Be part of the story.

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Earned Media Coverage

September 19, 2013

Fall travel deals: History, beaches and roller coasters

By: Candyce Stapen

09.16.13

When the leaves fall, in many locales, the prices do too. In these destinations, shoulder season--the months after summer but before the winter holidays—brings low rates, fewer crowds and fun festivals. Here are some great places where you can discover history, stroll beaches, toe-tap to music or scream on scary roller coasters plus get good deals.

History, Colonial Williamsburg, Va.

Time travel back to pre-revolutionary Virginia at Colonial Williamsburg. Discuss the virtues of rebellion with a bonneted woman wearing a hoop skirt as broad as a barn; tour the Governor's Palace bedecked with bayonets and swords; and at the taverns try spoon bread, fish muddle (stew), peanut pie and other 18th century favorites. Afterwards, go on a lantern-lit, evening ghost tour.

Deals: Colonial Williamsburg Experience Package offers about a 25% discount. Rates from $131 per person, per night, include three nights at the Williamsburg Lodge, daily breakfast, admission to Revolutionary City and the art museums, ghost tour and a $100 resort card accepted at the spa, Golden Horseshoe Golf Club or restaurants.

Beaches and Boardwalks, Cape May, N.J.

While packed in summer, Cape May in fall features a boardwalk you can stroll without elbowing through crowds, an ocean that's often still warm enough for swimming, and good restaurants that you can get into without reserving weeks in advance. A National Historic Landmark, Cape May's streets bloom with

http://www.usatoday.com/story/dispatches/2013/09/12/fall-deals-colonial-williamsburg-cape-may-new-jersey-branson-missouri/2806857/

Victorian inns and weekend festivals add fun. Cheer for your favorite team during the Cape May Dragon Boat Festival, September 28 and go on chocolate tours, browse an antique market and tour historic houses during Cape May's Victorian Weekend, Oct. 11-14. Be sure to look up too. The Cape May peninsula, located on the Atlantic Flyway, serves as a stopover for thousands of migrating birds. In fall you're likely to catch sight of ribbons of songbirds.

Deals: Southern Mansion from $155 per night for two nights in Sept and Oct., including full breakfast for two and parking, a savings of more than $100. For more deals, check out CapeMay.

Shows, Branson, Mo.

This midwest Mecca for shows has grown to feature much more than country music. Although there's still plenty of cowboy crooning in Branson, you can also choose from live performances as diverse as the balancing skills of the Acrobats of China, the dance and Broadway tunes featured at the Hughes Brothers Theatre, or a sight and sound show portraying the biblical Joseph. At Silver Dollar City, a theme park open through December, go for gut-wrenching thrills on Outlaw Run, the world's second fastest wooden coaster, a behemoth that drops you at speeds up to 68-mph.

Deals: From $364.31 for two tickets to Silver Dollar City, plus two nights of lodging at Castle Rock Resort & Indoor Water Park, a savings of about $217, or 37%, available from Reserve Branson, an attraction and lodging packager. More packages available.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/dispatches/2013/09/12/fall-deals-colonial-williamsburg-cape-may-new-jersey-branson-missouri/2806857/

Out of State: Exploring Virginia's Historic Triangle/ One family's hands-on trip through American history

By: Peggy Sijswerda

August 2013

Ross, my 8-year-old, would have fit right in with Captain John Smith and the other explorers who landed in Virginia nearly four centuries ago. During our recent visit to Jamestown, part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, I realized he had gone exploring – again. I was trying to listen to a Pocahontas look-alike, wrapped in animal furs, speak about Powhatan Indian culture, but Ross kept wandering off. Moments earlier, I’d found him leaning over a tree stump, grinding cornmeal with a heavy stick. Now I discovered him inside one of the reed-covered Powhatan dwellings, stroking a fur hide. “Feel how soft it is, Mom,” he said. Ross is a tactile learner, and lucky for me, he found many opportunities for hands-on learning during our visit to Jamestown, as well as in Williamsburg and Yorktown, the other two corners of the Historic Triangle. Each place offers kids a chance to journey into America’s past and encounter history up close. Transported in Time We began our journey at Jamestown Settlement, an outdoor museum that shares the story of our country’s first settlers, as well as the Indians whose lives they impacted. After exploring the Powhatan Village, my family and I strolled along a wooded path to the James River,

http://www.dfwchild.com/features/895/Exploring-Virginias-Historic-Triangle

where we found replicas of the three ships that carried 104 English settlers to Virginia in 1607. Ross scrambled on board the Susan Constant and disappeared below deck, where I found him a few moments later having a chat with a costumed interpreter. Back on land we entered the wooden gates of James Fort. Inside, wattle-and-daub structures with thatched roofs made us feel as though we were transported in time. Ross and his brother, Jasper, tried on English armor while Scott, my oldest son, watched a blacksmith forging iron. Nearby ninepins and ring toss offered all three boys a chance to try 17th-century pastimes. Not quite as thrilling as video games, they decided. A Twisty Tour At the Powell House in Colonial Williamsburg, kids can find more hands-on activities and games, like rolling hoops or preparing a colonial-style supper. Ross and his brothers also chanced upon an early form of baseball on the Palace Green in front of the Governor’s Palace. My sons quickly joined in as two women in 18th-century dresses explained what to do: You simply step on a lever, which pops a ball up just high enough to smack with a bat. The boys didn’t care too much about the finer points of the game, but they loved batting the ball. While visiting historic buildings may not be tops on the list for most kids, my sons marveled over the huge display of musketry in the Governor’s Palace. But the hedge maze out back was definitely their favorite. Paths leading through a tangle of greenery invite kids of all ages to get lost and find their way out again. Having run through the same maze as a girl, I joined my sons for a twisty tour through the hedges back to my youth. Recreating History Our journey into America’s past continued at Yorktown Victory Center, which celebrates the American Revolution. Jasper and Ross headed straight for the recreated military encampmentbehind the museum, where a sea of white tents beckoned. A woman in a long flowing skirt beside the hospital tent talked to my sons about the surgeon’s tools on display. “I’m sure glad I didn’t live back then,” Jasper said with a shiver. My older boys enjoyed the museum displays detailing the Siege of Yorktown and George Washington’s victorious battle that ended the war and brought America its freedom. Soon it was time for the cannon firing (11:05am, 1:05pm, 3:05pm and 5:05pm daily). As the audience gathered, a soldier asked for volunteers. Ross’ hand shot up, and he was chosen to fetch the ammunition for the cannon. As my son performed this small task among the brightly costumed soldiers, I felt proud to see him help recreate the course of events that made our country great.

http://www.dfwchild.com/features/895/Exploring-Virginias-Historic-Triangle

5 Family Travel Destinations That Teach Kids U.S. History

By: Amy Whitley

09.13.13

The kids are back to school and summer vacation is over. Keep the kids at their studies during fall getaways and weekend trips by visiting a historical landmark, museum or battlefield. Pick from one of these five top U.S. family travel destinations that teach U.S. history:

Colonial Williamsburg VA:

Skip the theme parks and water parks and stay in the historic colonial village ofWilliamsburg. Nowhere is living history so well orchestrated than here, where Colonial times are given new life along Williamsburg's streets, in its shops and restaurants and within its museums. Stay in one of the village's central hotels, and be sure to dine on authentic colonial fare at least once!

Gettysburg, PN:

When visiting Gettysburg with kids, start at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum, where parents can determine an itinerary based on kids' ages and education level. Also nearby is the David Wills House, where President Lincoln stayed after delivering the Gettysburg Address. No doubt, kids who have walked the battlefield at Gettysburg and seen the surrounding region will have an unique perspective on Civil War history.

Sacramento, CA:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-whitley/five-family-travel-destinations-that-teach-kids-us-history_b_3921045.html

If you have kids studying the Western migration of America's pioneers and the California Gold Rush, Sacramento is the place to start. Visit historic Sutter's Fort, where gold was first discovered, and the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento to learn about the role steam engines played in the expansion of the West. If you're up for a road trip, head into the Sierras to view Donner Memorial State Park at Donner Summit on I-80, or go further east into Nevada to check out the excellent new California Trail Center in Elko.

Cody, WY:

Have a kid who loves the Wild West? Teach kids history while letting them play cowboy (or cowgirl) in Cody, Wyoming. Home to the "Smithsonian of the West," Cody's Buffalo Bill Center of the West is five museums in one: plan to spend all day learning about Native Americans, early ranching, the life of Buffalo Bill and the geo-thermal wonders of nearby Yellowstone. Kids also love Old Trail Town, comprised of authentic Western buildings and cabins.

Atlanta, GA:

The Atlanta History Center is one of the best museums we've ever experienced for kids. With indoor exhibits and displays as well as outdoor replicas and historic site touring, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of the South, from early colonial and slave-holding times through the present, with an emphasis on the Civil War. The home tours and gardens on the grounds are a must, and admission gets families into Margaret Mitchell's house in downtown Atlanta as well. If kids want to see how history is recorded up to the minute in today's world, take a tour of the iconic CNN Center with older kids.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-whitley/five-family-travel-destinations-that-teach-kids-us-history_b_3921045.html

NYT Columnist David Brooks appearing in Williamsburg, Sept. 18

09/17/13

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will present the final event in its 2013 speaker series tomorrow at the Williamsburg Lodge.David Brooks, New York Timescolumnist and columnist/commentator on PBS NewsHour, will speak about "the current state of citizenship" and "will comment on the state of contemporary citizenship and current cultural and political issues," according to a news release. A Q&A session is included.

From the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's website: "David Brooks has a gift for bringing audiences face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight and quiet passion. He is a keen observer of the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs."

Brooks will be on hand beginning at 11 a.m. to sign copies of his books, which include: "Bobos in Paradise" and the New York Times best-selling "On Paradise Drive," as well as his most recent release,"The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character and Achievement." (Books can be purchased beginning at 10 a.m.)

http://www.dailypress.com/entertainment/books/writers-block-blog/dp-writers-block-columnist-david-brooks-appearing-in-williamsburg-september-18-20130917,0,2808341.post

Lunch will be served at noon, followed by the presentation.

Want to go? As of this writing, tickets are available. The cost is $65.

When? Wednesday, September 18 Book signing begins at 11 a.m. Lunch is served at noon, followed by the author's presentation.

Where? Williamsburg Lodge, 310 South England Street, Williamsburg

Tickets can be purchased by calling (800) 447-8679 or visiting the foundation's website (here).

http://www.dailypress.com/entertainment/books/writers-block-blog/dp-writers-block-columnist-david-brooks-appearing-in-williamsburg-september-18-20130917,0,2808341.post

The Virginia Gazette, September 14, 2013

The Virginia Gazette, September 18, 2013

Holiday Open House at WILLIAMSBURG Celebrations!

By: Emily Ridjaneck

09/10/13

September 13th and 14th, plan to visit WILLIAMSBURG Celebrations for the Holiday Open House. Enjoy a first look at the new Holiday merchandise, beautifully styled in inspiring ways you can re-create in your home this holiday season, along with special events, demonstrations, refreshments and prizes. View a schedule of guests / demonstrations below or click here for more information on the Colonial Williamsburg website.

Friday

9:30-10:30 Peggy Lankford – how to make lasting floral arrangements for your home using dried and faux materials.

11:00-12:00 Susan Dipree – new ways with apple cones: learn how to create this iconic holiday decoration with two different methods

12:30-1:30 Tom Hamlin/Don Haney – the art of making holiday bows and creating a holiday fruit centerpiece

2:00-3:00 Hunter Curry – how to make fresh floral arrangements for candlesticks and tablescapes

3:30-4:30 Megan Ernst –fragrance demonstration / gifts

Saturday

11:00-12:00 Mr. Greenhow (Ryan Fletcher) – history of decorating in the 18th century

9:00-10:00 Portage Workshop birdhouses – how they are made

9:00-12:00 Rod Campbell- decorating with collectibles Byers Choice and Vallincourt

2:00-4:00 Department 56 artist signing with Jeff Junkins

http://wydaily.com/2013/09/10/holiday-open-house-at-williamsburg-celebrations/

CW Receives Grant to Study Fire Suppression Agent Effects on Artifacts

09/13/13

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum (Photo courtesy the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

A grant award to Colonial Williamsburg will fund a three-year study into the effects on museum collections from fire extinguishing agents.

A $213,477 National Leadership Grant will cover the research in partnership with the Hughes Associates and Fire Protection Research Association from Nov. 1 to Oct. 31, 2016; the grant comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“We are delighted to receive a National Leadership Grant from the IMLS,” said Colin Campbell, president and CEO of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, in a news release. “We look forward to sharing the critical knowledge we learn about the conservation and protection of rare cultural treasures with the museum community at large.”

Scientifically, fire extinguishing agents are effective, but the effects of the agents on artifacts have not been explored nor has the ability to remove the agents from artifacts’ surfaces, according to the release.

A workshop and ceremony on Capitol Hill on Sept. 18 will feature IMLS Director Susan Hildreth, who will recognize the grant winners, applicants and awards.

IMLS serves as the primary source of federal support for 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums across the nation.

http://wydaily.com/2013/09/13/cw-receives-grant-to-study-fire-suppression-agent-effects-on-artifacts/

Merchants Square, CW to Celebrate U.S. Constitution’s Founding

09/15/13

The fifth annual “To Support and Defend” event presented by Merchants Square and Colonial Williamsburg will celebrate the founding of the U.S. Constitution.

At 7 p.m. Tuesday in Merchants Square, a tribute to the Constitution will be offered in the form of music and speeches.

A combined music ensemble that evening will feature members of the USA Training and Doctrine Command Band and the USAF Heritage of America Band. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums will join the two bands as well.

Guest interpreters Ron Carnegie as George Washington, Bryan Austin as James Madison and guest narrator Raymond Jones of WHRO will be featured at the event.

“To Support and Defend” is free and open to the public; guests should bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Additional information is available onlineor by calling 757-565-8889. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Wednesday; check online for weather-related information.

http://wydaily.com/2013/09/15/merchants-square-cw-to-celebrate-u-s-constitutions-founding/

Social Media Mentions:

Veronica Stoddart, USA TODAY’s Editor in Chief for Travel – 22,031 followers

Candyce Stapen, USA TODAY travel editor – 11,457 followers