 | The folks organizing the 2020 Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute have packed quite a bit into the sample schedule posted online. I'm really looking forward to stepping onto the historic grounds of Williamsburg to explore every aspect possible. Just take a look at some of the descriptions below. One of the areas I have looked forward to the most is the archaeology of Williamsburg. This is a continuing study at the properties that I would like to incorporate somehow into our classroom. Discovering the Past through Archaeology |
As I will spend a week exploring and learning about colonial life in Virginia, I hope to get a pretty good understanding of Colonial Williamsburg during the Orientation Walk.
Orientation Walk
On this stroll through town, learn about the geography and significance of eighteenth-century Williamsburg. Explore how Colonial Williamsburg as a museum has come to feed the human spirit by sharing America’s enduring story, and pick up tricks to find your way as you explore throughout the week.
Another area that I am deficient in is that of the native lives who visited Williamsburg or lived nearby. I need to learn more about the interactions that took place between the natives and the colonists.
Native American Experience
During the eighteenth century, Cherokee delegations traveled to Williamsburg to negotiate trade agreements and alliances. Members of local tribes, such as the Nottoway and Pamunkey, also came to Williamsburg as students, peddlers of wares, and enlistees for Virginia forces in times of conflict. View colonial Virginia through Native American eyes as you experience how Indian delegations represented an abundance of distinct cultures, languages, religions, and unique world views.
It sounds as if the organizers of the institute plan to make us think deeply. There are several opportunities to make decisions in court cases, witch trials, pirate captures, and alternative histories. In the Introduction to Biography Lenses session, it sounds like I might have to put the ol' noggin to the test.
Introduction to Biography Lenses
Who we are, the events we’ve experienced, and the communications we’ve shared with the world can tell people a lot about us. Engross yourself in the life and experiences of an eighteenth-century Williamsburg citizen. Discover how they might have viewed key events of the time and decide for yourself about their role in American history.
All of these things happen in one day, and there is even more. It might be a little overwhelming, but that may also be why those in the know tell us that Colonial Williamsburg is Disneyland for history buffs.
