Take a deeper dive into the past during your visit to Jamestown! Learn directly from an archaeologist or historian, meet people from Jamestown history, or watch talented trades interpreters bring artifacts to life. The programs below are hosted by Jamestown Rediscovery and are included with admission to the Preservation Virginia portion of Historic Jamestowne.
Find the full program schedule on the events calendar. Schedules are available monthly, with the upcoming month posted by end of the prior month.
Winter Programs: January-February 2025
Walking Tours
Dive into Jamestown history on a walking tour led by the Jamestown Rediscovery staff of historians and archaeologists. All walking tours start at the Pocahontas Statue and tours usually last about an hour, with plenty of time for questions. In the event of bad weather, tours may be moved indoors or offered as lecture programs.
When? In the winter season, walking tours are generally offered once per day during the week and twice on weekends. Tours are typically at 11:00 a.m. and/or 2:00 p.m.
Winter Walking Tours:
Jamestown History Walking Tour
Women of Jamestown, Part 1: Tribulations & Part 2: Trials
The Powhatan & the English
Powhatan: 1622
First Africans: Race and the Law
Living History & Historic Trades
History comes to life at Jamestown through eyewitness accounts and historic trades. Living history programs offer the chance to meet someone from Jamestown history and learn what life was actually like on this swampy island 400 years ago. Or, watch as expert tradesmen work in the blacksmith’s forge or around James Fort.
When? Living history programs and tours are generally offered Thursday-Saturday. Historic trades programs (blacksmithing, woodworking, and more) are offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
Winter Living History & Trades:
Anas Todkill’s Jamestown / Meet Anas Todkill
“No Servant of His:” Anne Fletcher’s Escape from Virginia
Forged in Iron
The Powhatan Indians
Pales, Posts, and Rails: Woodworking in James Fort
Archaeology in Action
Witness the moment of discovery as archaeologists uncover artifacts that tell the story of Jamestown. Ask questions and learn how the smallest objects reveal the daily lives of those who came before us.
When? In the winter season, archaeology is limited. Generally, 1 site is open each weekday, weather permitting. The field team excavates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a break for lunch.
Coming Up This Spring
“That Pestilent Enemie:” William Claiborne Defends His Legacy: this new living history program introduces visitors to William Claiborne, Virginia’s first Surveyor General and the most hated man in Maryland. Premieres March 12.
Maids to Virginia: the popular living history program is back! Meet some of the women who came to Jamestown as “Tobacco Brides.” Every Sunday in March.
Archaeology Tours: guided tour of Jamestown’s most significant archaeological discoveries and latest finds. Archaeology tours begin Monday, March 24.
Jamestown Day: join us Saturday, May 17, to commemorate the arrival of 104 men and boys to the island they would eventually call Jamestown.
Ed Shed: hands-on archaeology activities for kids and families. The Ed Shed will open Friday, May 23.
