Complimented by a series of captivating daytime and evening programs throughout 2022 and 2023, Reign & Rebellion spanned the centuries to explore how the Stuart monarchy shaped the struggles and determination of all who converged in early Virginia. The dual special exhibition unfolded across both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to create connections between the past and our present, illuminating how the Stuarts — and their legacies in Virginia — are closer than you think.

An Evening with Diana Gabaldon

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

“Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon joined fans for an exclusive appearance and book-signing event on 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. View photos and video of Diana Gabaldon's appearance. 

Reign & Rebellion special programs were sponsored by Dominion Energy and supported in part by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc. Annual Fund.

Reign & Rebellion Special Exhibition

The Jamestown Settlement exhibition considered how the reign of the Stuarts in the 17th century solidified Virginia’s identity as the Old Dominion, which had lasting impacts not only for the 18th century but for the world we live in today. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown exhibition explored how the legacies of the Stuart era contributed to Virginia’s distinct American identity, resulting in formerly loyal Cavaliers fighting for independence from Great Britain. Learn more.

Past Programs

Counter Cultures: Rebellion

Conflict and compromise are inherent in the convergence of new and different ideas and cultures. Whether expressed through music, fashion, art, politics or protest, rebellions throughout history have given voice to people who feel they aren’t being heard. Rebellion can raise awareness and sometimes establish nations. Attendees explored rebellious ideas of the past and present and enjoyed music, art and stories of “counter culture” during this September 2023 event.

Outlander Trivia Night

"Outlander" fans formed teams and pitted wits in a Reign & Rebellion-inspired evening of time-hopping trivia at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on July 29, 2023. Fans of Diana Gabaldon’s epic saga also participated in an "Outlander" costume contest.

Who Conspires? Escape Room Murder-Mystery

As the sun set in the re-created fort in late May and early June 2023, guests raced against the clock to solve a murder and save James Fort in a new twist of Jamestown Settlement’s immersive escape-room, murder mystery. They solved puzzles, questioned suspects and sought clues to stop a murderer and protect the fort. New storylines, suspects and even a few new puzzles made this an experience not to miss.

Counter Cultures: Reign

Power structures of the Indigenous, European and West Central African cultures and their impact on 17th-century Virginia were the focus of this May 2023 special event. Guests explored Reign & Rebellion at Jamestown Settlement intertwined with a day of lively presentations and interactive sessions that explored key events influenced paramount chief Powhatan’s rule and the leadership of his successors, the Royal Stuarts’ policies that shaped English expectations and experiences in the Virginia colony, and how African rulers in Ndongo resisted colonialism.

America’s Imperfect Tapestry

America still strives to weave the perfect tapestry where liberty and justice is available to all. In February 2023, museum guests explored the roots of inequity and inspiration for a better future through the Reign & Rebellion exhibition and then joined the commemoration of World Social Justice Day during an 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.

Burns & Booze

Attendees enjoyed an after-hours look at Reign & Rebellion at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in January 2023, stepping into a cozy evening of rebellious inspiration to learn more about “The Glorious Revolution” that dethroned a king, the Jacobite Rebellions, Robert Burns and the politics of poetry. Guests shared their own rebellious verse during an open-mic experience.

Lecture: One Exhibit, Two Museums

In December 2022, the Reign & Rebellion team of curators, historians and exhibition planners discussed the challenges and considerations behind mounting the simultaneous exhibitions at two museums spanning four centuries of history.

Who Conspires? Escape-Room Mystery

The special exhibition launched November 5, 2022 with an immersive escape-room mystery, "Who Conspires?" As the sun sets, guests raced against the clock to solve a murder and save James Fort and discovered the real history behind the November 5, 1605 gunpowder plot to blow up King James I and the Houses of Parliament. 

About the Museums

Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Jamestown Settlement is located on State Route 31 near the Colonial Parkway in James City County, just southwest of Williamsburg and adjacent to Historic Jamestowne. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is located on Route 1020 in Yorktown, near Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Yorktown.

The museums allow visitors of all ages to enjoy extensive indoor gallery exhibits and outdoor living-history areas to connect with the stories of our shared history. Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Plan your visit today or call (757) 253-4838 for more information.