Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center are readying to attract visitors this summer with the launch of summer programming today.
Jamestown Settlement
At Jamestown Settlement, visitors can learn about the Powhatan Indians: How they farmed and fished, cooked, created pottery and made canoes. Daily programs provide insight into Powhatan leadership and warfare.
Replicas of the ships that brought the first English settlers to Virginia in 1607 are docked at the pier and visitors can learn about the daily life of a sailor.
In the re-created fort, matchlock musket demonstrations are performed throughout the day, as are farming, cooking, blacksmithing and leather and woodworking. Visitors are recruited for a military drill and can see the English flag lowered.
Yorktown Victory Center
At the Yorktown Victory Center, visitors learn how to fire a brass battalion gun or mortar and then watch as they are fired. Cannon demonstrations take place throughout the day; the number of daily demonstrations is increased between June 15 and Aug. 15.
Espionage in the Continental Army and medical practices to treat the ill and wounded are also subjects of education in the recreated encampment.
At the recreated 1780s farm, visitors tour the kitchen garden and tobacco field and learn about dyeing and spinning cloth.
Events and Programs
“Seed to Stalk” takes place during June at both museums and explores 17th- and 18th century American agriculture. Visitors tend and water plants and learn about herbs, vegetables and field crops.
Party on the Pier, which includes music by Slapnation Band and barbecue from Beach Bully Barbecue, is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 22 at Jamestown Settlement pier. Tickets are $20 in advance for adults, $10 in advance for children ages 3 to 12 and $25 at the door. Proceeds will be used toward educational programming at the Yorktown Victory Center and Jamestown Settlement. Tickets go on sale today. Call 757-253-4219 for more information.
“Liberty Celebration” takes place from July 4 through 6 at the Yorktown Victory Center. The event includes a tactical drill, military exercises and role-playing demonstrations.
“Pastimes of Colonial Virginia” takes place during the month of August at both musuems. Visitors can play 17th- and 18th-century games and enjoy other entertainment. Among the games are corncob darts, mancala and quoits.
Tickets and Information
From June 15 through August 15, both museums will be open longer, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Currently, the museums are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission daily with proof of residency. Non-residents can purchase combination tickets to both museums for $20.50 for adults and $10.25 for children ages 6 through 12. Children under age 6 receive free admission.
Private tours are available at each museum for an additional fee.
For more information, visit the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation website or call 888-593-4682 or 757-253-4838.
