Jamestown Day – Jamestown Settlement – Saturday, May 9
Jamestown Day – May 9, 2026 at Jamestown Settlement
Families are invited to mark the anniversary of the 1607 founding of Founding of Jamestown with family-friendly programs, military salutes, and maritime and interpretive demonstrations at Jamestown Settlement.
Visitors can board the Godspeed at the ships’ pier to discover how sailors navigated the seas in the 17th century, and, weather permitting, watch the Discovery demonstrate sailing maneuvers on the James River. In re-creations of James Fort and Paspahegh Town, guests can take part in hands-on experiences exploring foodways, military tactics, and daily life in early Virginia.
The outdoor section of the Jamestown Settlement includes a rebuilt James Fort and Paspahegh Town, as a visitor, you can take part in a variety of hands-on demonstrations, including English and Powhatan trade and Powhatan food. Learn how the English made beer and how they cooked, and find out about English and Powhatan weaponry and military tactics. Don’t miss the pike drill and the firing of a 17th-century falcon.
See the full schedule of events for the day here.
Indoor gallery exhibits & outdoor living history
Indoors at the Jamestown Settlement, visitors can view “1607: A Nation Takes Root”, a docudrama shown every 30 minutes in the museum theater. The film traces the evolution of the Virginia Company that sponsored the Jamestown colony, examines the relationship between the English colonists and the Powhatan Indians, and chronicles the arrival of the first recorded West Central Africans in 1619. Immersive gallery exhibits feature artifacts, interactives and films.
Museum Admission:
- FREE for Locals*
Local Residents enjoy free admission every day at Jamestown Settlement & the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, including College of William & Mary students. *Check Qualifying Zip Codes. - FREE for children 5 and under
- FREE for Military on Jamestown Day*
In honor of Jamestown Day on May 13 (historical observance), members of the military* (veteran, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members) will receive free admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with military identification. - Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Jamestown Settlement admission is $20 for adults and $10 for ages 6-12. A value-priced combination ticket with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is $34 for adults and $17 for ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets
Jamestown Settlement
2110 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 253-4838
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