Introduction
Virginia Places - This website is an exploration of Virginia history and geography.
http://www.virginiaplaces.org/
Encyclopedia Virginia publishes topical and biographical entries on the history and culture of Virginia. Entries are accompanied by primary documents and media objects, including images, audio and visual clips, and links to Google Street View tours of historic sites. There is a a link for educators that provides resources for the Virginia Studies SOL. You can also bookmark entries, images, videos, and maps, and save them to a personal account to access at a later time.
Foundations of U.S. History: Virginia History as American History is a site that provides lessons and resources for studying VA and US history. Lessons and activities emphasize the use of primary sources to strengthen historical thinking skills and enrich historical understandings.
Virginia Indians
Long before English settlers landed in Jamestown, native peoples lived on the land we now call Virginia. There are eight state recognized tribes in Virginia. Seven of theses tribes reside in the Tidewater region and were part of the original Powhatan empire. They are the Chickahominy, Easter Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Nansemond, Pamunkey, and Rappahannock. These tribes represent the Algonquian language system and culture. The most western tribe, the Monocan, is found in the Piedmont region. The Monocan represent the Siouan language system and culture. It is important for students to not only know and appreciate the history of these peoples, but also recognize that Virginia Indians still live and work among us. You'll find the video below a helpful resource.
Jamestown
The arrival of the English in VA began in Jamestown with the landing of the Susan Constant, the Godspeed and the Discovery.
America in 1607: Jamestown and the Powhatan - This interactive feature allows students to explore the Jamestown settlement and Werowocomoco.
On the Trail of Captain John Smith: A Jamestown Adventure - Follow John Smith as he helps establish the Jamestown colony, explores the Chesapeake Bay, and meets local Indians in this interactive game.
Colonial Williamsburg
Education Resource Library - This site contains a variety of materials for teaching and learning American history and civics, including videos, interactive learning games, lesson plans, and more. Resource types are listed by grade level and can be sorted by era, subject, and theme.
Virginia Gazette - The Virginia Gazette was the official newspaper of Virginia, printed in Williamsburg from 1736 until 1780. You can access digital copies here.
People of the Past - Here you will find the stories of the diverse peoples who lived in, worked in, and visited 18th-century Williamsburg, and the political, economic, social, religious, and cultural forces that shaped their lives. This includes diving deeply into the stories of well-known members of the Founding generation and people whose contributions had long been overlooked in accounts of American history.
CWB YouTubeChannel - Find electronic field trips and a wealth of videos about colonial times, historical figures, and events leading to our nation's founding.
Ben Franklin's World - This is Colonial Williamsburg's early American history podcast.
Virtual Tours - Immerse yourself in the Historic sites of Colonial Williamsburg and learn how buildings were reconstructed to what artifacts adorn their walls. You can explore these buildings virtually in 360 degrees. Be sure to click or tap on icons for more information.