Books & Media

The American Flag: A Handbook of History & Etiquette

A perfect patriotic gift, this handsome guide to the American flag is a concise collection of the history and etiquette of the U.S. flag. The book, bound in hardcover in a distinctive blue leatherette with gold stamping, includes details of the laws...

Blue Pineapple Note Cards

What better way to say "thank you" than with the traditional symbol of hospitality? Each note card features an illustration of a ripe, plump pineapple in blue and white surrounded by swirling vines. The inside is blank so you can craft your own unique...

Why The Turkey Didn't Fly

Why did the eagle become our national symbol, even though Franklin preferred the turkey? How did Gilbert Stuart's portrait of Washington end up on the dollar bill? What did Betsy Ross really have to do with the flag? Here are the surprising stories...

Amy, Ben and Catalpa the Cat

Great pictures and lots of action! In this full-color alphabet story in verse, Amy, Ben and Catalpa take children on a fun-filled day in 18th-century Williamsburg. No sooner does a fifer pass Amy and Ben's window than they are off to the fair! During...

Williamsburg Watercolor Note Cards

These reproductions of original watercolor paintings of Historic Area scenes capture the look and feel of historic Colonial Williamsburg long after your visit has ended. Painted by Williamsburg artist Marcia Long, each notecard features a different...

America's Forgotten Colonial History

From the publisher: "This is what we all learned in school: Pilgrims on the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. They had a rough start, but ultimately made a go of it, made friends with the Indians, and celebrated with a big Thanksgiving dinner...

Four Centuries of Quilts: The Colonial Williamsburg Collection

Grand in scope and gorgeous to look at, Four Centuries of Quilts is one of the most important references on quilts and quilting available. Quilts are among the most utilitarian of art objects, yet the best among them possess a formal beauty that rivals...

Melody Harp

This finely crafted wood zither, or melody harp, is one of the easiest instruments a child can play. Simply slide one of 12 song sheets under the strings and follow the "dots" with the pick. A great way to start a child onto a lifetime of music. 14 1/2"...

The Leatherworker in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg

Illustrated in the style of the period, each softbound booklet in this series describes a trade of eighteenth-century Williamsburg and the lives and times of the artisans who practiced it. FeaturesAn Account of the Nature of Leather, & the Trades...

Striped Red Earthenware Inkwell

Add historic charm to your desk with this Striped Red Earthenware Inkwell. This reproduction inkwell would have been a common site to inhabitants of Williamsburg in the 18th century. Made of more common materials, such as earthenware, or finely crafted...

The Williamsburg Art of Cookery

In 1938, Helen Bullock compiled an amazing collection of favorite "receipts" or recipes known to have been used in Virginia households in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Williamsburg Art of Cookery allows modern cooks to offer the same time-tested fare...

Maria's Story: 1773

Maria's Story: 1773 is part of The Young Americans Book Series by award-winning author Joan Lowery Nixon. When Maria Rind's father dies, her mother is forced to continue his work writing and publishing the Virginia Gazette newspaper. That leaves Maria...

Alexander Hamilton's Guide to Life

The life and lessons of the Founding Father who mastered the arts of wit, war, and wealth, long before becoming the subject of Broadway's Hamilton: An American Musical. Two centuries after his death, Alexander Hamilton is shining once more under the...

Ann's Story: 1747

This delightful children's book is based on Ann McKenzie, a real girl who lived in 18th-century Williamsburg. Nine-year-old Ann needs to start behaving like a proper young lady, learning to knit, cook, and manage a household, but she would rather assist...

The Printer in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg

Illustrated in the style of the period, each softbound booklet in this series describes a trade of eighteenth-century Williamsburg and the lives and times of the artisans who practiced it. Features An Account of the Life, Times, and Craft of a Printer...

Battledore Pamphlet

Help children learn their ABCs and 123s - the 18th century way! This reproduction battledore is printed for the historic shops in Colonial Williamsburg. Contains reproduction illustrations to aid memory. Made in USA. A Williamsburg exclusive!

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking

Whether you wish you could time travel to the court of Versailles, the Highlands of Scotland, or Colonial Williamsburg in the 18th-century, this comprehensive guide will walk you through how to make and wear your 18th century dream gown. Lauren Stowell...

The Coins of Colonial America

An impressive collection of antique coins donated to the Foundation is the focus of this book. Joseph Lasser contributed an overview about currency in colonial North America and sections on "Latin American Origins," "Coins Powered World Trade," "Coins in...

Colonial Williamsburg Townscape Christmas Cards by Marcia Long

Send your loved ones a warm holiday greeting with the Colonial Williamsburg Townscape Christmas Cards. Created by local artist, Marcia Long, these cards feature an illustration of iconic structures and imagery from Colonial Williamsburg set amongst...

Entertaining Ideas from Williamsburg

Virginia, of course, is famous for its hospitality. Drawing on that tradition, here's a treasure trove of ideas for celebrating special occasions throughout the year. From a winter anniversary to a spring wedding, a Fourth of July picnic to a children's...

The Art and Soul of African American Interpretation

The Art and Soul of African American Interpretation is the first book in which African American interpreters themselves reflect on their profession. Six experienced interpreters discuss how they research historical figures and create characters, often...

An Army Doctor’s American Revolutionary War Journal, 1775-1783

At the age of 21, James Thacher (1754–1844) joined the newly formed American army as a surgeon's mate, eventually advancing to the role of surgeon for the Massachusetts 16th Regiment. In 1823, he published his Journal, reporting both wartime events...

Flowers and Herbs of Early America

Rediscover our American botanical heritage with this chronicle of the history and cultivation of 56 species of colonial flowers and herbs. Researched and written by master gardener Lawrence Griffith, curator of plants for The Colonial Williamsburg...

Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle for America's Independence

The American Revolution was a home-front war that brought scarcity, bloodshed, and danger into the life of every American, and Carol Berkin shows us that women played a vital role throughout the struggle. Berkin takes us into the ordinary moments of...

The Colonial Naturalist DVD

Part 3 of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Archive Series: Colonial Life through a Lens. Filmed in 1965, this docudrama highlights Mark Catesby's first visit to the colonies, where the self-trained naturalist spent time observing his natural...

The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr

In The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, you will learn more about the men who inspired Hamilton: The Musical in this fascinating look at the historical friends turned revolutionary rivals! In curiously parallel lives,...

I Am Murdered

George Wythe was Thomas Jefferson's mentor and friend, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, chief justice of the Virginia Supreme Court—and a victim of lethal poisoning. His murder and the trial of his nephew for the killing caused a sensation...

Flexible Sealing Wax Tri-Pack - Navy, Burgundy, Forest Green

This Flexible Sealing Wax Tri-Pack makes the perfect companion to our brass letter seals! Made to withstand the modern postal system, this mailable sealing wax can be used on greeting cards and invitations for added historical charm, or on...

A Little Keyboard Book

These sprightly pieces have been arranged in eighteenth-century style for keyboard instruments-harpsichord, piano, or chamber organ. Of particular interest is the "Minuet" of Peter Pelham, the only song known to have been written by the first organist of...

The Music Of Williamsburg DVD

Part 2 of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Archive Series: Colonial Life through a Lens. Filmed in 1960, this docudrama explores how music in 18th-century Williamsburg was a ritual of everyday life—the accompaniment to everything from...

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum Booklet

Revolution & Evolution: Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum is a catalog of the 2017 Winter Antiques Show loan exhibit which is also an introduction to the extraordinary treasures of the Abby Aldrich Folk Art Museum and to the rich variety of...

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty

Ever wondered how Marie Antoinette achieved her sky-high hairstyle or how women in the 1700s created their voluminous frizz hairdos? The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty answers all your Georgian beauty questions―and teaches you all you need...

Vintage Handle Wax Seal Kits

These Vintage Handle Wax Seal Kits have everything you need to create beautiful wax seals on your letters! The flexible sealing wax is made to withstand the modern mailing system. Add a touch of historical charm and your own personality with vintage...

Somerset Rug Mouse Pad

In celebration of the best in classic design, toss this mouse pad on your desk to offer a little color and a lot of protection. The design is straight from an 18th-century crewelwork coverlet in Colonial Williamsburg's collections featuring the scrolling...

Flexible Sealing Wax Tri-Pack - Gold, Silver, Red

This Flexible Sealing Wax Tri-Pack makes the perfect companion to our brass letter seals! Made to withstand the modern postal system, this mailable sealing wax can be used on greeting cards and invitations for added historical charm, or on...

John's Story: 1775

The Young Americans Book Series by award-winning author Joan Lowery Nixon As tensions rise between England and the colonies, John's father hopes for a peaceful solution. When his older brother George joins the militia to fight for Virginia liberties,...

Peyton Randolph and Revolutionary Virginia

In 1763, King George III’s government adopted a secret policy to reduce the American colonies to "due subordinance" and exploit them. This brought on the American Revolution. In Virginia, there was virtually unanimous agreement that...

Revolutionary Brothers

Steeped in primary sources, Revolutionary Brothers casts fresh light on the remarkable, often complicated, friendship of two extraordinary men - the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. As Lafayette opened doors in Paris and Versailles...

The Course of History: Ten Meals That Changed the World

Some of the most consequential decisions in history were decided at the dinner table, accompanied - and perhaps influenced - by copious amounts of food and drink. The Course of History: Ten Meals That Changed the World is a fascinating book that explores...

The Rockefeller Family And Colonial Williamsburg DVD

Part 10 of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Archive Series: Early Stories of the Restoration This is a story of remarkable generosity and considerable personal participation, chronicled in 1992 through archival photos and film, a narrative drawn...

Travel 4-Player Shut the Box Game

A traditional game of counting, addition, and probability, Shut-the-Box dates as far back as the 12th century when this game was enjoyed by Norman fishermen after a long day at sea. Roll the dice and lay down any numerical combination of tiles that match...

Williamsburg's Joseph Prentis: His Monthly Kalender & Garden Book

In the eighteenth century as today, Williamsburg was known for its fine gardens. Among the town's most enthusiastic gardeners was Joseph Prentis, an attorney who kept a personal garden book and calendar. This volume includes the full text of Prentis'...

Insiders' Guide: Williamsburg and Virginia's Historic Triangle

Experience America's past and present-day glories in beautiful, historic Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, Virginia! Written by local Susan Corbett, Insiders' Guide: Williamsburg and Virginia's Historic Triangle includes: Comprehensive...

Rivers and Roads: Transportation in Early America

In an era when no corner of the globe has been left unexplored, and people commute hundreds of miles every day in cars, trains and buses, it's easy to lose track of how different life would be without these modes of transportation. Travel back to a time...

A Rollick of Recorders Book

The pieces in this collection have been arranged for the recorder, an instrument that in the eighteenth century was known as the English or common flute.  Included are thirteen tunes that our colonial forebears used for lighthearted music making...

Alexander Hamilton Signature Notebook

Now you can put pen to paper in your very own Alexander Hamilton Signature Notebook, and let his words encourage and inspire you as you record your daily musings. Features Moleskin-like binding Cream paper stock and an elegant ribbon page...

Fortnum & Mason: Time for Tea

Fortnum & Mason has nearly as much experience of selling tea as Britain has of drinking it – some three centuries’ worth, in fact, since the early eighteenth century. Time for Tea by Tom Parker Bowles is a fun and deeply...

Founding Mothers

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts comes New York Times bestseller Founding Mothers, an intimate and illuminating look at the fervently patriotic and passionate women whose tireless pursuits on behalf of their families–and...