HISTORY COMES ALIVE IN COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

AT COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, VISITORS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE HISTORY IN MAGICAL WAYS

At 301 acres, Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest U.S. history museum. But there’s much more to this Williamsburg, Virginia historic landmark than simply its substantial size. Established in 1926, this immersive, authentic 18th-century experience includes 89 original buildings and more than 500 meticulous recreations of lost structures. Also onsite are two world-class art museums. Here, students can interact with the men and women of the founding generation and hear their stories of hope and struggle, perseverance and resilience

It comes as no surprise then that Colonial Williamsburg is an in-demand field trip destination with plenty of talented interpreters available to create a customized visit. Students can step into life as it was for the founding families back in the 1700s. In other words: Colonial Williamsburg is where history books and lessons turn into magical interactions making for a truly unforgettable learning experience.

New this year is specialized hands-on education content as part of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s new Interpretive Group Stations. Two core concepts, inquiry and experiential design, allow students to further engage in curriculum-based activities and leave with an even better understanding of how knowledge of 18th-century life can be applied to modern day.

Students can meet 21st century craftspeople practicing authentic 18th-century trades. The war for independence was forged — in some cases quite literally — with the many craftsmen of that time period, including those forging weapons, manufacturing regiment gear or growing crops for sustenance. At Colonial Williamsburg, students can see up-close more than 20 trades in action as they watch modern-day practitioners of blacksmithing, woodworking, gunsmithing and more use 18thcentury tools and techniques to create their wares. Students are encouraged to ask questions as they observe these true craftsmen recreate the art forms of a time long gone by.

WILLIAMSBURG FOUNDATION • ALLY RAMELLO