Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

January 16, 2018 by 1 Comment

History is fun in Virginia!

American History might only go back a few hundred years, but amazingly it is still alive and well at the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. These two locations give new life to the pages of your school textbooks. There, you can see what the days were like for the early colonists in Jamestown, then travel to the nearby American Revolution Museum and compare their experiences to those of families and soldiers a century later. Both are pivotal times in the development of our country and you don’t want to miss out on either experience. Take a day and spend it at these two great locations.

America’s first permanent English colony, the Jamestown Settlement, is an opportunity to embrace the experience of the early colonists. Living history reenactments of a Powhatan Indian village, climbing on board the recreated English ships, and a colonial fort immerse visitors in the sights, sounds, and even smells of daily life in the early 17th century. The interaction continues, and you can watch demonstrations and ask questions of the ‘costumed historical interpreters’ (the official job title of the reenactors).

Exhibits and galleries display artifacts and tell the story of European colonization. The impact of settlements like Jamestown on the local Powhatan Indians is a fascinating topic to investigate. There is also information on the first Africans known to come to Virginia. The cultures of three continents coming together is an amazing look into the origins of America. The documentary they show, 1607: A Nation Takes Root, starts your journey into the past. From there families, can enjoy time spent learning just how different life would be if they were born 400 years ago.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown ramps up the action. The dramatic events of the Revolution can be seen throughout the museum galleries or on the 180-degree surround screen film. Visitors can watch “The Siege of Yorktown” then go on to tour and compare it to the modern day city.  Kids will love all of the activities at the Continental Army encampment and the recreated 18th century farm. Join the American regiment for drills or watch artillery fire while chatting with soldiers. This and so much more is embodied with the American Revolution Museum’s living history exhibits.

Both the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will wow history lovers and get kids excited about learning. Set aside at least four hours to enjoy everything they have to offer. There are even specials available if you decide to visit both on your trip. Make it a historic day in Virginia and visit the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Coming up shortly is the yearly event Military Through the Ages, Jamestown Settlement – Military re-enactors and modern-day units show how uniforms, weapons, and military tactics evolved through the centuries. You can see this impressive display of armed forces from March 17-18- any history or military enthusiast will have a blast (pun intended). There are live  re-stagings, weapons and ammunitions use, reenactments of battles, and more. Some of the costumed re-enactors tell stories, give lessons, and help kids make crafts, “weapons” of their own, battle flags, instruments, learn to lead (or take part in) battles, parades, cook on open fires, explain how life was in his or her time period- the list goes on and on. Explore (recreations of) boats that once sailed the open seas- and how cramped the quarters were for sailors and settlers. Make sure you visit the recreated Native American village to get to know a bit about the people of the Powhatan Tribe.  There is so much to do during the Military Through the Ages event, there is no way to get it all done. It is one of the most fun learning experiences you will have with your children- just don’t tell them how much they will learn. 

Check out their websites for more details, tickets, and times.

Jamestown Settlement – Site

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – Site

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Charlottesville, Virginia Family Fun

April 10, 2015 by 2 Comments

Read the full post on This Girl Travels!

OK, so maybe it wasn’t the President’s birthday- but it was my son’s.  When I asked him what he wanted to do to celebrate, he told me he wanted to “finally” see Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson (third president of the USA and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence). “Finally” is a relative term- he was turning 7.   So, off to Charlottesville, Virginia we went.

charlottesville

Charlottesville was the perfect place for this trip, because it has so much to offer in terms of Presidential history (and homes).  In and around Charlottesville, you can see the homes of four of the most influential presidents in American history- along with Thomas Jefferson, you can visit the homes of James Madison, George Washington, and James Monroe. That is a lot of history for a little area.  You can visit all the homes with a special pass should you so choose. The “President’s Passport” is one ticket that gives you access to all the homes of the four presidents. (Other added bonuses include free admission to 9 museums and historic sites in Alexandria if you show your paid ticket at the door, free wine tastings along the Monticello wine trail, savings at shopping areas, hotels, restaurants, and more. This is a good pass to get if you plan on spending a few days in the area.)

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Our first stop, of course, was Monticello.  I was impressed to see that they offered “family” tours with a guide who made the time spent even in “no touching” areas fun for the kids.  She had a small bag packed with visual guides, books, photos, and toys that the children could see, touch, and play with to help them get a better idea of what she was explaining and the times that Jefferson lived in.  She also aimed the tour at them, using language they could understand without “dumbing down” the tour whatsoever- she used appropriate language and explanations, scaled to ability and age- but never assumed the children were unable to understand or grasp the knowledge.  This was something that the parents appreciated and the children thrived on- they all enjoyed the tour and remembered what they learned. (My son, of course, had to buy a stuffed Thomas Jefferson from the gift shop, just like the guide had.  It was his birthday, after all.)  There were also hands on activities to try one’s hand at when the tour was finished, such as using a quill pen and ink or playing with “old time” toys and games.
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Happy Birthday, Mr. President

September 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Please read the full article on This Girl Travels!

OK, so maybe it wasn’t the President’s birthday- but it was my son’s.  When I asked him what he wanted to do to celebrate, he told me he wanted to “finally” see Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson (third president of the USA and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence). “Finally” is a relative term- he was turning 7.   So, off to Charlottesville, Virginia we went.

20140729_094659Charlottesville was the perfect place for this trip, because it has so much to offer in terms of Presidential history (and homes).  In and around Charlottesville, you can see the homes of four of the most influential presidents in American history- along with Thomas Jefferson, you can visit the homes of James Madison, George Washington, and James Monroe. That is a lot of history for a little area.  You can visit all the homes with a special pass should you so choose. The “President’s Passport” is one ticket that gives you access to all the homes of the four presidents. (Other added bonuses include free admission to 9 museums and historic sites in Alexandria if you show your paid ticket at the door, free wine tastings along the Monticello wine trail, savings at shopping areas, hotels, restaurants, and more. This is a good pass to get if you plan on spending a few days in the area.)

WP_20140729_10_24_02_ProOur first stop, of course, was Monticello.  I was impressed to see that they offered “family” tours with a guide who made the time spent even in “no touching” areas fun for the kids.  She had a small bag packed with visual guides, books, photos, and toys that the children could see, touch, and play with to help them get a better idea of what she was explaining and the times that Jefferson lived in.  She also aimed the tour at them, using language they could understand without “dumbing down” the tour whatsoever- she used appropriate language and explanations, scaled to ability and age- but never assumed the children were unable to understand or grasp the knowledge.  This was something that the parents appreciated and the children thrived on- they all enjoyed the tour and remembered what they learned. (My son, of course, had to buy a stuffed Thomas Jefferson from the gift shop, just like the guide had.  It was his birthday, after all.)  There were also hands on activities to try one’s hand at when the tour was finished, such as using a quill pen and ink or playing with “old time” toys and games.
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Visit Lynchburg, VA

November 21, 2013 by 4 Comments

Virginia is for lovers.  We all know that.  But I think that perhaps, that phrase has been too narrowly used.  Virginia IS for lovers.  Of food, of history, of natural beauty- and of course, romantic getaways.  I’m a lover of many things, and Virginia was very satisfying.  Who needs a man when you have peanut butter pie, a visit to Poplar Forest, and miles of orchards to run amok in?  (Sorry honey- I love you too, but variety is the spice of life.  It’s been 10 years, you know I’ll always come home to you.  Apples don’t make the best bedmates.)

What to do if you would like to journey to Virginia, but along with your lover, you need to take the results of your love?  Yes, those loud, schreechy, small-ish people that often need help getting into the backseat of your car.  It’s OK- Virginia is for them, too.

kids activities lynchburg

Having a blast at the Putt Putt Fun Center

Virginia sounds pretty versatile.  It should, there is a lot to do.  Here are some of my favorite finds in what is perhaps a lesser known area of the state, Lynchburg.  (Never heard of it?  It’s pretty much dead center of the state, and if you are heading anywhere close by or on the way- totally worth the stop for at least an overnight visit.)  Lynchburg is gem of an area, especially to history buffs and nature enthusiasts.  Other towns might be more well known, but that just means less tourists to trip over and better parking while you see some of the most impressive historical and natural sights in the country.

lynchburg VA

With a “Real” Civil War Soldier at Appomattox

 What’s to see in Lynchburg?

The most significant place in the area to visit, in my opinion, is Appomattox Court House.  A national historical park that includes the fully restored entire village, you and your family can visit the McLean House, where Generals Lee and Grant signed (and determined) the terms of the surrender of the South.  Even though the actual courthouse was just steps away, this house was chosen because it would feel more “neutral” as it was not actual Northern government property.  This is one of the most important historical places in the country- where the USA became officially “whole” again.  You can even see the actual pens used to sign the agreement.

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There is also a scavenger hunt for kids, and the park ranger will make them official “Junior Park Rangers” complete with a badge should they choose to complete the hunt and fill in the blanks.  Of course, they will need to be paroled first- so make sure you get your paperwork in order as soon as you walk in.  (Pretty cool, still printed and cut as it was during Civil War Days, and a fun souvenir for everyone.)  If you plan on visiting the rest of the state, you will need your official walking papers, so don’t mess around.  There’s a war going on- at least until everyone else gets the word.

appomattox VA

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Perhaps not as well known as Monticello, Poplar Forest was Jefferson’s retreat home, and more secluded.  Many feel that it was more personal and more reflective of the man and his tastes and pleasures, and most consider it an architectural masterpiece.  The innovative octagonal home was designed to foster Jefferson’s creativity and spend time with his family and grandchildren.  He chose Lynchburg for this home, determining that it was “the most interesting spot in the state”.
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