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Saturday, November 14, 2009
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Shaping Our Destiny: The African American Pursuit for Liberty
Type: African American. Location: Historic Area
On November 14 and 15, 2009 Colonial Williamsburg will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of African American Interpretations and Presentations with inspiring programming reflective of the narrative of African Americans during the American Revolution. Many African Americans were active in their pursuit of liberty and independence. It was a momentous time during which each individual was called on to make choices that would impact his or her fate.
"Shaping our Destiny: The African American Pursuit of Liberty" explores the choices that African Americans made to seek individual and collective freedom. Amongst the choices that these people made, we will explore four this weekend: petitioning, joining the military, resistance, and seizing personal autonomy.
This is a two-day program. See Sunday, November 15th events.
Saturday, November 14:
Freedom’s Paradox
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14
Randolph House
Explore the paradox of slavery in the midst of the American Revolutionary movement. During tours, discover how Mrs. Randolph and 27 enslaved people responded to the death of Peyton Randolph and the offer of freedom to slaves. Learn what factors played a role in the decision to run or stay. Discover how those who did not run found other methods of resisting slavery.
Brothers in Arms – Determined to Persevere
10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Saturday, November 14
2:00 – 3:45 p.m. Saturday, November 14
Magazine Yard
Discover the daily camp life and work of African American soldiers and camp followers on the move with the Army. Consider enlisting as a soldier.
In Their Own Words – African Americans in the Revolutionary Era
10:00 – 11:15 a.m. Saturday, November 14
2:00 – 3:15 p.m. Saturday, November 14
Greenhow Ticket Office
This walking history tour provides an overview of how free and enslaved African Americans struggled to be both free and equal during the American Revolution despite the laws, religion and social customs that denied them American citizenship. One tactic in fighting for liberty that was employed by 18th century African Americans was petitioning those in positions of power. Examine how different types of petitions were used and discover the choices, decisions, and consequences faced by free blacks and slaves.
What Holds the Future?
11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 14
Governor’s Palace Garden
Lord Dunmore’s abandoned servants ponder their own fate: They are not eligible for freedom under the terms of Dunmore’s Proclamation, and the Committee of Safety might decide to sell them away from town and from each other. Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion.
Revolutionary City - Quest for Freedom
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14
Historic area east end, from Botetourt Street to the Capitol
Witness the pivotal events of the American Revolution in Williamsburg that shaped a developing African American community. Meet free and enslaved African Virginians who sought liberty and autonomy wherever they could find it, whether it be in escape from slavery, taking up arms with the military or through personal influence on loved ones. Discover how the choices they made in their quest for freedom and equality helped shape their destiny and the American dream.
Sankofa: Looking Back, Moving Forward
6:00 – 7:15 p.m. Saturday, November 14
DeWitt Wallace Museum
Join us for a discussion about the history and development of African American programs and interpretation at Colonial Williamsburg led by the people who made it happen.10:00 7:30
Sunday, November 15, 2009
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Shaping Our Destiny: The African-American Pursuit for Liberty
Type: African American, Special Program. Location: Locations throughout the Historic Area
On November 14 and 15, 2009 Colonial Williamsburg will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of African American Interpretations and Presentations with inspiring programming reflective of the narrative of African Americans during the American Revolution. Many African Americans were active in their pursuit of liberty and independence. It was a momentous time during which each individual was called on to make choices that would impact his or her fate.
"Shaping our Destiny: The African American Pursuit of Liberty" explores the choices that African Americans made to seek individual and collective freedom. Amongst the choices that these people made, we will explore four this weekend: petitioning, joining the military, resistance, and seizing personal autonomy.
This is a two-day program. See Saturday, November 14th events.
Sunday, November 15:
To Arm the Slaves
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sunday, November 15
Program runs continuously and begins every 15 minutes
Raleigh Tavern
Gentlemen of the town debate the idea of enlisting African American soldiers to serve in the army.
In Their Own Words – African Americans in the Revolutionary Era
10:00 – 11:15 a.m. Sunday, November 15 ?2:00 – 3:15 p.m. Sunday, November 15
Greenhow Ticket Office
This walking history tour provides an overview of how free and enslaved African Americans struggled to be both free and equal during the American Revolution despite the laws, religion and social customs that denied them American citizenship. One tactic in fighting for liberty that was employed by 18th century African Americans was petitioning those in positions of power. Examine how different types of petitions were used and discover the choices, decisions, and consequences faced by free blacks and slaves.
Brothers in Arms – Determined to Persevere
10:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Sunday, November 15
Magazine Yard
Discover the daily camp life and work of African American soldiers and camp followers on the move with the Army. Consider enlisting as a soldier.
Freedom to Slavery
10:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Sunday, November 15
Millinery Shop
Program lasts 20 minutes and is presented at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30?.
Hear the compelling story of Elizabeth, an enslaved African American woman forced back into slavery after living free with the Shawnee Indians on the western frontier.
Healing Hands12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, November 15
Pasture behind the Cabinet Maker's Shop
Meet free black Edith Cumbo and explore traditional African, Caribbean, and Anglo-American herbal medicine, superstition, and religion.
10:00 5:00
NOTICE: All events and exhibits listed on the calendar are subject to change. Call 1-800-HISTORY for reservations and check the daily program schedule upon arrival.
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