Top Virginia Art & Culture - page 5

We will discuss the different philosophies of architectural preservation between Europe and the United States during the late 19th and 20th Century and how it applies to the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The restoration materials of Colonial Williamsburg had to appear as if they were constructed in the 18th Century. For example, the roofs of many of the reconstructed buildings were man made fire retardant composites, and the masonry emulated the original bound of the public buildings. When the Main College was rededicated as the Wren building, credit was given to the the famous English Architect, Sir Christopher Wren. However, there is no proof that this is true. The base of this building is a Flemish design as opposed to the English bond. As the Wren building stands today, it is a redesign of the building that existed in 1733. It will be a comprehensive discussion of the vision of Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockfeller, Jr. that resulted in Colonial Williamsburg.

Join us as we explore the fascinating stories of women from all walks of life—each of whom played her part in the community’s development. From the beloved midwife whose knowledge and care were instrumental to the town’s health, to the famous schoolmistress who taught future leaders, these women were pillars of the community. Discover the Governor’s Lady, who maintained the standards of society, and the Councillor’s wife, who helped shape political circles from behind the scenes. Learn about the enslaved cook who worked closely with the Founders, displaying incredible skill and resilience, and even hear the tales of actresses who broke societal norms to entertain and inspire. .

Not all women were high-born ladies… many worked long and hard to survive. This walking tour will open your eyes to pieces of the past. Women were fully one half of the story, and you will learn about their roles as business owners and consumers. Over more than 325 years, the buildings in Williamsburg have had many lives and multiple uses, as social and political history was made both inside and out, shaping the community we know today.

Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season. Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden. Routes may also be changed to accommodate activities in Colonial Williamsburg. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions. Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.

Go beyond capital tours and explore Richmond with your crew via real-time scavenger hunt. Finding clues, snapping photos, and completing challenges, your smartphone will lead you across the city’s best landmarks, from downtown to Shockoe Slip and beyond. As you race the clock, you’ll learn all about Richmond’s 300-year history, racking up points to win it all.

Commune with the spirits of Georgetown’s past during this spooky guided ghost tour. Relive the stories of romance, tragedy, mystery, and horror that have taken place in this historic Washington neighborhood, visiting some of the area’s spookiest houses, cemeteries, churches, and gardens.

A beautiful walk through the Church Hill neighborhood. Jane will lead you through this beautiful neighborhood full of colonial and revolutionary history. Amazing architecture and gardens all along the way.

Join us as we discover the History of Christmas in the colony while exploring the handcrafted decorations that adorn the historic buildings. On our 1-hour leisurely stroll thru the city, you will have the opportunity to photograph some of the most iconic decorations that are uniquely Colonial Williamsburg. Handcrafted one-of-a-kind decorations made by employees and residents of the city are beautifully and proudly displayed on each building and we will discover the most beautiful and unique of this year's display. We will discover the religious, humorous, and heartfelt traditions that span the centuries. While learning how the decorations are made, how they became a tradition, and even helpful tips and tricks on how the create your own decorations at home. Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is truly an experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Join Preserve Tours for a walk through historic Old Town Alexandria where your local guide provides insight on historic preservation initiatives and policy that are responsible for the protection of the historic district to this day. Experience the preservation of Alexandria's downtown shopping district, the Carlyle House, George Washington’s Townhouse, the Basilica of St. Mary’s, an authentic apothecary, and more while getting some great photos along the way. Photos are emailed after the tour. Mel Serravalle worked a decade in an urban planning career before she founded Preserve Tours, curated walking and photo tours that would provide an opportunity to learn about historic neighborhoods and their role in the past and present. As a fourth generation Washingtonian herself, she strives to provide a quality educational experience with a local, fun feel. A portion of the proceeds of each tour goes to the Rosedale Conservancy, a community funded park in Upper Northwest DC.

This is a private guided tour (only your family/friends) of the Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown Glasshouse of 1608, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Surrender Field, Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, the Victory Monument & cave where Cornwallis allegedly retreated at Yorktown Beach. This is the only private tour; this is NOT a group bus or group shuttle tour. This tour includes an in depth learning experience about the beginning of our oldest English colony (Jamestown) and ends with the siege of Yorktown on October 19, 1781 including Surrender Field. The afternoon tour at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (ARMY) includes the canon firing at 3:00pm (weather dependent from March-November). We spend about three hours in Jamestown, have lunch (self pay or bring your own lunch), and about three hours in Yorktown. Roundtrip drive is about 1 hour from Williamsburg. NOTE: the Jamestown Settlement and ARMY (Yorktown) offer free scooters that are first come, first serve.

Design and craft your own stunning mosaic lamp in a relaxing, hands-on workshop—perfect for all levels!

Experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg Christmas on one of our most popular private walking tours. Discover the beauty of Colonial Williamsburg's Christmastide as we stroll from the Williamsburg Inn along Duke of Gloucester Street, admiring spectacular holiday decorations, historic homes, and 18th-century architecture. Learn how handcrafted wreaths and garlands are created from fresh greenery, fruits, seed pods, oyster shells, feathers, and other natural materials, then judged in the Professional, Amateur, Trades, and Crafts divisions. Your knowledgeable local guide brings history to life with stories of Christmastide traditions celebrated by plantation owners, middling families, and military during the Revolutionary War. It's the perfect way to experience Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Note: Traditional ginger cake is included. Tours before 7PM include a beverage. Grand Illuminations: first three Saturdays in December. Yule Log ceremonies: first three Fridays.

Enjoy a time-saving way to discover the best of Colonial Williamsburg—and learn the stories behind the sights—on this private walking tour. Pick from a range of convenient start times, meet your guide in Merchants Square, and set off on foot. You’ll see highlights like the Governor’s Palace and Capitol, will stroll along the history-saturated West Duke of Gloucester Street, and will visit the adjacent College of William & Mary.

Discover Richmond’s historic Church Hill neighborhood with ease on a Segway tour. See St. John’s Episcopal Church, Libby Hill, and more as you glide through the city streets with ease, covering more ground than is possible on a walking tour. Throughout the tour, your guide shares fun facts and stories about the neighborhood’s vibrant history.

Explore at your own pace with a fully private guided tour! “Shadows of the Past: Tracing Slavery’s Legacy in Williamsburg” invites you to delve into the history of slavery in colonial America, beginning in the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. This tour provides insights into how slavery shaped the community and the lives of those who lived during that era. After exploring Colonial Williamsburg, the journey continues to the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse, reflecting the legal aspects of slavery. Next, visit the Capitol Building, where significant legislative decisions about slavery were made. Conclude the tour at the James Geddy House, offering a perspective on the daily lives of both free and enslaved people of the time.

Join the newest tour from Alexandria's longest running locally owned Ghost Tour company! Uncover the eerie secrets of Old Town Alexandria on this captivating Ghost & Pirate Tour. As you stroll through the dimly lit cobblestone streets, your lantern will guide you through tales of restless spirits and notorious pirates that once traversed this historic port city. This unique journey combines fascinating history with spine-tingling folklore, providing an unforgettable evening filled with adventure and mystery in Alexandria, Virginia, ending in a haunted train tunnel. - Guided evening tour through the haunted streets of Old Town Alexandria - Discover chilling legends of pirates and restless spirits - Experience the blend of history, folklore, and adventure - Perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike

Get a taste of Alexandria's Mediterranean coast and diverse history without having to sort out transportation with this private tour. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, built where Alexandria's ancient lighthouse stood, then explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a reimagining of the city's ancient library. Finish with a drive along the Corniche. Admission fees are not included.

Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Mercedes Van Tour is for up to 14 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.

Embark on a private excursion from Alexandria to Rosetta, a city steeped in Islamic heritage. Delve into the Rosetta Museum, meander through 18th-century streets lined with historic homes, and explore the Citadel of Qaitbay, the site where the famed Rosetta Stone was found. Witness the meeting of the Nile River and the sea, before heading back to Alexandria.

Spend a day learning about how the country’s lawmakers run the United States on a full-day tour of Capitol Hill. Learn about the history of the U.S. as you tour the inside of the Capitol Building, including the Senate and House of Representatives if Congress is in session, peruse thousands of books and documents at the Library of Congress, and visit the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court.

Take a walk on the dark side and explore the tales of the most infamous murders, crimes, and mayhem in Virginia Beach. From terrifying serial killers to the city’s struggles during the “crime wave” of the ’70s, and the crime that “ended the hitchhiking era”, learn about all these and more on the true crime tour.

Booking a tour with us will add just the right amount of spooky to your evening. Whether you are from out of town or the city is your hometown, you'll learn about stories that many keep to themselves. Our 60-minute walking tours are packed with stories that will leave you with more questions than answers!

Colonial Williamsburg offers the chance to step back in time to the 18th century—and this private walking tour will give you an even richer understanding of this early American destination. Explore the city’s key historical landmarks, including the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol, learn about colonial–era life, and hear behind-the-scenes stories about Williamsburg’s history.

Venture beyond city limits—and discover where one of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War took place—on this private, full-day tour from Washington DC. Meet your guide in the morning, hop aboard your air-conditioned car, and hit the road. Upon arrival in Gettysburg, you’ll discover key sights like Seminary Ridge, while your guide will share immersive stories to bring the three days of battle to life.