Colonial Williamsburg
Electronic Field Trips

Colonial Williamsburg offers live, interactive field trips to 18th-century colonial America. Carefully planned and historically accurate, these trips are educational adventures that combine live broadcasts and computer on-line technologies with comprehensive classroom lesson plans and resource information.

 Schools can view these programs free of charge, but need to register and pay a small fee to receive curriculum materials and on-line interaction. Schools may tape programs and use them within 10 days from the date of broadcast. The tape must be erased within 45 days. Schools that have received a scholarship for this program, or that have registered and paid to participate, may tape the program(s) and keep the tape(s) for the life of the tape.

To register for curriculum resources for a small fee, go to http://www.history.org/history/teaching/eft.cfm

Field Trip Descriptions

2008-2009 Season

201 The Will of the People - October — One of the most bitter presidential campaigns in U.S. history is part of a surprising lesson for a 21st-century student. Thomas Jefferson explains how negative campaigning, partisan politics, and contested elections have been part of our political system since the earliest days of the republic.

202 Yorktown - November — Explore the story of the key turning point in the Revolutionary War. Follow the people who converged on the village of York in October 1781: the military leaders, common soldiers, and civilians whose lives were changed forever by the siege. Learn why Yorktown was the place where American independence was finally secured.

203 Making History Live - December — What makes history come alive? Take a behind-the-scenes look at how historical African American character portrayals are created for Colonial Williamsburg?s Historic Area. From research through performance, experienced museum interpreters share their techniques for bringing the past to life.

204 In Pursuit of Science - January — Enter the exciting world of early American scientists and their discoveries. Follow a young colonial boy in his exploration of science and the world around him. Discover the important scientific exploration that took place in the early years of America.

205 Freedom Bound - February — Choice, hope, and escape from slavery are highlighted in stories spanning three centuries. Examine the options for slaves willing to risk their lives for freedom. Where could they run? Whom could they trust? Learn how these answers changed over time, from the American colonies? first slave laws to the Underground Railroad before the Civil War.

206 Remember the Ladies - March — In 1776, Abigail Adams requested that her husband, future president John Adams, "remember the ladies" when establishing the government and laws of the new nation. Examine the roles, responsibilities, and daily activities of early American women.

207 Soldier of Liberty - April — Enlist in the 2nd Virginia Regiment with young recruit Nathaniel Hutcheson and experience the everyday life of a soldier during the American Revolution. March into battle with Nathaniel as he encounters for the first time the noise, confusion, and horror of war.

2007-2008 Season

101 Jamestown Unearthed— Take a look at how history is written and reevaluated as new methods of study are introduced. Explore the myths and misconceptions of Jamestown in 1607: revisit the documents, artifacts, and other evidence through archaeology. Learn how every generation sees the evidence in new ways, and how this affects our understanding of the past.

102 Emissaries of Peace— During the turbulent era of the French and Indian War, the Cherokee people struggled to preserve their independence. Follow Cherokee leader Ostenaco and Virginian Henry Timberlake on their 1762 journey from Chota (the capital of the Cherokee nation) to Williamsburg and London in search of a lasting peace.

103 Founders or Traitors?— The months of late 1776 were “the times that try men’s souls.” Join Edward Rutledge, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams as they attend a conference with British admiral Lord Howe, hoping to end the American rebellion peacefully. Discover the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the risks they took.

104 For Ready Money— Join a young merchant apprentice as he learns his lessons in money and accounts. Just as today, everyone in colonial America from gentleman to slave had access to coins, bills, notes, and credit. Discover how the colonial economy worked.

105 No Master Over Me— Ann Ashby tells the story of her life as a free black during the days of slavery. Discover how she and her husband, Matthew, made a life for their family: Matthew purchased his wife and children and had them freed. This is the story of balancing between slave and free communities in this poignant reminder of what our freedom is really worth.

106 Treasure Keepers— You’ve seen their work in every museum—but what do conservators really do? Learn how conservators prevent or slow the damage caused by “agents of destruction.” Explore how and why preserving history is important for future generations.

107 The Industrious Tradesmen— Follow the lives of several journeymen fresh from their apprenticeships in trades and business as they learn how skill and opportunity will impact their careers. Discover which ones will achieve their dreams and become masters of their own shops.

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