Giving Tuesday has become one of the most powerful days of the year for nonprofits—a moment when people everywhere pause, for just a second, to support the causes they care about. And if you live in or love Williamsburg, there’s one place that truly needs our attention right now: Historic Jamestowne.
Jamestowne, isn’t just a chapter in a textbook—it’s the birthplace of English America, a living archaeological site, and one of the most meaningful places you can stand in Virginia. However, today, this 400-year-old site is facing one of the biggest challenges in its history: flooding.
And not the “every once in a while” kind of flooding. We’re talking rising sea levels and erosion happening faster than archaeologists can excavate. It’s climate change meeting American history, and the results are devastating. Some areas of the island are already underwater multiple times a year. Every storm puts centuries-old artifacts at risk. And without serious intervention, parts of Jamestowne could be lost in our lifetime.
Why Giving Tuesday Support Really Matters
Organizations like Jamestown Rediscovery are working hard to save what remains, secure what’s still buried, and maintain the site's resilience as the climate shifts. But efforts like this come with a huge price tag.
Your Giving Tuesday donation can make a real impact by supporting:
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Ongoing Preservation of Jamestowne
Protecting the island and its historic landscape from rising waters and erosion.
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Archaeological Research
Uncovering and safeguarding artifacts before flooding and climate impacts threaten excavation areas.
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Conservation of Priceless Artifacts
Preserving delicate pieces of early American history with modern conservation techniques.
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Education and Outreach
Sharing Jamestowne’s story with students, families, and visitors through engaging programs and resources.
Bottom line, this isn’t just about saving old objects—it’s about holding onto the very beginning of our shared American story.
If you’re looking to broaden your impact this Giving Tuesday, organizations such as the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and the Let Freedom Ring Foundation also welcome support for the important work they do across our historic region.