Visit : Historic Area Audio Tours

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Historic Area Audio Tours

Bring the 21st century into the 18th century-- rent self-guided audio tours at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.

Highlights of the Historic Area

Locations on the tour include:

• Great Hopes Plantation (listen to a sample)
• Governor’s Palace
• George Wythe House
• Randolph Complex
• Cabinetmaker
• Bruton Parish Church
• Geddy House
• Courthouse
• Prentis Store
• Magazine
• Blacksmith

Wander through the Historic Area at your own pace in any order you choose. When you stop in front of one of the numbered locations on the corresponding audio tour map, simply enter that number into the player and hear about the building and its history. You’ll also hear about slavery in the 1770s, the “gunpowder incident” that energized the citizens of Williamsburg to resist governing by the British monarchy. And, you’ll hear about Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation to free slaves who chose to fight on the side of the Loyalists.
About 60 minutes

Reading the Restoration Architecture

Architectural details include:

• “Reading” a building
• Public buildings
• Private buildings (listen to a sample)
• Outbuildings
• Windows and doors
• Brickwork
• Outbuildings
• Merchants’ stores
• Taverns
• Trade Shops

Every building tells a story. Walk about the town and learn the details of our public and private buildings—were they constructed during the restoration of Williamsburg or are they original? Discover how brickwork and details signal the social class of the occupants and the importance of that message to townspeople.
About 45 minutes

Voices of the Revolution

Voices of the tour include:

• Thomas Jefferson
• Lydia Broadnax (listen to a sample)
• Patrick Henry
• John Randolph
• James Parker
• Richard Beverly
• Patriots
• Loyalists

Mary Singleton, a 1770s tavern owner, remembers the Revolutionary War. Hear narrative and reenactments based on primary documents. Discover what townspeople were thinking, saying, and doing during this struggle for independence.
About 50 minutes