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Children's Activities
At the James Geddy House in Colonial Williamsburg, youth interpreters frequently re-create different aspects of the life of colonial children, including education, music, dance, play, and daily chores. They bring the 18th century to life by dressing in period clothing and demonstrating typical activities of children of that period.
Education was widely accessible to those who could afford it, so youth interpreters frequently depict educational activities such as writing with quill pens or practicing letters on slate boards.
Sewing was an important part of a young lady's education, so girls sit by the window and mend clothing or perhaps make doll clothes.
There also was plenty of leisure time for children in an upper-middling home like the Geddys'. Since toys and games were readily available in Virginia stores, young interpreters also play board games, puzzles, and cards. Outside they engage visitors in activities such as rolling hoops, walking on stilts, or a game of ninepins.
Many of our games today have changed very little over the centuries, and these activities give visitors a sense of how old some of today's pastimes are.
Multimedia and related links
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Podcasts
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Smallpox and the Covenant
America's smallpox eradication has its roots in 18th-century Boston. July 13, 2009
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In Their Own Words
Old sources give fresh voice to slavery's story. Manager of African American programs Tricia Brooks explains how we know what we know. May 18, 2009
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Swordmaking in the 18th Century
Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009
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African American Programs at 30
African American programming adapts through the decades. Harvey Bakari outlines the goals of interpreting Williamsburg's enslaved population. February 2, 2009
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The Native Tongue
Native tribes and colonizers began a dialogue without a word in common. Buck Woodard describes the early exchanges. January 19, 2009
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The Chiefdom of Powhatan
Stratified social organization, strategic alliance, and lineage leadership were hallmarks of Powhatan's rule over southeastern tribes. Buck Woodard describes the society that existed before first contact. January 12, 2009
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