Black History Month in Williamsburg, Virginia

Throughout the month of February, Colonial Williamsburg celebrates Black History Month with dramatic interpretive programs that bring to life stories of the African American struggle for freedom and liberty during the American Revolution. Colonial Williamsburg has offered special programs and events to interpret the African American experience in 18th-century Virginia since 1979. The living history programs are emotional and range from street theatre and political dialogue to museum exhibits and musical presentations. In 2009, Colonial Williamsburg will celebrate 30 years of dedication to telling this story with a variety of special events and programs.

During the weekend of February 21 & 22, 2009, visitors will be invited to discover how the actions and ideas of revolutionary era African Americans influenced the dialogue on the meanings of democracy that continues today.

Black History Month Programs

Follow the story of Joe and Dick, two enslaved African Americans, as they seek freedom with the British forces in the Revolutionary war. The pair are caught and brought to Williamsburg’s Publick Gaol to be interrogated. The story is presented in three programs that take place at different times throughout the day: God Save the King, A Long Cold Walk and The Examination of Joe & Dick, Black Loyalists.

White Goes First This program explores another side of the master and slave relationship. A dramatic scene between Thomas Jefferson and his manservant Jupiter arises as the two men engage in a game of chess. See what the scene reveals about how much the slave knew about his master and how much the master knew about his slaves.

Slavery and the Law A Special Focus Tour. Tour the Capitol and discover how enslaved African Americans fought to obtain their freedom.

Freedom to Slavery Sunday at the Millinery Shop. Hear the compelling story of Elizabeth, an African American woman forced back into slavery after living free with the Shawnee Indians on the western frontier. (reservations required, limit 30 guests per experience)

The Price of Freedom A simultaneous look at how the definition of liberty is viewed from the perspectives of two communities: one white, one black; one free, one enslaved. (reservations required, limit 250 guests)

For more information or reservations, call toll-free 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg’s website.

Milestones in Colonial Williamsburg African American Programs

• Beginning of African American interpretation, 1979
  
• Debut of the Black Music program, 1980’s
  
• Debut of a two hour walking tour entitled The Other Half Tour, 1981
  
• Opening of the reconstructed slave quarter at Carter’s Grove Plantation, 1989
  
• Released a music recording Under African Skies
  
• The Estate Auction (Slave Auction) reenactment, 1994
  
• Research study visit to Ghana and Senegal West Africa, 1996
  
• Debut of Brothers In Arms, 300 years of African military history, 1997
  
• Award winning program Enslaving Virginia, 1999
  
• Debut of the interpretation of African American history at the Peyton Randolph Houses and Great Hopes Plantation, 2003 & 2004
  
• Released a music CD entitled From Ear to Ear, 2005
  
• Debut of Revolutionary City, 2006