WILLIAMSBURG — Jamestown Settlement will present “Counter Cultures: Reign” Saturday, examining the power structures of the Indigenous, European and West Central African cultures and their impact on 17th-century Virginia through presentations, music and storytelling.
The museum of 17th-century Virginia history’s event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Counter Cultures: Reign” is the latest in a series of special events and programs that complement the ongoing “Reign & Rebellion” special exhibition exploring the Stuart monarchy’s legacy in early American and Virginia history. Spanning both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, “Reign & Rebellion” illuminates fascinating moments in Virginia’s road to Revolution and the formation of the state’s identity.
“Counter Culture: Reign” and “Reign & Rebellion” are included with general admission.
Saturday’s events include:
Musical Performances & Storytelling
From 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the mall stage, Ken Johnston of History Now will introduce a variety of modern performances rooted in the traditions of Indigenous, English and African cultures tracing back to the 17th century. Performers will feature Indigenous music duo Soapstone, storytellers Felicity Meza-Luna and Ken Johnston, Atumpan Dance Theatre and Drunken Weasels Border Morris.
A variety of presentations and demonstrations will invite visitors to discover how key events influenced paramount chief Powhatan’s rule and the leadership of his successors, examine the Royal Stuarts’ policies that shaped English expectations and experiences in the Virginia colony and explore how African rulers in Ndongo resisted colonialism.
Community Art Project
Steve Prince, distinguished artist in residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, will host a drop-in, hands-on community art project for guests to contribute to a collaborative work of art for future display. Guests are welcome to join in the community art project from 1 to 4 p.m. in Zadarlik-Sogoloff Gazebo.
Historical Presentations
Near the “Reign & Rebellion” special exhibition in Elmon and Pam Gray Presentation Hall, a series of 30-minute programs from 1 to 3:45 p.m. will explore the cultures of the Powhatan, English and West Central African peoples with opportunities for discussion. Speakers include Jamie Helmick, director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Indigenous Peoples Initiative; Vincent Petty, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation historical interpreter; and Valarie Gray Holmes, historical interpreter, actor and independent researcher.
Interpretive Presentations
Outdoors in re-created settings, interpretive presentations at 11:15 a.m. in Paspahegh Town will explore Powhatan government and, at 3:45 p.m. in James Fort, the English Rule of Law.
“Counter Cultures: Reign” is sponsored by Dominion Energy with additional support by James City County.
Visiting Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and located on Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg. Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Individual museum admission is $18 for adults, $9 for ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. A value-saving combination ticket with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is $30 for adults and $15 for ages 6-12.
Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency. Parking is free.
For more information, call 757-253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org.
