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What's New: Black History Month
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Programs to highlight Black History Month

Colonial Williamsburg observes Black History Month with special programming on February 21, 22, and 23, 2003. As the new nation emerged prior to the American Revolution, many slaves and free blacks shared the Founding Fathers' passion for liberty. Presentations on the lives of 18th-century slaves and free blacks will include music, dance, culture, and a panel discussion of Colonial Williamsburg's modern interpretation of slave life. The contributions made by free and enslaved men and women to the American Revolutionary War will also be highlighted. Admission to the special program events is included in a general admission ticket to Colonial Williamsburg, but reservations are required.

The Rhode Island Regiment will be at the Magazine in the Historic Area Saturday, February 22. In addition to the special programming, artist James Hampton�s "Throne of the Third Heaven: A Millennial Treasure" is currently on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum and displayed at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Museum of American Folk Art.

Program overview
Juba "Stitching Culture" brings an 18th-century painting to life and looks at the lives of slaves and their clothing
remember me "Remember Me When Freedom Comes" is a performance about an African from Carter's Grove slave quarter who tells his story of life in Africa and slavery in Virginia.
Enslaved Revolutionaries in Cyberspace "Enslaved Revolutionaries in Cyberspace" examines the challenges of using state-of-the-art technology to tell the story of slavery.
Public History, Public Trust "Public History, Public Trust" looks at two of the most controversial African-American programs presented by Colonial Williamsburg and the public and media reactions to them.
Free and Enslaved Founding Fathers "Free and Enslaved Founding Fathers" looks at the contradiction between freedom and slavery among early patriots, African-American soldiers, and women camp followers.
White goes first "White Goes First" explores the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his manservant Jupiter.
Forgotten Freedom Fighters "Brothers in Arms: the Forgotten Freedom Fighters of the American Revolutionary Era" tells the heroic stories of African-American soldiers and women camp followers.
Williamsburg in black and white "18th-century Williamsburg in Black and White" introduces samples of interpretation of the private and public lives of free blacks and slaves.
A Day in the Life "A Day in the Life" is presented by junior performers and provides interactive interpretations designed to encourage participation by youth and family audiences.
How Sweet the Sound "How Sweet the Sound" presents African-American music with roots in the 18th-century that influenced work songs, spirituals, and contemporary sounds.
Give me Liberty "Brothers in Arms: Give Me Liberty" presents an overview of the history of the contributions of African Americans in the American Revolutionary War.
Slavery & Salvation "Slavery and Salvation: African-American Religion in Colonial Virginia" looks at the role of religion from the perspective of people of the past as they comment on the institution of colonial slavery and the Negro preachers who emerged in Williamsburg


Volunteer opportunities

Would you like to enhance your knowledge of African-American culture and heritage and help teach others about the contributions made by early slaves and free blacks in the founding of America? Volunteer opportunities exist for participation in Colonial Williamsburg's "Brothers in Arms" program as an interpreter of the American Revolutionary War.

African-American male volunteers will form two historical African-American military regiments. Applicants must be physically able to perform 18th-century military drills and firing and must attend required history training sessions and pass military training requirements. Recruitment will take place at the Williamsburg Lodge during the Black History programs February 22 and 23.

Admission to Colonial Williamsburg

  • A General Admission ticket valid for one day is $37 for adults, $18.50 for youth six-14 and free for children under six.
  • Guests may add a consecutive day to the General Admission ticket for $3 for adults and $1.50 per youth per day.
  • The yearlong Freedom Pass is $49 for adults, $24.50 for youth six-14, and free for children under six. The Freedom Pass includes a 50 percent discount on evening programs.
  • A "Patriot�s Plan" package is available to guests who wish to spend the weekend at Colonial Williamsburg. The package is $97 per person per night double occupancy and requires a minimum two-night stay at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites and includes a full breakfast and admission tickets.
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