Make History Come Alive In Historic Colonial Williamsburg!
As homeschool graduates who've traveled to all 50 states, we love living history museums and Williamsburg is our favorite! We bought the Patriot's Pass one year and went several times. One Christmas our grandparents gave us these Colonial dresses and matching doll dresses made by a local lady who fashioned them from a picture in our Felicity book. We wore them for years, letting out the growth pleats at the bottom as we grew. After outgrowing them we bought an apron at Williamsburg to wear over a skirt and blouse from a thrift shop. When you play the things you learn about, you remember it better. Real life learning is so much fun!
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New Table of Contents
- We are proud to say that we are now a Giant Squid!
- Make it REAL!
- Home Educator Experience September 6 thru 19, 2008
- More Great Links
- Food & Feasts of Colonial Virginia / Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center
- Great Books
- Tips from others who've been to Colonial Williamsburg
- FELICITY
- Felicity Products
- Colonial Costumes for Girls and Women
- Colonial Costumes for Boys
- Colonial Costumes for Boys
- Williamsburg Websites
- Places To Stay
- Campgrounds in the Area
- Book your trip to Williamsburg, Quick and Easy Here
- A Google Map will make it easy for you to get there!
- While You Are In The Area
- Jamestown and Yorktown Settlements
- Project Idea and Referral Link
- THANKSGIVING RESOURCES
- Reader Feedback
- Homeschool Writers
- Math
- New Text / Write module
Make it REAL!
Go to the places you read about, pretending to be the characters or talking about it. "This is where..."
Have the children copy quotes or information from the books you read together onto note cards and take them with you.
When you arrive at the Visitor's Center, get the Daily Newspaper, and be prepared to live like it is actually THAT DAY in history.
Read the Daily Newspaper and mark all the events your family will enjoy participating in.
Participate in all outside activities.
When you go inside a building, LISTEN to the conversations. The tour guides dressed in costume will TALK like it is that day in history. It is so much fun to LINGER and LISTEN and LEARN!
Go to the Bakery at snack time and the Tavern restaurants at lunch or dinner. Prepare your children ahead of time to try something different.
Spend some time in the common green area and choose a special, comfortable place there to meet if you decide to go separate ways for a little while.
Dressing the part is fun for the children or the whole family. You won't be the only ones! Here are some ideas:
For females: colonial dresses, aprons, blouses and skirts from the thrift shop with an apron, bonnets or just a doily for heads, comfortable walking shoes
For Males: knickers or make knickers from old pants, blouses or shirts from a thrift shop and of course a three cornered hat, comfortable walking shoes
( you can buy 3 cornered hats and bonnets and aprons as souvenirs in Williamsburg) Everyone NEEDS these in their dress up closet at home, anyway. See more ideas below in tip #13.
Here's my favorite link:
More Great Links
to help you plan your trip
- Private Williamsburg walking tours of Colonial Williamsburg VA & Jamestown Virginia tours, Williamsburg VA, Williamsburg travel, Williamsburg Hotels, busch bush gardens
- Private walking tours of Colonial Williamsburg Virginia. Visit Jamestown VA and hear the true story of Pocahontas and Chief Powhatan. Near Bush Gardens and golf in Kingsmill.
- Colonial Williamsburg VA Money-Saving Secrets? We've Got 'Em!
- Colonial Williamsburg VA Vacation? Shhh! We Have the Secrets to Making Your Visit Cheap and Fun!
Food & Feasts of Colonial Virginia / Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center
State Route 31 South/Route 1020 in Yorktown, Williamsburg, VA 23185
this three-day event beginning on Thanksgiving Day.
At Jamestown Settlement, learn how food was gathered, preserved and
prepared on land and at sea by Virginia's English colonists and Powhatan
Indians.
At the Yorktown Victory Center, learn about typical soldiers' fare
during the American Revolution and trace the bounty of a 1780s farm from
field to kitchen.
Accessibility: [Accessible (click for more)] [Assistive Listening
System (click for more)]
Date/Hours:
Thursday, November 27, 2008 - Saturday, November 29, 2008 (9:00 AM-5:00
PM)
Admission Fee: $17.75, $8.50 (6-12)
Children Welcome
Telephone:
Phone: (757) 253-4838
Toll-Free: (888) 593-4682
Fax: (757) 253-5299
Website:
www.historyisfun.org /www.historyisfun.org/>
Great Books
Start with these books before you go
Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg
Don't forget to use lots of sticky notes to mark your favorite places!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) 
If You Lived In Colonial Times (If You.)
*Ashley loved and studied this book so much as a little girl!
Once when Mom was disciplining her and asked "what should I do with you?", Ashley responded, "Dunk me?"
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
If You Lived At The Time Of The American Revolution (If You.)
Another great little book to take along in the car
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
The Thirteen Colonies (We the People)
Learn about all 13 original colonies
Amazon Price: $23.93 (as of 07/10/2009)
Boys And Girls Of Colonial Days
Wonderful little book to learn about Colonial children.
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Tips from others who've been to Colonial Williamsburg
taken and edited from discussion groups
for the walk
I recommend good walking shoes, a backpack with water bottles and
some packable snacks, and a lightweight folding stroller for the
littlest children or a baby sling or snugli!
There is so much to see and do. Take your time and don't worry if
you don't get to everything that seems interesting. You couldn't
possibly do it all, and you and the kids will enjoy and learn so
much more if you focus on where you are and what catches their
interest than if you focus on where you think you have to be nex...1 point
planning
Don't have to have a ticket to walk around outside. Passes are for entrance into the buildings and to talk to and interact with the people in them. You definitely want buy them, but if you first get there late in the day, you could just get a map/events guide and get yourself oriented. They publish a weekly pamplet of the activities for each day. Get one at the bus stops or visitor's centers. Look over it for when you might want to be in certain places. You can't do it all. Ask the people who wo...1 point
pretend
The costumed interpreters are very happy to talk to you, and they
will pretend that you really are in the 1700's and are just
strangers from out of town. Play along.1 point
places to go
Visit the craftspeople in their shops and ask lots of questions. My kids really enjoyed the printshop, book-binders' shop, the blacksmith, and the laundry at the Wythe House. Men and boys enjoy the gunsmith's and the magazine. See what interests your family.
Don't miss a tour of the Governor' Palace. We all enjoyed that.1 point
things to do
The parade through town with the fife and drum corp is fun.
There are special kid's activities at the Wythe House -- hoops, stilts, etc. for outdoor play in the garden and card games or dancing lessons in the parlor. It was worth the effort to get there at the right times.1 point
Felicity 's map of Williamsburg
If you have read any of the "American Girl" books about Felicity,
they are more or less set in Williamsburg, and you can get a little
map/guide to the places mentioned if you ask for it.1 point
saving money
If you buy anything in the stores in the historic area, you sometimes get a coupon for a percentage off at some of the other stores, like the ones at the visitor's center. Definitely ask for your educator's discount at the book store at the visitor's center if you plan to make any purchases. A souvenier of a quill pen and some ink was a good choice and lead to some actual fun during handwriting practice later.1 point
Homeschool Groups
The group ticket office is 1-800-228-8878.
If you are planning to go, check the days you are going arrange a temporary schedule to be fill in by special activities. Also, check out the Jamestown and Yorktown National Park for special arrangement for free admission for homeschooler.1 point
Things to not miss
The Capitol, theGovernors palace, the blacksmith (we still have nails!) someplace with the kitchen open and running (they alternate days)at least one house (the Geddy house and foundry is our favorite) the carperters yard (or wherever they are working) and if you're there at the right time, they sometimes have a military emcampment. Be sure to be available when the fife and drum corps comes down the street. If there happens to be a dig going on (real archeology!) don't miss it.?0 points
How many days?
I think you would be frustrated with 1 day. Almost everything closes at 5 pm, even during the summer. You could not even get to the big
stuff-the captiol, the Governors Palace, the larger houses, the courthouse, the magazine in a day.? And the beauty of being a homeschooler is to allow the children time to talk to whoever shows up---Thomas Jefferson?? George Washington?? A slave in the kitchen at one of the homes?? etc.? These interpreters frequently stay in character-my? son has never forgo...0 points
Linger, Listen and Learn!
Some of our best eductional field trips have been standing outside
of a house or shop in Williamsburg and letting our homeschoolers talk to the interpreters. Everyone is very positive when the children say they are homeschoolers. They all have something to share, and all
are willing to share it. Williamsburg with hs-ers is one of my favorite topics. This trip opened our children's eye to history, hard work, slavery, and the under-appreciated work involved in beginning a new country.0 points
Costumes
You can rent costumes for the kids by the day at the visitor's
center. Or wear your own. You can have them made, buy them new or put them together from thrift shops. Remember, costumes make great birthday presents!0 points
Ideas to make your own costumes
We just finished studying the Revolutionary War, and we made an outfit for my 9yo ds. We had an old pair of black jogging pants that he pulled up to the knees and he wore white soccer socks with his Sunday shoes. We found an old blouse with ruffles and added a vest I sewed from a large piece of felt. We also made a wig from the batting used for quilting - molding it to his head and gathering it in the back with his sisters black ribbon.0 points
Food
Food is very expensive in the historic area. A backpack of snacks and water bottles is a good idea. If you plan your day to be near the William and Mary College end of "town" at about lunch, there's a pizza place a block or two out of the historic area that isn't too high-priced.0 points
Books
When we got home, we found several children's books at our local library that were published by the Williamsburg foundation and included pictures of sites in the historic area. One was about the colonial milliner and another was on the everyday lives of a well-to-do family and a family of slaves in colonial times. Ask your librarian for books that would be good pre-views. It is also fun to see familiar places after you get home.0 points
FELICITY
The American Girl in Williamsburg
The six chapters per book are short and sweet to read aloud together to learn about history through fictional characters.
Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection
Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.Felicity Products
Great Gift Ideas For Birthdays or Christmas!
Play and learn! Oh, we had so much FUN playing and learning as we acted the parts to the Felicity plays and stories we read about!
"Felicity's Meet Accessories - Retired Version" for 18" American Girl Doll
This Felicity's Meet Accessories - Retired Version more...1 point
"Felicity's Party Treats" for 18" American Girl Doll
This Party Treats Set was made by the American Gir more...1 point
"Felicity's Chocolate Set" for 18" American Girl Doll
This Chocolate Set was made by the American Girl® more...1 point
American Girl Felicity's Colonel Williamsburg Tea Set for Child
Felicity's Tea set for the girl was made and sold more...1 point
Felicity's Tea Lesson for 18" American Girl Doll
This Tea Leason Set was made by the American Girl� more...1 point
American Girl Felicity 2002 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
Deck your tree with this beautiful ornament featur more...1 point
Felicity Merriman - 1774 - Scenes and Settings
Felicity's Scenes and Settings is a very large por more...1 point
Colonial Costumes for Girls and Women
You'll always be glad to have a Colonial costume in your dress up closet. We've enjoyed years of playing dress up with our friends and cousins. Our nieces love playing with them now. Generations of REAL LIFE LEARNING through wholesome play!
Colonial Girl Child, Medium
Get into the spirit of the holidays with this grea more...1 point
Child Colonial Girl Costume
<p>Up for sale is the Child Colonial more...1 point
COLONIAL LADY COSTUME
Dress & Bonnet made of Polypoplin. One siz more...1 point
Little Colonial Miss Child Costume
Costume includes blue dress with attached apron an more...1 point
Pilgrim Woman Costume (Adult Small)
Traditional looking pilgrim costume includes a nic more...1 point
Child's Prairie Colonial Girl Costume (Size: Small 4-6)
Our deluxe child Colonial girl outfit is the perfe more...1 point
Pilgrim Woman Costume (Adult Medium)
Traditional looking pilgrim costume includes a nic more...1 point
Colonial Girl Costume (Girl Small 4-6)
Colonial Girl Costume includes traditional dress, more...1 point
Colonial Girl Child Costume - Historic Costume / Classical Costume Child
Colonial Girl Child Costume includes a long brown more...1 point
Colonial Hoop Skirts Costume Accessories
Colonial Hoop Skirts Costume Accessories four rows more...1 point
Colonial Costumes for Boys
Boys love dramatic playing, too!
Pilgrim Colonial Boy Child Costume
Back when new colonies and new countries were bein more...1 point
Child Medium 8-10 for 5-7 Yrs - Original Captain Hook Costume (Gun and Hook not included)
Ahoy, Matey! This Captain Hook Costume is a tradit more...1 point
Duke Costume Wig with Bow - Brown
This wig is just right for any Colonial Man! Georg more...1 point
Deluxe Colonial Tricorn Hat
Lead the revolution in style. The tricorn hat was more...1 point
Child Size Medium 8-10 - Kids Patriot Costume -(RUNS VERY SMALL See Notes, does not include weapon)
This Patriotic costume makes a great soldier or Ge more...1 point
Colonial Boy Costume (Child Small 4-6)
Traditional Colonial looking boy's costume include more...1 point
CHILD Medium 8-10 - Captain Morgan Costume WITH Boot Tops!
Now one of our Best Selling Pirates is available i more...1 point
CHILD X-Large 12-14 - Captain Morgan Costume WITH Boot Tops!
Now one of our Best Selling Pirates is available i more...1 point
Duke Costume Wig with Bow - COLOR CHOICES
This wig is just right for any Colonial Man! Georg more...1 point
Colonial General Child Costume - Historic Costume / Classical Costume Child
Colonial General Child Costume consists of Tailcoa more...1 point
Colonial General Child Costume - Small 4-6 sm
Colonial General Child Costume will have your tike more...1 point
Colonial Man Black Wig - Wigs Costume Accessory
Colonial Man Black Wig includes: one black wig. Pr more...1 point
Kids Patriot Costume - Great Colonial Costume Choice! (RUNS SMALL See Notes) Weapon not included
This Patriotic costume makes a great soldier or Ge more...1 point
Dress Up America Colonial General Dress up Costume Set X-Large 16-18 218-XL
This wonderful custom is great for all occasions. more...1 point
Child Size Small 4-6 - Kids Patriot Costume -(RUNS VERY SMALL See Notes, does not include weapon)
This Patriotic costume makes a great soldier or Ge more...1 point
Colonial Boy Child
This little tike is ready to take on the red coats more...1 point
George Washington Adult Costume
Take a trip to back in time to the birth of the na more...1 point
Colonial Boy Child Costume - Historic Costume / Classical Costume Child
Colonial Boy Costume includes Vest with Attached J more...1 point
Colonial Costumes for Boys
Tricorn Black Hat - Many uses from colonial to pirate costumes
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Pilgrim Colonial Boy Child Costume
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Child's Colonial Boy Costume (Size:Small 4-6)
Amazon Price: $34.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Williamsburg Websites
Colonial Williamsburg Official Site Where History Lives
Includes colonial history resources, guide to visi more...1 point
The Official Colonial Williamsburg Guide for Historic Williamsburg, Virginia
Includes colonial history resources, Colonial Will more...1 point
VisitWilliamsburg.com :: Welcome
Plan and book your perfect Williamsburg Virginia V more...1 point
Colonial Virginia - Williamsburg Virginia Official Site - Guide for Colonial Williamsburg, VA
Welcome to the Official Guide for Williamsburg VA. more...0 points
History Is Fun Home page
Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center - more...0 points
Historic Jamestowne (U.S. National Park Service)
Jamestown, a place of many Beginnings
Come, walk more...0 points
Places To Stay
We tried to make your planning easy for you with these great choices:
Williamsburg is wonderful in the fall before Christmas! Plan your trip now!
Campgrounds in the Area
American Heritage RV Park - camping in Williamsburg Virginia
Camping in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.1 point
Williamsburg KOA Resorts
in Williamsburg, Virginia. Beautifully landscaped more...1 point
CAMPERSCHOOL
Our Own Website For Real Life Learning!1 point
Book your trip to Williamsburg, Quick and Easy Here
A Google Map will make it easy for you to get there!
While You Are In The Area
Tidewater / Hampton Roads: Virginia Is For Lovers
Enjoy an action-packed vacation in Virginia's Tidewater and Hampton Roads region, the birthplace of English-speaking America1 point
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia: Virginia Is For Lovers
Explore the 17th- and 18th-century culinary practices of Virginia during this three-day event beginning on Thanksgiving Day.1 point
Jamestown and Yorktown Settlements
Tips from someone on a discussion group who's been there
The Yorktown site is the smallest, and should take the least time. When we were there, a big school field-trip was there. They had the kids do some marching "drill" with the soldiers, and they happily allowed our kids to join in. My oldest had just learned the game "Nine Man's Morris" and got to play a game with one of the soldiers there, too.
The first time we went, we arrived late in the day at the Jamestown Settlement. Though the one-day tickets weren't discounted because of it, they had a program at the time where you could get your ticket stamped to come back the next day if you didn't get to see everything. I don't know all the restrictions, and I think you have to ask about it when you go in.
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THANKSGIVING RESOURCES
FREE eBook!
Art of Eloquence: Christian Communication Skills
FREE eBook! Download this beautiful little reminder of the real meaning of giving thanks, not only to our Lord and Savoir, but also to each other. <br />
Te...0 points
http://www.squidoo.com/thanksgivinghistory/
This is a web lens we built with lots of resources to help you teach your children about Thanksgiving. We hope you are blessed and are a blessing to o...0 points
Reader Feedback
Tell us how this site helped you plan your trip.
maidens wrote...
Emailed from Lesley Biller:
Thank you so much for your time and effort in sharing all of the information on your website! We had our first family trip to Williamsburg in March and benefitted greatly from your website. We bought costumes based on your recommendations and the kids played 'pilgrims' daily for weeks. It has been great. Also we have been looking at your writing contest chart and are looking forward to participating in one. I'd love to have the kids benefit from your positive homeschool influence.
Posted April 29, 2008
iqbal615 wrote...
Hi maidens.There a lot info about Williamsburg that I never heard before.Thanks for sharing abot this.That was great job.5 stars
Posted April 01, 2008
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
You certainly know how to bring Williamsburg to life. 5* Please check out Garner Rix and the Royalton Raid where I lensrolled this lens.
Posted November 24, 2007
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