ARTIST NOTES

Colonial Williamsburg is a town that tells the story of the development of a new nation; with a past that demonstrates how brilliantly we crafted our democratic, free nation. Ironically, it also exposes a history of our ancestors’ dependence on slavery, indentured servants, and hardworking laborers to advance early economic development. All longed for freedom in the new world—it would take longer for some than others to achieve this goal. According to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation historical data, more than half of Williamsburg’s population in 1775 consisted of slaves. Houses and shops depicting the early colonial period line Duke of Gloucester Street. Alongside the buildings, the colonial reenactment role players and the tourists, it is almost possible to glimpse the life-forces of the original settlers. Their stories line the streets and walkways along the crushed seashell paths running beside the yards and behind the shops.