Home Educators Can Be Part of the Story During Colonial Williamsburg’s Homeschooler Experience Feb. 26-March 5
Homeschoolers and their families can see the world in the 1770s when the colonists made their journey from subjects to citizens during Colonial Williamsburg’s Homeschooler Experience on Feb. 26-March 5. There is still time to register and receive discounts on tickets for the Homeschooler Experience.
During these two weeks, families experience the life of the Benjamin Powell family, as the house opens exclusively for homeschoolers, and participate in daily life through a variety of activity-driven interpretations. Groups will be guided through the original 18th-century house and will find 18th-century games, put their best foot forward on the dance floor, fluff a feather mattress, set a proper table and take tea, and learn how to treat injuries and common illnesses. All programs are subject to change.
Home educators also learn about representative government at the Capitol, visit with people from the past at R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse and explore the world of work and enterprise inside the trade shops in town. The Homeschooler Experience offers a new program this year. “Amazing Grace,” explores 18th-century religious views with Anglican clergyman Rev. John Camm and Gowan Pamphlet, a popular free African American preacher of the period on Sunday afternoons.
In the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, home educators and their families can take advantage of a number of programs. “Accessorize!” features 18th- and 19th-century fashion accessories. Students then hunt for them in the portraits of people in the galleries. Examine two quilts from Gee’s Bend, Ala., and learn about African American quilt makers and the culture that inspired them. “When Insects Invade: The Unwanted Museum Visitor” is a tour just for youth and uncovers what types of insects museums worry about, what kind of damage they do and how conservators deal with them once they are inside. Dates and times for these programs and more are listed in the CW This Week brochure.
Special Tickets Offer Just for Homeschoolers
Families can purchase special admission passes and save in advance of the Homeschooler Experience. One-day tickets for adults are $7.50 in advance and $9.50 for walk-in tickets, two-day tickets are $10.50 in advance and $12.50 for walk-in tickets, and five-day adult tickets are $15.50 for advance and $20.50 for walk-in tickets. One-day tickets for students ages six to 17 are $5.50 in advance and $7.50 for walk-in tickets, two-day tickets are $8.50 in advance and $10.50 for walk-in tickets and five-day tickets are $13.50 in advance and $18.50 for walk-in tickets. Children age five and under are free.
This ticket includes admission to Historic Area exhibition sites, including the Capitol, Governor’s Palace, trade shops, homes and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
Three special programs also will be offered for only $5 each. Guests can meet some of the women who made the 18th-century capital of colonial Virginia home during the walking tour, “Women of Williamsburg,” which will be held Feb. 28, March 2 and March 4. Colonial Williamsburg’s stable and rare breed animal program are the focus of “Bits and Bridles,” which can be seen Feb. 26, March 2 and March 4. The walking tour, “The Mechanics of the Trades,” visits the Blacksmith Shop on Feb. 26, March, 1, March 3 and March 5.