We Shall Overcome: A Williamsburg Black History Experience
Delve into the harsh realities that were a part of everyday life for the African-American population of Colonial Williamsburg and discover how they triumphed in the face of cruel adversity during horrific times.
Join the We Shall Overcome: A Williamsburg Black History Experience for a captivating look at the harrowing conditions faced by the enslaved and oppressed and how their perseverance reshaped America.
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We Shall Overcome: A Williamsburg Black History Experience
Backed by evidence, documented events, and historical anecdotes, expert local guides will share inspiring stories of the influential figures whose lives played a role in the struggle to make America a free country for all. Explore a collection of history-making stories and the locations where they occurred and uncover the enduring legacies of the African Americans that forged a better future.
Meeting location: Outside the Kimball Theater at 428 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Starting Time: 1 PM
Pet Policy: Pets are welcomed!
Alcohol Policy: No Drinking Permitted
Adults Only: No
Where to Meet, Park, and Directions
Outside the Kimball Theater at 428 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
We recommend parking near Duke of Gloucester Street. To see options, click below. Use parkme.com for more parking locations.
Melissa Vore
Pat was great! Full of knowledge and fun tidbits. We love doing these tours in all the old cities we travel to. He really knew his stuff and had great...
Chris S.
Patrick guided us down Glouster St, around the courthouse, a good stop at the Randolph house, and back. I appreciated that we had a small group so he...
Leslie B.
Vinnie led us on a very informative and enjoyable tour. We learned much more about Colonial Williamsburg than the ordinary history, and it fleshed ou...
Tour Preview: What You'll See
Mary Stith House
Mary Stith lived a life of privilege and luxury. But upon her death, she gave away her entire fortune to the freedmen and women who helped her live this pampered life. Visit this historic home as we explain the formalities of inheritance and its relation to slavery at the Mary Stith House.
Historic First Baptist Church
With a congregation that dates back to 1776 and one that gathered despite prevailing laws, the historic First Baptist Church was a religious meeting ground that bred revolution and spirituality.
George Wythe House
George Whyth’s progressive stance on slavery, eventually freeing all his slaves, was not enough to change prevailing ideas at the time. Hear about his poisoning and the disregard of a testimony put forth by an enslaved person who saw it happen, an unfortunately common scenario in colonial times.
What is the Williamsburg Black History Experience About?
On the Williamsburg Black History Experience, you’ll get a glimpse into the bravery and resilience of the African American residents in 17th-century Williamsburg via stories left untold. Uncover the extraordinary courage of the enslaved and influential Black leaders who fostered pride and endurance within their communities.
Learn about Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved preacher whose incredible journey saw him rise as a beacon of hope in the face of deep adversity. His sermons and leadership were instrumental in building a sense of community and resilience among the enslaved population.
The Williamsburg Black History Experience also introduces you to the inspiring Ona Staines, an African American woman who served in the household of President George Washington. Staines made a daring escape from slavery in Virginia and embarked on a perilous journey to freedom. Her successful flight and subsequent new life inspired many others to follow in her footsteps, showcasing her as a symbol of resistance and hope.
Uncover the true and unbelievable stories of hardships, tragedy, and courage that changed a nation and created a new way of life for generations to come. Get a new perspective on these gut-wrenching times and book the Williamsburg Black History Experience today!
REASONS TO TAKE THE WILLIAMSBURG BLACK HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Book your spot on one of the most unique things to do in Williamsburg, a town known for its dedication to preserving Colonial ... life, the nation's second-oldest center of higher education, and plenty of history. But often, this history skews the truth. Discover the other side of the Colonial coin, which was marked by abuse, bloodshed, and eventually, a triumph for centuries on the Williamsburg Black History Experience.
The institution of Slavery is a topic that offers little respite, even when being discussed in the most vague of terms. We di ... g into the unbearable truth about one of America’s darkest periods and bring to light the harsh realities faced by the people forced into servitude. Our Williamsburg Black History Experience exposes the brutality of slavery in an educational way suited to all eager to learn more.
Stories of early Thanksgiving, revolutionary meetings, and plantation life in Colonial America have filled our minds since th ... e earliest days of our childhood. But life wasn’t like this for everyone. Learn about African America life in Colonial America and the harsh conditions that eventually gave way to freedom on our captivating tour of Williamsburg.
Great men win famous battles. Or at least that's how the stories are told. But often, others with faces, names, and lives are ... forgotten by time. Or were they simply neglected by those willing to forget their contributions? If you want to know everything there is to know about the Revolutionary War and those who fought it, then take this tour. We cover all our bases to bring you the most historically accurate tour of black life in Colonial Williamsburg.
There is a lot to do in Williamsburg, so trust you to show you around in style. The best way to see Colonial Williamsburg is ... to take a Williamsburg Black History Experience tour and hear about the people who really built it. Although they lived hard lives, which are explained respectfully and critically, their essence and souls are still felt everywhere in Williamsburg. Every stop along the way connects to the African American people, and all of them are must-see destinations.
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COLONIAL GHOSTS TOUR
Take a spooky stroll through this fascinating colonial town with Colonial Ghosts and hear spine-chilling tales of ghostly encounters and otherworldly activity spawned from Williamsburg’s dark past. Join us as we uncover the terror that lies hidden in the shadows of Williamsburg.
Tour Meeting Location: In front of the Kimball Theater, at 424 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Tour Times: 8PM, 9PM NIGHTLY
Tour Length: 1hr to 1hr 15 minutes
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
COLONIAL GHOSTS ULTIMATE DEAD OF NIGHT HAUNTED GHOST TOUR
From the tortured souls of those who met untimely ends to the malevolent entities born of dark deeds, our Ultimate Dead of Night tour introduces you to the dark secrets and unspeakable horrors that plague this haunted town.
Tour Meeting Location: In front of the Kimball Theater, at 424 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Tour Times: Monday through Saturday at 10PM
Tour Length: 1.5hr
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
WILLIAMSBURG HAUNTS: BOOS AND BOOZE HAUNTED PUB CRAWL
Experience haunted Williamsburg with chilled drinks and chilling tales on our spirited haunted pub crawl. Visit some of the area’s most haunted taverns while uncovering the tragic events and dismal disasters that gave these popular watering holes their cursed reputation.
Tour Meeting Location: In front of the Kimball Theater, 424 W Duke of Gloucester St. in Merchant's Square at 428 W Duke of Gloucester
Tour Times: Daily at 5:45PM
Tour Length: Approximately 2 hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
WE SHALL OVERCOME: A WILLIAMSBURG BLACK HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Join us as we uncover the extraordinary stories of the unsung heroes whose legacies continue to echo throughout history. Hear the seldom-heard tales of daring escapes and acts of defiance that left an indelible mark on American history.
Tour Meeting Location: In front of the Kimball Theater, 424 W Duke of Gloucester St. in Merchant's Square at 428 W Duke of Gloucester
Tour Times: Daily
Tour Length: Approximately 2 hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
SECRETS OF COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Prepare for a tour filled with amazement and intrigue as our guides take you on a journey to Williamsburg's legendary sites known for unsolved mysteries, insidious crimes, and notorious figures from its scandalous past.
Tour Meeting Location: In front of the Kimball Theater, 424 W Duke of Gloucester St. in Merchant's Square at 428 W Duke of Gloucester
Tour Times: Daily at 11AM
Tour Length: Approximately 2 hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
DRINK WILLIAMSBURG EXPERIENCE
Want to discover the best and most unique watering holes in Williamsburg? Take a tour with Drink Williamsburg to discover the area’s top breweries, wineries, and historical sites, all while hearing stories about the people and places that built this historic town.
Tour Meeting Location: In front of: Amber Ox Public House, 525 Prince George St Suite 102, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Tour Times: Daily at 3PM
Tour Length:
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
TASTE OF WILLIAMSBURG FOOD TOUR
Sip, savor, and sampler your way through Williamsburg’s tasty delights on our culinary adventure through this legendary town. Come hungry and leave satisfied as we introduce you to an array of dishes and drinks made famous by local chefs and artisans.
Tour Meeting Location: In front of the Kimball Theater, 424 W Duke of Gloucester St. in Merchant's Square at 428 W Duke of Gloucester
Tour Times: Daily at 2PM
Tour Length: Approximately 3 hours
Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!
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