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March 13, 2006

CW's Religion History Month explores faith of our Founding Fathers

April is Religion History Month and during Colonial Williamsburg’s special programs guests can learn about the role of religion in the 18th-century capital of Virginia.

Programs that will be held 10 a.m. at the Kimball Theatre in Merchants Square include:

  • “God is My Rock,” (April 4 and 25). Gowan Pamphlet, an 18th-century slave known locally as a popular preacher and religious leader, offers his perspective on slavery, religion and freedom.
  • “Jefferson and Henry Discuss the Separation Between Church and State,” (April 6 and 27). Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry present their respective bills concerning religion before the Virginia legislature in 1784 to the public.
  • “Faith of a Founding Father,” (April 15, 22 and 29). See Patrick Henry or Thomas Jefferson discuss how religion affects daily colonial life.

    A Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket is needed to attend programs at the Kimball Theatre. Reservations are required and can be made at any Colonial Williamsburg ticket outlet or by calling the theater at (757) 565-8588.

    The Visiting Scholar Lecture Series will be held 2 p.m. at the Wren Chapel at the College of William and Mary. Programs include:

  • April 5, “A Biblical Primer for the Good Citizen: Micah 6:8 in the Literature of the American Founding,” Daniel L. Dreisbach, Professor, American University;
  • April 12, “Citizen-Saints and Criminal Sinners: Religion in the Making of America’s First Prisons,” Jennifer Graber, Ph. D. Candidate, Duke University;
  • April 19, “The Religion of the Founding Fathers,” David L. Holmes, Professor, The College of William and Mary; and
  • April 26, “Faith and Reason: The Scottish Enlightenment Curriculum in Rhetoric and Moral Philosophy,” C. Jan Swearingen, Professor, Texas A&M University.

    No admission tickets or reservations are required to attend programs at the Wren Building.

    Funding for Religion History Month programming is provided by the generous support of Kathy and F.G. Summitt of Williamsburg, Va.

    Media Contact:
    Penna Rogers
    (757) 220-7121



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