This February, celebrate Black History Month in Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown with special programming, newly restored historic sites, and community events marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Compiled By Chris Murphy / Image from Colonial Williamsburg
Celebrate Black History Month in Greater Williamsburg
Did you know that in the 18th century, more than half of Williamsburg’s population was of African descent? As we celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, the stories of these men and women have taken center stage. This February, explore the “untold” history of our nation through immersive tours, archaeological discoveries, and world-class performances.
Colonial Williamsburg
In 2026, Colonial Williamsburg continues its mission to present an inclusive portrait of American history. Highlights for this February include:
- The Williamsburg Bray School: Visit the newly restored Bray School, the oldest extant building in the U.S. dedicated to the education of Black children. Moved to the Historic Area in 2023, the school now offers tours focused on the “Bray School Stories,” sharing the lives of the students who studied there in the 1760s.
- The First Baptist Church (Nassau Street): Visit the site of one of the country’s earliest Black churches. Following a multi-year archaeological project, the 1856 structure has been reconstructed on its original foundation. Special memorial services and tours are held this month to honor the ancestors discovered during the excavation.
- The Virginia Black Film Festival (Feb 19–22, 2026): Now in its third year, the festival moves to the Kimball Theatre with the theme “Black Excellence: Past, Present, & Future.” The 2026 event features a Lifetime Achievement Award for actor Keith David and screenings of films like Displaced from the Birthplace of America.
- Theatrical Performances: Head to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for first-person portrayals like Revolutionary Blacks, telling the story of the Frank Brothers, free men of color who served in the Continental Army.
Click here to read more about Colonial Williamsburg.
Williamsburg Walking Tours
Williamsburg Walking Tours continues to lead the way with the city’s only tour dedicated entirely to the African American experience.
The African American History Tour guides guests through the Historic Area, focusing on the achievements and daily struggles of the enslaved and free Black residents who shaped the city. In 2026, these tours include updated research from the “Power of Place” initiative, providing deeper insights into the lives of those who lived behind the grand mansions of the gentry.
Click here to read more about walking tours in Williamsburg.
Jamestown Settlement
Throughout February 2026, Jamestown Settlement hosts the Black Artist Showcase, connecting the past and present through contemporary art and 17th-century history.
- “After Angelo” (Feb 21, 2026): This signature one-day event honors the legacy of Angelo, one of the first African women named in Jamestown’s historical record. The day is filled with African American culture, music, performance, and community conversation.
- Gallery Exhibits: Explore the permanent galleries that detail the convergence of West Central African, English, and Powhatan cultures in the 1600s.
Click here to read more about Jamestown Settlement.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
For the 250th anniversary year, the museum offers a fresh perspective on the Revolutionary War:
- Fresh Views of the American Revolution: This special exhibition features folk art and community perspectives on the ideals of 1776.
- First-Person Portrayals: Every Saturday in February, watch the theatrical performance of Elizabeth Freeman (Mumbet), the woman who sued for her freedom in Massachusetts and won, setting a precedent that helped end slavery in that state.
- Patriots of Color Archive: Visit the museum’s research center to explore the digital archive of nearly 200 documents naming Black and Native American soldiers who served in the Continental Army.
Click here to read more about the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
Located just a short drive away in Newport News, The Mariners’ Museum offers a maritime perspective on Black history.
- Hidden Histories: For 2026, the museum features special lectures on “Diving with a Purpose,” focusing on the underwater archaeology of slave shipwrecks like the Clotilda.
- Living History: Throughout February, interactive programs explore the Nilotic and Swahili maritime cultures of Africa, illustrating the global impact of African navigation and trade.
- Admission: Continuing their commitment to the community, admission remains just $1.
Click here to read more about The Mariners’ Museum and Park.
