy the village in order to “save” it.
What will happen to the gardeners and gardens? Is that being outsourced? Will you cut back on the flower and vegetable garden budgets? We come twice a year for the gardens alone.
The Super Bowl ad was way too expensive.
While I understand that the price of admission helps offset the cost of running the facilities it may well be the admission cost that is running off some visitors. My husband and I visited last year and paid for admission but on our previous visit we just strolled thru the historic area and visited our favorite shops and eating establishments. For a family with young children the cost of admission could be prohibitive. I have been to Colonial Williamsburg more times than I can count and it will always be my favorite place to visit. I hope these changes help keep this national treasure going strong for years to come and do not destroy all that the founders strove for.
Whenever I see companies/organizations have money problems I wonder, how many chiefs verses Indians? How many levels of “management” That is the problem with school systems.. Administration constantly comes up with new plans that overwhelm teachers with more reports etc so no one has time to teach. Then we wonder why kids are not learning. My older relatives that went to one room schoolhouses, with one teacher teaching a number of grades were better educated than any modern child, with all the “modern” advantages of computers, after school activities etc. Colonial Williamsburg has a similar - or should have - a similar overall goal. Teaching. People come to see the blacksmith, the weavers, the cows, etc. Get back to doing that, get rid of the multiple levels of management, the VP of this and that. There are 15 people in the “giving” dept on the website and how many assistants to them? There are 20 some people on the board - maybe they don’t all make a ton of money directly but I know how boards work, they do like their perks.. In other words get rid of the fat and worry about the people who actually work with the public and take car of CW.
This is one of my favorite places to visit. I come every year at least once if not more. It will be ashamed to see changes but I hope they are for the best and to preserve what they say they are trying to preserve. I do not know your financial situation but I hope and pray this is fiscally sound what is being done.
I hate to see commercialism in many ways because it takes away from the real reason of the place. I guess I will see what this change will have on the are since I visit so much.
I really wanted to move there and live but we will see now.
You honestly think I’m going to believe this nonsense from a George W. Bush political appointee? It’s been obvious from his day one he wanted to “outsource” and privatize Colonial Williamsburg. This coward should be handed a pink slip. He is single-handedly destroying one of our nation’s most important historical treasures. Let me guess? Donald Trump’s company is going to run the golf course?
Sounds like you are just an angry liberal
Well that was helpful. No rebuttal? Nothing to counter?
Not every one is an angry liberal…Why does everyone have to have a label? He may be just a person with an opinion, just as you Have yours!
I’ve heard from a confidential source that the president is job hunting…
I have heard that also.
Ridiculous comment Mr. Schmidt.. CW has been privatized from the start. For the sake of your sanity, please let your Bush derangement syndrome go. The man’s been out of office for almost 10 years for heaven’s sake! Isn’t it enough for you to focus on Trump derangement?.
No true about privatization.. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
Sorry but you are the one who doesn’t know what you are talking about. CW is a private sector entity. It is not run by the government. Why does one have to point out the obvious!!!!
CW is actually made up of two entities: The Colonial Williamsburg Company (hotels, golf course, products, etc.) and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (museums, educational programs) - which is a 501c3 non-profit. The company was established to subsidize the operating costs of the non-profit - which never worked. The reverse happened, and the Foundations endowment was bled out over the years to keep the company afloat. The layoffs and outsourcing are supposed to give balance so they no longer have to pull from the endowment to keep the company running.
CW used to set the standard for the hospitality industry, but now it is almost all farmed out. With today’s announcement it will not just be hotels and restaurants, but retail, landscaping, maintenance, etc. If you think this is a good idea, then good luck to you (and CW).
Just Left Coast dribble from a San Franciscan troll.
It’s Bush’ fault?
This is heartbreaking to read. I remember visiting Colonial Williamsburg as a child and gaining a greater understanding and appreciation for American History during that time. My son, who is now eight, first came to Colonial Eilliamsburg at age three and would tell you today that is it his favorite place to visit, anywhere in the world. We have travelled from Soith Carolina five more times since his first visit to give him the experience of being part of this Colonial treasure. While unlikely, my son’s dream is to play in the fife and drum corps, thanks to the passion and attentiveness of people like Lance Pedigo and Amy Miller. For at least one family, your efforts are worth it. We will continue to support Colonial Williamsburg and hope to see it restored to its former glory.
They fired Lance Pedigo a couple of years ago to save money.
Where is your vision? Why have you not approached global foundations? It’s obvious to me the people running Colonial Williamsburg today are running it into the ground. The board should sack the current management. A new board should be seated and some leaders with real vision should be hired to right this ship.
Much blame lies at the feet of public education in America which has failed and continues to fail to engage students in developing an understanding of the blood spent to create America. If you don’t know where you came from then why should you care?
Wrong. The blame lies at the feet of politicians both democrats and republicans that have forced public education into the decisions they have had to make. I can assure you every social studies teacher attempts to convey the importance of American History. But when you are being told it’s not important compared to language arts and math then students aren’t going to put forth their best effort to understand the importance of it.
You’ve been giving a politically correct version for too long at CW, and calling America a “democracy” repeatedly in your writings, disrespecting what the Constitution says (a “republican” form of government)! An interpreter told my family that the founders began the rebellion to avoid paying their debts! No wonder you are failing. People don’t want to hear these lies! Get back to telling the truth and stop catering to modern thinking!
Actually the rumbling of the revolution had some of its roots in the amount England wanted us to pay for the seven year war (French & Indian war as we often call it) it was a huge costly war and they wanted us to pay for a portion of it - there is much more to it but it sounds like you along with others want the “storybook version of history not the real stories - not everyone backed the war, not everyone was free, not everyone was wealthy - why is it bad to tell our real history including all people and all that happened.
Oh that’s right - because people don’t like to be reminded that history repeats itself
By the way I worked as an interpreter for another museum and we always told the real history and people found it refreshing
Sonia Jones says
The country is being subverted from within. It started with Marxists professors in our universities.They teach the next generation a one sided view that causes them to hate the Founding Fathers. The idea is to demoralize to the point that the next generation will give the country over to communism
Sonia Jones says
The rebellions was not caused because the colonists did not want to pay taxes. It started because they were being taxed HEAVILY without their consent and without representation in Parliament. They also did not like the standing army that stayed here after the French and Indian War. The colonists were being made to quarter the soldiers in their homes. They saw no need for soldiers because they had been protecting themselves for over a century.
These changes may hurt the overall aesthetics and reasons why visitors come to Colonial Williamsburg. I hope you are making the right decisions, but I truly fear that overall in a few years, Colonial Williamsburg will lose it luster for many. The retail stores have already been carrying more and more outsourced products and more and more I’ve seen visitors come into shops and leave empty handed. I’m one of these individuals because products are no longer being homemade/handmade within Colonial or even the US. Do these proposed retail changes mean more of these types of changes? More outsourcing means less of what made Colonial great! It’s own step back into time. Good luck to those who make the big decisions, hopefully these changes will have the positive effect you hope for.
Having put in 38 years at CW and now as a retiree, I have unfortunately seen most of the out sourcing of essential services from the Foundation. It shows. People who work for others to do your work do not have the vested interest that an employee you pay would have. I have seen maintenance, infrastructure, cleaning services and quality of food services decline over the years. Guests and locals used to tell me the same. Although I certainly empathise with the organizations’ financial losses, losing the kind of quality that was once the hallmark of the organisation will not make good times return. The overall experience, as we used to be told, makes the visitor want to come here and return. No one has a magic pill to cure CW’s current ills, but many of us have been witness to years of waste and now the debtor has come back to collect. I truly hope (and pray) that once financial footing is regained the powers that be will gradually, with fiscal responsibility, regain the type of core that made CW shine for so many years, we who have told the story deserve to see that come to fruition again.
Exactly, what does this all mean for those of us living in the area that visit frequently? Are some of our favorite places/shops/ restaurants/pubs going away? I hope Chaunings is ok.
I second this-my family and I are visiting in August. Will we see any changes in our hotel, tavern, or general experiences?