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WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Colonial Williamsburg celebrates its native sons – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison -- and their impact on the birth of a nation during Presidents Day weekend, Feb. 16-17. The Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, the Historic Area and the Kimball Theatre in Merchants Square examine the contributions of our Founding Fathers.
Saturday, Feb. 16
· The Great Men in Williamsburg: The Founding Fathers – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison at the Capitol. Tours are held every 20 minutes beginning at 10 a.m. The last tour begins at 11:40 a.m. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were shaped by their experiences in Williamsburg and the roles that each played in momentous events that occurred at the Capitol. In 1775, General Washington talks about his tenure as a Burgess from 1759-1774. He also will discuss his close friendship with the last royal governor, Lord Dunmore, in the years just before the American Revolution. In 1780, Gov. Jefferson speaks about his early experiences as a lawyer in the General Court before the Revolution and about his efforts to rewrite the laws of Virginia once he became governor. In 1790, James Madison talks about this role in the drafting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the successful adoption of Jefferson’s Statute for Religious Freedom.
· A Public Audience with the First President, George Washington, 1 p.m., Kimball Theatre. President Washington looks back over his long career in public service. He reflects on his years in the House of Burgesses, the American Revolution, serving as commander-in-chief of American forces in the War for Independence and his leadership in drafting the Federal Constitution, which led to his election as the first president of the United States. Reservations required.
· I Remember the Time: The Marquis de Lafayette Remembers George Washington, 2 p.m., DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. A young French aristocrat, the Marquis de Lafayette, was only 19 when the news came that the American colonies had declared their independence from England, France’s ancient foe. Trained in military matters and the arts of war, Lafayette traveled to Philadelphia in June 1777. He presented himself to the Continental Congress, declaring that he was eager to assist in the cause of American freedom. The Congress conferred on him the rank of major general. George Washington and young Lafayette soon became friends. Lafayette referred to Washington as his “adopted father” and took him as his avowed role model. Serving as American-French liaison officer and leading an elite unit, Lafayette speaks about the commander-in-chief and his participation in the Revolutionary War. Reservations required.
· To Washington’s Health, 7 and 8:30 p.m., Capitol. The Virginia Company presents a musical program in honor of our first president. Songs and tunes George Washington knew and enjoyed throughout his life as a planter, soldier and president are given lively renditions by this musical trio. Using both British and American sources from Washington’s lifetime, the Virginia Company performs a variety of popular music of the era, including period drinking songs, ballads, dance music and toasts to Washington’s health. A separate admission ticket is required.
Sunday, Feb. 17<
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