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Pre-Visit Questions

Students can think about the following situations and questions before and during their visit to Colonial Williamsburg:Group of students near Governor's Palace

  • Pretend you are a colonist in Williamsburg before the American Revolution. Who are you? What will you see? What will you do here?


  • Perhaps you are a farmer bringing vegetables to sell at the market. Have you ever seen such a town? What do you think of the wide streets? What do you think of the fine houses, public buildings, and formal gardens? Will you enjoy shopping in the stores filled with things from all over the world? Have you ever seen so many people in one place?


  • Maybe you are a farmer's wife coming to town to sell butter and eggs. Do you notice how the other women are dressed? Many wear clothes like yours, but who are the ladies in beautiful gowns?


  • Perhaps you are here to attend a session of the House of Burgesses. What does that say about you? Will you meet George Washington, Patrick Henry, or Thomas Jefferson? Where will you stay while you are in Williamsburg?


  • Maybe you are a new student at the College of William and Mary. What will you study? Will you ask Mr. George Wythe to teach you the law?


    • Students watching slave interpreter grind
  • Perhaps you have come to Williamsburg to be an apprentice. What trade will you learn? What else will you study? Where will you live? Who will feed you?

  • Maybe you are a widow. How will you support yourself and your children? Will you become a tavern keeper? If your husband was a master tradesman, will you run his shop?

  • Perhaps you are a slave. Have you traveled to Williamsburg with your owner? Or are you one of the many slaves who live and work in this town? What do you do?
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