One hundred years ago, the rector of Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg shared with philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife his idea of restoring the once-Colonial capital.
Now, more than 300 restored buildings later, Colonial Williamsburg is recognizing its 100th anniversary this weekend with free admission, music and a parade.
Entry is free on Saturday and the parade — with carriages, costumed staff and the Fifes & Drums
— begins at 11 a.m. from Capitol Circle to the Courthouse.
An exhibition, "Colonial Williamsburg: The First 100 Years," is also on view at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, 301 S. Nassau St. The exhibition covers how the restoration began with buying one building on Duke of Gloucester Street and the archaeological work and reconstruction that led to popular tourist attractions today, including the Governor's Palace and Raleigh Tavern.
According to colonialwilliamsburg.org, 89 of the buildings in Colonial Williamsburg are original to the 18th century, and the rest have been reconstructed based on archaeological research.
Colonial Williamsburg is now the world's largest living history museum.
A ticketed event, "A Toast to the Next 100," will be held Saturday evening at Market Square North, behind the Courthouse. Tickets are $100.
Fireworks will follow.
Colonial Williamsburg is closed on Sunday for a celebration for employees, volunteers, retirees and their families.
Visit colonialwilliamsburg.org for more information.
