Upcoming Director’s Series Programs

March 15: Dr. Kimberly Gilmore

As The History Channel/A&E Networks chief historian and senior vice president for Corporate Social Responsibility, Dr. Kimberly Gilmore has been responsible for bringing some of the most compelling documentaries, mini-series and dramatic films to the small screen for more than 20 years. They will examine how she assesses the creative and historical to hook viewers on history.

May 17: Alexis Coe

An American presidential historian, podcast host and bestselling author, Alexis Coe is the first woman historian to write a biography of Washington in over a hundred years. She was a consulting producer on and appeared in Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Washington series on The History Channel, frequently appearing on live television and in documentaries. The program will explore her unique voice bridging scholarship and wit to create captivating historical works.

September 20: Dr. James Horn

Dr. James Horn, president of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation (Preservation Virginia) at Historic Jamestowne, is a leading expert on early Virginia and the author of numerous articles and books on the subject. He has held fellowships at Johns Hopkins University, William & Mary and Harvard University and is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. They will discuss how the story of Jamestown has evolved over time with new scholarship.

October 18: Michael W. Twitty

Michael W. Twitty, an African American and Jewish culinary historian and food writer, is a blogger at Afroculinaria.com and author of award-winning books, including the 2018 James Beard Award’s “The Cooking Gene” that traces his ancestry through food from Africa to America and from slavery to freedom. He has appeared on numerous national television programs and holds various esteemed roles. The program will explore the evolution of tracing personal roots through food.

Reserve Yor Seat

Guests can join the Director’s Series in-person with a live audience or virtually for $10 per program or $50 for the entire six-part series. Admission is limited and tickets must be purchased online in advance at jyfmuseums.org/directorsseries.

TowneBank is presenting sponsor of the 2023 Director’s Series.

Reign & Rebellion

A SPECIAL EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5, “Reign & Rebellion” spans the centuries to explore how the Stuart monarchy shaped the struggles and determination of all who converged in early Virginia. The dual special exhibition creates connections to illuminate how the Stuarts — and their past to present legacies in Virginia — are closer than you think and is complemented by a series of captivating daytime and evening programs, including an exploration of the power structures of Indigenous, European and West Central African cultures during “Counter Cultures: Reign” on April 15.

Military Through the Ages

MARCH 18-19 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, make ready for a unique chronological display celebrating centuries of military history in one weekend, featuring music by Ladies for Liberty. Explore military encampments and interact with hundreds of re-enactors depicting armed forces from 500 B.C.E. all the way to modern-day soldiers to learn how uniforms, weapons and tactics evolved through the centuries.

“Who Conspires?”

AFTER HOURS AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, join in an immersive escape room murder mystery in the re-created fort on May 26 & 27 and June 2 & 3 with links to the 1605 gunpowder plot to blow up England’s King James I and the Houses of Parliament. Spaces are limited and admission is $20 per person.

Sponsored by

Indigenous Arts Day

MAY 13 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, celebrate Indigenous peoples’ enduring legacies with traditional and contemporary art forms, featuring outdoor music and dance performances.

Jamestown Day

MAY 13 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, mark the 416th anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown with military salutes, maritime programs and interpretive demonstrations.

Juneteenth

JUNE 17 AT JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, celebrate this historic moment in African American history with music, dance and dramatic presentations.

Liberty Celebration

JULY 4 AT AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM AT YORKTOWN, salute the 247th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a patriotic lineup of programs to mark the Fourth of July.

MORE 2023 EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Counter Cultures: Rebellion • September 2 | Director’s Series: Dr. James Horn • September 20 Museums open year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tours and ticket information available at jyfmuseums.org/visit or call (757) 253-4838. Check out the complete calendar at jyfmuseums.org/events.