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.
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.
Colonial Williamsburg
"That the future may learn from the past."
About Colonial Williamsburg
Learn more about Colonial Williamsburg, the largest outdoor living museum in America, which offers immersive and educational experiences in Virginia.
History of Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg was the thriving capital of Virginia when the dream of American freedom and independence took shape.
The Restoration
The audacious effort to restore Williamsburg, led by W. A. R. Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller Jr., began a century of research, discovery, and storytelling.
18th-Century People
Our nation’s origin story begins in Williamsburg. Here, in this capital city of Virginia, all kinds of people sacrificed, endured, and achieved. It was a community of aspiration and contradiction – and it became a crucible for revolution.
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.
Learning & Research
From archaeology to documentary analysis, vast collections to classroom-ready instructional resources, research underpins the Historic Area experience and informs programming that brings the living past to your doorstep.
Library
The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library is the research hub of Colonial Williamsburg. Together, the collections and community of the library advance knowledge of early America set within the context of the larger Atlantic world, the 20th-century origins and ongoing story of Colonial Williamsburg, and the American decorative arts and folk art movements.
Teacher Institute
Colonial Williamsburg’s mission that the future may learn from the past doesn’t stop at the boundaries of the Historic Area. The living past that fills the streets and homes here ripples out to classrooms through all 50 states, thanks to the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute.
Art Museums
In 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.
Historic Places
The Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg recreates the atmosphere and lifestyle of Virginia’s colonial capital and includes 89 original 18th-century buildings and hundreds of buildings reconstructed based on historical records and archaeological research.
Accommodations
Choose from one of five world-class accommodations conveniently located within and surrounding Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area.
Dining
Savor the taste of locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared to reflect the culinary traditions of the time. With a mixture of restaurants, bars, lounges, and cafes located in and around the Historic Area, you’ll find the perfect place for a historically-inspired family meal or an intimate evening of creative cuisine.
"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.
