The World's Largest Living-History Museum, Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg

Restored City

Any trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, is not complete without a stop to see Colonial Williamsburg. You will find that it's suitable for everyone regardless of age! It's fun for the kids, educational for the history buff, and charming for those in need of a break from everyday life. Colonial Williamsburg has it all!

What you'll see...

Your entrance ticket allows you to step back in time and experience the ideas and dreams of the people on the eve of the American Revolution. This is the world's largest living-history museum. With thoughtful insights into colonial life and hands on exhibits, history is truly experienced here.

Military encounters of the American Revolution are re-enacted exactly as they happened over 225 years ago. You may find yourself in the middle of debates on the questions of Dissenters' rights to freedom of worship, or whether Virginia's loyalty lay with the revolutionaries or the British Crown.

In Colonial Williamsburg, you actively participate in history as you interact with the staff. See how all Virginians lived, from slaves, to poor settlers, to those with means, to the famous American Revolutionary leaders. You can learn what it truly meant to be a slave, miller, gunsmith, or printer. As you immerge yourself into Colonial Williamsburg, you will discover how clothing, food, family, religion, and politics affected everyday life.

Strolling the grounds, you can visit the Capitol of England's original New World possession, Thomas Jefferson's and George Washington's Bruton Parish Church, the Pasteur & Galt Apothecary Shop, and Henry Cary's Public Gaol, among many others.

Museums:

The five major indoor museums will deepen your appreciation of the period. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, the building that was once the lunatic asylum, displays furniture and domestic artifacts. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum was established by John D. Rockefeller and Bassett Hall was the Rockefellers' home during the early restoration of park in the 1930s.

Events:

Two times during the year, special events are offered. On Independence weekend, you can hear what America's Founding Fathers might have been saying in the Apollo Room of the Raleigh Tavern. Or enjoy performances by the Fifes and Drums, followed by fireworks set off in the style popular in colonial times. In December, you will enjoy the excitement, sights, smells, sounds, and grandeur of a colonial Christmas.

No matter what time of year your visit takes place, you will enjoy the organic unity on 300 acres of streets, squares, and common land. With over 500 restored and reconstructed buildings and a staff of 3500 archaeologists, researchers, historians, and historical interpreters, Colonial Williamsburg truly takes you back to a different time and place.