Colonial Williamsburg Celebrates Presidents Day Weekend Feb. 16-17

Evening Programs Discuss Role of Chief Executives in the Birth of a New Nation

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

• The Constitution and Its Ratification, noon, 12:20, 12:40, 1, 1:20 and 1:40 p.m., Governor’s Palace East Advance Building. On Sept. 17, 1787, the Constitution of the new United States was adopted by a special convention commissioned by the Congress to form a new government. The president of that convention was George Washington and the principal author of the new document was James Madison. The Constitution was transmitted to the Congress, who then submitted it to the 13 states for ratification. Over the course of that ratification period, from December 1787 through June 1788, Washington and Madison corresponded with each other and with Thomas Jefferson, the U.S. ambassador to France, about the new proposed government and its chances for ratification. Meet these gentlemen and discuss with them the letters they have sent and received from their friends and political allies.

• Washington as Symbol: A Historian’s Perspective on the American Icon, 1 p.m., DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. Colonial Williamsburg historian Kevin Kelly explores the Washington myth so integrated into American historical memory and also talks about the man behind the myth.
• Salute to the Presidents, 4 p.m., Market Square. Colonial Williamsburg’s Founding Fathers, military programs staff, and Fifes and Drums celebrate the institution of the presidency and the citizens who have served in that office over the centuries. We also recognize the states most closely associated with each of the presidents, either by birth or residence.
• An Evening with the Presidents: The Role of the Executive and the Bill of Rights, 7:30 p.m., Kimball Theatre
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