Mark the anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown at Jamestown Settlement by exploring immersive gallery exhibits and films that trace the first century of the Virginia colony. Outdoors, enjoy family-friendly programs, military salutes, and hands-on interpretive demonstrations.

Visitors to the ships’ pier can learn how sailors navigated the seas in the 17th century and board a re-creation of the Discovery. In re-creations of James Fort and Paspahegh Town, there are a variety of hands-on programs, including Powhatan and English foodways, piloting and navigation, and Powhatan hunting techniques. Visitors also can "meet" one of the first women in the Virginia colony.

Connecting the legacies of Jamestown to America's 250th anniversary and the American Revolution, a special "Rule of Law" program in the fort's re-created Anglican church will examine the various forms of governmental rule that evolved at Jamestown during the Virginia Company period that led to the formation of the first representative legislative assembly in English North America in 1619.

Meet a person of the past: Marye Bucke

Rebecca Suerdieck is a living-history educator specializing in 17th-century English life in Virginia. She is best known for transforming archival research and archaeological evidence into engaging, interactive programs that bring the early colonial world vividly to life.

While serving as the youngest church guide at the Memorial Church at Historic Jamestowne, Rebecca began researching the lives of English women in early Virginia. Determined to tell the story of the church through the eyes of an original resident, her work led to a remarkable discovery: the long-lost first name of “the Minister’s Wife.” Through her research, Rebecca restored the identity of Marye Bucke, returning her name to the historic record.

Indoor gallery exhibits & outdoor living history

Indoors, visitors can view “1607: A Nation Takes Root,” a docudrama shown every 30 minutes in the museum theater. The film traces the evolution of the Virginia Company that sponsored the Jamestown colony, examines the relationship between the English colonists and the Powhatan Indians, and chronicles the arrival of the first recorded West Central Africans in 1619. Immersive gallery exhibits feature artifacts, interactives and films. Outdoors, explore re-creations of Paspahegh Town, and an English fort and board a re-creation of one of the three ships that arrived in Virginia in 1607 at the ships’ pier.

Join the commemoration

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person at Jamestown Settlement. A value-priced combination ticket with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown also is available. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

Free admission for military and local residents

In honor of Jamestown Day on May 13 (historical observance), members of the military (veterans, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members) will receive free admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with military identification.

Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission daily with proof of residency.

Jamestown commemorations

The 1607 founding of Jamestown has been commemorated with noteworthy events every 50 years since 1807. National observances have included luminaries including Mark Twain and Booker T. Washington, U.S. Presidents John Tyler, Theodore Roosevelt and George W. Bush, along with royalty, celebrities and visitors from across the globe. In 1957, Jamestown Festival Park (now Jamestown Settlement) opened for the commemoration, and the scenic 23-mile Colonial Parkway (Colonial National Historical Park) was completed, connecting historic locations of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. In 1957, the late Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit the Williamsburg area, and she returned during the 400th anniversary of Jamestown in 2007.

About Jamestown Settlement

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days), Jamestown Settlement is located on State Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg. The museum features expansive exhibition galleries and films that connect visitors with the lives of the Powhatan, English and West Central African cultures that converged at 17th-century Jamestown. Outdoor living-history areas feature historical interpretation in re-creations of Paspahegh Town, 1607 English ships and a colonial fort.

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Plan your visit today or call (757) 253-4838 for more information.

Explore other activities and events happening throughout the year.