Education is central to the work of the Foundation, and the Power of Place Campaign will enable Williamsburg to become the intellectual center for the nation’s founding as we approach 2026. We will do this by enlisting the finest educators; forming strategic partnerships; supporting scholarly research and programming; telling authentic historical accounts through a more diverse interpretive corps; and reaching more teachers and students across the country and around the globe, in person and through expanded digital channels. Today, our work fostering an understanding among citizens of all ages about our nation's origins is more needed than ever. The freedoms for which the colonists fought—speech, the press, religion, assembly—are critically important for today’s complex world and are a cornerstone of our educational programming.
We believe in preserving these rights and remembering the path to independence and self-government by America’s earliest patriots, Indigenous and enslaved individuals, women, shopkeepers, laborers, farmers and tradespeople.
Time is of the essence as we plan for our future.
"The historian Bernard Bailyn said, 'History should be studied because it is an absolutely necessary enlargement of human experience.' Colonial Williamsburg is itself a classroom for the teaching of history."
Phil LeDuc, donor
American Indian Initiative
American Indians were a political and economic force in 18th-century Williamsburg, and a constant presence in the colonial capital. We have begun to reflect that history in the Historic Area with the inclusion of American Indian interpreters. We plan to expand our interpretation of these long overlooked roles, along with research to support it, and a permanent encampment site where interpreters can interact with guests.
American Indian Initiative (PDF)
Museum Theater
In 2021, the Washington Post included Colonial Williamsburg’s Museum Theater programming in its “Best of Theater” feature. We plan to further support and advance this programming by working to preserve our iconic performance venues and the props and costumes they house, as well as by continuing to bring in talented and skilled theatrical actors, leads, writers and directors.
The Theater Education Project (PDF)
"Colonial Williamsburg strives to be a living teaching tool to celebrate our democracy."
Margaret Patch, donor
Historic Farming and Gardening
Our plans for the Historic Farming and Gardening program are in keeping with the importance of these trades in early America. A larger site for our historic gardens will allow us to more fully explore and interpret the gardening practices of African Virginians and American Indians.
Historic Farming and Gardening (PDF)
