News and Events
Colonial Williamsburg
September 17, 2009
Chesapeake Semester students spent their first day in Williamsburg gaining a perspective on the colonial history of the nation's first Capitol. After exploring the streets before lunch, they visit Williamsburg's Archeology Lab, developing critical insight into the 70% of archeology beyond the excavation process. The day was capped off with a dinner at Shield's Tavern and a stroll through town.
Click to enlarge photos by Mike Hardesty '05.
Laura Lazenby '11 navigating her way around the historic area of Williamsburg.
The Governor's Palace.
Kelsey Hallowell and Laura Carman take a stroll down Duke of Gloucester St.
Students prepare their routes for the following day's assignments.
A brickmaker of colonial Williamsburg.
Students visit the Williamsburg Archaeology Lab with Associate Curator of Collections Kelly Ladd-Kostro as their host.
Students explore the lab's collection of artifacts. Here they examine a small portion of the lab's study collection—Colonial Williamsburg has the largest collection of excavated historical artifacts in the country.
Here the students examine ceramics from the recent excavations at the Charlton Coffeehouse, currently being reconstructed near the Capitol in the Historic Area.
Kelly Ladd-Kostro takes a moment to discuss the typical artifacts found at the varying sites around Williamsburg.
Dr. Seidel and Benji Duke discuss how bottle shapes changed over time and can be used to date archaeological contexts.
Kelly Ladd-Kostro exhibits a remarkable find—a mahogany chair leg, preserved in a stream for over 200 years and excavated at the cabinet maker's shop.
Laura Carman observes the extensive collection of materials from the Public Hospital of 1773.
Students also had the time to visit the Faunal Lab to examine animal remains that reveal insights on colonial diet—Prof. Joanne Bowen of the College of William & Mary explains the difference between mutton and lamb.
Next stop: dinner at Shield's Tavern!
Cherished memories of delightful décor amongst good friends and delectable food.
Some believe that the halls of the houses and taverns of colonial Williamsburg are haunted with the ill-rested souls of yesteryear...
Students took sometime to explore the town at night, searching for evidence of hauntings.