Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center
Coming in 2026. This new building will contain state of the art laboratories, modern equipment, and curated collections which will be open to visitors seven days a week. The center provides guests an opportunity to observe and interact with archaeologists as they clean, study, and analyze artifacts and the historical evidence that helps us recreate life in the past.
This facility allows us to show guests a side of archaeological research that most people don’t see — the process of discovery inside the lab.
— Jack Gary, director of archaeology
Grand Opening
Saturday, April 25 - Sunday, April 26
This special weekend celebration marks the debut of a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing archaeological research and deepening public engagement with Williamsburg’s rich history. Join us on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00 AM for a ribbon cutting and stay for programing throughout the weekend.
Grand Opening Events
Passing the Trowel: A Century of Archaeology
Campbell Archaeology Center, Unlocked
Discovery Lab
Archaeology Behind the Scenes
Excavation to Programming
Piecing Together the Past
What Lies Ahead…and Beneath
What will be the best thing about the Archaeology Center?
Colonial Williamsburg archaeological staff share some of what they are most looking forward to in the new Campbell Archaeology Center.
A gift to the Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center will enable us to complete the building’s construction and maintain it into the future. This initiative will have an enormous impact on our education and preservation goals. Please help us continue this important work by making a gift today.
Archaeology Center Renderings
The Campbell Archaeology Center will encompass 35,000 square feet of collections, research, and educational space. The atrium of the Campbell Archaeology Center will introduce guests to our vast collection of artifacts and the stories they tell about the long history of Virginia’s colonial capital.
The atrium of the Campbell Archaeology Center will introduce guests to our vast collection of artifacts and the stories they tell about the long history of Virginia’s colonial capital.
Guests will have the opportunity to see and engage with the process of archaeological discovery in our state of the art laboratories.
The entrance to the Campbell Archaeology Center will be located across from the Art Museums on Nassau Street where they will work together to welcome guests to Colonial Williamsburg.
More to Explore
Archaeology
Excavations of historic sites began here in 1928. Discoveries continue today as we literally uncover things people owned, places they lived and even evidence of the specific plants they grew in their gardens, which enable us to better understand their world and their lives.
Current Projects
The restoration and preservation of Williamsburg began in 1926 and has been ongoing ever since. Explore some of the projects currently underway.
Preserving the Past
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation brings history to life for new generations through careful research, conservation and preservation and by providing immersive programming and authentic resources for learners, educators and researchers throughout the world.
