Sometimes you make an entrance, and sometimes...not so much. 😂 Special thanks to Young Thomas Jefferson for graciously allowing us to share this amusing moment. Despite being humbled by these doors, we're told he went on to give an excellent talk in the Apollo Room at the Raleigh Tavern—the place where you can meet Nation Builders each day this spring. Happy Friday, everyone!

Photos from Colonial Williamsburg's post

Have you heard about our newest store, Boxwood & Berry? It's a garden emporium offering modern outdoor décor for every season—and it's opening this weekend! The grand opening ribbon cutting will be held tomorrow, March 10, at 9:30 a.m., but that's just the beginning. On Saturday you'll have the chance to meet Liberty the Briard (10 – 11 a.m.), and learn how to expertly arrange flowers in a five-finger vase with our Journeyman Gardener (1 – 3 p.m.). Even better? You'll receive 15% off your purchase Friday, March 10 – Sunday, March 12. For a map & more info: bit.ly/2m83UXv

Photos from Colonial Williamsburg's post

Short notice announcement! Our Wheelwrights asked us to spread the word that they'll be "hooping" a wheel today at 2 p.m. This is one of the last steps in the wheel-making process. They heat an iron tire to expand the metal, drop it over the wood wheel, cool it with water, and shrink it into place. If you're able to attend, it's a fascinating process--and one that's important for creating a durable wheel that can stand up to daily use. Unable to make it? See the process in this June 2016 livestream: bit.ly/2m6Hzd1 📷: Fred Blystone

Photos from Colonial Williamsburg's post

In 21st-century America, pies are often (although not exclusively) sweet desserts, filled with fruit. Yet, you may be surprised to learn that savory, meat-based pies were more common in colonial America. Join our Historic Foodways staff on March 14, 2017 as they celebrate Pi Day by making, what else, but pies! This is the first of several "Theme Days," where the staff will prepare dishes using a specific food or ingredient, and then delve deeper into its history and uses to provide guests with a more in-depth, engaging experience. Learn more in the latest "History is Served" blog: bit.ly/2m2ra97

Photos from Colonial Williamsburg's post

If you weren't able to see our first Revolutionary in Residence, Michael W. Twitty, during his visit last month, now's your chance! Mr. Twitty will be visiting CW this Friday and Saturday, and offering two public demonstrations: On Friday, March 10, he will be making catfish stew at the Wythe House from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. On Saturday, March 11, he will be making fried chicken at the Randolph Kitchen. Stop by and see him in action!

After Winning the War, Winnie and Ike Visited the ‘Burg

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, in 1946, Winston Churchill and General Dwight D. Eisenhower made a brief pilgrimage to the colonial capital. Read more about this visit—and why a planned carriage tour went awry—in today’s blog.

History is Served: To Make Pink Colored Pancakes

Happy #NationalPancakeDay! Who would have thought there would be pink pancakes in the 18th century? As our Historic Foodways colleagues explain in this blog, colonial cooks did not yet use baking powder or sodas, so these pancakes are thinner than modern ones. They would have been eaten by hand, rolled up with a little powered sugar. Click the link for the recipe and a how-to video!

Photos from Colonial Williamsburg's post

‪We were delighted to host Turn: Washington's Spies today, and the many #TURNamc fans that turned out to watch the filming. Anyone else looking forward to the premiere of season 4? 🇺🇸‬

Colonial Williamsburg's cover photo

Gorgeous shot at the Capitol, courtesy of photographer Jim Williams. When's the last time you took a tour of the Capitol?

Engraved in History, on This Day in 1770: The Boston Massacre

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, in 1770, the Boston Massacre fanned the flames of revolution, and inspired propaganda, too. Find out more about how Paul Revere and others attempted to shape the narrative coming out of this tragic event in today’s blog.

Timeline Photos

After yesterday's brief snowfall, we can't wait for warmer weather and blooming flowers. Will you be joining us this spring? 📷: Ryan Redding (March 4, 2017)

Timeline Photos

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, in 1801, Thomas Jefferson took the oath office as the third president of the United States after one of its most contentious elections, finally decided on the 36th ballot in the House of Representatives. Jefferson’s inaugural address is considered one of the finest ever given, although many in attendance probably only caught some of the words from the soft-spoken Virginian. But the speech was promptly printed in newspapers across the country, now numbering 16 states. He opened with a note of humility, saying “the task is above my talents.” But seeking to emphasize how much Americans had in common, despite lingering partisanship, he said: “Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle... “We are all federalists. We are all republicans.” Jefferson proceeded to lay out the “essential principles" which would guide his administration,” including “equal and exact justice to all men… peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations… support of the state governments in all their rights, [and] the preservation of the general government in its whole constitutional vigor.” These principles, he concluded, “should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety.”