Experience Virginia in the seventeenth century as you visit Jamestown Settlement. Here, you can discover the cultures of West Central Africans, English colonists, and Powhatan Indians by first viewing an introductory film and looking at museum exhibits.
Experience Virginia in the seventeenth century as you visit Jamestown Settlement. Here, you can discover the cultures of West Central Africans, English colonists, and Powhatan Indians by first viewing an introductory film and looking at museum exhibits.
Take a ride on a full-sized model of one of the three ships that left England in 1607. You can experience daily life in Jamestown as costumed interpreters portray early times.
This immersive museum depicts the emergence of America in dramatic detail, demonstrating the collision of several civilizations that helped to form the new country.
Highlights
• Experience life in the 17th century in Virginia at Jamestown Settlement, where life-like exhibits, movies, and daily life of the original colony are recreated.
• Discover the rich history of the Powhatan Indians, who lived in prosperity in Virginia prior to the arrival of European settlers, by exploring interactive displays and treasures.
• Take in live demonstrations of early colonial life by costumed interpreters as you stroll through life-size replications of Paspahegh Town and a 1610–14 fort.
• Imagine crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 1607 as you board replicas of the ships that carried the first English settlers.
• Engage in interactive exercises and witness exhibits that vividly depict daily life in early America throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
How To Reach
- By Car: The activity location is approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) from the Williamsburg city centre. It will take about 15 minutes via US-60 W or Jamestown Road (VA-31 S).
- By Bus: Take a bus to the Williamsburg Transportation Center. From the Transportation Center, which is about 8 km (5 miles) away from the Jamestown Settlement, you can reach the activity location by taking a taxi or rideshare service, which should take around 15 minutes.
- By Train/Metro: Take a train to the Williamsburg Amtrak Station, which is about 11 km (7 miles) from the Jamestown Settlement. From the Amtrak Station, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to reach the activity location in approximately 15 minutes.
Best Time To Visit
Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg is a year-round destination, offering engaging experiences no matter when you visit. Best Season: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal, with mild temperatures and pleasant weather. Expect comfortable temperatures between 50-75°F (10-24°C) and fewer crowds. Best Day of the Week: Weekdays are preferable, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Visiting on these days avoids the weekend rush, providing a quieter experience. Best Time of the Day: Arriving right when the settlement opens at 9 AM is best. Early mornings mean fewer visitors, allowing you to explore the attractions in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Other Essential Information
- Dress kids in comfortable shoes, and sun hats, and apply sunscreen for outdoor exploration.
- Visit indoor museum exhibits during peak heat or rain for a cool retreat.
- Have a hearty breakfast before arriving to keep kids energized longer.
- Carry water bottles; it’s convenient and helps stay hydrated throughout your visit.
- Encourage kids to ask reenactors questions for a more engaging experience.
- Note that food and drinks are not allowed inside thus use Jamestown Café or nearby options.
- Shop for snacks that are available at the museum shop if needed during your visit.
Enhance your experience through historical interpreters
Historical guides at Jamestown Settlement will make your visit more interesting by bringing the past to life. Watch as they show you how to hunt, fish, and gather food in the usual way in Paspahegh Town. Learn how to make pots and how to work with animal skins. Watch the live examples of how to build dugout canoes and clothes out of feathers. At James Fort, interpreters craft wood and leather products with tools from the 17th century.
Explore the indoor galleries
You can learn a lot about colonial life in the halls inside Jamestown Settlement. There are more than 500 items on show, such as furniture, toys, and a map of Virginia made by Captain John Smith in 1612. Check out the tribute to Pocahontas, which includes a German ceramic jug that Queen Anne is said to have given to her. Explore the military exhibit to find a rare jack of plates. This is an iron-plated vest made to protect residents from arrows, similar to a modern bulletproof vest. The exhibit called "Africa to Virginia" shows how hard life was for Africans in the settlement and how rich their culture was.
Enjoy a film screening at Jamestown Settlement
Watching films at Jamestown Settlement will help you learn more about its past and importance. Start with 1607: A Nation Takes Root, which is shown in the museum theatre every half hour. This movie tells the whole story of how Jamestown came to be and its early years. Next, watch Bacon's Rebellion, which comes on every 20 minutes. This 4-D, multisensory experience brings the armed uprising against the governor in 1676 to life and gives your visit more meaning.
Experience the annual Military Through the Ages event
At Jamestown Settlement's yearly Military Through the Ages event, hundreds of re-enactors show off military gear, weapons, and tactics from 500 B.C.E. to the present day. Watch the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter fly over, and examples of how to fire artillery. Make sure you don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate 40 years of military history in March.
