Where MAGA Granddads and Resistance Moms Learn America's Toughest History Lessons
Discover Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living museum that is embracing a bold strategy to address our nation's divides.
TroibNews 
WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia — "If you have questions, ask them as we move through," our guide instructs as he navigates us through the historical streets, remarking on his own views about the town’s contrasting identities.
Amidst a drizzle, our guide, Andrew Franks or Austin Munden as his real name goes, leads us past historic sites like the local silversmiths, notable homes, and the courthouse famed for its 18th-century judicial restraints. Franks, disguising a past crime committed in England, hints at his judicially-forced migration to America as an alternative to harsher penalties, sharing, "Here I am, still kind of wondering which was the correct choice."
Our trajectory towards the reconstructed Capitol at Duke of Gloucester Street brings stories of legendary American figures and Franks' skepticism of the founding fathers, chronicling his observations with stark reality checks.
Colonial Williamsburg stands as the world’s extensive living history museum, encapsulating the former capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. Its rich storytelling intersects heavily with America's ongoing cultural conflicts, probing into the essence of national identity and historical integrity as staff navigate an array of provocative visitor inquiries daily.
The significance of Williamsburg extends beyond its educational role; it serves as a platform for nuanced discourse around the foundational, and often contested, narratives of American history. This place tackles the moral and ethical dilemmas embedded in American history, providing a crucial forum for engaging with complex heritage from multiple perspectives.
During a visit last year, I attended a training session for “interpreters” or guides at Colonial Williamsburg, gaining insights into their training and approach to discussing American history amidst cultural tensions. Despite some criticism from conservative circles, the site aims to convey a balanced and immersive historical experience, eschewing both uncritical celebration and outright denunciation of the past.
Interpreters like Franks and others offer a bridge between past and present, inviting visitors to explore historical complexities in a setting that prioritizes understanding over judgment. In various interactions, including tours and educational sessions, staff members emphasize a dialogue-centered approach to history, facilitating deeper engagement with the issues and dilemmas that shaped, and continue to shape, the United States.
For instance, Franks during his tour reveals that in the colonial period, enslaved individuals constituted over half of Williamsburg's population, a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities foundational to the town's historical context. Outside his role, he engages in discussions around abolitionist movements, child labor, and societal complicity in past and present injustices, drawing parallels that resonate with contemporary issues.
Moreover, figures like Thomas Jefferson are portrayed in a manner that encourages guests to explore multifaceted historical characters, grounding larger-than-life figures in their human complexities and contradictions.
The conversation extends to the preparation and responsibilities of interpreters, who are tasked not just with reciting facts but connecting deeply with visitors’ views and experiences. Training sessions focus on crafting narratives that visitors can relate to personally, potentially transforming historical understanding into meaningful contemporary relevance.
The ethos of Colonial Williamsburg as a site of learning and reflection is furthered by guides who skillfully navigate sensitive topics, ensuring guests are both informed and contemplative. By confronting challenging aspects of America’s past, including the roles of enslaved individuals, the institution fosters a comprehensive appreciation of history's nuances and its impact on today’s societal dynamics.
As a living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg does more than just preserve physical artifacts and buildings; it actively engages with history’s complexities, offering a critical lens through which to assess past actions and their implications for the present and future. Visitors are encouraged to view history not as a static past but as a continual influence on contemporary life, prompting reflection and dialogue that reaches beyond the museum’s historical reenactments.
In essence, Colonial Williamsburg serves as a vital educational resource, connecting the past with the present in ways that encourage deeper understanding and thoughtful discussion about the realities of American history and its ongoing relevance. Visitors leave with a richer, more nuanced understanding of the forces that have shaped the nation, highlighting the importance of historical awareness in informing contemporary society.The experiences recounted by interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity and engagement with diverse historical narratives. Through the various programs and tours, visitors encounter not just the triumphs of America’s founding, but also the struggles and injustices that accompany those narratives.
For example, Stephen Seals, who interprets the role of James Armistead, an enslaved man who acted as a double agent during the Revolutionary War, illustrates this duality within America's heritage. Armistead's story embodies the complex realities of fighting for freedom while being denied that very liberty himself. Seals emphasizes the importance of helping guests grasp these uncomfortable truths about American history. "To get a guest to understand that — to many of them it completely destroys their self-worth," he acknowledges. Seals' approach is to minimize feelings of discomfort while still addressing the essential truths of history, navigating the emotional terrain that often comes with such discussions.
As the museum gears up for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, it recognizes the importance of expanding its offerings and outreach. The planned initiatives, including a new archaeology center, a significant restoration project for one of the oldest Black churches in America, as well as the Williamsburg Bray School, highlight a commitment to honoring and memorializing the layered history of not just the celebrated narratives but also those that have been marginalized.
The Bray School, in particular, serves as a poignant representation of educational struggles within slavery. Nicole Brown, who oversees programming for the museum and interprets for Anne Wager, the school’s educator, sheds light on the school's history. The school taught both enslaved and free Black children to read, a critical skill that historically conveyed both empowerment and an understanding of their own oppression. This duality is encapsulated in the narratives crafted surrounding the Bray School, merging tales of resistance, agency, and survival.
As Colonial Williamsburg strives to narrate these stories effectively, it grapples with the potential pitfalls of historical interpretation — the tendency to present simplified narratives or romanticized views of the past. The juxtaposition between educational integrity and engaging storytelling can lead to unintentional discrepancies in how history is portrayed. Brown and others navigate these challenges by emphasizing authenticity in their educational mission.
Furthermore, the museum's audience demographics present their own challenges. Primarily attracting older and predominantly white visitors, efforts to broaden appeal face the constraints of historical imagery often misconstrued or decontextualized over the years. Interpreters address this by inviting different perspectives into the conversation, sometimes engaging in difficult dialogues about race, privilege, and historical accountability, all while fostering a sense of belonging for everyone who steps onto the grounds.
As visitors flow in and out of the reconstructed buildings and streets, the atmosphere is ripe for dialogue. The museum's interpretation strategies aim to create an environment where guests feel comfortable asking questions — whether about the realities of slavery or the philosophical underpinnings of the American Revolution. The engagement is not merely transactional but transformational, prompting participants to reflect critically on their own roots and the broader tapestry of American identity.
In learning and grappling with complex histories, Colonial Williamsburg aspires to foster growth — both personally for visitors and collectively as a society. With the evolving narrative, the museum fosters a commitment to continuous learning and inclusivity, ensuring that the stories told represent the full scope of America’s past. The goal is not merely to impart historical knowledge but to catalyze a deeper understanding of how those histories shape our collective future.
"Our role is to facilitate a dialogue," one interpreter succinctly notes, highlighting the emphasis on collaborative learning rather than unilateral teaching. By blending storytelling with inquiry, Colonial Williamsburg continues to challenge and inspire all who visit to rethink their connections to the past and their responsibilities in the present.
Walking through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, one cannot help but feel the weight of history mingling with the whispers of possibility. Visitors are called not just to witness but to engage, sparking dialogues that extend beyond the confines of the colonial era, influencing how we view each other and our shared history today. It is a unique space where the complexities of the American story are embraced, revealing the ongoing journey toward understanding and reconciliation.
Ultimately, by creating a respectful and open environment, Colonial Williamsburg articulates a vision of history that is genuinely reflective of the diverse tapestry of American life. As timelines converge and intertwine, the museum becomes a crucible for exploration and dialogue, where the lessons of the past beckon to inform our aspirations for a more equitable future. It is this vital intersection of education, reflection, and constructive discourse that makes Colonial Williamsburg a profound and necessary destination in today’s cultural landscape.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
Amidst a drizzle, our guide, Andrew Franks or Austin Munden as his real name goes, leads us past historic sites like the local silversmiths, notable homes, and the courthouse famed for its 18th-century judicial restraints. Franks, disguising a past crime committed in England, hints at his judicially-forced migration to America as an alternative to harsher penalties, sharing, "Here I am, still kind of wondering which was the correct choice."
Our trajectory towards the reconstructed Capitol at Duke of Gloucester Street brings stories of legendary American figures and Franks' skepticism of the founding fathers, chronicling his observations with stark reality checks.
Colonial Williamsburg stands as the world’s extensive living history museum, encapsulating the former capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. Its rich storytelling intersects heavily with America's ongoing cultural conflicts, probing into the essence of national identity and historical integrity as staff navigate an array of provocative visitor inquiries daily.
The significance of Williamsburg extends beyond its educational role; it serves as a platform for nuanced discourse around the foundational, and often contested, narratives of American history. This place tackles the moral and ethical dilemmas embedded in American history, providing a crucial forum for engaging with complex heritage from multiple perspectives.
During a visit last year, I attended a training session for “interpreters” or guides at Colonial Williamsburg, gaining insights into their training and approach to discussing American history amidst cultural tensions. Despite some criticism from conservative circles, the site aims to convey a balanced and immersive historical experience, eschewing both uncritical celebration and outright denunciation of the past.
Interpreters like Franks and others offer a bridge between past and present, inviting visitors to explore historical complexities in a setting that prioritizes understanding over judgment. In various interactions, including tours and educational sessions, staff members emphasize a dialogue-centered approach to history, facilitating deeper engagement with the issues and dilemmas that shaped, and continue to shape, the United States.
For instance, Franks during his tour reveals that in the colonial period, enslaved individuals constituted over half of Williamsburg's population, a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities foundational to the town's historical context. Outside his role, he engages in discussions around abolitionist movements, child labor, and societal complicity in past and present injustices, drawing parallels that resonate with contemporary issues.
Moreover, figures like Thomas Jefferson are portrayed in a manner that encourages guests to explore multifaceted historical characters, grounding larger-than-life figures in their human complexities and contradictions.
The conversation extends to the preparation and responsibilities of interpreters, who are tasked not just with reciting facts but connecting deeply with visitors’ views and experiences. Training sessions focus on crafting narratives that visitors can relate to personally, potentially transforming historical understanding into meaningful contemporary relevance.
The ethos of Colonial Williamsburg as a site of learning and reflection is furthered by guides who skillfully navigate sensitive topics, ensuring guests are both informed and contemplative. By confronting challenging aspects of America’s past, including the roles of enslaved individuals, the institution fosters a comprehensive appreciation of history's nuances and its impact on today’s societal dynamics.
As a living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg does more than just preserve physical artifacts and buildings; it actively engages with history’s complexities, offering a critical lens through which to assess past actions and their implications for the present and future. Visitors are encouraged to view history not as a static past but as a continual influence on contemporary life, prompting reflection and dialogue that reaches beyond the museum’s historical reenactments.
In essence, Colonial Williamsburg serves as a vital educational resource, connecting the past with the present in ways that encourage deeper understanding and thoughtful discussion about the realities of American history and its ongoing relevance. Visitors leave with a richer, more nuanced understanding of the forces that have shaped the nation, highlighting the importance of historical awareness in informing contemporary society.The experiences recounted by interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity and engagement with diverse historical narratives. Through the various programs and tours, visitors encounter not just the triumphs of America’s founding, but also the struggles and injustices that accompany those narratives.
For example, Stephen Seals, who interprets the role of James Armistead, an enslaved man who acted as a double agent during the Revolutionary War, illustrates this duality within America's heritage. Armistead's story embodies the complex realities of fighting for freedom while being denied that very liberty himself. Seals emphasizes the importance of helping guests grasp these uncomfortable truths about American history. "To get a guest to understand that — to many of them it completely destroys their self-worth," he acknowledges. Seals' approach is to minimize feelings of discomfort while still addressing the essential truths of history, navigating the emotional terrain that often comes with such discussions.
As the museum gears up for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, it recognizes the importance of expanding its offerings and outreach. The planned initiatives, including a new archaeology center, a significant restoration project for one of the oldest Black churches in America, as well as the Williamsburg Bray School, highlight a commitment to honoring and memorializing the layered history of not just the celebrated narratives but also those that have been marginalized.
The Bray School, in particular, serves as a poignant representation of educational struggles within slavery. Nicole Brown, who oversees programming for the museum and interprets for Anne Wager, the school’s educator, sheds light on the school's history. The school taught both enslaved and free Black children to read, a critical skill that historically conveyed both empowerment and an understanding of their own oppression. This duality is encapsulated in the narratives crafted surrounding the Bray School, merging tales of resistance, agency, and survival.
As Colonial Williamsburg strives to narrate these stories effectively, it grapples with the potential pitfalls of historical interpretation — the tendency to present simplified narratives or romanticized views of the past. The juxtaposition between educational integrity and engaging storytelling can lead to unintentional discrepancies in how history is portrayed. Brown and others navigate these challenges by emphasizing authenticity in their educational mission.
Furthermore, the museum's audience demographics present their own challenges. Primarily attracting older and predominantly white visitors, efforts to broaden appeal face the constraints of historical imagery often misconstrued or decontextualized over the years. Interpreters address this by inviting different perspectives into the conversation, sometimes engaging in difficult dialogues about race, privilege, and historical accountability, all while fostering a sense of belonging for everyone who steps onto the grounds.
As visitors flow in and out of the reconstructed buildings and streets, the atmosphere is ripe for dialogue. The museum's interpretation strategies aim to create an environment where guests feel comfortable asking questions — whether about the realities of slavery or the philosophical underpinnings of the American Revolution. The engagement is not merely transactional but transformational, prompting participants to reflect critically on their own roots and the broader tapestry of American identity.
In learning and grappling with complex histories, Colonial Williamsburg aspires to foster growth — both personally for visitors and collectively as a society. With the evolving narrative, the museum fosters a commitment to continuous learning and inclusivity, ensuring that the stories told represent the full scope of America’s past. The goal is not merely to impart historical knowledge but to catalyze a deeper understanding of how those histories shape our collective future.
"Our role is to facilitate a dialogue," one interpreter succinctly notes, highlighting the emphasis on collaborative learning rather than unilateral teaching. By blending storytelling with inquiry, Colonial Williamsburg continues to challenge and inspire all who visit to rethink their connections to the past and their responsibilities in the present.
Walking through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, one cannot help but feel the weight of history mingling with the whispers of possibility. Visitors are called not just to witness but to engage, sparking dialogues that extend beyond the confines of the colonial era, influencing how we view each other and our shared history today. It is a unique space where the complexities of the American story are embraced, revealing the ongoing journey toward understanding and reconciliation.
Ultimately, by creating a respectful and open environment, Colonial Williamsburg articulates a vision of history that is genuinely reflective of the diverse tapestry of American life. As timelines converge and intertwine, the museum becomes a crucible for exploration and dialogue, where the lessons of the past beckon to inform our aspirations for a more equitable future. It is this vital intersection of education, reflection, and constructive discourse that makes Colonial Williamsburg a profound and necessary destination in today’s cultural landscape.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
