Colonial Williamsburg: Everything that's New

Coffeehouse blog: Coffeehouse Conversations - A Recap

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:09:00 -0500

In honor of the Coffeehouse opening, we wanted to repost links to all of the Coffeehouse Conversations videos. As you may recall, these short videos document a broad-range of parts of the project, and feature many of our staff members who have worked...

iCitizenForum: Fair treatment of foul language in the U.S. Supreme Court?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:19:47 -0400

The chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court represent a special place for Americans. And with that lofty status comes a fair amount of stuffiness.

The court deals with serious legal matters, and while from time to time, a sliver of levity makes its way into hearings, for the most part, the chamber takes on a signature that mirrors the seriousness of the issue at hand.

Coffeehouse blog: Coffeehouse Conversations 10 - A Particular Charm

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:01:00 -0500

Click on the image to open the video. We've posted the tenth video in our Coffeehouse Conversations series; this episode is entitled A Particular Charm, and features Jim Horn, Vice President for Research and Historical Interpretation. In this...

Coffeehouse blog: Washington Post Article

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:28:00 -0500

This is just a quick note to mention an article about the Coffeehouse reconstruction in today's Washington Post. The article discusses the history of the Coffeehouse and the reconstruction process, as well as the challenges that face museums in the t...

Coffeehouse blog: Opening Ceremony Information - Update

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:55:00 -0500

The Charlton's Coffeehouse sign. Update - We received a bit more detail on the opening schedule, so we've added/changed the appropriate information. Greetings. We wanted to share some last minute information about the Opening P...

Coffeehouse blog: Coffeehouse Conversations 9 - A Historic Interior

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:31:00 -0500

Click on the image to open the video. We've just posted the ninth video in our Coffeehouse Conversations series. This episode is entitled A Historic Interior, and features Ronald Hurst, who is Vice President and Chief Curator of Collections, Con...

Coffeehouse blog: Coffeehouse Conversations 8 - Plaster Works

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0500

Click on the image to open the video. We've just posted the eighth video in our Coffeehouse Conversations series. This episode is entitled Plaster Works, and it features Conservator of Architecture Matthew Webster; it also shows members of the H...

Podcast: The Cherokee Nation

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

The modern Cherokee Nation is enjoying a renaissance in language and culture. Living History Demonstrator Paula Nelson shares the resurgence.

Coffeehouse blog: HearSay with Cathy Lewis

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:15:00 -0500

The coffee room is readied for the broadcast later today. For those who have noticed today's activity on the Coffeehouse webcam, we wanted to explain the cause; today, WHRV's radio show “HearSay with Cathy Lewis” will be...

iCitizenForum: Politicians talk too much

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:13:00 -0400

Politicians talk too much about world hunger but don't do anything to solve the problem.

What's New: New Video from Colonial Williamsburg

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Charltonâs Coffeehouse - A Historic Interior: Learn about furnishing the R. Charlton's Coffeehouse reconstruction in our latest video.

iCitizenForum: Legalized executions are

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:35:06 -0400

Legalized executions are stains on civilized societies.

Podcast: Beer and Whiskey in Williamsburg

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Whiskey and beer are the safe alternatives to water in colonial Virginia. Historic Foodways' Frank Clark describes the benefits of brewing.

Garden blog: Root crops

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:47:50 -0600

Special Event: Grand Illumination: December 6, 2009

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

In the 18th century, illuminations were sometimes held to commemorate the birth of the reigning sovereign. Today, Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination celebrates the winter holidays. Musical performances on multiple stages and fireworks launched from three locations usher in the season with a bang.

iCitizenForum: Afghanistan’s election of

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:42:45 -0400

Afghanistan’s election of President Hamid Karzai means the U.S. will step up the war in Afghanistan.

iCitizenForum: Pesky federal 'earmarks' are just that, pesky

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:33:18 -0400

The national debt stands at nearly $12 trillion — a record, but not one that elicits pride. Yet, long before the debt reached unfathomable levels — almost $39,000 for every U.S. citizen — the public and politicians bellyached about congressional spending called “earmarks.”

iCitizenForum: I voted in state elections

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:15:22 -0400

I voted in state elections today. Did you think it important enough to vote?

Podcast: 75 Years of Costume Design

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Colonial Williamsburg marks 75 years of costumed interpretation in 2009. Costume Design Center Director Brenda Rosseau describes the metamorphosis from 1934.

Video podcast: 75 Years of Costume Design

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Colonial Williamsburg marks 75 years of costumed interpretation in 2009.

Video: 75 Years of Costume Design

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Colonial Williamsburg marks 75 years of costumed interpretation. November 02, 2009

What's New: New Book from Colonial Williamsburg

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Salt-Glazed Pottery in Early America

Coffeehouse blog: Miscellaneous Information

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:46:00 -0500

The first wallpaper pattern for the Coffeehouse. Greetings. We wanted to take this opportunity to share some Coffeehouse-related information and links that have come up recently. First off, if you haven’t noticed, we’...

Special Event: Colonial Williamsburg's Holiday Season: November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Nothing quite compares to spending the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. Special programs, dining, entertainment, hotel packages, events for children, and more are waiting to enchant guests who come to enjoy a magical season they'll not soon forget.

Slideshow: Laundries

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:02 EST

Largest buildings in the eighteenth century backyard, from the article Laundries in the Autumn 09 journal.

Slideshow: A Colonial Williamsburg Christmas

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:02 EST

Images from a Colonial Williamsburg Christmas, from the article A Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Under the Tree in the Autumn 09 journal.

Slideshow: Captain Smith Departs Map

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:02 EST

A map, taken from Smith's "Generall Historie," depicting his last journey in America in1609, from the article Captain Smith Departs in the Autumn 09 journal.

Interactive: Christmas Frolick Word Search

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:02 EST

from the article "The Christmas Frolick" in the Autumn 09 Journal

What's New: Autumn 2009 Colonial Williamsburg journal

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

Read about laundries, pumpkins, Captain Smith, reapportionment and more.

What's New: Coffeebean Solitaire

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Accept the challenge to leave a single bean on the board in this peg solitaire inspired game which celebrates the opening of R. Charlton's coffeehouse.

Podcast: Ghosts Amongst Us

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Centuries-old phantoms linger in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. Hear a tale from the "Ghosts Amongst Us" evening tour.

Slideshow: R. Charlton's Coffeehouse

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:01 EST

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's newest 18th-century exhibition building is R. Charlton's Coffeehouse. Learn more

Slideshow: Coffee and Chocolate Pots

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:02 EST

Coffee and chocolate pots whimsical and ornate graced the 18th-century table.

Video: Horses in Williamsburg

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Horses lend their speed and strength to the American colonies. October 12, 2009

Interactive: Coffee Bean Solitaire

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Celebrate coffee and chocolate with a new bean solitaire game.

Coffeehouse blog: October 26th Update

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:44:00 -0500

Mason Ray Cannetti stains the reused bricks to better match the original foundations. Here's a list of work both recent and soon-to-occur at the Coffeehouse. This time, we’ve posted even more photos, including a few from earl...

iCitizenForum: Constitutional Issues ‘In This Economy’

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:34:12 -0400

The prepositional phrase “in this economy” has become a part of the American vernacular. The economy has slowed down — unemployment jumped to nearly 10%, the financial industry took a huge hit as investors lost $11.2 trillion between October 2007 and March 2009, and the housing market is still in crisis.

Congress and the Obama administration have taken steps to remedy the situation. Along with implementing an $800 billion stimulus package, the government has orchestrated a bailout for automakers that could soon top $130 billion and has committed over $6 trillion for financial institutions.

iCitizenForum: Supreme Court justices and their influences

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:49:41 -0400

The confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor came with few surprises.

Everyone anticipated questions from Republicans about public statements Sotomayor made about her life influences, comments some interpreted to mean she could not rule on cases without bias.

iCitizenForum: Everyone should be REQUIRED

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:11:34 -0400

Everyone should be REQUIRED to have some kind of health insurance.

Special Event: R. Charlton's Coffeehouse Opens: November 20, 2009

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Built on its original foundations with 18th-century construction techniques and in compliance with modern building codes, the newest exhibition site in the Historic Area will reflect its 18th-century role as a gathering place for the politically connected as well as for the socially ambitious.

Podcast: Bruton Parish Churchyard

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Individuals of all classes rest in the peace of the Bruton Parish graveyard. Church guide Anne Conkling describes one of America's oldest cemeteries.

Coffeehouse blog: Opening Program and Ceremony

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:40:00 -0500

A recent view of the work in front of the Coffeehouse. To all Coffeehouse enthusiasts, we just wanted to share a bit more information about the opening of the Coffeehouse. The Opening Program and Ceremony is going to take place on...

What's New: Costume Design Center 75th Anniversary Timeline

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Colonial Williamsburg's Costume Design Center celebrates its 75th anniversary of costumed interpretation.

What's New: Today in the 1770s

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

New Daily Feature! Excerpts from the 18th-century Virginia Gazette have been chosen for every day of the year.

Interactive: Costume Design Center 75th Anniversary Timeline

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:02 EST

Explore 75 years of costumed interpretation.

Interactive: Today in the 1770s

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:02 EST

Daily excerpts from the 18th-century Virginia Gazette.

iCitizenForum: Reflections on religion and the First Amendment

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:49:49 -0400

A simple metal cross placed on a remote patch of the Mohave Desert and a triangular-shaped safety devise placed on the back of a buggy might seem like unlikely partners in court.

But they reflect the growing battle surrounding the constitutional directive for separation of church and state, and both relate to cases that have made it to the bench of the Kentucky Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Special Event: Shaping Our Destiny: The African-American Pursuit of Liberty: November 14-15, 2009

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Colonial Williamsburg explores the complex lives and choices of free and enslaved Revolutionary-Era blacks. Programs highlight contributions, sacrifices and decisions made by 18th-century blacks. Witness the revolution through their unique perspectives.

Special Event: Fall Military Invitational Golf Tournament : November 14-15, 2009

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Golden Horseshoe Fall Military Invitational Golf Tournament features two-person, amateur teams vying in a 36-hole competition format. To be eligible for competition, one player must be active duty, retired or reserve military or a National Guard member. First round is four-ball (two person, best ball) and the second round is captain's choice. For information, call (757) 220-7696.

Garden blog: Saving Heirloom Seeds

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:06:06 -0500

iCitizenForum: Insurance costs will rise

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:18:52 -0400

Insurance costs will rise with health care reform and will leave many Americans without any form of care.

Podcast: Horses in Williamsburg

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Horses lend their speed and strength to the American colonies. Head coachman Joyce Henry shares the horse's role in early Virginia.

Video podcast: Horses in Williamsburg

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Horses lend their speed and strength to the American colonies. Head coachman Joyce Henry shares the horse's role in early Virginia.

Special Event: 16th Annual Couples Golf Tournament: November 2-3, 2009

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The public is invited to play on Colonial Williamsburg's award-winning Golden Horseshoe golf courses during this popular annual golf tournament. Two-person teams will consist of one man and one woman playing a best ball and captain's choice format. Couples will play the Gold Course on Monday, Nov. 2 and the Green Course on Tuesday, Nov. 3. For information, call (757) 220-7696.

Special Event: Foodways in the 18th Century: Bringing Virginia's Bounty to the Royal Governor's Table: November 8-10, 2009

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Learn about the very best of dining in early Virginia by joining us for Colonial Williamsburg's first "Dining in the Eighteenth Century" conference, featuring the culinary arts and dining customs of the colony's most prestigious households. For more information, contact the conference registrar at (757) 220-7255 or toll-free at (800) 603-0948, online at www.history.org/conted, e-mail dchapman@cwf.org, fax (757) 565-8921 or write to: Office of Conferences, Forums and Workshops, P.O. Box 1776, Williamsburg, Va. 23187-1776.

Special Event: Veterans Day: November 11, 2009

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Colonial Williamsburg honors America's Veterans with a procession down Duke of Gloucester Street, 4:30 p.m., beginning at the Capitol. The parade culminates in a public ceremony, with militia and cannon crew firing volleys in recognition of those who serve. Hear Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums, and speakers from past and present. Active duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents enjoy free admission passes Friday through Wednesday, Nov. 6-11.

Download: Colonial pumpkins

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

wallpaper

Coffeehouse blog: October 12th Update

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:32:00 -0500

A view of the southwest room, after the first coat of paint on the walls. Here's a list of work both recent and soon-to-occur at the Coffeehouse. We’ve tried to include more photos this time, to better showcase the recent construction....