JAMESTOWN — Historic Jamestowne will commemorate Jamestown Day on Saturday, May 13 with activities and themed tours, as well as the return of two behind-the-scenes programs.
On May 14, 1607, three ships anchored in the deep waters of the James River. Their passengers, 104 men and boys plus crewmembers, stepped onto a swampy, unoccupied peninsula to find gold and a water route to the Pacific Ocean. The settlers did not succeed at either, but set in motion the events that helped build the foundation of America.
Jamestown Day programming to mark the occasion includes walking tours and living history that take visitors back to the 17th century and share the context behind the event in American history.
According to Jamestown Rediscovery, archaeologists will share recent discoveries, including sites north of the fort that may contain the first expansion of the settlement and a 1617 well potentially associated with Lt. Gov. Samuel Argall.
The Ed Shed will host hands-on archaeological activities for children and families where
they can handle and interact with real pieces of Jamestown history.
Jamestown curators will also host a behind-the-scenes tour of the collections and conservation facilities.
Jamestown Day also marks the return of behind-the-scenes tours with Jamestown
archaeologists, curators, and conservators, according to Jamestown Rediscovery.
Go behind the scenes to the Jamestown archaeology lab and collections facility. Visitors will tour the lab with a senior team member to learn about the collection of more than four million artifacts recovered by Jamestown Rediscovery archaeologists since 1994. Program attendees will also have the opportunity to see conservation and collections projects in progress. “Inside the Vault” is offered on select Tuesdays year-round and is recommended for ages 16 and older.
Join a senior forensic archaeologist to take a deeper dive into colonial cold cases being investigated by Jamestown archaeologists. Forensic and genetic analyses have yielded profound insights into the lives of the people who lived and died on Jamestown Island.
These studies are instrumental in solving Jamestown’s mysteries, Jamestown Rediscovery noted, from uncovering evidence of cannibalism to identifying the first English colonists. “Forensic Friday” is offered on select Fridays from May to October and is recommended for ages 16 and older.
Additional tickets are required for many of the programs. A full schedule of tours, activities and tickets can be found on the Historic Jamestowne webpage.
