News Summary
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation unveils its fourth annual Director’s Series, showcasing Indigenous scholar James Pepper Henry. The series will focus on Native American history and features various notable speakers throughout the fall. Additionally, the First Africans Commemoration event will honor the legacy of the first Africans brought to Virginia in 1619, with activities for participants of all ages. Tickets are available for purchase online and include museum admission.
Williamsburg Announces Fall Programs Featuring Indigenous Scholar and Commemorative Events
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is set to launch its fourth annual Director’s Series this Wednesday at 7 p.m., featuring Indigenous scholar James Pepper Henry. The event, which will explore museums’ interpretations of Native American history, aims to highlight the significance of Indigenous perspectives in historical narratives.
James Pepper Henry, a leader of the Kaw Nation Tribal Council, previously served as director and CEO of the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. He was also the founding director of the American Indian Cultural Center Foundation. His conversation with Christy S. Coleman, the executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, promises to offer insights into the challenges and responsibilities of presenting Native American stories in cultural institutions.
Tickets for the Director’s Series are priced at $10 and must be purchased online in advance via the foundation’s website, jyfmuseums.org/directorsseries. In addition to Henry’s presentation, the series will feature several notable speakers throughout the fall, including Michele Norris, an award-winning journalist, on October 21, and Revolutionary War historian and bestselling author Rick Atkinson on November 19.
Additional Fall Programs
Two Talking History public lectures have also been scheduled this year. The first will take place on September 20 at 2 p.m. in Yorktown, where Carol Jarboe will portray Maggie Delaney, an Irish indentured servant from the 1700s. The second lecture will occur on October 4 at 2 p.m. in Jamestown, when Carson O. Hudson Jr. will discuss witchcraft in Virginia.
Later in September, the First Africans Commemoration event will honor the legacy of the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619. Activities during this special event will include a workshop titled “Finding and Keeping Family Stories” at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., catering to participants of all ages. A presentation by Wanda Tucker at 2 p.m. will discuss her ancestry linked to Virginia’s first Africans, followed by a discussion at 3 p.m. with Antonio Charity about documenting his family’s history as descendants of these individuals.
Admission and Museum Information
The First Africans Commemoration event is included with standard museum admission rates. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $10 for youth, and children aged five and under gain free entry. Residents of James City County, York County, and Williamsburg can enter for free with proof of residency. The Jamestown Settlement is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing an opportunity for visitors to explore exhibitions that focus on African and African American experiences in 17th-century Virginia.
Upcoming Events
Looking ahead, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation has announced additional events for May, including Indigenous Arts Day on May 3, Jamestown Day celebrations on May 10, and Farmers & Foragers Family Day on May 17. The Director’s Series will continue with a presentation by Michael Paul Williams on May 21, followed by celebrations for World Bee Day on May 24. Visitors can also enjoy a special commemorative exhibition that will run through July 27, celebrating the legacy of Nick and Mary Mathews, who contributed land for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
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HERE Resources
Yorktown Features Author Alphonso Saville IV
Muscarelle Museum Unveils Exhibition on Native American Artistry
Jamestown Settlement Honors First Recorded Africans in Virginia
Discovery of Historic Williamsburg Bray School Foundation
Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra to Honor Native American Culture
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Hosts May Events in Williamsburg
Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Jamestown Director’s Series Begins Today
- Wikipedia: Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
- WY Daily: First Africans Commemoration Set for Jamestown Settlement
- Google Search: First Africans Commemoration
- WRIC: Events at Jamestown-Yorktown American Revolution Museum
- Google Scholar: American Revolution Museum
- WY Daily: Indigenous Arts Day & World Bee Day Highlight May Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jamestown
- Williamsburg Families: Free Admission at Jamestown Settlement
- Google News: Jamestown Settlement
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
