News... Colonial Williamsburg: 30 Years of Cool African-American Programs
In 1979, Colonial Williamsburg pioneered new programs to interpret the lives of African Americans who were free and enslaved during the time of the American Revolution. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of its African American Programming, and Colonial Williamsburg is celebrating its dedication to telling this story with a variety of special events and programs.
Specifically during Black History Month, programs will detail how America has evolved, and a way the future can learn from the past. Topics will explore the intersection of citizenship, race and politics today, and the roots of African Americans’ long struggle to secure freedom and equality.
During the weekend of February 21 and 22, 2009, visitors will be invited to discover how the actions and ideas of revolutionary era African Americans influenced the dialogue on the meanings of democracy that continues today.
- Joe and Dick
Follow the story two enslaved African Americans, as they seek freedom with the British forces in the Revolutionary war. The pair are caught and brought to Williamsburg’s Publick Gaol to be interrogated. The story is presented in three programs that take place at different times throughout the day: God Save the King, A Long Cold Walk, and The Examination of Joe & Dick, Black Loyalists. - White Goes First
This program explores another side of the master and slave relationship. A dramatic scene between Thomas Jefferson and his manservant Jupiter arises as the two men engage in a game of chess. See what the scene reveals about how much the slave knew about his master and how much the master knew about his slaves. - Slavery and the Law
A Special Focus Tour: Tour the Capitol and discover how enslaved African Americans fought to obtain their freedom. - Freedom to Slavery
On Sunday at the Millinery Shop, hear the compelling story of Elizabeth, an African American woman forced back into slavery after living free with the Shawnee Indians on the western frontier. (Reservations required, limit 30 guests per experience) - The Price of Freedom A simultaneous look at how the definition of liberty is viewed from the perspectives of two communities: one white, one black; one free, one enslaved. (Reservations required, limit 250 guests).
An African American History Sampler Weekend will be offered during the 30th Anniversary's official opening of April 4-5. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample a mixture of the commemorative programs that will be presented throughout the year, as well as to participate in special weekend activities. Guests will experience how African Americans shaped a community as they fought for equality as citizens. A similar weekend of activities will be presented during the summer.
Throughout the year, African American programming includes:
- Workin' the Soil, Healin' the Soul
At Great Hopes Plantation, guests follow an interpreter through the reconstructed 18th-century rural kitchen, slave quarters and agricultural and livestock fields for a look at day-to-day living for rural enslaved families. One program is an intereactive walking tour of the Historic Area which allows guests to discover the perspectives of free and enslaved African Americans through a variety of documents and props. Guests will explore the choices made by Williamsburg's colonial African American residents and learn about the consequences of these decisions. - Papa Said, Mama Said
Through this interactive program, guests explore the significance of stories passed down from their elders. - African American Music
Through a combination of observed and participatory experiences, guests will explore the diverse nature of African American musical culture in colonial Virginia, giving a deeper look in to the history, roots and evolution of jazz and soul.
The following additional 30th anniversary special programming will be offered:
- Brothers-in-Arms - November 14-15
This program recognizes the challenges, triumphs and contributions of free and enslaved African Americans during the American Revolution. The program brings to life the contradiction of slavery and freedom throught the extraordinary stories of enslaved people who became soldiers and camp followers fighting for their own freedom on the sides of the Americans and the British. - National Town Meeting - A Fall Symposium
In a fall symposium, a number of prominent speakers will discuss citizenship, race and politics and examine important issues that impact citizen's lives today.
For more information, visit Colonial Williamsburg at www.history.org.
