Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, VA
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Each year, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown host exciting events and public programs that offer something fun for everyone, from families to history buffs. Past events have included holiday celebrations, presentations from history experts, special exhibits and more. Discover some of the engaging events we’ve hosted recently, and get excited for current and future offerings.
Veterans Day Commemoration
November 11, 2024
Participate in a ceremony at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, including an artillery salute, to mark the service of military veterans, past and present. All veterans, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members can enjoy free admission at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn more about free military admission on select dates.
Legacies of the Revolution with Hasan Jeffries
November 9, 2024
Join historian, teacher, and writer, Hasan Kwame Jeffries for a discussion of the some of the many legacies of the American Revolution. In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, this program will invite participants to consider how our understanding of history shapes modern society, how we develop a collective memory, and tracing our present world through the past. Learn more about this event.
Colonial Tea Ball
November 8, 2024
Bring your dancing shoes and a revolutionary spirit to keep in step with ballroom dances of the 18th century for a Colonial Tea Ball on November 8, 7-10 p.m. at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The evening affair is among the Virginia American Revolution 250 commemorative events November 4-10 that pay tribute to Yorktown’s very own Tea Party in 1774. Learn more about this event.
Family Frights
October 25-26, 2024
Explore Jamestown Settlement after hours in a unique Halloween-themed event designed especially for children and families featuring characters, fun scares, crafts, trick-or-treating, haunted houses and decorated ships. Learn more about this event.
Yorktown Victory Celebration
October 19, 2024
The 243rd anniversary of America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown was celebrated at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with artillery firings, military programs and music. Visitors interacted with Revolutionary War re-enactors and took part in interpretive demonstrations. Learn more.
JYF Giving Day
October 19, 2024
This one-day fundraising drive offered a unique opportunity to show support for preserving and sharing America's history. JYF’s community of supporters and friends, longtime and new, celebrated Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with their gifts. #GiveJYF.
Director’s Series - Dr. Julian Zelizer
October 16, 2024
Julian E. Zelizer is the Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, Class of 1941 Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University, a New York Times best-selling author, CNN political analyst and a regular guest on NPR’s “Here and Now.” His latest book is "Myth America." Learn more about the Director's Series.
Afrofuturist Afternoon and Symbolism & Storytelling with Ruth E. Carter
October 5, 2024
Visitors were invited to drop in for hands-on programs focused on fiber art and crafts related to the stories told through Ruth E. Carter's costumes. Afterwards, Ruth E. Carter was in conversation with author Ytasha Womack in the Robins Foundation Theater which was followed by a reception in the Great Hall with musicians from Hampton University and a book signing.
Shawnee Encampment
September 28-29, 2024
Cultural educators from the Shawnee and other federally recognized nations presented interactive programs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Lord Dunmore’s War, a 1774 conflict between Virginia and the Shawnee, Seneca-Cayuga and Delaware nations. A Shawnee family living-history encampment highlighted seasonal cycles of living with demonstrations of finger-weaving, woodworking and traditional cooking. A Shawnee warrior’s encampment illustrated battle tactics, prisoner taking, and captivity and adoption.
Picnic on the Pier
September 20, 2024
Attendees enjoyed an evening of blues, barbecue and stunning sunset views during the Jamestown Settlement Picnic on the Pier. Set along a picturesque backdrop of the James River waterfront, guests spent time with friends savoring delicious barbecue and beverages from Williamsburg favorites Old City BBQ and The Virginia Beer Company. Live music from Virginia's Blues Ambassador had toes tapping, fingers popping and hips shaking to the sounds of The Bobby BlackHat Band.
Constitution Day & Civics Week
September 15 -20, 2024
For Constitution Day, September 17, and Virginia Civics Week, September 15 -20, visitors explored how legacies from early America continue to shape and impact the present. Special programming examined the role of civic engagement in forging a deeper understanding of the world, its people and ourselves. Activities included building a constitution, reflecting on the impact of the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution in our daily lives and a timed escape-room experience!
Director’s Series - Dr. Ned Blackhawk
September 18, 2024
Ned Blackhawk, an enrolled member of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada, discussed how the historical past impacts the shift among Indigenous communities, including population increases, political activism and social movements. He is the Howard R. Lamar Professor of History and American Studies at Yale University, co-director of the NYU-Yale American Indian Sovereignty Project and winner of the National Book Award. Learn more about the Director's Series.
History Makers Dinner: A Tribute to Nick's Seafood Pavilion
September 7, 2024
Guests joined members of The Mathews Legacy Society and The 1607 Society for a special themed Nick’s Seafood Pavilion fundraising dinner, featuring a one-night special exhibition preview of artifacts celebrating the lives and philanthropy of the late Nick and Mary Mathews, beloved Yorktown restauranteurs and donors of the land where the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown now sits.
The Ancestor's Future: An Afrofuturist's Journey Through Time
September 7-8, 2024
Cheyney McKnight, artist, historian, and founder/owner of “Not Your Momma’s History” shared a curated experience through Black America’s past to an imagined future. McKnight welcomed visitors to Jamestown Settlement's Presentation Hall to view her artwork, photographs and clothing and engage in conversation. She also presented a lecture on her work.
Homeschool Family Days
August 31 - September 15, 2024
Homeschool students enjoyed discovering the sights and sounds of the 17th and 18th centuries while learning about their nation’s history. Education stations at each museum allowed families to interact with educators as they explored a variety of historical topics. Homeschool families can get a combination ticket for both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown at a special rate during Homeschool Family Days. Tickets include unlimited admission to visit both museums as many times as you like.
First Africans Commemoration
August 17, 2024
An afternoon of reflection, artistic expression and community conversation at Jamestown Settlement honoring the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619. Learn more about this commemorative event.
History & Cosplay: A Match Made in Imagination
August 10, 2024
Inspired by Jamestown Settlement's Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design special exhibition, “History & Cosplay: A Match Made in Imagination” featured a presentation by Shasta Schatz, a reception with light hors d'oeuvres and a chance to mingle and explore the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design special exhibition. Guests were encouraged to wear their own costumes, whether inspired by history, sci-fi, Afrofuturism, superheroes or good old-fashioned make-believe. The festivities concluded with a costume parade and contest with prizes awarded to audience favorites!
Family Day: Storytelling at Jamestown Settlement
August 3, 2024
Jamestown Settlement presented “Storytelling Family Day,” allowing families to delve into a variety of interactive programs from storytelling sessions to make-and-take crafts. Craft activities and storytelling sessions were presented throughout the day, featuring Indigenous stories by Felicity Meza-Luna (Lakota) and African American stories by Sheila Arnold.
Lafayette 1824 Grand Tour Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit
June 10 - August 1, 2024
In partnership with The American Friends of Lafayette, a traveling exhibit chronicled the story of the Marquis de Lafayette, “America’s favorite fighting Frenchman” during the bicentennial of Lafayette's 1824 Grand Tour of America retracing his route through 24 states as a “guest of the Nation.” Exhibit panels were on display in the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown lobby. Learn more.
Cosplay Maker's Day
July 27, 2024
Inspired by Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation's Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design special exhibition, experienced JYF staff and cosplay enthusiasts shared how to create budget-friendly props and accessories for costumes.
Veteran cosplayers and beginners alike attended a free panel discussion on DIY costume, makeup and prop-making and learned how to create cosplay on a budget and add pizzaz to any outfit with a few tweaks and accessories. Following the discussion, panelists presented hands-on make-and-take workshops creating costume props and accessories. Learn more.
Summer History Camps
June 17 - July 25, 2024
History camps at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offered multiday on-site educational programs designed to inspire engagement with early American history. Programs were available for Pre-K through Grade 3.
John Ragosta: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle
July 6, 2024
Historian John Ragosta discussed Patrick Henry's final political campaign in 1799 and how his untimely death was a critical step in Thomas Jefferson’s being elected president. Ragosta’s book “For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle,” tells the story of the hyper-partisanship of the 1790s that almost destroyed the nation prior to the “Revolution of 1800.” Guests heard how Henry, the man who had led antifederalist opposition to the U.S. Constitution, came out of retirement to defend the constitution that he had opposed and in the process helped to define the role of a “loyal opposition.” Watch videos of past lectures.
Liberty Celebration
July 4, 2024
Our Fourth of July Liberty Celebration saluted the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offered a special lineup to mark the patriotic occasion. Visitors enjoyed interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and learned about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence, and those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply. Learn more.
Civic Season: A More Perfect Union
June 22, 2024
On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, a special art program engages visitors in examining the American identity, understanding and relationship with the American Revolution. Guests were encouraged to bring an old T-shirt to upcycle into art while exploring the works of Oscar de Mejo during the 1976 bicentennial to inspire personal art to celebrate 250 years of United States history. This Civic Season program was included with American Revolution Museum at Yorktown admission.
Mali Mud Cloth Design - Make & Take
June 22, 2024
As part of the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design special exhibition, guests were invited to make their own Mali mud cloth design on a small muslin bag with artist and costume designer Nfon Asuquo during a drop-in workshop. The activity took place outdoors in the Zadarlik-Sogoloff Gazebo at Jamestown Settlement.
Civic Season: A Conversation between Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Rollison
June 20, 2024
Bill Barker, world renowned for his depiction of Thomas Jefferson, and James Cameron, a historian who has brought Black entrepreneur John Rollison back to life, presented their 18th-century personas to discuss citizenship in the new nation. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director Christy Coleman moderated the discussion between these two gentlemen as they explored the complexities and understandings of who had citizenship rights in the early Republic.
Prelude to Juneteenth: Emancipation on the Virginia Peninsula
June 16, 2024
Join us at Jamestown Settlement for thought-provoking history and performances exploring the precarious nature of freedom from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth. "Prelude to Juneteenth" reflects on this history, exploring the strategy and complications, and the joys and challenges of ending chattel slavery on the Virginia Peninsula and throughout the United States. Learn more about this event.
An Evening with the Tudor Tailor
June 7, 2024
The public attended a special presentation on historical clothing with The Tudor Tailor. The Tudor Tailor team, based in the United Kingdom, aims to provide research, resources and inspiration for people who enjoy learning about 16th-century dress for fun, for educational projects, for re-enactment events, for heritage sites, for stage plays and for screen productions. The collaborative team specializes in the social history of dress with practical guidance on reconstructing historic clothing for interpretive projects. They combine meticulous research with an irreverent attitude offering scholarly information with a sense of humor. This event was presented in conjunction with the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design special exhibition.
Ways of Being: Evolving Religion and America
May 31 - June 1, 2024
“Ways of Being: Evolving Religion and America” Symposium examined religion and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples, Africans and Europeans who converged under European colonialism in early America. Through the symposium, participants engaged with religion scholars, museum professionals and our surrounding communities to explore the role of religion in early America and connections to the present day.
Jamestown Day
May 18, 2024
The 417th anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown was marked with an artillery salute, maritime demonstrations and interpretive programs. Visitors learned about the 1607 founding of Jamestown and the convergence of the Virginia Indian, English and West Central African cultures in 17th-century Virginia through expansive exhibits and outdoor living-history experiences. Learn more about this commemorative event.
JYF Giving Day
May 18, 2024
JYF Giving Day is a one-day fundraising drive, giving supporters from around the country a unique opportunity to come together online to show their support for JYF. Join JYF’s community of supporters and friends, longtime and new, as we celebrate Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and our shared commitment to preserving the stories of America’s past.
World Bee Day
May 18, 2024
The museum shops at Jamestown Settlement celebrated “World Bee Day” with honeybee-related activities and vendor presentations. The event honored the 402nd anniversary of the first recorded honeybees in North America. European honeybees most familiar to people today are not native to the continent, and they first landed in Virginia in 1622 when the Virginia Company of London sent a ship carrying the first beehives.
Director’s Series - Ruth E. Carter
May 11, 2024
Ruth Carter is a two-time Academy Award-winning American costume designer for film and television, best known for her collaborations with Spike Lee, Ryan Coogler, Steven Spielberg and Ava DuVernay. Her visit coincides with the May 2024 opening of her “Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibit at Jamestown Settlement. Learn more about the Director's Series.
Indigenous Arts Day
May 4, 2024
At Jamestown Settlement, visitors celebrated traditional and contemporary art forms with demonstrations and performances from Indigenous artists, as a reminder of the presence and resilience of Native American communities since the arrival of colonists at Jamestown in 1607. Learn more about this event.
Family Day at Jamestown Settlement
April 6, 2024
Springtime is planting time at Jamestown Settlement, where families can dig into a variety of interactive programs highlighting the importance of agriculture in early America. Special hands-on demonstrations of 17th-century planting techniques and tools were offered throughout the day and a make-and-take craft activity allowed young visitors to create and decorate their own historical seed packets to carry seeds to plant at home.
Talking History Lecture - Lauren Muney
April 6, 2024
Lauren Muney of "Silhouettes By Hand" is one of only 20 artists in the world working in the traditional trade of cutting silhouette portraits with only scissors, without drawing in advance or tracing shadows. Learn more about the Talking History Lecture Series.
Director’s Series - Joe McGill
March 20, 2024
Joe McGill has a 30-year career in public history. He is founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, which allows people to sleep in extant slave dwellings to raise awareness and preservation of these often-neglected structures. His book "Sleeping with the Ancestors" was released in 2023. Learn more about the Director's Series.
Military Through the Ages
March 16-17, 2024
This unique chronological display of military history at Jamestown Settlement allows visitors to interact with military re-enactors depicting armed forces from over the centuries to modern day soldiers. Visitors are invited to explore military encampments to learn how uniforms, weapons and tactics evolved through the centuries. Learn more about this time-honored event.
Tag, Rag and Bobtail
March 2, 2024
During the American Revolution, logistical support for the army was often provided by women who accompanied family members to war. These women followed in the men's footsteps, ate the same food, suffered the same weather, and withstood the same dangers. Who were these women? An acclaimed theatrical performance drawn from first-hand accounts of the time including diaries, pension records, newspapers and letters explored this question. Written and performed by Emma Cross and Emily Doherty Courson. Learn more about the Talking History Lecture Series.
After Angelo
February 24, 2024
Visitors celebrated African American culture and heritage with a day of music, song and storytelling honoring the legacy of Angelo, the first African woman named in Jamestown’s historical record. This event culminated Black History Month at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, featuring permanent gallery exhibits, films and interactives that recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America. Learn more about the After Angelo event.
2024 Black Artist Showcase
February 1-29, 2024
The annual Black Artist Showcase, was on extended view throughout February 2024. It connected the past and present through vivid intersections of contemporary art and 17th-century history. Once limited to one weekend, Black Artist Showcase now complement museum gallery exhibits, films and education programs on African and African American history in early Virginia. The theme for the showcase this year was “the beauty of our lives.” Learn more about the Black Artist Showcase.
Black Artist Showcase opening reception
February 3, 2024
Attendees celebrated the opening of the Black Artist Showcase with live music by Akeylah Simone, a spoken-word performance by artist Clayton Singleton, and reflections on the fourth year of the showcase from artist Austin “Auz” Miles. They met some of the artists featured in this year’s showcase and viewed over 30 works of art. Keeping with this year’s theme “the beauty of our lives,” guests were encouraged to “dress beautifully” for this memorable evening. Learn more about the Black Artist Showcase.
Director’s Series - Education Secretary Guidera
January 17, 2024
Aimee R. Guidera is the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia, overseeing public education from early childhood to postsecondary learning. During her 35-year career, she has championed high expectations for every student and the changes needed to deliver on that commitment. Learn more about the Director's Series.
"Cultural Pillar: Reign Trinity" Unveiling
January 20, 2024
The public is invited to attend the unveiling of a community art project titled “Cultural Pillar: Reign Trinity” in Jamestown Settlement's Ferguson Lobby. The sculpture was created during a 2023 Reign & Rebellion special exhibition program at Jamestown Settlement by artist Steve Prince, with artistic contributions from over 80 museum visitors.
Talking History Lecture & Workshop
January 13, 2024
Deborah Wilkinson, a citizen of Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe and owner of Adamstown Gourds & Such, presented a 45-minute talk on the Indigenous cultivation and use of gourds as practical objects and for artistic expression. Learn more about the Talking History Lecture Series.
Christmastide in Virginia
December 16-31, 2023
Christmastide in Virginia at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers a glimpse of 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions through interpretive programs and demonstrations. Enjoy festive fun with period musical entertainment at both museums. Museums closed December 25. Learn more about this holiday event.
Talking History Lecture Series
December 2, 2023
Lord Dunmore’s War was considered the last of the colonial wars. This presentation examined the causes and consequences of this conflict while placing it in the context of the 60-year war for independence fought by the Native peoples of the “Ohio country." Travis Henline has spent a career in public history and museums. He currently serves as the curator of Indigenous History and Culture for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Learn more about the Talking History Lecture Series.
Museum Store Sunday
November 26, 2023
In time for the holiday season, Museum Shops at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown joined museum stores worldwide on Sunday, November 26, for Museum Store Sunday – offering a special 20 percent discount on total in-store purchases. All purchases support the educational mission of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Learn about our Museum Shops.
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
November 24-25, 2023
Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, culinary practices of 17th-and 18th-century Virginia were featured during this two-day event at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn more about this holiday event.
Director’s Series
November 15, 2023
Guests joined Christy S. Coleman, executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, as she engaged in lively and enlightening conversations with some of the nation’s prominent scholars and public figures to bring into full view JYF’s mission to raise awareness and understanding of the shared legacies of American history. Learn more about the Director's Series and reserve your seat.
Veterans Day Commemoration
November 11, 2023
A ceremony at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, including an artillery salute, marked the service of military veterans, past and present. All veterans, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members enjoyed free admission at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn more about free military admission on select dates.
Family Frights
October 20-21, 2023
Families explored Jamestown Settlement after hours in a unique Halloween-themed event designed especially for children and families featuring characters, fun scares, crafts, trick-or-treating, haunted houses and decorated ships. Learn more about this event.
Yorktown Victory Celebration
October 14, 2023
Attendees saluted the anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown, America’s momentous Revolutionary War victory, at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with artillery firings, exhibits and interpretive programs. Guests visited the museum's re-created Continental Army encampment and attend official Yorktown Day commemorative ceremonies. Learn more about this event.
Reign & Rebellion Special Exhibition
November 5, 2022 - September 19, 2023
Reign & Rebellion Special Exhibition explored Virginia through the lens of the Stuart monarchy, whose royal foothold impacted and influenced early America and shaped the struggles and determination of those who lived in the colony in the 17th and 18th centuries. This dynamic special exhibition spanned the centuries across both museums and made connections between the past and our present, to illuminate how the Stuarts — and their legacies in Virginia — are closer than you think.
An Evening with Diana Gabaldon
September 16, 2023
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown welcomed “Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon for an exclusive appearance and book-signing event at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023. In connection with the Reign & Rebellion special exhibition, Gabaldon’s nine-volume historical fiction novels capture numerous ties to the Royal Stuarts’ reign and legacy as well as the American Revolution.
Tribal Truths Exhibition
May 11 - September 10, 2023
The “Tribal Truths” Exhibition featured artwork from the "Tribal Truths" podcast’s logo competition submitted by Indigenous artists with winning entries selected by Virginia tribal leaders. It was on display in the Elmon and Pam Gray Presentation Hall at Jamestown Settlement. Each episode of “Tribal Truths,” an audio documentary podcast, features a tribal member host and members of Virginia’s Indigenous communities who take you to ancestral places as they tell their own stories.
First Africans Commemoration
August 19, 2023
An afternoon of reflection, artistic expression and community conversation at Jamestown Settlement honoring the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619. Learn more about this commemorative event.
Outlander Trivia Night
July 29, 2023
"Outlander" fans formed teams and pit wits in this Reign & Rebellion-inspired evening of time-hopping trivia at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Fans of Diana Gabaldon’s epic saga also participated in an "Outlander" costume contest.
Civic Season
June 14 - July 4, 2023
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown joined museums and historic sites across the country to host Civic Season, a series of civics-related programs and events in June and July to engage younger generations in the role of American democracy.
Who Conspires?
May 27 and June 2, 2023
As the sun sets, guests raced against the clock to solve a murder and save James Fort in this updated version of Jamestown Settlement’s immersive escape-room murder-mystery. They explored three re-created 17th-century buildings, solving puzzles, questioning suspects, and seeking clues to stop a murderer and protect the fort. New storylines, suspects and even a few new puzzles made this an experience you do not want to miss.
Talking History Lecture Series
April 13, 2023
Two-time Emmy nominated filmmaker Andrew Buckley shared his story of discovery retracing the remarkable American journeys of his ancestor Stephen Hopkins. In 1609, Hopkins was bound for Virginia aboard the Sea Venture, which shipwrecked in Bermuda. He later lived at Jamestown until 1614, returned to England, and six years later, brought his family back to America aboard the Mayflower. Buckley shared excerpts from his documentary film “Stephano” which retraces Hopkins’ journeys to America. Learn more about the lecture series.
Talking History Lecture Series
March 4, 2023
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are proud to host the “Talking History Lecture Series,” offering free public lectures that link storylines found in the museums’ exhibition galleries and shares how these vast moments in America’s past influenced its progression to the present. Learn more about the lecture series.
America’s Imperfect Tapestry
February 19, 2023
America still strives to weave the perfect tapestry where liberty and justice is available to all. Attendees explored the roots of inequity and inspiration for a better future through the Reign & Rebellion exhibition, and then they joined the commemoration of World Social Justice Day during a special afternoon program and learned about ways to weave a stronger American fabric through the lens of artistic expression. An “Art, Empowerment and Advocacy” program allowed participants to find their passion, express themselves and make a social justice statement using textiles, embellishments and found objects to create a frameable 12-inch by 12-inch art quilt.
Talking History Lecture Series
February 4, 2023
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are proud to host the “Talking History Lecture Series,” offering free public lectures that link storylines found in the museums’ exhibition galleries and shares how these vast moments in America’s past influenced its progression to the present. Learn more about the lecture series.
An Evening with Xavier Foley and Eunice Kim, with The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra Music Director Michael Butterman
February 1, 2023
Presented in the dramatic "From Africa to Virginia" gallery, the evening program featured a performance by guest soloists Xavier Foley and Eunice Kim, followed by a conversation centered on Foley’s original composition “For Justice and Peace,” which will be performed February 2 with The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. “For Justice and Peace” was created to mark 400 years of slavery in America. Foley shared his inspiration for the piece in conversation with The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra music director Michael Butterman and took questions from the audience.
Director’s Series - Shannon LaNier
November 16, 2022
Shannon LaNier is a veteran TV host, author and social media influencer who’s been keeping audiences tuned in for decades. He also happens to be the 6th great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. He joined us for the year’s final Director’s Series program and discussed the role and responsibility of journalism and media in American discourse, as well as our shared but complicated legacies with the approach of the 250th commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Director’s Series - Winona LaDuke
September 21, 2022
Winona LaDuke, a member of the Ojibwe Nation, is an internationally renowned activist working on issues of sustainable development, renewable energy and food systems. In conversation with Christy S. Coleman, executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, LaDuke discussed efforts to deploy Indigenous techniques to stem climate change. A 2007 inductee in the National Women’s Hall of Fame, LaDuke has written widely on Native American and environmental issues. An acclaimed author of five books, including “Recovering the Sacred, All Our Relations.”