Celebrating Women’s History Month: March 2026 in Colonial Williamsburg
Compiled By Chris Murphy / Photo courtesy of ColonialWilliamsburg.org
As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary and Colonial Williamsburg marks its centennial in 2026, Women’s History Month takes on a special significance. Throughout March, the Historic Area and Art Museums dedicate their programming to the “unexpected and essential” roles women played in shaping the American story.
Bringing History to Life
The core of the celebration lies in meeting the Nation Builders—real historical figures who represent the diverse experiences of 18th-century women. In 2026, visitors can engage with figures like Jane Vobe, the successful proprietor of the King’s Arms Tavern, and Clementina Rind, who took over the Virginia Gazette after her husband’s death, becoming a rare female voice in colonial journalism. For a more somber and vital perspective, the interpretation of Lydia Broadnax offers an “unheard witness” to the complexities of life for enslaved and later free Black women in the revolutionary era.
Thematic Tours and Trades
March features specialized walking tours that pull back the curtain on domestic and political life. The “A Perfect Adornment” tour explores the relationship between gentry women and their enslaved maidservants, while the “Freedom’s Paradox” tour at the Peyton Randolph House examines how women within the household navigated their differing desires for liberty. In the trade shops, female apprentices and journeywomen demonstrate 18th-century skills—from millinery to tailoring—highlighting how women were economic drivers in the colonial capital.
Culinary Legacies
The historic taverns offer a literal taste of history with menus inspired by trailblazing women. In 2026, King’s Arms Tavern features a tribute to Abby Fisher, one of the first Black female cookbook authors, while Christiana Campbell’s Tavern serves dishes from Martha Washington’s “Mother’s Cookbook.”
Whether exploring the Art Museums’ textile galleries or attending a performance at the newly reopened Charlton Stage, visitors in March 2026 will find that women’s contributions weren’t just a footnote—they were the very fabric of the revolution.
