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Evening Programs

After the sun sets, 18th-century entertainments will amuse and amaze your group. You can choose a variety of activities ranging from drama and dance to music and evening walking tours. Put your best foot forward as you learn why dance was “the dearest diversion” of colonial Virginians. Help decide the guilt or innocence of “The Virginia Witch” or an officer accused of treason. Find out what role a musical instrument played when a Virginia gentleman sued his neighbor for slander. Take in a play and act like an 18th-century audience—boo, hiss, and shout “Huzzah!”

Revolutionary City after Dark invites you to continue exploring the events that shaped a new nation. Listen to music that traveled from Africa and find out how it was transformed during its journey. Participate in the royal governor’s plot to remove the gunpowder from the Magazine. Or attend the ball meant to welcome the royal governor’s wife to the colony.

And if you’re feeling brave, you might want to take a walking tour and learn of the legends, myths, and ghosts that were talked about in the colonial capital.

Because these popular programs fill up early, call our reservationists (1-800-228-8878) to find out what’s happening while you’re in town and plan to be entertained!

The following are a sampling of the Colonial Williamsburg programs that are especially interesting for groups:

Lanthorn Walking Tours

Further explore the trades during an interpreter-led visit to shops and workplaces in the 18th-century capital.
Colonial Dance

This program will help your students understand another facet of society by experiencing one of the favorite pastimes of colonial Virginians - dance. Discover what this diversion reveals about societal customs and cultures. Students may have a chance to participate.
Papa Said, Mama Said

Stories illustrate the morals, values, and traditions of families in 18th-century Virginia.
In Defense of Our Liberty

Delve into aspects of military life and the challenges faced by soldiers in the American War for Independence. Learn about women in the army and the variations between the different branches of service, and experience the life of the common soldier. Also, observe weapon demonstrations and participate in marching drills.
Discovering the Past

Experience the fascinating world of historical archaeology as your students study the clues left behind. Learn about the material culture of a society and the process of using archaeology to learn more about the past.