By Carol Timblin

The journey of the replica ship Godspeed to several U.S. ports in 2006 launched an 18-month celebration of America’s 400th Anniversary that continues throughout 2007 at Virginia’s Jamestown Settlement, Historic Williamburg and Yorktown Victory Center.

A replica of Godspeed’s sister ship Discovery, currently under construction, is scheduled to arrive at the settlement in early 2007.

Built in Maine, these ships replace earlier replicas at the settlement, where a 1991 replica of the Susan Constant is docked.The three original ships sailed from London on Dec. 20, 1606, and landed on the James River in Virginia on May 13, 1607.

The ships carried a total of 105 passengers and 39 crew members. Sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, the group successfully established America’s first permanent settlement in spite of disease, hunger and other hardships under the leadership of Captain John Smith. According to legend, his life was spared after being captured when Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan, intervened.

Anyone interested in American history will enjoy visiting the new venues and attending special events being held in conjunction with the 400th Anniversary Celebration in Virginia’s Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg). Many activities, including brand new exhibits, special programs and global summits, are a part of the historic commemoration. 

The biggest commemoration event will be the 400th celebration, scheduled for May 11-13, 2007, America’s Anniversary Weekend.  The grand celebration, which will take place at Historic Jamestown, Jamestown Settlement and Anniversary Park, will feature cultural events, historical pageantry and ceremonies, musical performances and children’s entertainment. The President and First Lady, Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family are invited.

Many other commemorative events have already taken place or are scheduled through 2007. Here’s a line-up of what to expect:

• The new Archaearium in Historic Jamestown, which opened last spring, focuses on the process of archaeology using artifacts from the 1607 James Fort.
• Jamestown’s new Visitor Center, which opened this fall, chronicles Virginia’s colonial capital from 1607 through 1699, when the government moved to Williamsburg.
• A brand new 30,000-square foot gallery and introductory film, which debuted this fall, spotlights the business side of the Jamestown Settlement, the impact of colonization on the indigenous Powhatan Indians and the origins of Virginia’s first slaves.
• Another exhibit, “The Legacy of Yorktown,” at the Yorktown Victory Center opened this fall in conjunction with the 225th anniversary of America’s decisive victory at Yorktown. It examines how people from many different cultures, including Native Americans and immigrants from abroad, shaped a brand new society in America.
• “African-American Imprint on America” will feature three programs in 2007:  State of the Black Union in partnership with “Tavis Smiley Presents,” Mar. 30-31; Salute to Distinguished African-Americans, Mar. 30-31; Commerce and Cultural Exposition, August.
• Journey up the James, scheduled for April 24-May 6, 2007, will commemorate the landing of the settlers in 1607, with the Godspeed stopping in several communities and towns, including Richmond.
• A special exhibit entitled “The World of 1607” will open May 1, 2007. It will focus on Jamestown and Virginia as a part of the intellectual, social and economic “new world” that drew people and ideas from all over the globe.
• A July 2007 cultural event will feature discussions on Native American issues, exhibits, musical performances, storytelling, dancing, crafts and games.
• Smithsonian Folklife Festival, June 27-July 8, 2007, will spotlight Virginia culture on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
• A global summit on the future of democracy will be held Sept. 16-19, 2007, in Williamsburg.

James Settlement, located at the intersection of VA 42 and the Colonial Parkway, is open 9-5 daily year-round (except Christmas and New Year’s Day), with extended hours in summer.