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Offered languages
- English
Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season.
Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden.
Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.
Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will meet at the corner of Duke of Gloucester Street and Palace Green, in front of the church.
The tour will end in front of the Wren Building on the campus of the College of William and Mary.
Itinerary
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1Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
Our guide will discuss the roles of churches and other organizations, as well as the citizens of Williamsburg, in housing troops and serving as observation locations for spotting planes.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2George Wythe House
Our guide will discuss the origins of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and its commitment to the military, including classes for the military on the topic of liberty.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3Governor's Palace
Our guide will explore the impact of the war on the citizens of Williamsburg, including holiday tours and the significance of "lights out."
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4West Duke of Gloucester Street
In front of the Custis Tenement, our guide will discuss the impacts of segregation and the contributions of the African American community during the war, including the culinary talents of Lena Richards at the Travis House.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square
Our guide will explore the various forms of entertainment available to soldiers in Williamsburg, including movies and the USO.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6Wren Building
Our guide will describe the contributions of the College of William and Mary during the war, including offering housing to military spouses, holiday fund drives, and providing junior hostesses for the USO.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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