The “Becoming Americans” Theme and Objectives For High School Study Visits

Since 1996, the theme at Colonial Williamsburg has been “Becoming Americans.” This theme is composed of storylines that present Williamsburg’s colonial history to our guests with consistent yet multifaceted interpretations.

Following is a listing of the individual storylines and the major components included in a curriculum to prepare students to make full use of the dynamic and engaging theme of “Becoming Americans.”

“Becoming Americans” Storylines for High School Study Visits

	Choosing Revolution traces the development of the new nation by exploring the complex decisions every Virginian faced – continued loyalty to the crown or separation.
	Enslaving the Colonies is critical for an understanding of colonial Virginia society. The institution of enslaving African Virginians permeated all aspects of life in the colony.
	Redefining American Families explores the effects of changes in society between black, white, and Native American families that resulted in the development of a new American family.
	Buying Respectability describes the “smartening up” of a wardrobe, enlarging one’s house, and learning to take tea in a fashionable manner. The consumer revolution helped transform people’s lives, technology, and commerce.
	Freeing Religion surveys the powerful influence of the evangelical movement, dissenting sects, and profound social changes that moved Virginians from a state church to the Statute for Religious Freedom.
	Taking Possession of the Land examines the quest for land ownership and its effect upon Virginians. For white Virginians it could mean wealth and upward mobility. To Native Americans it meant displacement and loss of their homes. For African Americans it could mean the uprooting of families as masters gained more land and moved west.

“Becoming Americans” High School Study Visit Objectives

Colonial Williamsburg’s “Becoming Americans” Study Visits are designed to address curriculum standards relating to a broad range of both general and specific disciplines.

Objective 1: Examine current issues in comparison to the 18th century involving the rights, roles, and status of the individual in relation to the general welfare.

Objective 2: Discuss ways that society provides for needs and wants of citizens, controls territory, and maintains order and security.

Objective 3: Examine the value of cultural diversity, as well as cohesion, within and across groups.

Objective 4: Analyze the influence of the church on people, events, and elements of culture in both historical and contemporary settings.