African American Experience

Celebrating 30 years of telling the story of Williamsburg’s African American community.

Colonial Williamsburg interpreters re-enact “jumping the broom” marriage ceremony.

During the 18th century, half of Williamsburg's population was black. The lives of the enslaved and free people in this Virginia capital are presented in reenactments and programs throughout the Historic Area.

Introduction to colonial African American life
Great Hopes Plantation
Lord Dunmore's Proclamation--an early emancipation proclamation.
Colonial Williamsburg Journal articles:
Biographical Fact Sheets
Bibliography

Multimedia and related links

Podcasts
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Mr. Wythe's Cook

Valarie Holmes interprets Lydia Broadnax - a cook for one of Williamsburg's most influential men. June 19, 2006

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The Slave Trade

The slave trade touched the lives of people around the globe, explains Colonial Williamsburg's Educational Program Development director Bill White. February 9, 2007

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Slavery and Manumission

The little-known process of manumission was a means of securing freedom for a handful of Virginia slaves. May 21, 2007

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A Slave's Perspective

The Declaration of Independence was a promise extended to white men only. Hope Smith portrays Eve, a slave in the Peyton Randolph house. July 16, 2007

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Recalling African American Interpretation

Rex Ellis reflects on 25 years of interpreting the African American experience in the colonial period. February 6, 2006

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In Their Own Words

Old sources give fresh voice to slavery's story. Manager of African American programs Tricia Brooks explains how we know what we know. May 18, 2009

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