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Play House Stage

Play House Stage

The American colonies' first purpose-built theater opened on…
Panglossian Productions

Panglossian Productions

Panglossian Productions is a non-profit theatre company dedicated…
Williamsburg Players

Williamsburg Players

Since 1957, Williamsburg Players has produced community theater.…
Aura CurtiAtlas

Aura CuriAtlas Physical Theater

Joan Gavaler and Dan Plehal co-founded Aura CuriAtlas to explore…
Kimball Threatre

Kimball Theatre

The historic Kimball Theatre has become the cornerstone of Williamsburg's…
Martha Wren Briggs Amp

Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka

Amphitheater in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Virginia Regional Ballet

Virginia Regional Ballet

Dance school in Williamsburg, Virginia.

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THE HISTORY OF WILLIAMSBURG

Prior to European settlement, the area around modern-day Williamsburg was settled by the indigenous American tribes of the Powhatan Confederacy. Williamsburg was first settled in 1638 and was originally referred to as Middle Plantation due to its location on the high ground in the middle of the Virginia Peninsula. In 1699, Middle Plantation was renamed Williamsburg in honor of King William III of England.

By the turn of the 20th century, Williamsburg was a quiet country village, and many colonial buildings, while still standing, were in disrepair. The Reverend Dr. D.A.R. Goodwin made it his goal to restore Williamsburg to its colonial spendor, seeking financial help from none other than John D. Rockefeller Jr., the heir to Standard Oil. It was due to the Rockefeller contributions that Williamsburg became what it is today: A living museum, with history preserved and on exhibit every day.

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