Taking the Kids: Colonial Williamsburg in The Fall
Historic Jamestowne is the site of America's first permanent English settlement -- and the place to see a live archaeological dig and museum. The Jamestown Settlement nearby has outdoor re-creations of the three ships that sailed to Virginia in 1607, the colonial fort and a Powhatan Indian Village.
Laura Ann James, 8, here from Alabama, was ready to move right into the Powhatan Village. "Life was so simple then," she explained. Julianne Simmons learned just how young Pocahontas was when she saved John Smith -- no older than 12. "My age!' she said.
Visit Yorktown Battlefield, site of the last major battle of the American Revolution and Yorktown Victory Center, which chronicles that era through a living-history Continental Army camp and farm. Come for Thanksgiving and learn about how food was prepared by the Powhatan Indians and first settlers; See what soldiers ate -- and how food got from farm to table in those days.
In the afternoon at Colonial Williamsburg, kids and adults gather for street theater at its best. Costumed Williamsburg "locals" accuse a shopkeeper of "hoarding" salt when they are going without, Redcoat Benedict Arnold tries to convince townspeople that the Continental Army is finished and slaves argue whether they could trust Britain's offer to set them free, if they follow the troops.
Did you know that in 1775 more than half of Williamsburg's population was of African descent, most of them slaves? This is a great place to hear their stories. Like the story of Kate and Eve, who perform during the "Revolutionary City" experience, their friendship frayed because of their differing views on seeking freedom by fighting for the British.
"Even if it is a little over the kids' head, said Casey Simmons, whose kids are 8, 10 and 11, "I hope it will get them excited about learning history."
She doesn't need to worry. "Now I get to see what was in my books at school," said Julianne. "I like it all!"
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