Forming the Historic Triangle with Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg has some of the deepest cultural roots in the nation. This is the beating heart of American history, home to an astounding variety of museums, exhibits, and memorabilia collections – each offering an intimate glimpse into the past, present, and future of our country. From Colonial artifacts to modern art and everything in between, here’s where to find it.
History & Archaeology Museums
Our Proud Roots & Their Pivotal Roles
Memorial Church at Historic Jamestowne
Part of the Historic Jamestowne experience, the Archaearium (ark-ee-AIR-ee-um) represents 20+ years of meticulous excavation at the historic site. Archaeologists have uncovered antiquities from the settlement’s earliest days (1607-1624), including armor, tools, tobacco pipes, religious items, and Native American artifacts – each offering a peek into the lives of English settlers and American Indians. It’s still an active dig; if you’re lucky, you may see researchers at work.
Just a stone’s throw from Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that brings 17th-century Virginia to life, both indoors and out. Inside, the gallery is an immersive experience with a variety of engaging exhibits and rich multi-sensory storytelling. Get a captivating overview with the short documentary “1607: A Nation Takes Root,” experience “Bacon’s Rebellion” in thrilling 4-D, or unpack the myths and realities of Pocahontas with an interactive touch-screen table.
Paspahegh Town at Jamestown Settlement
Then venture outside to write yourself into the story! Paspahegh Town puts the contribution of the Native Powhatan people into perspective, James Fort paints an authentic picture of Colonial-era life, and life-sized replicas of the legendary Godspeed and Discovery ships illuminate the 4½-month journey from England on the high seas.
Kids walking down DoG Street at Colonial Williamsburg
Perhaps the most-visited attraction in the area, Colonial Williamsburg takes you back in time to the 18th century, when this bright, bustling city was on the cusp of revolution. As you wander the charming cobblestone streets of the mile-long Historic Area, you’ll be treated to spirited reenactments, working tradespeople in their shops, and other living history performances – all guided by knowledgeable interpreters in Colonial-era dress.
Re-created Continental Army encampment at American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
For a firsthand account of the nascent country at war, visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. After experiencing “The Siege of Yorktown” film on the 180-degree surround screen, you can muster with the troops at a re-created Continental Army encampment or lend a hand with chores at an authentic Revolution-era farm.
To take a deeper dive into the area’s storied past, visit The Watermen’s Museum to learn how the people who lived, worked, and fought on the Chesapeake Bay helped to shape the nation. This quaint museum located on the Yorktown Waterfront – just upriver from Riverwalk Landing shopping and dining area – offers exhibits showcasing civilian and military watercraft, maritime tools, and information on the bay’s unique ecology.
Art & Decorative Arts Museums
Explore the Evolving American Aesthetic
The comprehensive collection at William & Mary’s Muscarelle Museum of Art contains a permanent collection of nearly 8,000 objects spanning a brilliant spectrum of cultures, eras, and artistic movements – plus an eclectic assortment of expertly curated rotating exhibitions. Current and future installations shine a spotlight on modern Native American media, nature photography, and contemporary symbolist painting. Make sure to leave time for a stroll around the picturesque campus of the second oldest university in the country.
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Folk art provides us with an authentic reflection of everyday life, community values, and cultural heritage, often serving as a voice for marginalized communities. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum is the oldest institution in the country dedicated to preserving, collecting, and exhibiting these essentially American works. Their colorful collection includes paintings, furniture, textiles, pottery, and toys – with special exhibits focused on folk portraiture, whimsical weathervanes, and the artistry of quilting.
Once you’ve fallen in love with folk art, continue your journey through creative craftsmanship at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum – both museums are housed under the same roof in Colonial Williamsburg, and admission is free with your single-day ticket. Here, the focus is on British and American decorative arts from the 17th through the 19th centuries; you’ll see extraordinary furniture, silver and textiles, plus one of the largest collections of British ceramics outside of England.
Music & Pop Culture Museums
Embrace Uniquely American Art Forms
Here’s a sound choice for an hour or two of harmonious fun: the Virginia Musical Museum. This quirky, quintessentially American collection includes a variety of unexpected treasures of all sizes, from antique music boxes, phonographs, and nickelodeons to organs, pianos, and even amusement park attractions. There’s also a wonderful exhibit honoring Virginia-born legends –see Patsy Cline’s handmade scarf, Ella Fitzgerald’s favorite performance dress, Wayne Newton’s custom roadster, and more.
Want to leave Williamsburg with a resounding YEE-HAW? Swing by the Dukes of Hazzard Museum & Collectibles for a journey through the fictional world of the Duke family, brought to life in filming locations throughout the area. In addition to the show’s seminal vehicles – General Lee, Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane’s Patrol Car, and Bobby Lee’s Moonrunner – you’ll see memorabilia from Boss Hogg’s personal collection, rare props and scripts, plus nearly every official licensed “Dukes of Hazzard” product produced by Warner Bros. over the years.
Explore more museums and storied sites in Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle.