Williamsburg, Virginia, offers many Black History experiences covering more than 400 years, where visitors can go to honor the Black experience in this country.
Visit Williamsburg Now… And Later
Key sites include the Historic First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, founded in 1776, which stands as one of America’s oldest Black congregations. The church features the iconic Freedom Bell, rung by President Obama in 2016. Visitors can tour the church, explore its rich history and experience its ongoing role in the community.
The Williamsburg Bray School, a joint initiative of William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg, preserves one of America’s earliest schools for Black children. Relocated to the Historic Area in Feb. 2023, it’s now the 89th original structure restored by the foundation. The project, supported by a $5-million Mellon Foundation grant, is a focal point for research on race, religion and education in early America.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers an immersive journey through America’s fight for independence. Recommend this destination for history enthusiasts, featuring indoor galleries with artifacts, films and interactive exhibits. Outdoor living-history areas include a Continental Army encampment and 1780s farm. The museum provides year-round programming, including special events and hands-on activities, making it a versatile option for itineraries focused on early American history.
Jamestown Settlement features immersive displays and a special Black Artist Showcase during February. The month-long commemoration concludes on Feb. 22 with “After Angelo,” an event honoring one of Jamestown’s first African women. The Settlement, a living history museum, offers immersive experiences showcasing early 17th-century Virginia. Visitors can explore recreations of the 1607 fort, a Powhatan village, and replica ships. The museum features year-round exhibits and programs. For February 2025, the site offers daily tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, providing travel advisors with diverse options for client itineraries.
For a more recent historical perspective, recommend a visit to The Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved at William & Mary. This memorial honors individuals who built and maintained the college for nearly 170 years. This brick structure, resembling a fireplace, features 198 engraved granite blocks with known names and over 400 unengraved stones representing unnamed individuals. Located on the Historic Campus, it incorporates bricks from an 18th-century drain likely made by enslaved people. The memorial, completed in early 2022, offers visitors a powerful space for reflection on this often-overlooked history.
For more information, visit visitwilliamsburg.com.
