Historic Triangle to commemorate 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride, 1775 Gunpowder Incident |
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| Two lights are displayed in the Colonial Capitol for Two Lights for Tomorrow. (Photo courtesy of VA250) |
| This week, Williamsburg and Yorktown are participating in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a nationwide initiative that commences the 250th birthday of the United States.
Paul Revere's famous ride took place on the night of April 18, 1775.
Revere was tasked with riding his horse from Boston to Lexington to warn of the movements of British soldiers. He asked a friend to display lanterns in a church window to signal to other patriots how the British were moving: One lantern, if by land, and two, if by sea.
The next day, the battles of Lexington and Concord broke out, and the colonists were well-prepared.
In honor of Revere's history-altering ride, private homes, businesses and community sites alike are encouraged to display two lights in April 2025.
Two Lights for Tomorrow originated out of a multi-state collaboration at A Common Cause to All in Williamsburg. The initiative draws attention to the beginning of our endeavor to work together as a nation for a better tomorrow.
According to VA250, there is not a specific type of light, duration of display or location. The emphasis is on the willingness to participate. Examples range from two spotlights at state capitals to two lights shining in individual homes, and everyone is encouraged to take part.
Those who join in on the initiative are invited to contact Kevin Hampton, VA250 assistant director of programs and education, to have their lights added to an official map.
In Yorktown, more than 20 small businesses, government buildings and historic sites have announced their participation, from the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to York Hall to Carrot Tree Kitchens.
The Colonial Williamsburg Capitol and Jamestown Settlement Museum Building will also display lights in honor of the occasion.
Additionally, the 250th anniversary of another major Revolutionary era event will be celebrated at Colonial Williamsburg this week: the Gunpowder Incident of 1775.
According to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the incident was "the most famous historical event to take place at the Powder Magazine."
The ordeal unfolded when the Royal Governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, fearing revolt, ordered the British Army to confiscate gunpowder stores from the public powder magazine. Upon learning of Dunmore's actions, the colonial militia began to muster, sparking the beginning of the Revolution.
Re-enactments of the Gunpowder Incident will be held at Colonial Williamsburg nightly, April 18 - 21, in front of the courthouse steps at 8:30 p.m. These events are free and open to the public.
Those who attend will "participate in the moment the Revolution arrives," according to the Foundation.
For more information on Two Lights for tomorrow, visit va250.org/two-lights.
See below for our curated guide of events happening in and around the Historic Triangle this week, April 14 - 20. |
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Events This Week |
| Below is The Triangle's roundup of local events happening April 14 - 20. Click on the bolded, hyperlinked event title for additional details. |
Monday, April 14 |
| KIDS |
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| SENIORS 55+ |
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Senior Advisory Team | Stryker Center | Williamsburg Regional Library is looking for feedback from library users 55+. This program includes an introduction to a new computer class series from AARP called "Senior Planet," along with an opportunity to share ideas about other senior-focused programs and services. Free. 2 pm. |
| TEENS |
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Tuesday, April 15 |
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| Rockefeller Library at Colonial Williamsburg. (Photo via Facebook) |
| SPECIAL EVENT |
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Rockefeller Library Community Open House | John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library | Colonial Williamsburg | Celebrate National Library Week with a behind-the-scenes look at the unique and important collections at the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library. The library features historic drawings and photographs that reveal the history of Williamsburg, rare books and manuscripts from the 1700s, media collections from Colonial Williamsburg's archives and more. Free and open to the public. 3 - 6 pm.
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| HISTORY |
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A Lesson with the Dance Master | Raleigh Tavern | April 15 & 17 | Learn the steps of a variety of 18th-century dances, including country dances and minutes. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for children. Two time slots are available: 7 and 8:30 pm.
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| INFORMATIONAL |
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Downsizing Made Simple | Stryker Center | Looking to downsize? This informative series, presented by The Memorie Group, will help you navigate the journey with expert guidance and a supportive community. The series begins on April 15 and meets months through August. See the website for the schedule. Free. 2 pm. |
| FILM |
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Art House Café Film Series: "Here" | This film series brings an art house film flavor to your Tuesdays. Guests will meet new friends, hear from film experts and have the opportunity to participate in a discussion after the film. This week's feature is "Here" (PG-13). The intriguing film follows the history of a plot of land from the Jurassic era to today and features Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. See the trailer here. 1hr 44min. Free. 2 pm. |
| CRAFT |
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| PUBLIC MEETING |
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| LIVE MUSIC |
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Palace Concert | Governor's Palace | Colonial Williamsburg | Enjoy an elegant evening of chamber music featuring 17th- and 18th-century music for harpsichord, voice, flute and strings. Not appropriate for children ages 6 and under. Tickets are $19 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. 7:30 pm. |
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Wednesday, April 16 |
| SPECIAL EVENT |
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| CRAFT |
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| FILM |
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Italian Film Festival: "Seven Beauties (Pasqualino Settebellezze)" | Williamsburg Library Theatre | The CIAO Italian Film Festival returns with "Seven Beauties (Pasqualino Settebellezze)" (R). The film tells the story of Paqualino, a small-time cook with delusions of grandeur, trying to provide for his seven sisters during World War II in Italy. 1hr 56min. Free. 2 - 4 pm. |
| KIDS |
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| HISTORY |
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Dancing at the Governor's Palace | Governor's Palace | Colonial Williamsburg | Dancers will discuss various types of 18th-century dances and demonstrate them for the audience. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under. Audience members will have the chance to participate at various intervals if they wish. 7:30 pm. |
| SIGN LANGUAGE |
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Intro to American Sign Language (ASL) | Yorktown Library | Kristin Froehlich, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will offer a basic introduction to deaf culture and American sign language. Attendees will be able to practice the alphabet and some basic signs. Free. 6 - 7:30 pm. |
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Thursday, April 17 |
| SPECIAL EVENT |
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| FILM |
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Throwback Thursday Film Series: "Marnie" | Williamsburg Library Theatre | This week's feature is "Marnie" (1964, PG), an intriguing drama featuring Sean Connery and Tippi Hedren. 2hrs 10min. Free. 2 pm.
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| SENIORS 55+ |
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Lounge Spring Luncheon-High Tea | James City County Recreation Center | Adults ages 55+ are invited to don their best Easter bonnet and attire and celebrate spring with teas, finger sandwiches, salads, fresh sides and desserts. $25 per person ($20 for Lounge members). See the website to sign up. 11:30 am - 1 pm.
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| HISTORY |
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Friday, April 18 |
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| Families will have the opportunity to create birdhouses for Eastern Bluebirds at Freedom Park on Friday. (Photo via Pexels) |
| KIDS |
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Forest Explorers Friday | Freedom Park | Create a hand-built birdhouse to place in your yard to serve as a habitat for a spring brood of baby Eastern Bluebirds. Supplies are available for 15 families, first-come, first-served. All ages. Free. 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
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| CRAFT |
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| LIVE MUSIC |
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Saturday, April 19 |
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| The Sister Cities French Market returns to Yorktown on April 19. (Photo courtesy of York County) |
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
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National Park Service Fee Free Day | Colonial National Historical Park | The National Park Service will host a Fee Free Day on April 19, the start of National Park Week. The NPS portion of entrance fees will be waived at national parks nationwide. (Please note that at Colonial National Historical Park, a separate $15 entrance fee will still apply for each adult entering on the Colonial Pass to Historic Jamestown to visit Preservation Virginia historic areas.) |
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Yorktown Market Days: Sister Cities French Market | Riverwalk Landing | Local vendors will serve up traditional French fare in celebration of Yorktown's connection to its sister city, Port-Vendres. French music and wine add to the ambiance. Guests can shop from baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, produce, artwork and more. Free admission. 8 am - 3 pm. |
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Kite Day | Abram Frink Jr. Community Center | Kite fliers and spectators of all ages are invited to attend Kite Day. This event features kite demonstrations, competitions, arts & crafts and much more. Families can also participate in kite building workshops. Free. 10 am - 1 pm. |
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4th Annual EarthFest | Tradition Brewing | Newport News | Celebrate Earth Day with an afternoon at the 4th Annual EarthFest. Shop on the lawn under the trees from vendors offering handmade and eco-friendly products. Live music will be provided by Josh Craig, and food trucks will be on site. Free admission for all ages; pet-friendly. Free. 12 - 6 pm. |
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Outdoor Enthusiast | Newport News Park | Celebrate the great outdoors at Newport News Park. This family-friendly event is designed to inspire participants' love for the great outdoors with various exhibits and outdoor challenges, including a rock-climbing wall, free canoe and paddle boating, a flight simulator, real alligators and more. Parking is $10 per vehicle. Free admission and activities. 10 am - 5 pm. |
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| RECREATION |
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Gait Analysis | James City County Recreation Center | Dr. Daniel Shaye of Performance Chiropractic will perform free gait analysis during this program. Participants may learn why their knee, back or hip hurts and may be able to catch injuries before they happen. Call 757-259-4176 to schedule your specific time slot. Free. Ages 10+. 10 am - noon. |
| KIDS |
- Standup Storytime | Williamsburg Library | A special guest will read from WRL's anti-bullying collection. Children will enjoy the story and an activity. Free. 3 pm.
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| MARKETS |
- Williamsburg Farmers Market | Merchants Square | The Williamsburg Farmers Market, founded in 2002, features the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants and products. The event also features live music and children's programming. Free admission. 8 am - 12 pm.
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- Hilton Village Farmers Market | 10260 Warwick Blvd | Don't missing Historic Hilton Village's weekly market on Main, every Saturday, year-round. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm.
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| MUSIC |
- The Deloreans Band | Harley-Davidson Yorktown | Enjoy a throwback to the '80s with a concert featuring The Deloreans. Free pizza will be provided by Flame & Pie Pizzeria Food Truck, and there will be prizes and giveaways. Free. 12 - 4 pm.
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Sunday, April 20 |
| SPECIAL EVENT |
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Presidents Heads Sculpture Viewing | Williamsburg's iconic presidents heads sculptures have been a source of fascination for history buffs, photographers and people all over the world. See the sculptures on private property on Easter Sunday. Tickets are available here. General admission is $25 for adults, $9 for children ages 8-17 and free for children 7 and under. VIP admission is also available.
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Multi-Day |
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
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Easter Bake Sale | Taste Studio | Colonial Williamsburg | April 18 - 19, 12 - 4 pm | Shop from a selection of handcrafted Easter treats, including strawberry rhubarb trifle, cheesecake with fresh berries, cherry almond cake, carrot cake, ginger cakes and more. See the website for details and the menu. |
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The Gale from the North | Daily in April, 4 - 4:30 pm | In front of Raleigh Tavern | This street theatre presentation takes the audience back to April 29, 1775, a week after the gunpowder incident. Join the community of 18th-century Williamsburg as they face news that will forever change America. Free and open to the public. |
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Jamestown Presents Footloose | Jamestown High School | Jamestown High School presents a night of singing, dancing and fun with Footloose. Performances will take place on April 17 (7 pm), April 18 (7 pm) and April 19 (2 pm and 7 pm). Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. |
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| TAX ASSISTANCE |
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Williamsburg AARP Tax-Aide Tax Assistance | Williamsburg & James City County Libraries | Greater Williamsburg Tax-Aide provides free tax counseling, preparation and filing service to taxpayers with low to moderate income, with special attention to those aged 60 and older. The program is operating out of both the downtown Scotland St. library location and the County library on Croaker Road. Appointments can be made online or by phone. Walk-ins are also welcome as schedules allow. Appointments are available at Williamsburg Library (757-354-1260) Monday - Saturday and James City County Library (757-561-0545) on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, Feb. 1 - April 15. Free.
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Future Events to Note 🗒️ |
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Yorktown Market Days: Pirate Invasion Market | Riverwalk Landing | April 26, 8 am - 3 pm | Enjoy baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, homemade soaps and candles, artwork and much more. During this special market, guests will also be able to explore a pirate encampment, sing along to sea shanties, participate in a town-wide treasure hunt and watch blacksmith demonstrations. Free admission.
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Housing For All: A Community Conversation | April 30, 5:30 pm | James City County Recreation Center | This event will feature inspiring stories, insightful discussions and valuable connections. National fair housing experts will be present. Enjoy refreshments and connect with community partners working to make housing more accessible for all. Free. Register by April 25.
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John Clayton Chapter, Virginia Native Plant Society, 40th Annual Plant Sale | Williamsburg Community Building | May 3, 9:30 am - 2 pm | If you're looking for Virginia native plants (not cultivars), mark your calendars for the John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society's Annual Plant Sale. There are many volunteer opportunities between now and the day of the sale. For more information and further details, contact Emilia Godwin.
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| This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading! |
