Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
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The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia that operates two living-history museums in the Historic Triangle: Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Together, they explore early Virginia and the country’s founding through galleries, films, reconstructed settings and interpreters. The Foundation’s museums are a different visitor experience from nearby Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield, so check which sites are included when planning tickets and travel.[1][2]
What the Foundation does
The Foundation’s mission centers on interpreting the early history, settlement and development of the United States, including the convergence of American Indian, European and African cultures and their enduring legacies. Its museums use collections, exhibitions and living-history interpretation to bring these subjects to visitors.[3][4]
Explore 17th-century Virginia through indoor galleries and films, then visit outdoor recreations of a Powhatan town, a colonial fort and the ships associated with the 1607 voyage. The museum interprets the histories and cultures of Powhatan people, English colonists and West Central Africans.
Follow the Revolution and the early years of the new nation through galleries, artifacts and films, with outdoor living-history areas that include a Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm.
Choosing a visit
The two museums tell connected but distinct stories: Jamestown Settlement focuses on 17th-century Virginia, while the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown follows the Revolution and the formation of the United States. A combination ticket may be available for visits to both; check the Foundation’s official ticket information for current prices, terms and availability before traveling.[6]
Allow several hours at each museum if you want to see the galleries, films and outdoor areas. The Foundation recommends allowing two to four hours per museum; how much of the outdoor experience is available can depend on weather and seasonal operations.[7][8]
Location and trip planning
The museums are in different communities: Jamestown Settlement is in Williamsburg, Virginia, near Historic Jamestowne and the Colonial Parkway; the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is near Yorktown Battlefield. Check the Foundation’s current directions and traffic conditions when planning a route between sites. Both museums are part of the wider Historic Triangle, which also includes Colonial Williamsburg.[9]
Hours, tickets and access
The Foundation’s visitor pages list the museums as open daily, with closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hours, ticket prices, outdoor-area operations and other visitor details can change, so confirm them on the official site before setting out. On-site ticket sales may end before closing time.[10][11]
The Foundation provides visitor information about accessibility, dining, museum shops, group visits and educational programs. Consult its planning pages for details suited to your visit, including any current seasonal or weather-related changes.[12]
References
- ↑ Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Virginia.gov, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Visit, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Virginia.gov, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Research and Collections, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Visit, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Tickets, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Visitor FAQs, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Hours & Directions, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Hours & Directions, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Tickets, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-21.