Programs to highlight Women's History Month Colonial Williamsburg celebrates Women's History Month with special programming March 28, 29, and 30, 2003. Women played a role in changing colonial America. From Clementina Rind, who took over publishing the "Virginia Gazette" following the death of her husband, to Lydia Broadnax, a free black, strong and spirited women participated in the American Revolution. Colonial Williamsburg recognizes these and other women with programming that addresses their accomplishments. As part of Women's History Month, Colonial Williamsburg announces the release of a video of a dramatic play that looks at the lives of four women in colonial times. "Our Common Passage," a compelling one-woman show, written and performed by Abigail Schumann, was first performed on stage in 1997. Four poignant scenes depict the women's shared experiences of motherhood, childbirth, and loss: a gentry woman comes to terms with the death of her child; a determined rural midwife celebrates life despite the increasing hardships of war; an enslaved woman reflects on family and the loss of her child; and a first-time mother faces the fear and isolation of giving birth alone on Virginia's western frontier.

Program overview

Friday, March 28, 2003

"Ladies of the Governor's Palace"

Governor's Palace in Historic Area 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Also Saturday and Sunday Explore the Governor's Palace with an interpreter who focuses on the women who called the Palace home. Though the Palace was the seat of royal governance in Virginia, women of all classes and stations were about the household. From Lady Dunmore to the scullery maid, each woman's experience depended upon her place in the household and the community. 25-minute tour. Reservations required.

"The Geddy Women"

Geddy House in Historic Area 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Also Saturday and Sunday Interpretation of this household portrays the middling class of women in colonial Virginia. Explore the roles of wife, mother, daughter, mistress of a household and the pursuits that defined their lives. 25 minutes.

"Language of Clothing"

DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum 11:30 and 1:30 Also Saturday and Sunday Join an interpreter on a tour of this wide-ranging exhibit. From court gowns to slave clothing, women's attire defined their roles in society.

"Soul of a Sharecropper"

Behind the Robert Carter House 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. You will be moved to laughter and tears when you meet a former slave who is now a sharecropper and learn the touching tale of her life's struggles

"Women of the Restoration"

Hennage Auditorium 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Women have played a vital role in the history of Colonial Williamsburg and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Join a lecture and panel discussion and learn from contemporary women how important women were and continue to be to the future of the world's largest living history museum. Reservations required

"Women of Williamsburg"

Historic Area 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Also Saturday and Sunday One-hour walking tour of Historic Area. Learn about some of the women who made their home in the capital city in the 18th century. Understand the joys and sorrows, trials and triumphs experienced by the distaff side of society as they lived in a time of challenge and change.

"Trying to Get Some Mother Wit"

Hennage Auditorium 8:30 p.m. African-American parents share stories of their lives, loves, and spirit with their children. Program includes stories, songs, and games, and is recommended for families. Reservation and ticket required. Included in special weekend package

Saturday, March 29, 2003

"Betty Randolph's Revolutionary World"

Peyton Randolph House 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Learn about the role of the wife of one of the colony’s most influential leaders. Elizabeth and Peyton Randolph had no children but served as surrogate parents to nieces and nephews while maintaining a lifestyle appropriate to their station. Betty Randolph’s life spanned the years leading up to and through the Revolution, and the difficulties she encountered form an integral part of her story. 25 minutes.

"Women in Trades: A Modern Conversation"

Woodlands Conference Center 9:30 a.m. Panel discussion offers an opportunity to hear some of the real life stories from women as they describe their work and experiences in Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades. Program restricted to hotel package participants

"Meet Martha Washington"

Mary Stith House 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. In 1774, Martha Washington was the wife of a burgess from Fairfax County. She and her husband had yet to gain fame, though Martha's fortune was considerable. The attributes that would stand her in good stead as wife to the general and president were already a part of her character. She was indeed a “worthy partner.” Mrs. Washington is eager to share her personal journey through life and advise the women about their place in her 18th-century society.

"Wanted: Apprentice for the Milliner"

Margaret Hunter Shop Every 20 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. In this delightful interactive experience, children and their elders are invited to consider what skills a young girl (or boy) needed to become a milliner. Try a few stitches and consider whether you are ready to sign an "indenture of apprenticeship" and remain with the mistress of the shop for the next seven years or so. If you're unsure if you want to stay, take home your handy-work and indenture paper and think it over.

"Four Centuries of Women in Williamsburg"

Hennage Auditorium 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Innovative stage presentation that looks at the lives and fashions of women spanning the centuries. Women have been a part of colonial Williamsburg since its earliest days, and in this presentation their voices are heard. Reservation required.

"Tea and Conversation"

Williamsburg Inn East Lounge 3:00 p.m. Lady Dunmore, Mrs. Peyton Randolph, and their daughters host ladies for tea. Program restricted to hotel package participants.

"Making Do on the Homefront"

Hennage Auditorium 8:30 p.m. Original play in which four women speak of the hardships they endure during the protests and conflicts that led to the Revolution. They share some of the same concerns for themselves and their families. 90 minutes.

Sunday, March 30, 2003

"Mrs. Powell and Kate - Mistress and Slave"

Benjamin Powell House 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. A visit to the Powell house is an opportunity to join in on the daily activities of a busy middling sort household. Mrs. Powell is the mistress of her household, and she depends on the work and cooperation of her domestic slaves to keep her home in good order. Cooperation is a two-way street, and Kate has learned some subtle means of getting her own way, while following her mistress's instructions.

"A Conversation with Martha Washington "

Hennage Auditorium 2:00 p.m. Meet Martha Washington - and meet the woman behind the lady, too. Developing the interpretive characters that populate the homes and streets of Williamsburg is a fascinating and complex process. Mary Wiseman discusses the process she has used to develop the character of Martha Washington and other women she has portrayed.