You are invited to a FREE public preview of filmmaker Ken Burns’s newest and highly anticipated documentary The American Revolution, premiering on PBS on November 16. Join Ken Burns and his co-directors Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt on March 25 at 8 p.m. on the lawn of the historic Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area as he speaks to his latest project prior to previewing excerpts from the film on an outdoor screen. Hosted by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the VA250 Commission, this free event invites guests to immerse themselves in the revolutionary spirit as they watch history unfold on the same grounds where so much of America’s revolutionary thinking occurred.
Registration for A Common Cause To All is not required to attend this public preview event. If you have registered for A Common Cause To All, then you are already registered for this event. Admission is free but we encourage you to register to receive event updates, including inclement weather notices, via text message and email. Link: https://va250virginia.quorum.us/event/21172/
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can we sit on Palace Green?
General audience areas are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
What’s the inclement weather plan?
This is an outdoor event that will be held regardless of cold temperatures or light rain. Please dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if needed. In the instance of heavier rain, the event will be moved to the Williamsburg Lodge, 310 South England Street, Williamsburg.
Where should I park?
Limited free parking is available at the Tavern Parking Lot, located off of Francis Street. We also recommend using the paid parking lots in the area of Merchants Square. Parking lots require the use of the free Passport app but also offer free 30-minute parking in most cases (Passport app $0.35 convenience fee may apply). Payment kiosks are also available in most locations. For details on WATA bus service schedules and how to use the paid Passport parking app, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/parking/.
What time do the WATA buses run?
Complimentary bus service is provided by Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA). The route servicing Colonial Williamsburg is Route 15: Colonial. Buses leave the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to service stops throughout the Historic Area every 15 minutes. Bus service hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Please note that Monday through Saturday, the last bus of the evening begins service at 8:30 p.m. to return to the Visitor Center at 9:00 p.m. On Sundays, the last bus of the evening begins service at 5:30 p.m. to return to the Visitor Center at 6:00 p.m.
Williamsburg Area Transit Authority is responsible for bus operations throughout Colonial Williamsburg’s historic campus, including transportation to and from the Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. Questions or comments about WATA’s operating schedule can be sent to info@gowata.org, or submitted through the transit authority’s customer service number at (757) 220-5493.
Can I bring a cooler with my own food and drinks?
Yes. Coolers are permitted.
Where can we purchase food and drinks?
Concessions will not be sold at this event. Please bring your own refreshments.
For dining options before the event, please vist colonialwilliamsburghotels.com/dining/ or merchantssquare.org.
Where is the closest restroom?
Public restrooms are located at the Market House of east of the Magazine complex just off of Francis St. and at the Everard complex off of Scotland St.
Please note that the following items are not permitted on Colonial Williamsburg Property:
- Weapons
- Beach umbrellas
- Tents
- Drones
Is the viewing area at Palace Green ADA accessible?
The Palace Green is accessible, however, the grass field may be a challenge for someone experiencing mobility difficulties.
Other Experiences
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Presentation: Musket Demonstration
Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket. Experience the sounds and smells a soldier experienced during the Revolution.
Open to the Public
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Special Event: Secrets of the Chocolate Maker
Enjoy a demonstration of 18th-century methods of making chocolate.
CW Admission
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Conversation: Meet a Person of the Past
Meet people of the past at Charlton's Coffeehouse for some informal conversation or activity.
CW Admission