Definition: The town of Williamsburg, Virginia, was founded during the 17th century and the capital of Virginia between 1699 and 1780, when it was among the most important capital cities of the North American continent. As such it is an important location for American history buffs.
In addition, Colonial Williamsburg is one of the first living history parks that was created in the United States (begun in 1926), and one of the first to hire archaeologists to assist in the reconstruction of the park, in the 1950s. Today Colonial Williamsburg has a Department of Archaeological Research. While it may gather occasional heat for being a too-sanitized image of the past, Colonial Williamsburg remains a pioneer in using theatre and art to bring archaeology and history to the public.
In addition, Colonial Williamsburg is one of the first living history parks that was created in the United States (begun in 1926), and one of the first to hire archaeologists to assist in the reconstruction of the park, in the 1950s. Today Colonial Williamsburg has a Department of Archaeological Research. While it may gather occasional heat for being a too-sanitized image of the past, Colonial Williamsburg remains a pioneer in using theatre and art to bring archaeology and history to the public.
Sources
The best place to learn about the site and its mission is on the Colonial Williamsburg website at Williamsburg itself.
Gable, Eric and Richard Handler 1996 After authenticity at an American heritage site. American Anthropologist 98(3):568-578.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
