Jamestown Settlement hosts First Africans Commemoration

A Colonial honor guard leads members of the Virginia General Assembly from a commemorative meeting at the recreated church on Jamestown Settlement on the 400th anniversary of the meeting of the original House of Burgess in Jamestown, Va., Tuesday, July 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

by: Adrianna Lawrence

Posted: Aug 9, 2022 / 12:54 PM MDT

Updated: Aug 9, 2022 / 12:54 PM MDT

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — Jamestown Settlement is holding a special First Africans Commemoration Saturday, Aug. 20 to recognize the first Africans in Virginia.

The event will feature a panel discussion with Jamestown-Yorktown Executive Director Christy S. Holman and Norfolk artist Clayton Singleton and a special showing of the documentary, “History Half Told is Untold.”

Exhibits with artifacts and historical accounts will also be included.

The commemoration will be at 2 p.m. on Aug. 20 at Jamestown Settlement.

Admission to the event is included in the regular museum ticket price: $18 for adults, $9 for kids ages 6-12, and free for children ages five and under. Residents with proof of residency in James City County, York County and City of Williamsburg receive free admission, including William & Mary students.

Tickets can be bought online or in person.

More information can be found, here, or by calling (757) 253-4838.