Many thanks to the Colonial Williamsburg tailors who helped my kids and I fulfill life-long dreams of becoming an 18th century family in the historic area.
And where better to learn, than at the renowned knowledge base of 18th century craftsmanship that helps other historical sites with their interpretations.
We learned this first hand from many historical sites along the East Coast.
FIRST PERSON INTERPRETATION FROM LAFAYETTE
Then one year, my son and I were privileged to take a first person interpretation class ourselves.
Offered by Historic Annapolis in partnership with Colonial Williamsburg, the general public was invited.
When my son discovered this, he wanted us to attend.
Contacting the organizer from Historic Annapolis, she invited us to come dressed with a historic persona in proper attire.
Thusly, we arrived to a full day of behind-the-scenes immersion with everyone’s favorite Frenchman, Lafayette aka Mark Schneider from Colonial Williamsburg.
Since this was near the end of my son’s high school journey, this immersion activity was a grand full circle from when the two gents first met, when my son was twelve years old.
BECOMING 18TH CENTURY
Through this and many more experiences, my kids and I learned a grand appreciation for interpreters who know and share their craft…while learning how to become a little bit more 18th century.
Nevertheless, even from the very beginning, guests presumed we were full fledged first person interpreters.
For a quick insightful tour of this lovely historic spot, keep reading.
GUEST REACTIONS TO OUR COLONIAL FAMILY
While the kids and I had fun, we were always surprised how much fun the guests had by seeing us!
A year after beginning my historical sewing journey, I found an especially scenic spot for me to take a photo of my kids in their costumes, the best set yet that I’ve sewn, realizing I keep forgetting to take pictures of them.
After arranging them just so, I walked over to my bag to remove my camera.
When I stood up to take a shot, I found a crowd of guests between me and my kids, taking turns arranging their kids with mine to take their souvenir shots.
Incredulously, I had to stand in line waiting to take a picture of my own kids! LOL
While in costume, guests galore have stopped them to request pictures with them.
Guests often mistook us for employees, asking us lots of historical questions.
In fact, some of the employees have mistaken us for one of them when we are in costume.
One time, when I excitedly walked up to an important author to talk to her about her book, she enthusiastically asked me questions instead, due to a prompting from the CW George Washington!
During Under the Redcoat 2011, I was interviewed by Best of the Road, while in costume.
My son has been given opportunities to be an extra in some programs, like the historic mob scene at the Charleton Coffeehouse, and on stage with Benedict Arnold.
Delightedly pleased to stumble upon us, these guests shot snaps of us, while my son took pictures of them!
For more of our fun costume stories, check this link.
Some of our favorite times were the seasonal events which brought crowds from near and far, allowing fuller immersion and grand experiences as an 18th century family.
Amongst ourselves during these experiences, we pretended we were a family from Williamsburg, although when guests queried, we confessed we were merely guests having a good time.
Few guests believed us!
Nevertheless, many through my blog of adventures in Williamsburg as a historic family, many readers enjoyed past memories while others planned vacations through my revelations.
LET THE TOUR BEGIN
Although some of these experiences, tours, and events, may not always be available, the history behind them is what made Williamsburg so historic, that it was restored in the 1930s to experience how American came to be in the 18th century.
Not every experience is listed, since there are so many to catalog, so any adventures I left out are captured here, under my blog category: Colonial Williamsburg Time Travels
I’ve had the honor of meeting several kind readers who have walked up to me in the historic area and said: I think you are Teacups in the Garden. Your blog helped me plan our trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Thank you.
Although not every experience I share continues in CW’s present programming, knowing the history while walking the streets will prepare you to engage with the current schedule of events open on any particular day.
FEBRUARY – PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND
Two days of historic programming centered around the United States presidents who spent time in Williamsburg: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe.
Saturday opened at the Capitol, where the first three of these presidents spoke of their time as burgesses in this very building before the American Revolution.
During th American Revolution, James Monroe left his studies at the College of William and Mary, to serve under General Washington.
As guests, we entered one of the first floor rooms the Capitol, where we met with one of the presidents for about 20 minutes, then moved upstairs to meet with another of the presidents, culminating downstairs in the other of the first floor rooms with the third president…a wonderful hour tour!
On Saturday afternoon, there were usually options to choose one of the presidents or Patrick Henry for an entire area, scheduled at different spots.
Sunday morning guests assembled at the outbuildings of the Governor’s Palace to meet with different presidents in the different rooms, again for about 20 minutes, this time in context of the time between their years as burgess and president.
In the afternoon, guests met at Market Square, where the presidents helped to fire cannons in honor of all the presidents.
Each firing represented a state after the naming of the representative president(s) that hailed from that state.
One of my daughter’s fondest memories is when the presidents handed her their canes for safe keeping, while they fired the cannons.
Finally, that evening guests assembled at the Kimball Theater to meet with the presidents, who discussed important issues during their term as president, often allowing questions from the audience.
Read my blog posts about our adventures during those events at this link.
MAY – DRUMMER’S CALL
Drummer’s Call celebrates military music history on Armed Services weekend with the Junior and Senior Fife and Drum Corps, with their many invited guests throughout the nation, other historic fife and drum corps units.
On Friday evening the Alumni Fife and Drum Corps of Colonial Williamsburg march through Market Square in grand style.
Then guests enter the Kimball Theater for Successful Campaign, which features the Senior Fife and Drum Corps of Colonial Williamsburg with one of the invited corps units.
Through the evening we learn the importance of fife and drum units on the battlefield, to communicate important messages.
Also important was the playing of tap toe (Dutch) , when the fifes and drums marched past taverns playing their tune, to alert soldiers inside it was time to turn off the tap and return to camp.
In time, tap toe assimilated to tattoo, which now is a grand event of historic fife and drum corps that meet to play their tunes in grand events, such as Drummer’s Call.
Saturday begins with the Grand March at the Capitol, led by Patrick Henry, who led the local militia in 1775.
Then each of the fife and drum corps units take their turn marching down Duke of Gloucester Street.
So fun when all the tradespeople pop their heads out of windows of their shops and step outside their doors to watch the fun with all the guests lining the streets.
Once they all arrive at Market Square, Grand Review begins behind the Courthhouse, where each unit has a turn to march in intricate patterns of their unique design to strut their amazing stuff!
That evening all return at dusk to the Governor’s Palace, where each of the drum corps units again march, for Tattoo…the marching past the taverns on Duke of Gloucester Street while escorted by Colonial Williamsburg interpreters carrying torches to light the way.
Upon arriving at the taverns (or most recently a new route back to Market Square) for the jam session!
Whatever the route, just follow the Pied Piper Fife and Drum Corps because that’s all part of the fun.
For a girly gal who does not like rock music aka drums, I love these drums!!! I can’t get enough!
My son has been invited a few times to play his fife during the jam sessions, I have pictures in my blog posts…but these days he is busily capturing videos, like this of the Old Guard at Drummer’s Call.
For my blog posts about these events, full of great pictures, check this link.
JUNE – UNDER THE REDCOAT
In real life, the British occupied Williamsburg from June 25 to July 4, 1781.
From across the country, 18th century British army reenactors arrive in Colonial Williamsburg, some with their families to interpret with them.
Living out the pages of history books, my kids and I got to portray 18th century patriots trying to evade capture while remaining loyal to Washington and Lafayette.
Especially memorable of all the UTRs that we’ve attended was when Best of the Road unexpectedly interviewed me as the mother in an 18th century family, whose husband was at war.
It was the best immersion experience ever that I described in a bunch of blog posts here.
OCTOBER – PRELUDE TO VICTORY
The counterpart to Under the Redcoat, is another immersion event with reenactors based on a historical event.
Four months after the Redcoats occupied Williamsburg, America effectively won the cause at Yorktown, a few miles from Williamsburg.
Prelude to Victory reenacts September 1781, when Generals Washington and Rochambeau arrive in Williamsburg with their troops, to meet Lafayette and plan for the siege on Yorktown.
SO many terrific memories from Prelude to Victory, which you can read here.
At our very first Prelude to Victory, my son had outgrown his old costume, which only left his Lafayette costume to wear.
Thinking no one would notice in all the crowds, my son and I were repeatedly greeted by the astute interpreters who happily played along, with Lafayette himself exclaiming to him: My friend, I see you have been promoted to major general! I commend you for that!
Lafayette said it was important to learn the war strategy, explaining that at great length, then suggested my son meet the different soldiers around town, etc, etc, etc…
Through these events, we met the Iroquois with whom Lafayette had formed an alliance, we met William Lee, we learned about James Armistead who served as a spy, ultimately gaining his freedom from slavery, and my son learned how to build earthworks.
DECEMBER – CHRISTMASTIDE
In December we love Colonial Williamsburg’s version of Christmas, which is a bit unique from the past and the present, called Colonial Revival.
While every effort was made in the 1930s to restore Williamsburg to its former 18th century story, residents who still lived in town continued modern Christmas methods.
Since Christmas in the 18th century was mostly a religious event, festivities did not begin until the day after, known as the Twelve Days of Christmas, ending in Twelfth Night.
Creatively, the historic team of Colonial Williamsburg found a bridge for the guests and the long time residents who wanted to display Christmas outside their homes, resulting in a blend of history and modern.
Using natural elements only for outdoor decor, traditional music, Subscription Balls, Fife and Drum Corps Lighting parades, Grand Illumination, and more, Colonial Williamsburg began new traditions reflecting the old.
One electrical element, though, snuck through in this genius compromise, candles in the windows.
Since candles in the windows are historically found in documentation, electric candles were obviously deemed safer.
As a result, many of the elements have become modern fashion throughout America.
When I first discovered this, I emailed my mom to tell her that the electric candles in our Texas home were inspired by Colonial Williamsburg!
All the various stories of this lovely blend of which my kids and I partook I’ve written on my blog.
STREET THEATER
Colonial Williamsburg used to have an incredible three-day street theater immersion program that we first experienced in 2008, while on vacation from Texas.
Wanting to make the most of the trip, I purposely planned it around their 3 day cycle.
Mondays offered vignettes of 1775-1793 Williamsburg citizens, like Gowan Pamphlet, pastor of a black Baptist Church, who learned to read at the Bray School, ultimately gaining his freedom.
The next day we learned a lot about Williamsburg’s experiences preceding the American Revolution, from 1774 to 1776, all instrumental to our country’s history, little of which I ever knew happened here.
We met Colonial Washington in 1774, who explained how Boston’s problem with Britain invading their homes would soon become Virginia’s problem.
Then we watched crowds gather as the royal governor arrives at the capitol, angry with the burgesses protests over the closing of Boston Harbor and the British Parliament’s new tax on tea in 1774.
Suddenly, it’s 1775, when a horseman speeds through town announcing that shots have been fired at Lexington and Concord!
In 1776, Virginia is the first of the thirteen colonies to declare independence from Great Britain.
On the following day, we watched the stories of Williamsburg during the American Revolution, 1776-1781.
Beginning with the reading of the Declaration of Independence, street theater scenes tell stories of local citizens during the war.
Suddenly, the turncoat Benedict Arnold arrives in Williamsburg…as he truly did in April 1781.
Who knew? I didn’t until this scene, despite reading books about him.
In September 1781, victory is ensured as General Washington arrives in town to reconnect with General Lafayette before the siege on Yorktown effectively ends the war in October 1781.
MEETING FOUNDING FATHERS
Throughout town are opportunities to meet the Founding Fathers: Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Lafayette, and more.
My favorite day at the street theater was as I was walking down the Duke of Gloucester Street to the Capitol for the opening of the burgesses facing Lord Dunmore.
Falling in step beside me, the Founding Fathers fussed about the taxes imposed by Britain without consent by the burgesses, breaking from English Civil Law.
Surrounded by history…walking with history…while hearing history…of these great men who stood up to tyranny, ultimately paving the way to a republic.
TOURING THE BUILDINGS
Another favorite venue is the visiting of all the different trades: apothecary, blacksmith, brickmaker, cabinetmaker, carpenter, wigmaker, cooper, kitchens with busy cooks, gunsmith, foundry, gardener, wheelwright, milliner, printer, binder, shoemaker, silversmith, tailor, weaver…did I forget one?
While the tradespeople work with their hands, their designated speaker answers questions and explains the process of their trade, all of which is a marvel to behold.
One of my favorite days at the Governor’s Palace kitchen was chocolate making day, from bean to deliciousness, which takes all day…while learning the history.
Likewise, there are many insightful house tours, revealing the curtain of their 18th century tenants, from tradesmen to statesmen to formed a country.
One of my favorite house tours was at the Peyton Randolph House, where I learned Peyton Randolph led the Continental Congress, until he passed.
Of the many taverns I’ve eaten a variety of food, while at others I’ve danced, listened to musical ensembles, watched theater, and visited all the rooms to see where people worked and slept, and how much it cost to stay there.
CAN’T SEE IT ALL IN A DAY
There were so many programs to see and buildings to tour, that I purposely planned our Texas trips for three full days.
Making the most of our time, we saw a lot, but we never saw it all.
However, we saw, experienced, and learned so much while making lots of new friends along the way.
Now my kids are married with babies of their own, for whom they’ve commissioned me to sew historic attire…for my grandchildren and daughter-in-love.
Stay tuned for a new generation of 18th century family memories…
For more photos of our Colonial Williamsburg Time Travels, check my Flickr set.
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Jennie May 29, 2009 at 7:09PM-Thanks so much for sharing in such detail, excitement and photography. Our family just booked reservations today to visit in August. We, too, used the electronic field trips this school year and are hungry to attend a physical field trip there. You are so blessed to be living so close to them. I enjoyed your story of Williamsburg. Thanks again for sharing. –Drummer’s Call 2009
4sweetums July 2, 2009 at 2:32 AM-Wow! What a wealth of information. I might have to read that again. I never knew that about the potato. Hmmm, good stuff to store away for when we get to colonial history or middle ages history which we start in a few weeks. My kids love to try foods from different time periods and places. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. It is like our own personal virtual field trip. Blessings, Dawn –Arrested at Under the Redcoat 2009
Driftingfocus July 2, 2009 at 2:55 AM-As someone who has been reenacting for almost 14 years (from age 12), and who has attended Under The Redcoat, it is really fascinating to read your two entries about your experiences. Reenactors rarely get feedback from observers, so it’s really great to read that you had a good experience! – Kelsey –Arrested at Under the Redcoat 2009
gnjlopez July 4, 2009 at 7:22 AM-What a load of information! Thanks for sharing this.
Blessings, JEN –Arrested at Under the Redcoat 2009
Pam July 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM-Fascinating experience Laurie! I love how history comes alive at CW!
Blessings, Pam –Arrested at Under the Redcoat 2009
Dana @ School For Us July 8, 2009 at 4:07 AM –What an amazing way to celebrate the 4th! And, I just love reading about your experiences at CW. One of these days, I hope to go there! In fact, I’d love to go there in September for the homeschool days. We’ll see! -Dana, www.alexml.blogspot.com –Pomp, Parade, and Illumiations: Independence Day at Colonial Williamsburg
Kellie July 8, 2009 at 9:41 AM – I always enjoy your pics of CW. We are starting a two-year study of American History this school year, and I hope we can make it there at some point during our studies. I may have to e-mail you and ask for some travel tips! =) -www.thepiratemom.com –Pomp, Parade, and Illumiations: Independence Day at Colonial Williamsburg
Pam July 12, 2009 at 6:08 PM-What a lovely day! Loved the archaeological dig. That sounds fascinating. I can’t wait to scroll up and read the rest!-Blessings, Pam –Pomp, Parade, and Illumiations: Independence Day at Colonial Williamsburg
kb January 5, 2010 at 6:22 AM-Hi – I was reading your comments about your trip to CW with your family. We have always loved going there and went there for our honeymoon almost 30 years ago! We try to get back at least every few years.
Oh – and for the record – I am glad I was able to provide you with some light entertainment while we were there. I was the person bidding on the Auction Bell that you mentioned. I didn’t win it – but at least I provided you with a fun memory! –Pomp, Parade, and Illumiations: Independence Day at Colonial Williamsburg
Stephanie March 8, 2011 at 4:22 AM –First I have to say that you have beautiful website! I love reading your articles and entries (especially the ones with sewing ) I found it while looking for scrapbooking ideas for Colonial Williamsburg. What I found instead was a website that I throughly enjoy!
Second, and the reason I have posted on this entry, On October 15, I “treated” my 11 year niece and her mother to a trip to one of my most favorite places to visit, Colonial Williamsburg. I throughly LOVE it there and am quickly captivated by everything. After a trip to the millinery shop to see what they were working on, we made our way down to the encampment and my niece had the chance to play several of the children’s colonial games. We walked down Botetourt street to wait for the Bits and Bridle tour (which was very interesting with the all of the Prelude to Victory action!). We stopped at the waiting area to find a very nice family enjoying their lunch. I so impressed that the children (a boy and a girl) were teenagers and not “bored” as my 14 year niece, who was also along, but that they also had beautiful colonial costumes on. I so wanted to comment on them, but did not want to interupt their lunch. They had left to go on their way chatting about their next stops, and we waited for our tour.
While going through your site, in this very small world, I am almost 100% sure that it was your family!
Thank you for sharing this blog and I am sure that I will continute to follow it! –My son as Lafayette, runs into Lafayette at Prelude to Victory 2009
Jennifer December 19, 2009 at 6:08 PM – Laurie-You have the most incredible experiences in Williamsburg. I lived there for four years and never had any discussions like this! I want to tag along with you when I go to the Burg next –Christmastide at Colonial Williamsburg 2009
ontariomom May 7, 2010 at 4:52 AM -My parents took us there when we were kids. Your photo’s brought back a lot of memories. I love your blog it’s so pretty and has a refreshing feeling about it. As a Canadian I love to read about your history. It’s more exciting than my own sometimes. We are still very british over here. –Thomas Jefferson debates Patrick Henry, and more at Colonial Williamsburg, 2010
Radford Polinsky, Under the Redcoat Event Manager July 21, 2010, email – Dear Laurie, The Head Cook for the Provost Guard Officer’s Mess at Under the Redcoat found your blog and shared it with me. It was great fun to read! Do you have more photos of UTR? Thank you for your wonderful report! Cheers! –Becoming Dragoons at Under the Redcoat, 2010
Ross Miller July 23, 2010 at 6:44 PM –I’m the red-faced Redcoat at right foreground in your 5th picture. It’s wonderful to see how much you appreciated the experience, thank you for the feedback! I hope your children/students do have life-changing memories of their visit. It makes the time and expensive of traveling all the way from California and the “adventure” of braving heatstroke all worthwhile!
Since I am “on duty” all during the event, I don’t get to see it, so your journal is that much more appreciated. I wondered what Tarleton looked like! I never saw him even while standing 20 feet in front of him–my duty was to watch for troublesome rebels in the crowd.
God Save the King! –Becoming Dragoons at Under the Redcoat, 2010
Wild Iris September 24, 2010 at 9:05 AM – We have a living history day at a park near by at Ft. Roxx, at one time a Russian outpost. Great photos! You’ve been awarded the One Lovely Blog award. Enjoy!
http://homeschool-reviews-and-resources.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-lovely-blog-award.html –Thomas Jefferson notes my son’s fine cravat, 2010
Rebecca September 26, 2010 at 6:34 PM – I always enjoy your CW posts because your descriptions are so vivid and well-written that it almost makes me feel like I’m there (and we alll know what a nice feeling that is!). Jane Austen would have called them “light, bright, and sparkling.” I love the story of TJ/BB and the cravat – and what great pictures to capture the moment! And the newest costume update photo is most lovely indeed. And congrats on the blog award, too! Huzzah!!! –Thomas Jefferson notes my son’s fine cravat, 2010
Rebecca – Oooooo, just look at that gorgeous sage green gown! I bet you must have been sighing over that! And I bet the little girl he was showing it to was, too! I’ve never been in there when they were talking about children’s clothing (other than the pudding cap). Definitely something to put on my list to inquire about on a future visit! –Little girls gowns at the Milliners, 2011
Rebecca March 21, 2011 at 6:07 PM – Awww, we’re so very thankful for the friendship of your family, too, and so grateful for the chance to spend time with you all last weekend! Next time we’ll get “the dads” back together, too. We all know how much they like to talk! Who could have guessed what I’d find when I gathered up the courage to say “hi” that day last summer! I’m so glad I did! –Teacups in a Palace Garden with Fashionable Frolicks, 2011
Lucy March 22, 2011 at 3:41 AM – You all look wonderful, thanks for sharing the photo. Laurie, I am amazed you “whipped up” an entire outfit in a week! We all learn as we go along when it comes to sewing historic costume. I too am self-taught and the more I learn, the more I find how much there is STILL to learn! I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to attend the costume symposium at CW. –Teacups in a Palace Garden with Fashionable Frolicks, 2011
Ashley March 22, 2011 at 9:01 AM – Ditto to what Rebecca said! We are so blessed to have your friendship as well and we always have a fun time “frolicking” with you all! It was such a treat to see you all last weekend and to have the opportunity to celebrate Miss C’s special day. –Teacups in a Palace Garden with Fashionable Frolicks, 2011
Stephanie March 30, 2011 at 4:24 AM Laurie, I looks like you had such an amazing day in costume! I need to tell you how much a thoroughly enjoy your postings and your pictures. You truly inspire me to always keep learning! You also make me want to visit CW even more then I do. There is so much to see and do there. Then to meet up with so many wonderful and interesting characters (that really do make history come alive) is a definite big PLUS! Thanks again, Stephanie :o) –Teacups in a Palace Garden with Fashionable Frolicks, 2011
Rebecca, March 31, 2011 at 7:32 PM – This sounds like so much fun!!! I never knew they offered these demonstrations and hands-on opportunities. Fingers crossed they keep them up until the summer so I can try it, too! It’s such a fascinating instrument. –A weekend of events leading to my son’s EFT shoot as aide-de-camp for General Jackson in War of 1812, 2011
Abby Cadabby, March 31, 2011 at 7:41 PM – I never heard of an armonica before sounds pretty cool! –A weekend of events leading to my son’s EFT shoot as aide-de-camp for General Jackson in War of 1812, 2011
Ashley, April 5, 2011 at 4:54 AM – Wow, you packed a lot of fun into one weekend! I love your strolling in the garden pictures! I hope we get a chance to enjoy some of the flowers there this weekend. –A weekend of events leading to my son’s EFT shoot as aide-de-camp for General Jackson in War of 1812, 2011
Rebecca, April 3, 2011 at 6:50 PM – *sigh* Hats. *sigh* You can never have too many of those! Most women ooogle over shoe obsessions, but I ooogle over hats (mostly because everything hurts my feet, so hats make me happier!). I love the pleated edging on the first hat, and that color would look fabulous with Miss C’s lavendar ensemble! And I just looooove that cake hat…want one badly…if only I had an outfit to go with it! –Milliner offering spring season hats for ladies, 2011
Anonymous: July 2, 2013 at 9:36 PM – On behalf of the Hessian Regiment von Huyn and our friends the von Bose Regiment we thank you for your kind comments and for joining in our 18th century camp life at Under the Redcoat! Hope you can join us again next year.
Sincerely,
Ben Williams, Kapt’n
regiment von Huyn
See our Facebook also or email us at: regtvonhuyn@yahoo.com –Dancing with the Hessians at Under the Redcoat, 2013
Kirk D. Lyons: July 2, 2013 at 9:38 PM – What a wonderful complement – Thank you on behalf of the men and women of Regt von Huyn and Regiment von Bose. Hopefully see you next year.
Kirk D. Lyons
Regt von Bose
Tanzmeister –Dancing with the Hessians at Under the Redcoat, 2013
MrsSM: July 2, 2013 at 10:59 PM – The Virginia Reel is so much fun–what a great place to do it.:) –Dancing with the Hessians at Under the Redcoat, 2013
ZipZip: July 11, 2013 at 1:13 PM – How neat: the pictures clearly show how much everyone enjoyed the dancing under the skies. Perfect. Very best, Natalie –Dancing with the Hessians at Under the Redcoat, 2013
Jessica Greyson – November 21, 2013 at 5:53 PM – Oh, thank you for posting pictures! It was so fun to see them stitching it in September and we wished we could attend it’s opening (but we live too far away). Thanks for sharing the thrills! –Touring George Washington’s Campaign Tent aka First Oval Office after months of watching the CW Tailors historically sew it, 2013
