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2009 Media Calendar


December 2008 | January | February | March | April | May | June


November 29-30, December 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28
A Kid’s Holiday Weekend
Explore how 18th-century families celebrated special occasions during Colonial Williamsburg’s “A Kid’s Holiday Weekend.” This special program for young guests and their families has expanded and includes seasonal traditions such as Christmas, New Year’s and Twelfth Night. Sites throughout the town will be devoted to sharing fun and festive entertainments of the holiday season with children of all ages, but especially for those from age 6 to 12. Children can meet with people of the past, try their skills at writing, help with meal preparation, sing songs of the season and a myriad of other cool Yule stuff. For information and reservations, call toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.  

December 7
Grand Illumination
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums continues the celebration of its 50th anniversary with special performances during Grand Illumination, Sunday, Dec. 7. Grand Illumination, the signature event of Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday season, features fireworks, musical performances and candlelit buildings. Request a 2008 Holiday Planner for a detailed listing of holiday season events by calling toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.

December 11
Making History Live (premiere)
Electronic Field Trip (broadcasts at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST)
What makes history come alive? Take a behind-the-scenes look at how historical African American character portrayals are created for Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. From research through performance, experienced museum interpreters share their techniques for bringing the past to life. Colonial Williamsburg’s Electronic Field Trips are interactive history lessons, presented as live television and Internet events, and broadcast via satellite to schools around the nation. This dramatic and compelling learning experience enhances history and social studies curricula while supporting national and state Standards of Learning. The program takes place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST, in the Bruton Heights School Lane Auditorium, and is free and open to the public. Colonial Williamsburg’s award-winning programs also are available nationally on many PBS stations. For information, call toll-free (800) 761-8331.

December 24
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Colonial Williamsburg a nd the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg co-sponsor the lighting of an evergreen 5:30 p.m. on Market Square. More than 2,000 guests will gather at the steps of the Courthouse on the Duke of Gloucester Street in the Historic Area. A local resident shares a recollection from her great-grandmother, Martha Page Vandegrift, who in 1842, witnessed the first Christmas tree in Williamsburg at the St. George Tucker House. The president of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg and the Mayor of Williamsburg deliver holiday remarks and asks that the Christmas tree lights be turned on. Following the tree lighting, the audience lights individual candles. Request a 2008 Holiday Planner for a detailed listing of holiday season events by calling toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.

January 7-10 and January 11-14
Bedroom Furniture
2009 Working Wood in the 18th Century
Mack Headley and the staff of the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades Cabinetmaking Shop will present the design and construction of two mid-18th-century bedsteads, one a high-post, the other a low-post. They also will make a mahogany child’s cradle. While the focus will be on the woodwork, beds are incomplete without their hangings and other textiles, many of which were cleverly engineered, and curators and conservators will show how to “dress” the products of our woodworking shops. In addition to beds, Historic Trades cabinetmakers will demonstrate the production of several looking glasses/mirrors, including techniques such as joinery and gilding that are applicable to picture-frame making as well. Finally, we will be joined by noted educator and craftsman Steve Latta, who will present the construction and decoration of a Portsmouth, N.H.-style lady’s dressing table, taking the symposia for the first time into the exploration of a formal, high-style Federal case piece.
Speakers include: Tara Gleason Chicirda, curator of furniture, Colonial Williamsburg; Beth Gerhold, textile refurnisher, Colonial Williamsburg; Mack Headley, master cabinetmaker, Colonial Williamsburg; Kim Ivey, associate curator of textiles and needlework, Colonial Williamsburg; Steve Latta, educator and craftsman, Thaddeus Stevens College, Lancaster, Pa.; Kaare Loftheim, journeyman cabinetmaker, Colonial Williamsburg; Bill Pavlak, apprentice cabinetmaker, Colonial Williamsburg; Chris Swan, furniture conservator, Colonial Williamsburg; and Brian Weldy, apprentice cabinetmaker, Colonial Williamsburg. As always, these demonstrations will concentrate on period methods of workmanship, and close-up video monitoring will show the processes in detail. For more information, contact the conference registrar at (757) 220-7255 or toll-free at 1-800-603-0948, 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.

January 10-11
Millennium Golf Classic
Golden Horseshoe Golf Club
The 10th annual Golden Horseshoe Golf Club’s Millennium Golf Classic features a two-person format, better ball and captain’s choice. The field is flighted after the first round and then competes for thousands in prizes. For information, call (757) 220-7696.

January 15
In Pursuit of Science
Electronic Field Trip (broadcasts at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST)
Enter the exciting world of early American scientists and their discoveries. Follow a young colonial boy in his exploration of science and the world around him. Discover the important scientific exploration that took place in the early years of America. This dramatic and compelling learning experience enhances history and social studies curricula while supporting national and state Standards of Learning. The program takes place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST, in the Bruton Heights School Lane Auditorium and is free and open to the public. The award-winning live, interactive television series also is available nationally on many PBS stations. For information, call toll-free 1-800-761-8331 or visit www.history.org/trips.


February
Black History Month
Experience the American Revolution through the eyes of free and enslaved 18th-century African Americans in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. This month will feature powerful characterizations and dramatic interpretive programs that bring to life stories of the African American struggle for freedom and liberty during this tumultuous period in American history. For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.

February 1-5
The Origins of American Style
61st Annual Antiques Forum
American decorative arts, inspired by British and other European antecedents, evolved steadily over the course of the nation’s first three centuries. Fresh expressions of style emerged with every passing decade and new forms were introduced regularly, especially in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. At the 61st annual Colonial Williamsburg Antiques Forum, “The Origins of American Style,” guests are invited to explore this rich and varied heritage. The 2009 Forum will bring together a host of widely recognized speakers to investigate the remarkable furniture, silver, ceramics, textiles, paintings and buildings produced in early America. More than 20 curators, collectors and historians (including three from Great Britain) will present their latest findings in a series of illustrated lectures and video-assisted workshops. Scheduled speakers include English decorative arts scholar Lisa White, Winterthur’s Brock Jobe and American furniture specialist Erik Gronning of Sotheby’s. In addition to the formal program, Forum guests may register for optional hands-on workshops with the Colonial Williamsburg collections and private tours of historic homes in the region. For more information, contact the conference registrar at (757) 220-7255 or toll-free at 1-800-603-0948, 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.

 February 14-15
Presidents Day Weekend
Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were shaped by their experiences in Williamsburg and the roles that each played in momentous events that occurred in the capital city. There will be programs throughout the weekend highlighting the actions and experiences of these three Virginians who all served as president of the United States. For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.

February 19
Freedom Bound (premiere)
Electronic Field Trip (broadcasts at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST)
Choice, hope and escape from slavery are highlighted in stories spanning three centuries. Examine the options for slaves willing to risk their lives for freedom. Where could they run? Whom could they trust? Learn how these answers changed over time, from the American colonies’ first slave laws to the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. This dramatic and compelling learning experience enhances history and social studies curricula while supporting national and state Standards of Learning. The program takes place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST, in the Bruton Heights School Lane Auditorium and is free and open to the public. The award-winning live, interactive television series also is available nationally on many PBS stations. For information, call toll-free 1-800-761-8331 or visit www.history.org/trips.  

February 22-25
“‘Quilted Fashions’: 400 Years of Quilting”
The process of quilting textiles to enhance their warmth, comfort and luxury has been around for thousands of years. And quilts still speak to people today, whether it is the concept of creating beauty from small bits and pieces, giving one’s self through a special handmade gift or connecting with a past ancestor through his or her surviving quilt. To some, quilts evoke family, friends, warmth and tradition. To others, quilts are striking art objects hung on the wall. Marianne Fons, co-host of the popular public television series “Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting” and co-executive editor of “Love of Quilting” magazine, will be the keynote speaker at Colonial Williamsburg’s symposium. Windham Fabrics, creator of fabrics for quilters and licensed manufacturer of WILLIAMSBURG quilt fabrics, sponsors an opening reception that follows at 6 p.m. Visiting presenters include: Lynne Zacek Bassett, independent scholar, Palmer, Mass.; Patricia T. Herr, researcher, collector and dealer of Pennsylvania historic textiles, Lancaster, Pa.; Elly Sienkiewicz, author and independent scholar, Washington, D.C.; Alden O’Brien, curator of costume and textiles, Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, Washington, D.C.; Barbara Brackman, historian and author, Lawrence, Kan.; and Linda Eaton, curator of textiles, Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, Del. Colonial Williamsburg professionals who are participating in the program include: Linda Baumgarten, Colonial Williamsburg’s curator of textile and costume, and Kimberly Smith Ivey, Colonial Williamsburg’s associate curator of textiles. Several tours and workshops are available for an additional fee. For more information, contact the conference registrar at (757) 220-7255 or toll-free at 1-800-603-0948, 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. 

March
Women’s History Month
Colonial Williamsburg celebrates the contributions of women of the 18th century to the history of our nation with programs throughout the month of March. Scenes, tours, programs and special presentations explore the various roles that our foremothers filled in birthing a new nation. For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.

March 7-8
Spring Military Invitational Tournament
Golden Horseshoe Golf Club
The Golden Horseshoe 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 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.

March 16
Revolutionary City® Program
Colonial Williamsburg begins the fourth season of the interactive dramatic presentation, “The Revolutionary City®.” The Revolutionary City connects guests to the political, emotional and philosophical climate of the period through stories of Williamsburg residents from 1774 to 1781 in daily street theater dramas that take place in their original locations. For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.

March 26
Remember the Ladies
Electronic Field Trip (broadcasts at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST)
In 1776, Abigail Adams requested that her husband, future president John Adams, “remember the ladies” when establishing the government and laws of the new nation. Examine the roles, responsibilities and daily activities of early American women. This dramatic and compelling learning experience enhances history and social studies curricula while supporting national and state Standards of Learning. The program takes place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST, in the Bruton Heights School Lane Auditorium and is free and open to the public. The award-winning live, interactive television series also is available nationally on many PBS stations. For information, call toll-free 1-800-761-8331 or visit www.history.org/trips.

April
Religion Month
April is observed as Religion Month at Colonial Williamsburg’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum with programming highlighting the role of religion in everyday life in 18th-century Virginia. Among the weekly programs offered are scholarly lectures, actor-interpreter presentations, including Founding Fathers and Nation Builders, a musical program exploring the place of music in the American religious experience and a video on the Great Awakening in Virginia. For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.

April 23
Soldier of Liberty
Electronic Field Trip (broadcasts at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST)
Enlist in the 2nd Virginia Regiment with young recruit Nathaniel Hutcheson and experience the everyday life of a soldier during the American Revolution. March into battle with Nathaniel as he encounters for the first time the noise, confusion and horror of war. This dramatic and compelling learning experience enhances history and social studies curricula while supporting national and state Standards of Learning. The program takes place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., EST, in the Bruton Heights School Lane Auditorium and is free and open to the public. The award-winning live, interactive television series also is available nationally on many PBS stations. For information, call toll-free 1-800-761-8331 or visit www.history.org/trips.

May 1
The Natural Rhythm of Gardening
63rd Annual Garden Symposium
A natural rhythm is always present in our gardens. We can become attuned to the rhythm and cycles of our plants and landscapes as they change through the seasons if we garden in harmony with our surroundings.  Colonial Williamsburg’s 63rd Garden Symposium will focus on that natural rhythm and how to create gardens that are both aesthetically rich and ecologically sound. Speakers will share tips that promote healthy plants, beautiful landscapes and responsible gardening. Felder Rushing, horticulturist, writer and lecturer, will begin the symposium with his philosophy on “Slow Gardening:  Enjoying Our Gardens in a Hectic World."  James van Sweden, author and founding partner of Oehme, van Sweden & Associates in Washington, D.C., will present “Natural Gardens: Embracing an Aesthetic of Region and Seasonal Change."  Renee Shepherd, owner of Renee's Garden Seeds, will discuss “From the Ground Up:  What’s New and Unique from Seed?” The day will culminate with dinner and a program by David Howard, horticulture consultant, who will discuss the trends in gardening he has observed during his 30 years of gardening in England. In addition to the featured speakers, there will be several, smaller break-out sessions throughout the day that will examine a specific topic in more detail. There also will be optional tours, both on and off site, offered on Thursday, April 30 and Saturday, May 2.  Held at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center, the symposium has been sponsored jointly by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the American Horticultural Society, and Fine Gardening magazine. Additional information and registration will be available in January 2009. You may visit www.history.org/conted, call 1-800-603-0948 or e-mail dchapman@cwf.org. 

May 15-17
Drummer’s Call Weekend
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums host other fife and drum units from around the country for a performance of a Military Tattoo on Market Square.  Armed Forces Day is honored with a Grand March featuring fife and drum from around the country--a demonstration of soldiers and their field music from various units active during the American Revolution.  For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.

May 25
Memorial Day
A modern service honors military veterans who died while serving their country. Wreaths will be placed at the Governor’s Palace, Bruton Parish Church and the French gravesite to honor those interred in or near those sites from the American Revolution and the War Between the States. A procession with Fife and Drum support will begin at the Palace and proceed to the aforementioned sites. Prayers will be given and musket volleys will be fired at the Palace and churchyard. A brief commemorative service with musket and cannon volleys will take place at the French gravesite. The French gravesite is the only site where the cannon will be fired. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.


June 14
Flag Day Naturalization Ceremony
One hundred new citizens of the United States of America will take the oath of citizenship on Courthouse Green in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department will co-sponsor the ceremony. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call (757) 220-7286.

June 24
Masonic Procession and Sermon
The Feast Day of St. John the Baptist was celebrated annually by the Masonic Lodge of 18th-century Williamsburg.  Lodge members processed from the lodge to the church to hear a sermon preached for their benefit by the chaplain of the Lodge.  Our modern day re-enactment of this annual event will include costumed interpreters, current members of Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, and guests who are masons who choose to participate.  For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.

June 26-28
Under the Redcoat
Witness the arrival of the British Army as they seize Williamsburg, raise the British flag over the Capitol and commence occupation of the town.  Meet with the enslaved community and decide what to do in light of the British arrival.  Will you take up the British offer of freedom?  Meet with the women of Williamsburg and see the war from their perspective.  How has this war affected them and other women of the city?  Through these and numerous other programs, learn how life in 18th-century Williamsburg was changed when occupied by a portion of the British Army in America. For information, call toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.

Visit our online calendar for more information about upcoming events.