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Brushing up on this country’s history is a snap when
you step into the past at one of its many “living history” museums. Virginia is home to a plethora, and with
careful planning you can easily fit the best into a week-long family vacation. If you’re coming from outside
the area, consider extending your trip to accommodate arriving in Washington, D.C., spending some time there
first, and then renting a car and driving to Richmond and on to the Historic Triangle.
VIRGINIA’S HISTORIC TRIANGLE
Located just 50 miles east of Richmond as the crow
flies, this compact area is where chapters One, Two, and Three of American History are connected by a
low-speed, 23-mile scenic parkway. You can see the beginning and the end of American Colonial history within a
30-minute drive, but I recommend you allow at least three days. You might want to add a few more days to your
stay so that you can also visit the three James River Plantations, the Busch Gardens theme park, and the
display of intricate miniature ship models at the extraordinary Mariners’ Museum in Newport News.
Historic Jamestowne
Positioned on a strategic narrow spot on the James
River, this island settlement founded in 1607 is the first permanent English-speaking settlement in North
America. It predates the Plymouth Rock Pilgrims by 13 years. A church is the only remaining original
structure. The pastoral site is now very quiet, with entertainment limited to singing birds, jumping
squirrels, and viewing an active archaeological dig.
Nearby, a new Visitor Center at the
Jamestown Settlement features an orientation movie and exhibition gallery. A cafe ensures
that now, unlike 400 years ago, no one will starve to death. Outside in the Powhatan Indian village, the cozy,
round-edged houses resemble Airstream trailers. Costumed interpreters demonstrate rope making, basket
weaving, and more--there’s so much to do! In a riverfront area, reproductions of Virginia’s founding fleet are
open for exploration, as are the thatched-roof, English-style houses of the re-created James Fort. 2007 will mark
the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and Virginia.
Colonial Williamsburg
Frozen in the mid-1770s, this non-profit educational
institution is the largest and oldest living history museum in the U.S. and is a must-see. From 1699 to 1780,
it was the political, social, and cultural capital of Britain’s largest, wealthiest, and most populous colony.
Today it features 88 original buildings and portrays the town as it appeared on the eve of the American
Revolution. Visitors witness the pomp and circumstance of Fife-and-Drum parades as well as the informal
excitement of “Streetscapes,” in which actors portray colorful residents noisily going about their daily lives.
Houses and gardens are open for touring, shops purvey era reproductions, and restaurants serve up old-time
treats.
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