Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an educational institution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a nationally accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums that operates two museums, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. At JYF, we present accurate, evidence-based 17th- and 18th-century history based on the latest academic research of primary sources and archeological findings.

Research

Numerous scholars, curators and historians working for and with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation have spent their life’s work researching and presenting the stories of our early history, settlement and development of the United States and the convergence of American Indian, European and West Central African cultures. In addition, JYF curators and historians constantly review new archaeological findings and are qualified to conduct and verify research used to inform updates in our indoor galleries, outdoor re-created living history areas, various aspects of educational programming and planning of special exhibitions, which are subject to a structured approval process.

Credibility

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation welcomes inquiries to clarify our research methods, gallery and special exhibition planning, program development and employee recruitment strategies. Our work is supported and guided by the Museum Program Advisory Council composed of nationally respected scholars, researchers and members of the Virginia Indian and African American communities, which provides the opportunity for peer review of public exhibits, programs and experiences and offers input and recommendations for improvements and enhancements.

Interpretation

Third-person interpretive practices (not actors or re-enactors) are used in our outdoor living-history areas to effectively share stories of real people and events that helped shape early American history to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation hires individuals who can demonstrate everyday life in 17th- and 18th-century Virginia to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Hiring

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral and other aspects of employment, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This commitment is in accordance with the Virginia Human Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, 1964 and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990.