ON THIS DAY IN 1806

June 8, 2017

George Wythe Died From Poisoning

MAY 30, 1765

May 30, 2016

The Day Patrick Henry was Accused of Treason

The Ladies Advisory Committee

June 10, 2017

While an all-male Advisory Committee of Architects periodically visited Williamsburg to critique the progress of architectural restoration work in the 1930s, a group of female counterparts also played a role in guiding the decision-making process, particularly regarding interior décor and furnishings.

National Pet Day Has Gone to the Dogs-George Washington's Dogs, that is!

April 11, 2015

George Washington was known as an avid animal lover, but do you know how many dogs he doted on over the years?

Who Roams the Halls of the Peyton Randolph House

October 13, 2015

Footsteps. Toys. Voices. All have been heard at the Peyton Randolph House in the dead of night when no one is supposed to be there. Who are the ghostly figures living in the historic house?

Engraved in History: Exploring perceptions of the Boston Massacre through illustrations

March 5, 2017

On this day in history, in 1770, the Boston Massacre, a major milestone on the road to revolution, took place. The first published report in Williamsburg came three weeks later, with rumors in William Rind’s Virginia Gazette of a “fray” resulting in British soldiers being driven out of town by angry inhabitants.

An Interiors Pioneer: Susan Higginson Nash leads the restoration decoration

April 19, 2017

A stylish female figure can be seen in many photographs documenting the architectural team who undertook the restoration of Williamsburg’s historic district. She often stands out as the one lone woman amidst the group of men.

Much More Than a Secretary: The Story of Elizabeth Hayes

March 15, 2017

If you’re inclined to buy the old adage that “behind every great man is a great woman,” then you should know the name Elizabeth Hayes.

The Story of Lena Richard: the Talented Chef Who Put Travis House on the Map

April 8, 2017 by Sarah Nerney

Today the Travis House contains offices and sits in its original location at the corner of Francis and Henry. But once upon a time, it was a Colonial Williamsburg restaurant at the foot of Palace Green, and it was where a talented chef with an entrepreneurial knack built a national reputation for her take on Southern cuisine.

Well Said, Old Fellow! How to Speak Like A Colonial Virginian

July 27, 2015 by Bill Sullivan

So you’ve got your tickets and you’re ready to head out into town. You’ve picked up the official Colonial Williamsburg Guide. You’ve rented a colonial dress for your daughter. Your son is sporting a cocked hat and a musket. Now what? Maybe it’s time to take your experience to the next level. It’s time to talk Colonial!

Mythbusting: 5 Common Misconceptions about Thomas Jefferson

July 8, 2015 by Bill Sullivan

Thomas Jefferson is rightly revered for his contributions to the founding of the United States. He was a complex man of his time, with wide-ranging talents and interests—and many of the same flaws as his contemporaries.

Becoming Mrs Washington: Martha the Mom

April 14, 2017 by Katharine Pittman

This period of Martha’s life has fascinated me and has become the center of my study and program development for the spring season. I suppose I have good reason: my husband and I just welcomed our first child.

Finding Americas Forgotten Founder: My Journey to Discover George Mason

December 13, 2016 by Joe Ziarko

George Mason seems to want to be left alone, but that’s not an option for me. As Colonial Williamsburg’s newest Nation Builder, it is my task is to learn all I can about this “forgotten founder.”

Becoming Thomas Jefferson: My Journey Up Toms Mountain

April 28, 2016 by Kurt Smith

Kurt Benjamin Smith portrays young Thomas Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg.