Yorktown, Virginia's New American Revolution War Museum

[William Annis Davis]

The Sounds of Fifes & Drums

Driving along the beautiful Colonial National Parkway along the York River toward Yorktown, one can almost hear the sounds of fife and drums, regimental bands and the blistering sounds of a cannonade. Yorktown, the pivotal battle in Virginia which caused British General Cornwallis to surrender his army to combined American and French forces led by George Washington has a whole new sound. The sights and sounds  of visiting Revolutionary history live!

With the recent opening of Yorktown's American Revolution Museum (above), an 80,000 square foot building added on to the original 1976 Yorktown Victory Center Museum, featuring expanded exhibit halls and galleries one can do just that . New and expanded  Education areas bring a new and dynamic dimension to interpreting the battle for the colonies successful effort from 1776  to 1783 to become independent of Great Britain.

As you take your first steps into the beautifully renovated vestibule and lobby of the American Revolution Museum to purchase your tickets (greeted by the famous marble statue of "Winged Victory" in the entrance and grand vestibule hall), explore the well stocked, brightly lit gift shop before (below) or after your visit, as you prefer. There is also an indoor/outdoor casual café just off the lobby to enjoy some downtime and treats.

Now the Revolution History Begins 
                                      

Opposite the gift shop is the museum theatr, where the short film Liberty will highlight the experiences of everyday colonists and patriots during the war via a storyteller who with the help of  a moving panorama that is vibrantly illuminating and adds reality to the story.

Leaving the theater, you start the walk down Revolutionary Hall where a timeline of events will lead you to the five permanent galleries in addition to the one changing gallery. Featured in the permanent galleries are incredible artifacts relating to the British and American empires,the changing relationships between the two adversaries, the Revolution itself, the American people, and the new nation.  
 

Do not miss the photographs, as these are unique photos of people who actually lived and fought through the war and in some cases their remembrances. You may be of my mindset thinking photos of Revolutionary War participants did not exist until we remember that by the 1840’s or so photography,  even though in its infancy, was able to capture some of the survivors in real time for all time!

In the Revolution Gallery, also do not miss (I’ll say “do not miss a lot!) the opportunity to immerse yourself in a spectacular experiential theater that invites you to watch, listen and feel the sounds of the battlefield - even including wind, smoke, and cannon fire in a panorama setting. You will want to go twice!

Outside the theater is a truly one-of-a-kind exhibit piece that has a hologram of different people from the period like American Dan Morgan,  a legendary leader of the Virginia riflemen, as well as patriot nemesis Banastre Tarleton.

Living History RevolutionaryEncampment

Leaving the gallery area, you will go outside to the investigate second half of this enlightening museum that being the "living history" encampment of soldiers (below) and a Revolutionary period farm, where you can have some hands-on fun and learn tactics and history drills of a Continental Army soldier.

You can engage if you like, docents and period dress re-enactors all highly informative. At the soldier's encampment, I participated in marching drills and charges. Even espionage!  Talk with and learn the many skills required to survive everyday living back in the day such as care and maintenance of weapons from expert volunteers.

  

The Revolutionary Period Farm

At the farm one can delight in the vegetable gardens, raising chickens or learn about table manners when dining in the 18th century to crafts from weaving to cooperage. Baking and cooking are demonstrated and it's fresh fare for the troops and farm workers (below).

In early 2017 there is great news coming. Both theSoldiers Encampment and the farm areas will be greatly enlarged with many added features.

The Edward Moss Family Farm

The new farm areas will include the living history recreation of the Edward Moss family farm, a real-life family which will emphasize day to day living on a colonial-era farm - including the lives of enslaved African Americans, of whom the Edward Moss owned six. Learning the manners and eating habits of a farm family will bring some real surprises to you thinking of daily living in colonial times!

Another new and exciting addition to the outdoor living history will be an amphitheater to hold 250 people. and taking the appearance of a redoubt (earthen mounded defensive position.) where artillery and other pieces of Revolutionary War period  armament will be on display and presentations including hands-on tactics for using the weapons.

Revolutionary Peninsula

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is part of the triad of geographically closely related and historically important sites, the other two are Colonial Williamsburg and the 1607 Jamestown settlement Historic Jamestowne. All three are unique in their history and perspectives offering a broad range of interpretations.  

 

The Colonial National Historical Park 

While in Yorktown be sure to visit the Colonial National Historical Park at Yorktown, visit their museum and take an auto or bike tour of the battlefield as well as a guided walking tour of the historic district in the village. Follow the trail that led to freedom!

Explore the Area

You can park your car at the American Revolution Museum or the Colonial National Historical Park and take a convenient bus that runs in a circle to the two museums and the shops in Yorktown. There is a quaint shopping area, places to eat or just stroll along the beautiful James River.

Lodging is readily available whether it be Bed and Breakfast, Inns or traditional hotel/motel choices.

Coming Up in 2017

Important dates in early 2017 are March 23-April 4 when the official grand opening of the entire site will take place including the completed Outdoor Living History Program and the expanded Continental Army encampment.  If you love or want to learn more about the history of the United States, one cannot pick a more vibrant area to explore, experience and hopefully understand why and how America has become the place that it is. The Revolutionary War Museum at Yorktown is a grand place to start. I would allow a full day to explore the Revolutionary War Museum, the Colonial National Park, the battlefield, and downtown. Perhaps two days if American history is your passion. If other travelers in your party get weary they can easily take the bus to Yorktown and relax on the riverfront. Multi-attraction tickets good for more than a day are available.

Accessibility

The museums are totally accessible for wheelchairs and scooters while the battlefield is a lot of walking through fields and some small hills with occasional boardwalks. The living history areas were a little rough on the paths at the grand opening but I’m sure they will be accessible in 2017.  Contact them if you have other special needs. There is a great deal of walking involved so wear comfortable shoes and carry water.

For travel plans and visits, please see www.visityorktown.org, www.historyisfun.org/yorktown-victory-center/new-yorktown-museum, www.colonialwilliamsburg.com, and www.nps.gov.