Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design

May 11 - December 1, 2024

This traveling exhibition is an exploration of the history and culture of African and African American clothing through the lens of historical and futuristic costume design by Academy Award winning designer Ruth E. Carter. The exhibition will include not only costumes from Carter’s Marvel film work but JYF historical content, artifacts and examples of historical clothing work from Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn more about this special exhibition. 

Jamestown Day

May 18, 2024

Mark the 417th anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown with an artillery salute, maritime demonstrations and interpretive programs. Learn about the 1607 founding of Jamestown and the convergence of the Virginia Indian, English and West Central African cultures in 17th-century Virginia through expansive exhibits and outdoor living-history experiences. Learn more about this commemorative event.

JYF Giving Day

May 18, 2024

JYF Giving Day is a one-day fundraising drive, giving supporters from around the country a unique opportunity to come together online to show their support for JYF. Join JYF’s community of supporters and friends, longtime and new, as we celebrate Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and our shared commitment to preserving the stories of America’s past. Learn more about this event.

World Bee Day

May 18, 2024

The museum shops at Jamestown Settlement will celebrate “World Bee Day” on Saturday, May 18 with honeybee-related activities and vendor presentations. The event honors the 402nd anniversary of the first recorded honeybees in North America. European honeybees most familiar to people today are not native to the continent, and they first landed in Virginia in 1622 when the Virginia Company of London sent a ship carrying the first beehives. Learn more about this commemorative event.

Ways of Being: Evolving Religion and America

May 31-June 1, 2024

“Ways of Being: Evolving Religion and America” Symposium will examine religion and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples, Africans and Europeans who converged under European colonialism in early America. Through this symposium, participants will engage with religion scholars, museum professionals and our surrounding communities to explore the role of religion in early America and connections to the present day. Learn more about this event.

An Evening with the Tudor Tailor

June 7, 2024

The public is invited to a special presentation on historical clothing with The Tudor Tailor. The Tudor Tailor team, based in the United Kingdom, aims to provide research, resources and inspiration for people who enjoy learning about 16th-century dress for fun, for educational projects, for re-enactment events, for heritage sites, for stage plays and for screen productions. The collaborative team specializes in the social history of dress with practical guidance on reconstructing historic clothing for interpretive projects. They combine meticulous research with an irreverent attitude offering scholarly information with a sense of humor. Learn more about this free event.

Prelude to Juneteenth: The Emancipation Proclamation on the Virginia Peninsula

June 16, 2024

Join us at Jamestown Settlement for thought-provoking history and performances exploring the precarious nature of freedom from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth. "Prelude to Juneteenth: The Emancipation Proclamation on the Virginia Peninsula" reflects on this history, exploring the strategy and complications, and the joys and challenges of ending chattel slavery on the Virginia Peninsula and throughout the United States. Learn more about this free event.

Civic Season: A Conversation between Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Rollison

June 20, 2024

Bill Barker, world renowned for his depiction of Thomas Jefferson, and James Cameron, a historian who has brought Black entrepreneur James Rollison back to life, dive into their 18th century personas to discuss citizenship in the new nation. Executive Director Christy Coleman will moderate the discussion between these two gentlemen as they explore the complexities and understandings of who had citizenship rights in the early Republic. 

Liberty Celebration

July 4, 2024

This Fourth of July, take in Liberty Celebration and salute the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers a special lineup July 4 to mark the patriotic occasion. Visitors can enjoy interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence, and those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply. Learn more.

Director’s Series - Dr. Ned Blackhawk

September 18, 2024

Ned Blackhawk, an enrolled member of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada, is the Howard R. Lamar Professor of History and American Studies at Yale University, co-director of the NYU-Yale American Indian Sovereignty Project and winner of the National Book Award. Learn more about the Director's Series and reserve your seat.

Director’s Series - Dr. Julian Zelizer

October 16, 2024

Julian E. Zelizer is the Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, Class of 1941 Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University, a New York Times best-selling author, CNN political analyst and a regular guest on NPR’s “Here and Now.” His latest book is "Myth America." Learn more about the Director's Series and reserve your seat.

Yorktown Victory Celebration

October 19, 2024

The 243rd anniversary of America’s momentous 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown will be celebrated Saturday, October 19 at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with artillery firings, military programs and music. Visitors can interact with Revolutionary War re-enactors and take part in interpretive demonstrations. Learn more.

Family Frights

October 25-26, 2024

Explore Jamestown Settlement after hours in a unique Halloween-themed event designed especially for children and families featuring characters, fun scares, crafts, trick-or-treating, haunted houses and decorated ships. Learn more about this event.

Veterans Day Commemoration

November 11, 2024

Participate in a ceremony at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, including an artillery salute, to mark the service of military veterans, past and present. All veterans, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members can enjoy free admission at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn more about free military admission on select dates.

Director’s Series - Dr. Ed Ayers

November 20, 2024

Ed Ayers is a two-time Bancroft prize-winning historian, University of Richmond professor and president emeritus, and former University of Virginia Dean of Arts and Sciences. He has been honored as National Professor of the Year and received the National Humanities Medal in 2012. Learn more about the Director's Series and reserve your seat.

Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia

November 29-30, 2024

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, culinary practices of 17th-and 18th-century Virginia are featured during this two-day event at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn more about this holiday event.

Museum Store Sunday

December 1, 2024

In time for the holiday season, Museum Shops at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will join museum stores worldwide on Sunday, December 1, for Museum Store Sunday – offering a special 20 percent discount on total in-store purchases. All purchases support the educational mission of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Learn about our Museum Store Sunday.

Christmastide in Virginia

December 20-31, 2024

Christmastide in Virginia at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers a glimpse of 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions through interpretive programs and demonstrations. Enjoy festive fun with period musical entertainment at both museums. Museums closed December 25. Learn more about this holiday event.