Presidents Day Weekend

Colonial Williamsburg has many exciting events in store in celebration of Presidents’ Weekend, February 13 and 14. Hear the stories and meet with America’s forefathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Discuss the role of a president’s wife with Martha Washington and listen to the music adored by Thomas Jefferson in the Governor’s Palace, his home as governor of Virginia. Read on for more!

Great Men in Williamsburg
Saturday, February 13, 10–11:40 a.m.
The Capitol
Founding Fathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison will speak in the place where America’s story was formed. Admission by Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or Good Neighbor Card.

• House of Burgesses—George Washington, portrayed by Ron Carnegie, will discuss his tenure as a Burgess from 1759 until 1774 and his friendship with Lord Dunmore, the colony’s last royal governor, in the years just prior to the Revolution.
• Joint Conference Room—Governor Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker, will speak about his early experiences as a lawyer in the General Court prior to the Revolution.
• General Court Room—James Madison, portrayed by Stephen Moore, will discuss the Virginia Declaration of Rights.

A Public Audience with the First President , George Washington
Saturday, February 13, 1:00 p.m. (45 minutes)
Kimball Theatre
President Washington, portrayed by Ron Carnegie, looks back over his long career in public service, serving as commander in chief of the American forces in the War for Independence and his leadership in drafting the U.S. Constitution. Admission by Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or Good Neighbor Card, but reservations are required.

From a Virginia Governor
Saturday, February 13, 2 p.m. (45 minutes)
Hennage Auditorium, DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Patrick Henry, portrayed by Richard Schumann, discusses the friendships and political relationships he had over the years with George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. Admission by Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or Good Neighbor Card, but reservations are required.

To Washington’s Health
Saturday, February 13, 7 p.m. (60 minutes)
Capitol
The Virginia Company will perform a variety of songs and instrumental tunes familiar to our first president, reflecting the breadth and character of music during George Washington’s lifetime. Special ticket required.

Letters between Friends
Sunday, February 13, noon–1:40 p.m. (every 20 minutes)
Governor’s Palace East Advance Building
Meet George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or James Madison and discuss with them the letters that they exchanged about the new proposed government and its chances for ratification. Admission with Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or Good Neighbor Card.

Review of the Dragoons
Sunday, February 14, 1 p.m.
Market Square (behind the Courthouse)
A detachment of the First Continental Light Dragoons is inspected by an officer of the general staff. Watch as the dragoons demonstrate their horsemanship.

The Duties of the President’s Wife: A Conversation with Martha Washington
Sunday, February 14, 1:30 p.m. (60 minutes)
Hennage Auditorium, DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Join Martha Washington in the late spring of 1789. Discuss with her the duties of the president’s wife and help her decide what role she will play. Admission with Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or Good Neighbor Card, but reservations are required.

Salute to the Presidents
Sunday, February 14, 4–4:30 p.m.
Market Square (behind the Courthouse)
Join in as cannon and Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums salute the nation’s presidents. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison will be in attendance.

An Evening with the Presidents: Early Presidential Politics and the Role of Parties in the American System of Government
Sunday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.
Kimball Theatre
Join in a discussion about the challenges faced by the presidents in balancing the “will of the people” and the need to advance individual presidential policies. Special ticket required.

Concert: From Coronation to Inauguration
Sunday, February 14, 7:30 and 9 p.m.
Governor’s Palace
Join us for an elegant evening of music in the home of the first two governors of the new Commonwealth of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Special ticket required.