Come Backstage with Us
Pull Back the Curtain
You’ve walked the streets and explored the buildings of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. You’ve browsed the galleries of the museums. Now, pull back the curtain and go behind the scenes. Meet with curators, archaeologists, and others. Ask the experts how they set the stage and bring history to life.
Browse the galleries of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Explore the object conservation facility
Watch the latest restoration efforts
American Stories Package—the Full Colonial Williamsburg Experience
See how our costumes are fashioned
Meet with Our Curators
Exclusive Tours
These special backstage tours are only available to Hotel Guests, Annual Pass holders, and Good Neighbors.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Bruton Heights
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Explore The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s educational outreach, library, and object conservation facilities.
Rubbish, Treasures, and Colonial Life: The Archaeology Collections and Laboratories
Foundation archaeologists discuss excavation techniques, curatorial efforts, and the functions of the various labs.
Backstage Programs and Tours
January 1–February 15, 2012
The Actor’s Trunk
Drop in and chat with our Performing Arts staff about the craft of theater and performance in colonial America.
Ceramics Up-Close
Learn more about rare ceramic forms from Europe, America, and the Orient in the Ceramic Study Room.
Costume Design Center Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Explore and meet members of the CDC staff, where most of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area costumes are created and maintained.
The Green Room
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
The Green Room is a place for actors to gather, talk, and share the latest theatrical news while waiting to go on stage. Come join members of our Performing Arts Department for an informal discussion of 18th-century theater. Ask your questions, voice your comments, and satisfy your curiosity.
Meet a Nation Builder
Have a conversation with a Nation Builder about the Revolutionary events that helped to inspire and influence the ideas of their American Dream. Then, the actor interpreter will speak about the history, skills, and knowledge needed to bring these Nation Builders to life.
Music at the Stith
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Drop by and enjoy music and conversation with one or more members of The Governor’s Musick, Colonial Williamsburg’s resident ensemble.
Historic Trades
Spend time in the trade shops and engage the skilled men and women who preserve more than thirty 18th-century occupations. Discover their current projects and ask questions. Find out how they learned their skills, the challenges involved in rediscovering 18th-century practices, and the nature of their passion to keep these traditional trades alive. Hours vary, view the Historic Area site schedule here.
How to Go Behind the Scenes
All you need is a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket and reservations for the programs and tours of your choice. Most programs and tours are limited to 25 people, so reserve your place by calling 1-800-447-8679.
Plan Your Stay
Stay at one of our official Colonial Williamsburg Hotels, where you’ll be only steps away from the magic. Hotel guests receive discounted length-of-stay admission tickets, preferred dining reservations, and a 25% discount on most Colonial Evening Programs* and carriage rides.
American Stories Package
3 days/2 nights from $75 per person, per night
For the full Colonial Williamsburg experience, take advantage of our special , which includes nightly accommodations at the Williamsburg Lodge, daily breakfast, and length-of-stay tickets for the Historic Area and Art Museums.
*“Colonial Evening Programs” do not include dining events. One (1) Colonial Evening Program ticket may be purchased at the discount per pass holder, per performance, space permitting.
