Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement are joining forces Saturday to celebrate the 407th anniversary of the founding of America’s first permanent English settlement.
Jamestown Day is jointly sponsored by Historic Jamestowne – site of the original 1607 settlement – and Jamestown Settlement, a living-history museum of 17th-century Virginia.
Programs will feature Historic Jamestowne’s ongoing archaeological discoveries of the 1607 fort and one of Jamestown Settlement’s ships sailing in the James River, as well as a variety of family-friendly programs on Powhatan and English weaponry, military and maritime demonstrations, and traditional music and entertainment at both sites.
Admission is separate to visit Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement, but both offer free parking.
Historic Jamestowne is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with admission $14 for adults and free for children under age 16. Entrance to Jamestown Settlement is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free for children under age 6, $7.50 for those 6 through 12 and $16 for ages 13 and up.
Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including College of William and Mary students, receive complimentary admission with proof of residency.
Historic Jamestowne
At this site, administered by the National Park Service and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation on behalf of Preservation Virginia, guests can interact with archaeologists working on the ongoing excavations of the 1607 fort. They can also meeting colonist and Native American re-enactors, with the St. Maries Citty Militia demonstrating 17th century military tactics.
A variety of ranger tours and programs highlighting the history of first settlement will be available throughout the day, including costumed glassblowers showing one of America’s first industries at the Glasshouse.
Jamestown Settlement
The “Discovery” will set sail in the morning, a re-creation of one of the three ships that brought colonists to the area 407 years ago. Visitors can learn about the life of a sailor while tying knots, making rope and other hands-on activities.
There will be historical entertainment and music – including a 17th-century fair with puppet shows, juggling and magic – as well as hobby-horse racing and jousting. Other programs will allow to take part in weaponry demonstrations and watch military drills at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation’s site.
Click here to see the full schedule of events at both locations.
For more information about Historic Jamestowne, call 229-4997, 898-2410 or visit its website. To learn more about Jamestown Settlement, call 888-593-4682 or visit its website.
