Colonial Park Focuses on African Americans

African Americans are getting a stronger focus this year at the Colonial Williamsburg historic park in Virginia, with new programs and interweaving of the slave experience throughout the park.

Although the park, with its restored Colonial buildings and costumed actors, has run an African American program for two decades, “it’s reaching its peak this year,” said spokeswoman Lorraine Brooks. “At every site, visitors will get some aspect of the slave experience.”

In fact, African Americans, nearly all of them slaves, formed about half of Williamsburg’s population of 1,800 in 1775, Brooks said.

Among new evening programs are the “Spirit Voices” dance and music show (though Sept. 5) and the drama “A Broken Spirit” (through Oct. 30), in which slaves nurse the wounds of a new arrival who has been beaten. During the day, at “The Slave Gathering,” re-enactors discuss resistance, and in “To Run or to Stay,” “slaves” debate whether to flee their masters. In all, there are more than a dozen African American programs.

Programs are offered on various days in the week; some require reservations and an extra $10 fee. Regular one-day park admission is $27 adults, $16 ages 6-12. Information: telephone (800) HISTORY.

Next weekend, Aug. 7 and 8, the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village historic park in Dearborn, Mich., will present its annual “Celebration of Emancipation,” with dramatic performances, music, African American cooking demonstrations and even a “visit” with inventor George Washington Carver. Events, held throughout the day, are included in park admission: $12.50 adults, $7.50 ages 5-12. Tel. (800) 835-5237.