First Africans Commemoration

Commemorating the First Africans

In late August, 1619 two English ships sailed up the James River carrying kidnapped and enslaved Africans, whom they traded and sold to prominent men at Jamestown. Though no system of slavery was established in England or its colonies, the arrival of these 60+ people marked the beginning of a system of race-based enslavement that would continue for more than 200 years. Join Jamestown Rediscovery to mark this solemn anniversary with lectures, walking tours, and commemorations. More program details coming soon.

Included with paid admission to the Preservation Virginia portion of Historic Jamestowne.