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Children's Activities

Children Playing

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.

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