The Foundation of America: Virginia's First General Assembly

One hundred and fifty-seven years before the Declaration of Independence was signed, twenty-seven men gathered in the choir of Jamestown's church "to establish one equal and uniform government over all Virginia" and to introduce "just laws for the happy guiding and governing of the people there inhabiting." The burgesses who participated in this General Assembly were chosen by the free, white male inhabitants of their town, corporation, or large plantation - a pivotal moment in the evolution of self-governance. Visit Jamestown on July 26 to learn about this General Assembly, which is today the oldest continuous law-making body in the Western hemisphere.

Tour Schedule:
11:00 & 2:00 - First Assembly Walking Tour with Public Historian Mark Summers
2:30 - Proceedings of the Virginia Assembly: calling all burgesses! The Assembly has gathered at Jamestown and your assistance is required to establish and discuss new laws for the colony

All day programs:
Living history - Forged in Iron, The Powhatan Indians
Hands-on Archaeology in the Ed Shed

All programs included with admission to the Preservation Virginia portion of Historic Jamestowne. More details at historicjamestowne.org.