Jamestown Settlement honors the legacy of the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619 with reflections on history and modern perspectives through an African American lens. Programs will explore the history of the Africans who brought their culture, knowledge and traditions to create a new African American culture and how that legacy, after more than 400 years, is expressed today.

The Black Church Through History 

Join us at Jamestown Settlement's Robins Foundation Theater, 2 - 4 p.m. on August 15, for a conversation that looks at the development of the Black church through Virginia history.

Travis Harris, Ph.D. of Norfolk State University opens the discussion with a look at the primary religious artifacts found in Virginia in the 17th century. Brandon Lee will discuss Black churches in revolutionary Williamsburg, and the Reverend Dr. Carlon Lassiter of Saint John Baptist Church will lead a discussion on the importance of Black churches to the community today.

Following the presentation, guests will be treated to a performance by the Freedom Choir, organized by Sylvia Tabb-Lee and featuring Musical Director and keyboardist James Marsh.

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Museum gallery exhibits & films

Learn about African and African American experiences in 17th-century Virginia through Jamestown Settlement’s expansive gallery exhibits, dramatic films and engaging interactives that share the story of Virginia Indian, English and West Central African cultures.

Using period artifacts and innovative technology, exhibits share historical accounts of the first documented Africans taken from their homeland in Ndongo (Angola) in 1619 to life in the Virginia colony and the evolution of a new African American culture. The “From Africa to Virginia” multimedia presentation chronicles African encounters with Europeans, impact on African culture and the development of the transatlantic slave trade.

The documentary film, “1607: A Nation Takes Root” is shown every 30 minutes. The film traces the evolution of the Virginia Company that sponsored the Jamestown colony, examines the relationship between the English colonists and Powhatan Indians, and chronicles the arrival of the first recorded Africans in 1619 – including the story of Angelo, one of the first African women named in Jamestown’s historical record.

Attend the First Africans Commemoration event

The First Africans Commemoration special event is included with museum admission.

Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.

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About Jamestown Settlement

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days), Jamestown Settlement is located on State Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg. The museum features expansive exhibition galleries and films that connect visitors with the lives of the Powhatan, English and West Central African cultures that converged at 17th-century Jamestown. Outdoor living-history areas feature historical interpretation in re-creations of Paspahegh Town, 1607 English ships and a colonial fort.

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Plan your visit today or call (757) 253-4838 for more information.