The late 1770s saw Williamsburg reach a critical point in the American Revolutionary War, with the capital moving to Richmond in 1779. As the tides shifted in Virginia, the American colonies as a whole experienced an entirely new type of keyboard: the piano. Unlike most of its ancestors, the piano was capable of producing dynamics through touch. The novel keyboard was quickly acquired by Williamsburg’s citizens like Robert Carter, Lord Dunmore, and Ann Barraud. Join Kyle Collins from Governor’s Musick as he explores the waning influence of the Virginian capital against the waxing popularity of the revolutionary square piano.
Other Experiences
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Meet a Person of the Past
Explore at your own pace and discover the different perspectives on the events of 1775 by engaging in conversation with members of the Williamsburg community.
Open to the Public
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Visit with General George Washington
Step into the past with George Washington, father of the country. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.
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Women's History Month at King's Arms Tavern
King’s Arms Tavern honors Abby Fisher, one of the first published Black female authors in America, with a special menu inspired by her 1881 cookbook.
Open to the Public