Historic Jamestowne to Temporarily Close to the Public from Dec. 21 through Jan. 31
In order to limit the risks associated with the recent surge in COVID-19 numbers, both locally and nationally, Historic Jamestowne will be temporarily closed to the public from Dec. 21, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2021. The closure includes the Visitor Center co-managed by the National Park Service and Jamestown Rediscovery (on behalf of Preservation Virginia) and the New Towne and Old Towne areas of the island.
Operation updates related to the closure include:
- The James Fort Site and all buildings, including the Dale House Cafe, will be closed.
- All on-site programs have been cancelled for the duration of the closure.
- Jamestown Rediscovery staff will continue to monitor email and voicemail messages during the closure.
- They will continue to offer Virtual Classroom Programs during the closure. Visit https://historicjamestowne.org/education/for-educators/virtual-classroom-programs/ to learn more.
- Product orders from the online retail store will continue to be fulfilled.
- The Glasshouse, operated by Eastern National, will remain open for glass blowing demonstrations and retail sales 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily. The Glasshouse will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- Public restrooms will be available at the Glasshouse.
- The Island Drive tour road will be closed to vehicles beyond the Glasshouse parking lot, but will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Updated operational information will be posted at https://historicjamestowne.org/visit/operations-updates/.
The health and safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers remains our highest priority. Jamestown Rediscovery will continue to monitor guidance from the Governor’s office, Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the site will be closed, staff archaeologists, curators and educators will be working hard on projects to fulfill Historic Jamestowne’s mission.
The Jamestown Rediscovery website and YouTube channel offer a variety of resources for all ages to explore Jamestown from home. Children and families can dig deeper into Jamestown history with their downloadable JR Kids at Home activities. Educators can download lesson plans to share the history and archaeology of James Fort. Want a front-row seat to the latest archaeological discoveries and analysis? Delve into the Dig Deeper video series on YouTube. Each episode examines current research, exciting history or unique and unusual artifacts that define Jamestown’s past.
About Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation (on behalf of Preservation Virginia). The Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is a private non-profit committed to supporting preservation, education, and the archaeological investigation of Historic Jamestowne, the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America, where three cultures–Native American, European, and African–came together to lay the foundations of modern American society. Resources managed by Jamestown Rediscovery include the 1607 James Fort Site, the Voorhees Archaearium Museum and the Memorial Church. Please visit historicjamestowne.org for more information.
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