May 14, 2008
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Jamestown Settlement will offer a trio of summer “family day” programs on Saturdays, June 14, July 12 and August 9, featuring themed guided gallery tours, special children’s gallery brochures and make-and-take craft activities.
A museum of 17th-century Virginia, Jamestown Settlement tells the story of America’s first permanent English settlement through film, expansive exhibition galleries and an engaging living-history program. Exhibition galleries chronicle the nation’s beginnings in Virginia and describe the cultures of the Powhatan Indians, Europeans and Africans who converged in 1600s Virginia. The 45-minute family day gallery tours will begin at 9:30, 10:15 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
“Planting a Settlement” on June 14 allows families to learn about English, Powhatan and west central African family members’ roles in planting and harvesting crops. In a classroom activity, children can make prints of plants grown by each culture.
“Jamestown Trailblazers” on July 12 reveals stories of John Smith, Pocahontas, Queen Njinga and other 17th-century “trailblazers.” In a classroom activity, children can make a compass rose to guide them on their own adventures.
“Pastimes and Pleasures” on August 9 explores aspects of children’s work, education and play in 17th-century Virginia. In a classroom activity, children can make and play games of corncob darts and nine-men’s morris.
Daily guided tours also are offered of Jamestown Settlement’s re-created 17th-century Powhatan Indian village, English ships and colonial fort and the museum’s riverfront discovery area, which highlights 17th-century water travel, commerce and cultural exchange, reflecting Powhatan, English and African traditions. In all four areas, costumed historical interpreters demonstrate daily activities and technology of the 1600s.
Jamestown Settlement is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, until 6 p.m. from June 15 through August 15. Admission is $13.50 for adults, $6.25 for ages 6-12. Pre-registration for family day programs is available at (888) 868-7593 toll-free, (757) 253-4939 or group.reservations@jyf.virginia.gov.
Jamestown Settlement is located on Route 31 South at the Colonial Parkway, adjacent to Historic Jamestowne. For more information, call (888) 593-4682 toll-free or (757) 253-4838, or visit www.historyisfun.org.
