the research microsite

Return to Explore the Rockefeller Library Collections page

Access Policy for Architectural Drawings Created by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and its Predecessor Companies

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the repository of drawings of restored and reconstructed buildings produced by its architectural departments. While these drawings are available to the public for on-site viewing and research, they may not be copied or photographed.

The Foundation's collection of architectural drawings is housed in multiple locations. Researchers wishing to access drawings can expedite their work by giving notice well in advance of their intended arrival and indicating the drawings they wish to see. Please note that the research needs of Foundation staff may supersede the use of drawings by the public.

A number of Colonial Williamsburg buildings were documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and may be accessed through the Library of Congress website.

Print copies of these drawings may be obtained from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at a charge of $3.00 per full sheet and $0.25 per letter size sheet. Buildings available are:

  • Archibald Blair Dairy, Smokehouse & Privy
  • Bowden-Armistead House
  • Brafferton
  • Bruton Parish Church
  • William Byrd House
  • Carter's Grove
  • Courthouse
  • Custis-Maupin Necessary House
  • Finnie House
  • Ludwell-Paradise House
  • Magazine
  • Prentis Store
  • Public Records Office
  • George Reid Wellhead
  • Redwood Ordinary
  • St. George Tucker House
  • Tayloe Office
  • Wren Building
  • George Wythe House

For additional information about architectural drawings held by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, please contact Special Collections at the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library at: speccoll@cwf.org or 757-565-8520.


Policy issued March 2016.