Colonial Williamsburg: The First 100 Years
Opening February 28, 2026 | This exhibition will be on view in the Henry H. Weldon Gallery.
This exhibition has been made possible through the generosity of Don and Elain Bogus.
In 2026, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation celebrates its one hundredth anniversary. A new exhibition, Colonial Williamsburg: The First 100 Years, will explore the origins and evolution of the world’s largest U.S. history museum. The restoration of Williamsburg began with the Rev. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, sharing his vision for a restored Williamsburg with philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller in 1924. What began as a modest initiative to preserve Williamsburg’s 18th-century buildings soon blossomed into a full-scale restoration of the former colonial capital. From the initial purchase of a single building on Duke of Gloucester Street to the excavation and reconstruction of the Raleigh Tavern, Governor’s Palace, and the Capitol, the project quickly took shape. Teams of expert architects, archaeologists, researchers, builders, and more worked to bring the 18th-century town to life. By the 1940s, visitors could tour buildings taking them back to colonial times, interact with craftspeople at work, and wander through the recreated gardens.
Once the project got started, there was no stopping. Over the next several decades, the experts continued to research, rebuild, restore, and bring to life the 18th-century town. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to follow this fascinating story through the decades, discovering the people, events, and progress that has advanced Colonial Williamsburg to where we are today. It is as true today as it was in 1926 – “That the Future May Learn from the Past.”
Explore Pieces from the Exhibition
Copper Plate 1938-196
Discovered in 1929, this 18th-century copper plate provided architects with the only known images of the exteriors of key Williamsburg buildings then being restored and reconstructed.
Copperplate, possibly commissioned by William Byrd II, London, England, ca. 1740, copper. Gift of the Bodleian Library, 1938-196
Dovecote 1936-628
During World War II, Colonial Williamsburg took precautions to safeguard its most fragile antiques. This piece, along with many others, was buried in sand and stored in a basement for the duration of the war.
Dovecote, Staffordshire or Yorkshire, England, ca. 1770, lead-glazed earthenware (creamware). Museum Purchase, 1936-628
Banjo 2010.300.1
This banjo was made for and used in Colonial Williamsburg’s third motion picture, Music of Williamsburg, released in 1960.
Banjo, Frank Proffitt, Watauga County, North Carolina, ca. 1960, wood and animal skin. Museum Purchase, 2010.3000.1
Prop Headstone (Loan)
Made of plaster and sand, this tombstone featured in the 1957 film Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot, made by Paramount Pictures for Colonial Williamsburg.
Prop Headstone, Paramount Pictures, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1956, plaster, sand, and paint.
Chowning’s Sign AF-19. 5A.1
This iconic sign hung outside Chowning’s Tavern.
Tavern Sign, Williamsburg, Virginia, ca. 1985, tulip poplar, yellow pine, metal, metal leaf, and paint. AF-19.5A.1
Well model OBJ-00AA-00010
This model of a well was created for the Courthouse Archaeology Museum in the 1960s to demystify the process of archaeology for the public.
Well Model, Williamsburg, Virginia, ca. 1965, masonite, wood, egg tempera, Styrofoam, sand, dirt, coffee grounds. OBJ-00AA-00010
Color reference plate 2018-89
To create reproductions of 18th-century delft plates for the Craft House, potters created this plate allowing the curator to select the most accurate color match.
Color Reference Plate, Oud Delft, Nijmegen, Netherlands, ca. 1963, earthenware with enamel oxides. 2018-89
Doll Reproduction
This reproduction of an 18th-century doll was made to be displayed and played with in the historic buildings to better interpret the presence of children during the 1990s Becoming Americans initiative.
Doll, America, ca. 1990, wood and textiles. Reproduction
Stamp Act teapot 1953-417
The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum was opened in 1985 to exhibit Colonial Williamsburg’s vast and growing collection of 18th-century decorative arts, including this creamware teapot.
Teapot, Staffordshire, England, 1766-1770, lead-glazed earthenware (creamware). Museum Purchase, 1953-417
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