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The African American Experience

During the 18th century, half of Williamsburg’s population was black. Learn more about the daily life and culture of African Virginians.

Peyton Randolph House

Experience the stark contrasts of freedom and slavery at the house of one of America's most prominent families. Gain a deeper knowledge of the early African American experience at the home of Peyton Randolph and discover how the enslaved members of the household struggled to find their own roads to freedom.

Caesar Hope's Shop

Caesar Hope was a celebrated figure in the city who served the most notable gentlemen of the time.  Stop in to his shop and meet this iconic figure as he shares with you his incredible life’s story of slavery, freedom, and enterprise.

African American Religion

During this self-guided tour, explore the religious heritage of Africans and their Virginia descendants. A plaque just across the street marks the original site where African American Baptists met.
Spy/Master

Spy/Master

How does an enslaved man become a spy for the Marquis de Lafayette during the American Revolution? Meet James and discover how he enlisted to be a spy and the methods of spy craft he learned to be successful. Can you decipher the secrets to American Independence?   

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Change is Coming with G. Pamphlet and G. Mason

Change is Coming with G. Pamphlet and G. Mason

Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved Baptist preacher, has heard about Virginia’s new Declaration of Rights, a document that promises religious freedom and “that all men are born equal and free”. He seeks out George Mason, primary author of that document, to ask how this will change his world. Watch these two men navigate their station and obligations as they discuss the future.

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Walk by Faith

Come and join Nation Builder Reverend Gowan Pamphlet in a celebration of our country's recently introduced religious liberty, as the newly freed Pastor speaks about liberty, freedom, and equality. Along comes a young preacher that seems to know Reverend Pamphlet better than himself. Who is this young preacher?

An American Story: Aggy

Chosen by her master to fulfill the role normally held by a wife, Aggy, a slave, is forced to navigate the world she will never be welcomed into while separated from the enslaved community in which she was raised.

Faith, Hope, and Love

An original play with music places you in the heart of the enslaved community. How much will Johnny and Dolly risk to be together? To be free? How far will their community go to help them? An uplifting story invites you to imagine what it costs to pursue love and freedom in a slave society.
What Holds the Future

What Holds the Future

After Lord Dunmore flees Williamsburg, the enslaved servants at the Palace are to be auctioned off to raise money for the war effort. Not knowing what will happen to them, this tightly-knit group is thrown into chaos. As they strive to unite in their last moments together, past hurts and broken promises threaten to pull them apart. 

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Teach them Diligently

Teach them Diligently

As a lifelong teacher in Colonial Virginia, Ann Wager’s experiences shed light on how religion, education, and slavery are interwoven in the 18th century. As the only teacher to ever participate in the first official Virginia school for African Americans, uncover how running the Bray School changes - or doesn’t change - Ann’s understanding of faith living in a slave society.

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The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

The distinctive collections of the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum are located under one roof.

EVENING PROGRAMS

The fun doesn't end just because the sun sets. Whether you're looking for some drama or to be spooked, there's something to entertain you.

Dine With Us

With a mixture of restaurants, bars, lounges, and cafés located in and around the Historic Area, you’ll find the perfect place for a historically-inspired family meal or an intimate evening of creative cuisine.