About the Organization
World's largest living history museum preserving and interpreting 18th-century colonial capital. Features restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and extensive collections documenting colonial Virginia, Revolutionary War era, and founding of American democracy.
Collections and Museums
Colonial Williamsburg houses an extraordinary collection of more than 70,000 examples of fine, decorative, mechanical, and folk art spanning the 17th through early 19th centuries. The historic campus encompasses 89 original buildings and over 500 meticulously recreated structures on 301 acres. Visitors can explore two world-class art museums—the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum—both offering free admission 365 days a year. The collections include exceptional examples of American and British ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, firearms, and folk art, many of which furnish more than 200 rooms in the historic buildings.
Historic Sites and Educational Programs
Among the site's most significant historic buildings is the Williamsburg Bray School, established in 1760 and recognized as the oldest extant building dedicated to the education of Black children in the United States. The Foundation's John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library contains over 50,000 plans and elevations documenting the preservation movement since the late 1920s, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and historians. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the mid-19th century First Baptist Church and the earlier Baptist Meeting House, adding layers of understanding to the region's diverse religious and cultural heritage.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The year 2026 marks two momentous occasions for Colonial Williamsburg: the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the Foundation's own centennial celebration. As the Foundation approaches these dual milestones, it continues its mission to bring 18th-century history to life through immersive experiences that connect visitors with the revolutionary ideas and daily realities that shaped the birth of American democracy.
Plan Your Visit
Start at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center at 101 Visitor Center Drive, open daily 8:45 AM to 5 PM. Purchase tickets and find information on current events, then park and ride the complimentary bus to different stops throughout the 301-acre Historic Area. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum offer free admission year-round. For tickets, reservations, and event information, call (757) 229-1000 or visit colonialwilliamsburg.org.
Getting Involved
Support the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's mission to bring 18th-century history to life by becoming a member, volunteering, or making a donation. The year 2026 marks both America's 250th anniversary and the Foundation's centennial celebration—an ideal time to invest in preserving and interpreting the revolutionary ideas that shaped American democracy.
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