Williamsburg’s museums are offering a range of exhibits and programs that highlight African American history and contributions in Virginia. These initiatives aim to provide a fuller understanding of the region’s past, including the experiences of both enslaved and free Black individuals from the colonial period through modern times.
At Colonial Williamsburg, visitors can participate in living history interpretation programs that present stories of 18th-century Black Virginians. The Nation Builder’s program allows guests to interact with historians who portray historical figures from early Virginia. According to the organization, “The Nation Builders use their historical knowledge and in-depth understanding of their character to allow guests a unique way to interact with history.”
One featured experience is the Freedom’s Paradox tour, which guides participants through locations such as Randolph Yard, Market Square, and Palace Green. This tour examines the contradiction between America’s pursuit of independence and its reliance on slavery during the revolutionary era, seen through the perspectives of both free and enslaved members of the Randolph household. Visitors can also tour the Peyton Randolph House, historically home to 27 enslaved people.
Colonial Williamsburg also hosts the Williamsburg Bray School, established in 1760 as one of North America’s earliest schools for Black children. The school taught reading, Anglican doctrine, and sewing for girls but promoted a message justifying enslavement. Visiting this site is free.
Jamestown Settlement presents permanent exhibits exploring how Native American, English, and West Central African cultures intersected in 17th-century Virginia. The film “1607: A Nation Takes Root” details these encounters and discusses the arrival of Africans in 1619. Artifacts and displays at Jamestown Settlement examine life in Ndongo (Angola), conditions in colonial Virginia, the transatlantic slave trade, and emerging African American culture.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown covers overlooked aspects of African American involvement during the Revolutionary War era. Stories include that of Billy Flora, an enslaved man who spied on British forces—a narrative featured in the museum’s film “Liberty Fever.” The York County Historical Museum also offers exhibits on African American life across different periods; admission is free.
In February and March, Jamestown Settlement will host the Black Artist Showcase as part of Black History Month celebrations extending through March 29, 2026. Contemporary works by Virginia artists will be displayed alongside historical context under the theme “Raise Your Voices: Sounds of Protest.” Additional programming includes After Angelo—honoring one of Jamestown’s first recorded African women—and the “Give Me Liberty” exhibition.
February also marks the return of the Virginia Black Film Festival for its third year in Williamsburg. The festival celebrates “Black Excellence: Past, Present & Future” with films, panels, networking events, and honors Lifetime Achievement recipient Keith David.
Archaeological work continues at Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic First Baptist Church site—established by free and enslaved Blacks in 1776—which provides insights into early African American religious life.
Other institutions contribute to preserving this heritage. The Virginia Musical Museum features memorabilia from prominent African American musicians with roots in Virginia such as Ella Fitzgerald and Pharrell Williams. At Colonial Williamsburg’s art museums, visitors can see “I Made This…,” an exhibit highlighting Black artisans from the 18th to 20th centuries; its title references a quote by David Drake, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works despite laws against literacy among enslaved people.
Further resources are available for those interested in learning about local Black-owned businesses or broader efforts to preserve Black history within Williamsburg.
