Research & Fun: Colonial Style
My last turn to post, I wrote about my experience attending the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America. The conference moves to different cities every year, but this year it was held in historic Williamsburg Virginia, so I knew I wanted to attend.
If you are not aware, Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum representing the once thriving capital of the largest and most influential of the American colonies. Here, the fundamental concepts of the new republic were nurtured under the leadership of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and many others. Williamsburg remained an important city for over eighty years until 1780. Then, near the end of the Revolutionary War, under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson, the seat of government was moved to the more centrally located city of Richmond. I wanted to give you a quick summary, but I am no expert on U.S. history, so if you’re interested, you can read more about Colonial Williamsburg’s background and restoration here.
I research and write novels set in England, yet I found my visit to Williamsburg interesting and valuable. The historic area includes many restored or re-created buildings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries—A time period much the same as when Jane Austen lived (1775-1817) and wrote her novels. There is also a definite British feel to the place, which is no wonder since so many English settled there. And I reasoned that visiting its shops and tradespeople would be similar to visiting, say, a milliner, tailor, or shoemaker in an English village.
Costumed employees work in Williamsburg and skilled craftsmen carry on traditional trades, including a printing shop, book binder, shoemaker, tin smith, silversmith, wigmaker and many more.
Other prominent buildings include the Public Gaol, Capitol, Courthouse, Governor’s Palace as well as the still functioning Parish Church.
Highlights for me were:
Seeing my friend Tammy (from Virginia) who met me in Williamsburg for a day and a half of research and fun.
The print shop: There is a similar shop in An Ivy Hill Christmas (September 2020), so I found watching the printer work helpful.
The blacksmith: When I wrote The Dancing Master, which has a blacksmith as a character, a Williamsburg blacksmith answered questions for me by email, which I really appreciated. I mentioned him in my Author’s Note. He wasn’t working that day, but another blacksmith assured me he still works there and promised to see that he received the signed book I left for him.
The coffee house: Coffee houses were important hubs of society, where men met to read newspapers and discuss politics and more. A costumed reenactor entertained us while we sipped our choice of tea, coffee, or drinking chocolate. Most of us chose the latter and were glad we did. It was thick, chocolatey, and delicious!
The apothecary: Having written The Apothecary’s Daughter, I enjoyed meeting one of Williamsburg’s apothecaries. He obliged by describing remedies and demonstrating his “bleeding” technique.
Tammy and I ate in the King’s Arms Tavern where the costumed waitress served up delicious food (peanut soup!) and interesting historical tidbits as well.
Have you been to Colonial Williamsburg? If not, have you visited another living history museum?
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Thank you for sharing about your trip! This would be a fun place to visit. I have been to Sauder Village (a living history village in NW Ohio) many times. They tell the history of the pioneers who helped settle that area. They have many artisans including blacksmith, tinsmith, weaver, basket maker, coppersmith, glass blower, broom maker, etc. This year they have been adding a 1920s area to their village which includes a cute downtown area (movie theater, bank, soda fountain) barbershop, and car dealership. This village was started by Erie Sauder who created his brand of ready to assemble furniture (Sauder). He loved history and wanted to keep it alive for future generations.
Yes! I love Colonial Williamsburg. I also loved the print shop.
It looks like fun, Julie. I love researching books, don’t you?
Since I lived in Richmond for about 25 years of my life, I have been to Williamsburg many times. It was always a hit with visiting friends and relatives, and I found the history, the demonstrations by the artisans, and the charm of the costumes quite fascinating. I just finished reading The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz and enjoyed reliving the Williamsburg experience.
Will have to look for this book, Suzanne.
So glad you got to experience our historic Colonial Williamsburg! I was born in Richmond and have lived in Virginia Beach for over 30 years – both only an hour from Williamsburg. As a 5th grade teacher for 23 years (now retired), our class trip to Williamsburg was the highlight of the school year. You gave an excellent look at this wonderful living museum. Did you get to experience a trial or a debate in the capital building? Also wonderful experiences along with the craftsmen. In 5th grade our students had to memorize portions of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech, as well as the beginning of the Declaration of Independence and preamble to the Constitution. The Colonial Parkway connects our historic triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. If you ever get to come back to Virginia, I hope you can visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home and a great testimony to his inventive, agricultural, political, and scientific knowledge. We hope to take our grandson to Williamsburg when he visits from California in January. Thanks for highlighting this wonderful place and giving the tips about your research.
I love Williamsburg! What a fun trip you had!
I have never been to Williamsburg but think it will move to a top place on my ‘to visit’ list.
Thank you for this interesting post!
Yes! Hubby and I visited way back in 1970 when he was stationed at Portsmouth. We ate at The King’s Arms! I bought a small cookbook that was a replica with old tyme recipes! Still use it. Sally Lunn bread was a favorite.
Wonderful place to get lost in time. Especially liked the candlelight harpsichord concerts.
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I love Williamsburg! Such an amazing place to ‘walk’ through history. It’s been along time since I’ve visited. Need to go back.