Colonial Williamsburg

We are studying the early 1800's this year in our home school curriculum with Tapestry of Grace (Cycle 3). We have loved studying this time-frame; so, we jumped at the chance to take a trip to Colonial Williamsburg for some hands-on-learning and bring to life what we had been reading about.

We didn't make it to the home school weeks at Williamsburg, but they still honored the home school rate (praise God). The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and we had the best time there. (A special thanks to Marlo who stayed at our farm to take care of the animals and milk the goats while we were away). While we could only stay for a day, we would have gladly stayed longer (and will definitely take a trip back there).

Getting a tour of the Magazine.

Playing with toys from the time-period (we picked up a couple of these hoops to play with at our farm). Other people were taking pictures of our kids playing (true story). 

 Here the kids helped look for cabbage worms and helped tend the garden. 

 Audriana really loved the women of the time, and the actresses were so kind to her calling her by name  whenever they saw her throughout the day. 

 We really enjoyed seeing how they made the equipment of the time. These people had to be so skilled in their jobs, and they took such pride in their quality work.

 Traveling by horse and carriage, while not the fastest choice, seems more and more appealing as the price of gas continues to soar.

 Well, this is one way to keep the kids from getting into trouble. Ha! I am sure the real people of the time would find it odd that we want to "try out" their form of punishment.

 The actors read aloud the Declaration of Independence, and we got to witness it as if we were actually there!

 The enthusiastic actors carried out dialogue about what it would mean for slaves of the time and for possible equality for women as well in the future.

This is the inside of the jail.

 The tents were in the Military Encampment. 

 Here you can see part of the inside the kitchen of an old farm house.

 One of the actors who helped tell us about what the day in the life of a slave was. Sad that while we were "declaring" that "all men were created equal" there was still slavery in much of the United States.

 We also went on a tour of inside the capitol building.

 Then, the military band performed, and there was a march of arms.

They fired their weapons and even fired a cannon. It was quite the performance!

If you have never been to Williamsburg, I HIGHLY recommend that you put it on your list of things to do. Only, make sure you allow more than a day or two because there is so much to see and do.