A Living Testament To American H istory (NAPSA)—Thetown that inspired a nation and gaverise to such fundamental American ideas as freedom and democracy is now giving visitors the opportunity to a experience a country, and a city, on the eve of the American Revolution. Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the United States, is currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of the city’s restoration. This unique locale gives travelers a chance to step back in time to 1774 and interact with America’s founding fathers, including ThomasJefferson, Patrick Henry and George Washington. In doing so, visitors can learn first-hand how and why these patriots and other Virginia colonists unified a nation, and demanded their independence from England. Throughout the town, people have the opportunity to delve into exciting and engaging stories as Williamsburg opens its homes and shops. New programs for 2002 include: “About Town”—During this hour-and-a-half walking tour, visitors are personally escorted throughout the Historic Area by “People of the Past,” such as Thomas Jefferson, Martha Wash- ington and others, who invite visitors to see 18th-century Williamsburg through the eyes of those whooncelived there. “Talk of the Town”—18thcentury characters meet with visitors embarking on their Historic Area experience to provide an unparalleled introduction to colonial Virginia. “Among the Dipping Gourds” —Free black and enslaved men struggle with their personal sense of manhood in a society that values them primarily for their labor. New programs at Colonial Williamsburg beckon visitors to explore life in pre-revolutionary America. Slaves, both men and women, face a possible death sentence while free and enslaved women discuss public and private issues they encounterrelated to slavery. e “A Licensed Dissenter”’—The Reverend James Waddell, Presbyterian minister and teacher, regularly visits the meeting house established by Williamsburgresidents. In addition to his preaching duties, Waddell offers instruction to children in Latin, Greek, Hebrew and English, as well as geometry and surveying for young men. Readers of Southern Living magazine recently recognized Colonial Williamsburg as a “Favorite Historic Site” for the sixth straight year. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a notfor-profit educational institution that operates the restored 18thcentury capital. Colonial Williamsburgis located just 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., off Interstate 64. For more information or reservations, call toll-free (800) HIS- TORY or visit the Web site at www.colonialwilliamsburg.org.
