Find Colonial Williamsburg Research Reports
Browse Colonial Williamsburg Research Reports in Digital Collections
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation began its work to restore and interpret 18th-century Williamsburg in 1926. Since then, its historians, archaeologists, and curators have conducted extensive research to ensure that work is as historically accurate as possible. They have examined its existing structures, excavated sites, analyzed paint samples, collected artifacts, searched land records, and consulted 18th-century books, manuscripts, engravings, and maps, documenting their efforts along the way.
The Research Reports gathered here have been contributed by various CWF departments to the Rockefeller Library. Most of the reports relate directly to buildings in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area; each generally has an archaeological, an architectural, and an historical report associated with it. But researchers will also find topical reports on areas of interest to 18th-century studies, as well as a few interpretive reports that outline the way in which buildings have been presented to visitors.
It's important to note that while reports are still being added as new research is completed, the majority date to the period of the initial Restoration: over 60% were written before 1959. Thus, while they present the most complete understanding available at the time of their composition, they may now be out of date due to the discovery of new evidence and advances in technology. Researchers may also encounter outmoded or disrespectful terminology or evidence of discriminatory views in these reports. Colonial Williamsburg continues to make this material available for research as part of our commitment to understanding our own history.
Browse Colonial Williamsburg Research Reports in Digital Collections
Support for making Colonial Williamsburg Research Reports available on the Digital Collections platform is provided by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program. This program supports leadership development and technological infrastructure investment that builds audiences, increases fundraising, drives revenue, delivers dynamic programming, and helps develop best practices to share across a network of non-profit cultural organizations.
Please contact the Rockefeller Library with any questions about Colonial Williamsburg Research Reports: rocklibrary@cwf.org