Williamsburg~October 2011

Last October, we visited Willamsburg, Virginia for our family vacation.  It was a beautiful time to visit and the weather-for the most part-was agreeable. (For those who follow our family blog~you can find this entry there, along with photos of the girls!)

We were thrilled to catch time with the history interpreter in the Mary Sith House.  "Anne Wager" (Mistress of Bray School for African American children)  discussed what she felt was important for the children to know.  Her information can be found here. She remained in character, even when visitors asked questions which would make no sense to someone of her time.







Sadly, we have no great photos from the presentation about the women who influenced Martha Washington.  This was such an informative experience. I am including one photo of the Martha Washington interpreter from later in our visit.

We also took some time to visit Jamestown, since we were so close.
The girls really wanted to see the area where Pocahontas lived and where John Smith walked. It was a cold, rainy day, but we were able to walk around a bit before heading back to Williamsburg.

Afterward, we hurried back to make our appointment for the Bits and Bridles tour.  It was a lot of walking, but a highlight of our trip.  Youngest daughter was especially thrilled~this was really the only thing she wanted to do on the trip~see horses!

.....Toward the end of our stay....

We were treated to a reading of the Declaration of Independence.  It was originally read throughout the streets when delivered, but this time "street character" history interpreters recited selections in order. It was very moving.
Afterward there was a cannon salute, then the pipe and drums marched down the street from the Capitol to the Governor's Palace.

We also visited the Governor's Palace and took the tour.  Our interpreter was again, wonderful.  She explained that they are getting ready for a great ball that evening as she walked us throughout the Palace.



The foyer area walls are lined with guns, as well as swords.  This is where weapons are kept that would be used to protect the palace, as well as the colony.

She shared with us the luxuries which are found in the Governor's Palace, from birds to Dutch ovens for warmth to fine china and crystal ready for the evenings festivities.  She explained the importance of dance and how the governor's oldest daughter will have her first dance that evening.  She will be watched carefully for how she carries herself. Aside from dancing and dining, there will be time for the men and women to visit~separately. 

Printer~explaining how the printing press works. 

We also took time to visit with several tradespeople : printer, binder,  milliner & wig maker. Interesting for the girls to learn that wigs were quite different ~in order to wear one, your head must be shaven completely bald and the wig would be fitted to your specific head~no elastic at the time! It was reserved for the wealthiest women and their daughters from age 10.

One of our family's favorite activities was the presentation, So Far From Scioto. Unfortunately, our session was cut short by rain when it became too dangerous for the interpreters to move across the wet stage.  They were phenomenal in presenting their differing views and the choices they would make. From an acting standpoint, our oldest was thoroughly impressed with how long they continued to stay in character to tell their story, in spite of the weather.


 On thing I was most looking forward to also suffered from the rainy weather.  We went to see "Shakespeare on the Green" and were treated to a great beginning, but the weather just turned too stormy for them to continue. Maybe next time ;)
                                                       Enjoy!~Tracy

Our one glimpse of George Washington

Just a reminder of where we are :)