After a failed attempt to reopen Preservation Virginia’s portion of Historic Jamestowne on Wednesday, the National Park Service has agreed to unlock the gates and allow visitors access beginning today.
Preservation Virginia owns 22.5 acres of land at Historic Jamestowne, which includes the archaeological site where the original James Fort was constructed and the 17th-century Jamestown Church Tower, as well as the Nathalie P. and Alan M. Voorhees Archaearium. That land had been barred from the public’s access since Oct. 1, resulting in about a $6,000 to $7,000 daily loss in ticket and retail sales and donations.
The National Park Service’s Washington, D.C. office released a statement saying visitors would be allowed to access Preservation Virginia’s 22.5 acres at Historic Jamestowne by taking Jamestowne Road to the Colonial National Historic Parkway entrance to Historic Jamestowne.
“We look forward to welcoming guests on Saturday and in the week ahead. There is always something new to discover at Jamestown so we hope area [residents] and visitors to the region alike will come out to explore the rich history and archaeology,” said Preservation Virginia’s Executive Director Elizabeth Kostelny in a release.
Visitors will be able to tour the archaeological site, visit the Archaearium and the 17th-century church tower. The Dale House Café, which is operated by Carrot Tree Kitchens, will also reopen. The parkway and 1,500 acres of park service-owned land remain closed.
Visitor fees are reduced to $5 per person; children 16 and under will be admitted for free. NPS passes will not be honored because visitors will only be accessing Preservation Virginia property. PV member cards, local passes and Historic Triangle tickets will be honored.
Buses will not be allowed to park onsite and should check with the front gate attendants for parking options. All guests will be instructed where to park as they come on site.
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