African American Experience

Celebrating 30 years of telling the story of Williamsburg’s African American community.

Colonial Williamsburg interpreters re-enact “jumping the broom” marriage ceremony.

During the 18th century, half of Williamsburg's population was black. The lives of the enslaved and free people in this Virginia capital are presented in reenactments and programs throughout the Historic Area.

Introduction to colonial African American life
Great Hopes Plantation
Lord Dunmore's Proclamation--an early emancipation proclamation.
Colonial Williamsburg Journal articles:
Biographical Fact Sheets
Bibliography

Multimedia and related links

Podcasts
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In Their Own Words

Old sources give fresh voice to slavery's story. Manager of African American programs Tricia Brooks explains how we know what we know. May 18, 2009

Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
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Swordmaking in the 18th Century

Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009

Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
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Video podcast: Watch (mov) | Transcript
African American Programs at 30

African American programming adapts through the decades. Harvey Bakari outlines the goals of interpreting Williamsburg's enslaved population. February 2, 2009

Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
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The Native Tongue

Native tribes and colonizers began a dialogue without a word in common. Buck Woodard describes the early exchanges. January 19, 2009

Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
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The Chiefdom of Powhatan

Stratified social organization, strategic alliance, and lineage leadership were hallmarks of Powhatan's rule over southeastern tribes. Buck Woodard describes the society that existed before first contact. January 12, 2009

Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
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We Hold These Truths

Examine iconic American rhetoric in Paul Aron's new book, "We Hold These Truths." December 29, 2008

Audio podcast: Listen (mp3) | Transcript
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Audio | Image enhanced | Video

Games & Interactive
Interactive
Word of the Day

Impress your friends with your command of the queen's English with this daily feature.

Launch
Games
Daily jigsaw

Piece together scenes from the Historic Area.

Launch
Activities
A Day in the Life

Online activities from the video series

Launch
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Downloads
Wallpapers
Thomas Jefferson at tea
Thomas Jefferson
Ringtones
Song: Sit Down
1. Send to phone >>
2. Listen: MP3 | WAV
Song: O Dey Seo
1. Send to phone >>
2. Listen: MP3 | WAV
Screensavers
Flowers

Flowers grown in Colonial Williamsburg gardens make this vivid new screensaver. Available for PC and MAC.
1. PC download (7.4 Mb)
2. MAC download (5.3 Mb)
African Americans

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of African American programming.
1. PC download (6.7 Mb)
2. MAC download (4.7 Mb)
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