Day 1 You'll See:
Jamestown - historic house. First English settlement in the Americas.
- Colonial Williamsburg
- The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg
Day 2 You'll See:
- Yorktown Victory Center
- Yorktown Battlefield
- Riverwalk Landing
Day 3 You'll See:
- Historic Jamestowne
- Jamestown Settlement Tour
- Jamestown Glasshouse
Your student group will be delighted to learn that this three-day educational excursion will be more fun than they can shake a stick at. You’ll explore the bedrock of our great nation, touring important historic landmark attractions including the original site of Jamestown and the Yorktown Battlefield. You’ll board replicas of the three ships that carried the first settlers to America, visit a recreated Powhatan Indian Village, browse fascinating museums full of authentic artifacts and embark on a spooky ghost hunting expedition through the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg, for a thrilling summary experience that will leave your students with an enhanced understanding of the truths, trials and tribulations of 17th century life in Virginia.
1
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg sprawls across 301 acres, showcasing authentic 18th-century structures and hundreds of stately homes, charming shops and public outbuildings that have been meticulously reconstructed on their original foundations. Centuries fall away as character guides lead your travel group through cozy garden gates, quiet courtyards, and shadowy doorways; can you hear the rattle of wagon wheels on cobblestone or the contented cluck of a Colonial hen? Do you smell the coal smoke and start, just a bit, as blacksmith’s hammer meets cast anvil, forging a shoe for a patriot’s faithful steed? This tour of Colonial Williamsburg is a fantastic way to kick off your student group’s amazing 3-day educational excursion!
The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg
This most excellent ghost tour has been sending delighted shivers down guests’ spines for “nigh onto” a quarter-century. The tour company bases its popular evening outings on acclaimed author L.B. Taylor’s “The Ghosts of Williamsburg”; highly skilled storytellers intuitively weave nearly a dozen of his exclusive tales into the fabric of a wonderfully spooky and informative stroll through the darkened streets of Colonial Williamsburg. Don’t forget your cameras!
2
Yorktown Victory Center
Your student group’s fascinating 17th Century foray continues with a visit to the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution chronicling America’s struggle for independence, from the beginnings of civil unrest to the formation of a brave, new nation. Its exhibits provide intriguing accounts of the Revolution and describe the convergence of forces on Yorktown in 1781; its Declaration of Independence Gallery features a rare early broadside printing of the Declaration dating to July 1776, before the handwritten parchment copy was signed by members of Congress. Out-of-doors, historical interpreters engage visitors in re-creations of the day-to-day in a Continental Army encampment and on a 1780s farm; guests enjoy and may participate in gardening, cooking, artillery, and medical technique demonstrations.
Yorktown Battlefield
Yorktown was the scene for the famous battle that effectively ended the American Revolution and won us our independence from the British. In addition to a wonderful short orientation film, you and your student group will experience the events of the Revolution in fascinating detail on this informative and engaging ranger-led historic battlefield tour: be familiarized with artillery, step inside one of General George Washington’s field tents, overlook Surrender Field - where the British troops laid down their arms, imagine standing inside the house where the surrender agreement was signed and explore original earthworks - battlefield fortifications utilized by both sides.
Riverwalk Landing
Beautiful waterfront development Riverwalk Landing links Yorktown Victory Center and Yorktown Battlefield; browse fine retail shops, fantastic museums, and weekly farmer’s markets and enjoy fabulous dining and delightful entertainment (wandering minstrels, anyone?) along a scenic mile-long pedestrian walkway. Opt for a guided Segway tour, rent a bicycle, head for the beach to soak up some of that sweet VA sun or order up at Ben and Jerry’s Green Mountain Coffee Café – and grab a bench.
3
Historic Jamestowne
This 20.63-acre cultural heritage site on the James River was the actual location of the 1607 James Fort and 17th century Jamestown; it lies adjacent and complementary with Jamestown Settlement. Park rangers artfully bring history to life as they introduce you to Pocahontas, John Smith, and others, and engaging archeologists deftly illuminate ongoing digs at the site of James Fort that continues to enhance our understanding of life in 17th century Virginia – the birthplace of our Country - with each incredible new find.
Jamestown Settlement Tour
This wonderful living history museum built run by the Commonwealth of Virginia affords visitors a chance to experience life in the early colony. Not to be confused with the original site of Historic Jamestown, a few hours here is a fantastic compliment to its neighboring attraction, and features tours of a recreated Powhatan Indian Village, the Jamestown Settlement and the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery - replicas of the ships that brought the English to Virginia back in 1608. Your student group will truly enjoy participating in the flurry of engaging and educational “activities of the day” as they explore Jamestown Settlement, where Colonial history comes to life!
Jamestown Glasshouse
Nearly four hundred years ago, the original glasshouse was built in Colonial Jamestown; thus debuted what was surely one of the first English industries in North America. A small crew of German and Polish glassblowers and laborers chopped down hardwood trees for fueling the furnace (sometimes requiring up to 2 weeks to achieve the 2300 degrees needed to meet the basic ingredients) and sourced the many natural materials necessary for their craft - they even burned seaweed. Preparation was incredibly time-consuming; it is estimated that actual glassblowing may have occurred just 5 or 6 days a month. Operations were resumed and halted time and again due to a variety of untenable circumstances, and the business was eventually abandoned. Visitors today can tour the remains of the original furnaces used by those early glassblowers and watch, mesmerized, as modern artists form their wares, using tools and methods similar to those used in the 17th century.