Calling All Presidents—Join Our Celebration
Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 18–20, 2012
Meet three Founding Fathers—Washington, Jefferson, and Madison—whose Williamsburg experiences led to the creation of a nation. Gather for music, meals, and special performances and mingle with these great leaders and their influential contemporaries, such as Patrick Henry and the Marquis de Lafayette.
Meet our Founders: Washington, Jefferson, and Henry
Watch Our Nation's History Come to Life
Experience liberty’s fiery beginning
Start Your Day with a Presidential Breakfast
Mingle with Williamsburg’s leaders
Explore the documents—that created a nation
Listen to our very own “presidents” on HearSay with On Demand audio.
Calling All Presidents
Free Admission
We’re celebrating you, too—as president of the student body or leader of a local civic organization, you embody the American spirit. From February 18 to 20, all you need for one free Single-day Ticket is to show proof of your leadership status*.
Presidential Politics: Then and Now
Friday, February 17, 5:30–7 p.m.,
Hennage Auditorium, DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
What is the genesis of modern politics? We have the answer—an engaging two-part event that begins in the tumultuous 1800 election between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. America’s foremost expert on Thomas Jefferson, Peter S. Onuf will speak and lead a town hall discussion exploring how America’s founders have been misrepresented in the current presidential race.
Breakfast with the Presidents
8:30–10 a.m. in the Williamsburg Lodge
Colony Room
$29.95 adults, $14.95 children; includes tax
and gratuity
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet and a chance to ask the presidents about their time in office. Then follow the Fifes and Drums to the Capitol for a special interactive program.
Add These Presidential Programs to Your Agenda
Take advantage of these special Presidents’ Day programs included with your Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket.
For a full listing of all the historic buildings, trade shops, and museums, check here.
Saturday
February 18, 2012
The Great Men in Williamsburg
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were shaped by their experiences in Williamsburg. Learn about the roles that each played in momentous events.
From a Virginia Governor . . .
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m., Hennage Auditorium,
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Former Governor Patrick Henry discusses his friendships and political relations with General Washington Thomas Jefferson, after his election to succeed Patrick Henry as Virginia’s governor.
A Public Audience with the First President,
George Washington
3:30–4:30 p.m., Hennage Auditorium,
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
President Washington discusses his years in the House of Burgesses and his time as commander-in-chief of American forces in the War for Independence. Free reservation required.
Sunday
February 19, 2012
The Duties of a President’s Wife
10:45–11:45 a.m., Hennage Auditorium, DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Join Martha Washington as she discusses her role as President Washington’s wife. It’s 1789 and she needs your help in defining the role of “first lady.”
A Public Audience with the Third President, Thomas Jefferson
12:15–1:15 p.m., Hennage Auditorium, DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
President Jefferson looks back over his public service career. Free reservation required.
A Public Audience with the First President,
George Washington
1:45–2:30 p.m. and 3–3:45 p.m., Courthouse
President Washington discusses his years in the House of Burgesses and his time as commander-in-chief of American forces in the War for Independence. Free reservation required.
Salute to the Presidents
Colonial Williamsburg’s founding fathers, military programs staff, and Fifes and Drums celebrate the institution of the presidency. We are proud to recognize the states most closely associated with our presidents!
LIVE after 5
Good Neighbors and Annual Pass members receive 25% off evening program tickets.
“To Washington’s Health”
Saturday, February 18, 7 & 8:30 p.m. in the Capitol
$12 adults, $5 children
The Virginia Company performs a variety of songs and instrumental tunes familiar to our first President, reflecting the breadth and character of music during George Washington’s lifetime.
An Evening with the Presidents
Sunday, February 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Kimball Theatre
$12 Adults, $5 Children
Join presidents Washington, Jefferson, and Madison in a discussion about how they as Presidents interacted and negotiated with the Congresses of their times.
From Coronation to Inauguration
Sunday, February 18, 7:30 & 9 p.m. at the Governor’s Palace
$12 Adults, $6 Children
This annual concert features music popular at the time of George III’s coronation and George Washington’s inauguration.
*Proof of leadership status can be in the form of a letter, a card, a website on your smartphone—anything that identifies you as president of an organization (the PTA, student council, book club, etc.).
