Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, VA
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Each year, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown host exciting events and public programs that offer something fun for everyone, from families to history buffs. Past events have included holiday celebrations, presentations from history experts, special exhibits and more. Discover some of the engaging events we’ve hosted recently, and get excited for current and future offerings.
Black Artist Showcase
February 1 - March 29
Jamestown Settlement exhibited the Black Artist Showcase in celebration of Black History Month and beyond, connecting the past and present through vivid intersections of contemporary art and 17th-century history. Learn more about this event.
Black Artist Showcase Reception
March 28
In honor of Black History Month and beyond, the 2026 Black Artist Showcase exhibit honored the artists, with food, drinks and live music at a closing reception.
Finding Edna Lewis Documentary and Discussion
March 26
Attendees viewed the award-winning documentary "Finding Edna Lewis," followed by a discussion of Lewis' extraordinary life and culinary achievements with the film's host and executive producer, Deb Freeman.
VA250 Mobile Museum
March 25
“Out of Many, One,” a traveling museum packed inside a quad-expandable tractor trailer parked visited Jamestown Settlement. This free experience delivers Virginia history in a way that feels alive and close enough to touch. Interactive displays turn learning into a hands-on adventure.
Military Through the Ages
March 21-22
Visitors entrenched themselves in the past and present day in military encampments and got hands-on with re-enactors to experience how military uniforms, weapons and tactics evolved through the centuries. For more than four decades, military powers across time have descended on Jamestown Settlement to present an unequaled and unique chronological display of military history. Learn more about this event.
On National Commemorations and How We Do History Now: The Bicentennial, the Semiquincentennial, and What We Can Learn About the Future of the Past
March 14
M.J. Rymsza-Pawlowska drew from her book on the 1976 Bicentennial, as well as in-progress research about how Americans are engaging history now, to explore and explain the way that national commemorations help to clarify, crystalize and accelerate emergent trends in historical engagement.
Family Days - Tales of the Dragon Dance and Art
March 7
As part of the "Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown" special exhibition, families collaborated to build a community dragon, enjoyed dance performances from community partners and produced a simple dragon-themed, make-and-take art piece. Learn more about Family Days.
Youth Artmaking Workshop at the Black Artist Showcase
February 28, 2026
This two-hour workshop, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., introduced upper elementary and middle school students to visual storytelling through color and symbols. Inspired by Sharard X’s artwork, students explored how artists communicate ideas, emotions and identity through visual choices.
Revving up to the Weekend Music Series: Akeylah Simone
February 26, 2026
How might one describe an artist who records and performs in the genre she's feeling that day? An artist you go to see and don’t know exactly what to expect …except that you’re going to feel good. Real good. Akeylah Simone, from Hampton Roads, VA is that artist. Akeylah Simone delivers a stunning performance in the studio and on the stage by fusing genres from Neo-Soul Rock, R&B, Pop and Jazz. Her personal, poetic style of writing in addition to her sultry, soulful vocals will have you entranced.
Finding Angelo
February 21, 2026
After Angelo, a one-day program honoring the legacy of one of the first African women mentioned by name in the historical record at Jamestown, is a lively celebration of African-American culture and heritage. The event culminates Black History Month at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement, featuring a Black Artists Showcase and permanent gallery exhibits, films and interactives that recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America. Learn more about this event.
Revving up to the Weekend Music Series: Roberta Lea
February 19, 2026
As part of our Evening Music Series throughout February, award-winning singer/songwriter Roberta Lea graces us with a live performance described as “country-neo-pop” with a “delicious, folky flair.” As a touring member of The Black Opry, one of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2023 and a voting member of The Recording Academy, she has a song and style for everyone, with a dynamic range in genre and vocal styles that fits comfortably in Country, Folk and Americana.
Chinese Seal Printing Workshop
February 14, 2026
Join Mary Swezey for a Chinese Seal printing workshop to create your very own set of Chinese seal cards to frame or send. Following a brief discussion about the significance of the Chinese seal (or chop), participants will translate their names into Chinese characters on paper. The characters will be transferred to soft printmaking blocks (Safety-Kut) and cut out using carving tools. The carved blocks will then be inked and printed on blank greeting cards.
This program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is funded, in part, by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.
Chinese Tea Ceremonies
February 7, 2026
Participants enjoyed an exclusive glimpse into the world of Chinese teas and the art of serving tea as practiced in a traditional tea ceremony with its roots in ancient Chinese culture.
Chinese Tea Talk
February 7, 2026
Visitors had an unique opportunity to hear from a master of the Chinese tea arts. Feather Chen's expertise includes tea etiquette, brewing techniques and cultural insights. Attendees learned more about this timeless beverage and its connections between cultures.
Family Days: Fresh Views Artmaking
January 17, 2026
Visitors created their own fresh views of the American Revolution with artmaking activities and met artists whose art is on display in the "Fresh Views of the American Revolution" special exhibition and enjoyed an interactive story time.
Winter Lantern Festival
November 13, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Taking inspiration from the “Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown” special exhibition, Jamestown Settlement presented a Winter Lantern Festival, on Thursday through Sunday evenings, November 13, 2025 - January 11, 2026. A dazzling display of light for the whole family. Guests can wandered among glowing Chinese lanterns and see live acrobatic performances.
Christmastide in Virginia
December 20-31, 2025
Grab your family and friends and join in the revelry during Christmastide in Virginia. Glimpse 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions through festive interpretive programs, fancy cooking, caroling and musical entertainment. Learn more about this event.
Museum Store Sunday
November 30, 2025
In time for the holiday season, museum shops at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown joined museum stores worldwide for Museum Store Sunday. Our museum shops are filled with inspiring and educational gifts for the holidays and beyond. Your purchase supports the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and its educational mission and programs.
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
November 28-29, 2025
This Thanksgiving holiday, visitors enjoyed a family tradition by digging into the foodways of 17th- and 18th-century during Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia. Exploring centuries-old culinary practices and cooking techniques of early Virginia. Learn more about this event.
Director's Series: Rick Atkinson
November 19, 2025
Christy S. Coleman, executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, sat down with Rick Atkinson, historian and award-winning author, to discuss the volumes in his Revolution Trilogy.
"Appertaining to Rebels": The Proclamation Play
November 14, 2025
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown was the site for the premiere of "Appertaining to Rebels": A Proclamation Play. A series of fictionalized first-person interactions explored decisions made leading to and in the wake of Dunmore's Proclamation.
Veterans Day Commemoration
November 11, 2025
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown salutes the service of military veterans, past and present. All veterans, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members can enjoy free admission at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on Veterans Day. Learn more about this event.
Colonial Tea Ball
November 8, 2025
Guests brought their dancing shoes and revolutionary spirit to keep in step with ballroom dances of the 18th century. Dances were led by John Millar, dance master, author and historian, with music performed by the Itinerant Band. From “Draper’s Garden” to “The Queen’s Jig,” Millar led guests in more than a dozen dances throughout the evening event.
Family Frights
October 24 & 25, 2025
As the sun goes down, the magic began as Jamestown Settlement transformed to offer a one-of-a-kind, fantastical (without the fright) event full of “Stories, Myths and Legends” featuring trick-or-treating, creative crafts and games, festive music and face painting, haunted houses and spooky ships. Learn more about this event.
Director’s Series: Michele Norris
October 22, 2025
Christy S. Coleman, executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, sat down with Michele Norris, award-winning journalist and one of the most recognized voices in radio to engage in inspiring open and honest dialogue with stories and perspectives drawn from her personal journey, investigative research and interviews with world leaders, Nobel Laureates and newsmakers.
Yorktown Victory Celebration
October 18-19, 2025
Visitors saluted the anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown, America’s momentous Revolutionary War victory, at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with artillery firings, exhibits and interpretive programs. Guests visited the museum's re-created Continental Army encampment and attend official Yorktown Day commemorative ceremonies. Learn more about this event.
JYF Giving Day
October 18, 2025
JYF’s community of supporters and friends, longtime and new, celebrate and support Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and our shared commitment to preserving the stories of America’s past. JYF Giving Day is a one-day fundraising drive, giving supporters from around the country a unique opportunity to come together online to show their support for JYF.
Worlds Transformed: Navigating Religious Difference Past and Present
October 19, 2025
In partnership with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Historic Area Religions Together presented a panel discussion on “Worlds Transformed: Navigating Religious Difference Past and Present,” exploring the complexity of religious expression in early Virginia—African, Indigenous and English. Following the panel, attendees had a chance to discuss how to support different ways of being in our world today.
Talking History: Carson Hudson
October 4, 2025
Utilizing surviving records, author, local historian and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Carson Hudson discussed fascinating stories of how the belief in Witchcraft effected Virginia’s social, religious and material culture from 1626 to 1730. This Talking History presentation was included with admission.
History Makers Dinner
September 27, 2025
Guests celebrated and supported the education programs of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation at the History Makers fundraising dinner. They enjoy an elevated dining and after-hours history experience at Jamestown Settlement. The evening drew guests who believe in the future of our museums, and connected with others who share a passion for preserving history.
Talking History: Carol Jarboe
September 20, 2025
Carol Jarboe performed as the fictional character Maggie Delaney, an Irish indentured servant who gains passage to the new world in the early 1700s, only to lose her family in the process. Maggie’s tale brings to light the difficult journey that many ancestors took to secure themselves in a new land.
Director's Series: James Pepper Henry
September 17, 2025
Christy S. Coleman, executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, sits down with James Pepper Henry, chair of the Kaw Nation and one of the nation’s leading public historians, for a lively and enlightening conversation surrounding our shared legacies of American history.
Portraits of Jamestown Family Day
September 13, 2025
Families explored the world of portraits at Jamestown Settlement. They created family portraits with a green screen, drew portraits based on ones in the galleries, and decide whose portraits were missing from history. Family Days are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are included with admission. Learn more.
Homeschool Family Days
September 6-14, 2025
Homeschool students discovered the sights and sounds of the 17th and 18th centuries while learning about our nation’s history. A special ticket offered homeschool families unlimited admission to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement during the two weeks of Homeschool Family Days. Learn more.
Printmaking Workshop for Kids
August 21, 2025
Printmaking has been used all over the world to express many different viewpoints while demonstrating creativity. In this hands-on workshop, kids explored linocut printmaking with a teaching artist. They found inspiration and created a series of 4x6-inch prints. Workshops cost $12 per person. Learn more.
First Africans Commemoration
August 16, 2025
Jamestown Settlement honors the legacy of the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619 with reflections of history and modern perspectives through an African American lens. Programs explored the history of the Africans who brought their culture, knowledge and traditions to create a new African American culture and how that legacy, after more than 400 years, is expressed today. Learn more about this commemoration.
Talking History: Alphonso Saville
August 2, 2025
Alphonso F. Saville IV discussed his new book, "The Gospel of John Marrant: Conjuring Christianity in the Black Atlantic." The book is the first full-length study of North America’s first black ordained minister, the Reverend John Marrant, and examines how Protestantism and West African indigenous religious practices deeply informed Marrant’s life and ministry.
Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews
March 8 - July 27, 2025
"Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews," was a special exhibition that celebrated the lives and philanthropy of the late Nick and Mary Mathews, beloved Yorktown restaurateurs who donated the land for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and offered a glimpse inside the lives of the Greek immigrants whose love of America and generosity left a national impact.
Youth Citizenship Day
July 26, 2025
A group of young people from across the globe, the children of naturalized citizens, followed the lead of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Honor Guard, who escorted them into Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and received Certificates of Citizenship in a July 26 ceremony. The event was hosted by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the Ann Wager Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Plein Air Painting Workshop for Kids
July 17, 2025
Rising 3rd-6th graders, joined the list of artists who have painted what they saw in the world around them. They found a favorite spot in the living-history areas of Jamestown Settlement, settled in and created a plein air print to take home. Learn more about workshops for kids.
Citizen Science Family Day
July 12, 2025
Families investigated the natural world around Jamestown Settlement, learned to think like a citizen scientist, and compared what what they observed today to the early 1600s, and shared some of your findings. Learn more about Family Days.
Talking History: Andrew Lawler
July 5, 2025
Author Andrew Lawler discussed his new book, "A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution" (Atlantic Monthly Press).
Liberty Celebration
July 4, 2025
Our Fourth of July Liberty Celebration salutes the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers a special lineup to mark the patriotic occasion. Visitors can enjoy interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence, and those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply. Learn more.
Mosaic Workshop for Kids
June 26, 2025
Rising 3rd-6th graders, designed miniature mosaic masterpiece inspired by two mosaics in our ‘Patrons and Patriots’ exhibition at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. They explored stories mosaics have been used to tell, learned the basics of how mosaic art is produced and created their own mosaic to take home.
Chips, Dips & Civics Trivia
June 25, 2025
Precarious Beer Project, 110 S. Henry St., Williamsburg, was the site for chips, dips and an exploration into America's civic legacy, testing each team's knowledge and discovering how the past still speaks to the world today. At the free event, chips & dips were provided to each team. Prizes were awarded to the trivia winners. Ages 21+. Valid ID required. Alcohol sold separately.
Civic Season
June 19 - July 3, 2025
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown joined museums and historic sites across the country to host Civic Season, a series of civics-related programs and events to engage younger generations in the role of American democracy. Civic Season is a time to explore your story - and how it connects to our nation’s complex past - through events, activities and resources from credible sources. Learn more.
Prelude to Juneteenth
June 15, 2025
Jamestown Settlement hosted a thought-provoking documentary film about African American contributions to river life in early America, and a river paddle exploring the forgotten stories of the rivers of central Virginia and the precarious nature of freedom from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth. Learn more.
The American Soldier
June 14, 2025
In salute of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army on June 14, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown presented “The American Soldier” – a theatrical performance that honored military veterans and their families. This one-man show by Douglas Taurel is based on real stories and accounts from soldiers’ letters written from the American Revolution through Iraq and Afghanistan.
VA250 Mobile Museum
June 6 - 8, 2025
A hands-on, interactive and immersive “museum on wheels,” the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience titled “Out of Many, One” is housed in a quad-expandable tractor trailer that is traveling throughout the Commonwealth bringing key stories of Virginia’s rich history. The mobile museum is free and open to the public.
World Bee Day
May 24, 2025
The museum shops at Jamestown Settlement celebrated “World Bee Day” with honeybee-related activities and vendor presentations. Throughout the day, the museum shops featured vendor demonstrations, samplings and tastings. The event honored the 403rd anniversary of the first recorded honeybees in North America that first landed in Virginia in 1622 when the Virginia Company of London sent a ship carrying the first beehives.
Director's Series: Michael Paul Williams
May 21, 2025
Christy S. Coleman, executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, sat down with Michael Paul Williams, journalist and Richmond native, for a lively and enlightening conversation surrounding our shared legacies of American history.
Farmers & Foragers Family Day
May 17, 2025
Plants are so much more than just a source of food. Families explored some of the important roles of plants in daily life in the 1700s, learned how to identify local plants and discovered which plants were used as foods by different cultures. Learn more about Family Days.
Jamestown Day
May 10, 2025
The 418th anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown was marked with an artillery salute, maritime demonstrations and interpretive programs. Visitors learned about the 1607 founding of Jamestown and the convergence of the Virginia Indian, English and West Central African cultures in 17th-century Virginia through expansive exhibits and outdoor living-history experiences. Learn more about this commemorative event.
JYF Giving Day
May 10, 2025
JYF’s community of supporters and friends, longtime and new, celebrated Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and our shared commitment to preserving the stories of America’s past. JYF Giving Day was a one-day fundraising drive, giving supporters from around the country a unique opportunity to come together online to show their support for JYF.
Indigenous Arts Day
May 3, 2025
At Jamestown Settlement, visitors celebrated traditional and contemporary art forms with demonstrations and performances from Indigenous artists, as a reminder of the presence and resilience of Native American communities since the arrival of colonists at Jamestown in 1607. Learn more about this event.
Cheers! The Spirited History of Alcohol in Colonial Virginia
April 24, 2025
Nick Powers, curator of Collections at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, discussed the spirited history of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley which has been infused by alcohol since the early 18th century. From boisterous beginnings, alcohol impacted Virginians of all social classes. It swayed faith and politics including George Washington’s first publicly elected office in 1758.
Spilling the Tea with Allison Horrocks -'Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl'
March 29, 2025
Allison Horrocks, co-host of the "Dolls of Our Lives" podcast and co-author of "Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl," discussed the nostalgia and impact of the American Girl® empire and how the combination of girl power and history shaped an entire generation.
Military Through the Ages
March 15-16, 2025
This unique chronological display of military history at Jamestown Settlement allowed visitors to interact with military re-enactors depicting armed forces from over the centuries to modern day soldiers. Visitors were invited to explore military encampments to learn how uniforms, weapons and tactics evolved through the centuries. Learn more about this time-honored event.
Talking History: Abigail Adams
March 1, 2025
On Saturday, March 1, at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, playwright Abigail Schumann presented a first-person interpretation of Abigail Adams as she reflects on the early days of the Republic, the challenges of creating a new government, the rights of women, her marriage to John Adams and the presidential election of 1800.
Teen Printmaking Workshop
March 1, 2025
All teen were invited for a hands-on printmaking workshop. They explored linocut printmaking with artist Lauren Sowder, found inspiration for a piece and created a 4x6-inch print. Teen artists can submit their print for consideration in the upcoming Fresh Views of the American Revolution special exhibition if their work is inspired by the question, “What does your America look like?”
2025 Black Artist Showcase
February 1-March 2, 2025
The annual Black Artist Showcase connects the past and present through vivid intersections of contemporary art and 17th-century history. The Black Artist Showcase complements museum gallery exhibits, films and education programs on African and African American history in early Virginia. Learn more about the Black Artist Showcase.
After Angelo
February 22, 2025
Visitors celebrated African American culture and heritage with a day of music, song and storytelling honoring the legacy of Angelo, the first African woman named in Jamestown’s historical record. This event culminates Black History Month at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, featuring permanent gallery exhibits, films and interactives that recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America. Learn more about After Angelo.
Love, Revolutionary Style
February 8, 2025
The museum shop at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the 1781 Café by Aromas celebrated “Love, Revolutionary Style” on Saturday, February 8, with romantic gifts, a book signing, sweet treats, music and activities.
Hodinösŷö:nih Ways of Belief and the Handsome Lake Religion
January 18, 2025
Jamie Jacobs examined the ceremonial cycle of the Hodinösŷö:nih (Iroquois) people and how their ceremonies and religion were impacted by the coming of colonialism. The presentation highlighted the Seneca prophet, Handsome Lake, and his “Kaliwihyo,” or “Good Message,” and its influence through a tumultuous period of change at the beginning of the 19th century.
Director's Series: Dr. Thomas E. Chávez
January 15, 2025
Dr. Thomas E. Chávez is a prolific historian and author exploring Spanish America and its intersections in the fight for American independence, a topic of his forthcoming book, “Revolutionary Diplomacy: Spanish Statecraft and the Birth of the United States.” He is former executive director of the National Hispanic Culture Center in Albuquerque and Palace of the Governors State History Museum in Santa Fe. Learn more about the Director's Series.
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design
May 11, 2024 - January 5, 2025
This traveling exhibition is an exploration of the history and culture of African and African American clothing through the lens of historical and futuristic costume design by Academy Award winning designer Ruth E. Carter. The exhibition included not only costumes from Carter’s Marvel film work but JYF historical content, artifacts and examples of historical clothing work from Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.