Discover
The revolution is here. The story of our nation begins in Williamsburg.
The People & Places That Shaped America
The People & Places That Shaped America
18th Century People
Colonial Williamsburg is a living city populated by people from the past—from Thomas Jefferson to an enslaved Black pastor. Their stories tell us who we were and point us to a future rooted in the ideals that came to life in this place.
The Places They Lived
The Historic Area includes 89 original 18th-century buildings, as well as hundreds more buildings reconstructed based on historical records and archaeological research.
Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Enjoy free general admission to our expansive galleries. You'll find wonderful examples of American and British antiques and decorative art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries as well as bold and imaginative pieces of colonial and contemporary folk art.
Bringing History to Life
The story of our past is always evolving. At Colonial Williamsburg, our research in the field and lab uncovers new facts every day. Our discoveries help us to better understand how people lived here.
Be part of something bigger. By supporting the Power of Place campaign, you help us preserve the past, educate for the future, and inspire civic engagement.
Preserving the Past
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation brings history to life for new generations through careful research, conservation and preservation and by providing immersive programming and authentic resources for learners, educators and researchers throughout the world.
Archaeology, Conservation and Preservation
Research, conservation and historic preservation lie at the heart of Colonial Williamsburg’s mission to present the stories of America’s origins. Every day, these investigations of the past reveal new facts that facilitate our understanding of this nation’s beginnings.
Arboretum & Gardens
More than 30 carefully maintained gardens and 25 period species of oak dot our 301 acre living history museum.
Current Projects
The restoration and preservation of Williamsburg began in 1926 and has been ongoing ever since. Explore some of the projects currently underway.
Meet the People Who Helped Shape Our Nation
Visit Colonial Williamsburg and walk in their footsteps.
Revolutionary Reads
From inspiring leaders to unsung heroes, change makers at Colonial Williamsburg fuel learning and discovery every day. Uncover your next reads as you learn more about the books that have fueled their passions and shaped their perspectives.
Colonial Crafts
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Trend & Tradition Magazine
CW’s full-color quarterly magazine offers articles, photography and art that showcases the life of Williamsburg’s historic core and its people — then and now.
Videos
Step into 18th-century life with our Emmy award-winning virtual education programs.
Virtual Tours
Explore the sites of Colonial Williamsburg in 360 degrees from anywhere in the world.
interactive Timelines
Dive deeper into moments in history with our interactive timelines.
"That the future may learn from the past."
The Power of Place Campaign is dedicated to preserving this rich history, bringing it to life through innovative educational initiatives, and igniting civic engagement. Together, we will ensure our nation's origin story becomes a shared American story that inspires and unites us all.
