Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Hosts May Events in Williamsburg

Families participating in activities at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation's May events.

News Summary

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation will celebrate the region’s culture and history with a series of events throughout May. Highlights include Indigenous Arts Day, Jamestown Day with family-friendly activities, Farmers & Foragers Family Day focusing on 18th-century agriculture, and a discussion as part of the Director’s Series. Visitors can also enjoy programs related to World Bee Day and explore the Patrons & Patriots exhibition. Admission options are available for both residents and visitors.

Williamsburg, Virginia – The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is set to host a series of engaging events throughout May, celebrating the rich culture and history of the region. The foundation’s activities include Indigenous arts festivities, a commemoration of the founding of Jamestown, and family programs focusing on 18th-century life, offering a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to connect with the past.

Indigenous Arts Day – May 3

The month kicks off with Indigenous Arts Day on May 3, highlighting both traditional and contemporary Indigenous cultures. This event features outdoor performances by Native Pride Productions, showcasing Indigenous music and dance. Additionally, attendees can enjoy storytelling sessions led by Perry Ground and musical presentations by Nathan Elliott. This celebration aims to foster appreciation and understanding of Indigenous art forms and their significance.

Jamestown Day – May 10

On May 10, the foundation will celebrate Jamestown Day, marking the 418th anniversary of the historic 1607 founding of Jamestown. The day will be filled with family-friendly activities, military salutes, maritime demonstrations, and a notable mid-morning artillery salute, reenacting key moments from the settlement’s storied past. Guests can participate in artillery drills and witness how the Powhatan people prepared seasonal seafood, enhancing the interactive educational experience.

Farmers & Foragers Family Day – May 17

The following week, on May 17, Farmers & Foragers Family Day will introduce families to the importance of plants during the 18th-century American Revolution. This new program aims to educate visitors about native plants and their cultural connections to food sources. Families will have the chance to engage in hands-on activities, enhancing their understanding of historical agricultural practices.

Director’s Series with Michael Paul Williams – May 21

On May 21, the foundation presents the Director’s Series, featuring a conversation with Richmond journalist Michael Paul Williams about contemporary issues of significance. This event begins at 7 p.m., with tickets priced at $10 per person, available through advance registration. This discussion aims to stimulate dialogue about pressing topics in today’s society.

World Bee Day – May 24

An exciting addition to the calendar is World Bee Day on May 24, celebrating the arrival of honeybees in North America in 1622. The day will include honeybee-related activities, demonstrations, and tastings from local vendors, allowing visitors to learn more about the role of honeybees in agriculture and the ecosystem. The Jamestown Settlement Café will also offer honey-inspired menu options for those looking to enjoy a taste of history.

Exhibition: Patrons & Patriots

Additionally, the Patrons & Patriots: The Legacy of Nick & Mary Mathews exhibition is currently running at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This exhibition, available until July 27, honors restaurateurs Nick and Mary Mathews, who donated the land for the museum. Visitors can explore artifacts, images, and stories related to the Mathews’ restaurant and their contributions to patriotism throughout the region.

Admission Information

Visitors can enjoy these events and exhibitions with various admission options: individual admission to the museums is $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 6-12, with free entry for children under 5. A combination ticket for both museums is available for $34 for adults and $17 for children aged 6-12. Residents of James City County, York County, the City of Williamsburg, and William & Mary students can enter free with proof of residency. Additionally, SNAP benefit recipients qualify for free admission for up to four visitors per EBT card, and military personnel are invited to visit for free on Jamestown Day, May 13.

For those interested in participating in these May events, more information can be found on the foundation’s official website, where visitors can also purchase tickets in advance.