Part of Jamestown

Jamestown in Virginia is part of the Historic Triangle. Never heard of it? Three treasures from American history are situated in the area, making up this figurative triangle. The first is Jamestown divided into Historic Jamestowne (with statues, recreations of a church and Glass House, and the excavation of the original settlement) and the Jamestown Settlement (with recreations of the ships that brought the English settlers to the area and recreations of both the James Fort and a Powhatan Indian Village). The other two points of the triangle are Yorktown (scene for the final battle in the American Revolution) and Colonial Williamsburg (a working community straight from colonial America).

February is theme month in Jamestown – and probably in many more historic attractions around the country – as the month is dedicated to black history. Jamestown offers this amazing black history experience in its community.

From Africa to Virginia

This experience takes place at the Jamestown Settlement with its recreated ships, Indian village, and fort.There are several discovery centers here. The first known Africans in Virginia came from the kingdom of Ndongo in Angola. Jamestown gallery exhibits and a special gallery brochure through February will feature the experience of these Africans in 17th century Virginia. Daily tours are offered of the recreated centers – the ships, the Jamestown fort, and the Powhatan Indian Village – every hour until closing (which varies). During the last part of the month, February 13-28, visitors can compare the technology used in 17th century Virginia with the skills of Africans in Angola. Skills featured include fishing, hunting, construction, and metalworking.

This special exhibit in Jamestown also tells the story of the Africans to arrive at the Jamestown settlement after they were captured from a Portuguese ship on its way from Angola to Mexico. Visitors to the recreated ships will experience the tale through role play. It’s a fascinating look at black history at a prominent American landmark and a unique addition to Williamsburg educational tours.

Photo by Ken Lund on Flickr.