The Reverend and the Millionaire
- 1 hour
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
During this one-hour walking tour, discover how a sleepy southern town was restored to its former colonial splendor through the dream of Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the backing of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. We will discuss the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg from its conception through to the continuing restoration efforts. We encourage questions and conversation so all guests can better understand why Williamsburg was, and is, so important not only to Dr. Goodwin and Mr. Rockefeller but also to future generations. Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information. *Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.
Inclusions
What's included
- Souvenir button
What's not
- Gratuities
Itinerary
Tour guide introduces guests to W.A.R. Goodwin and his coming to Williamsburg and what the city looked like when he arrived.
Tour guide talks about Godwin’s dream of taking Williamsburg back to its Colonial splendor. Pointing out on Palace green what was there in 1927. To do this though he needed money.
Tour guide tells them of partnership between Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller, Jr.. Guide points out what were original buildings and what had to be reconstructed. Discusses methods used to find where buildings originally stood. ( this path may be different for each tour depending on Colonial Williamsburg maintenance schedule, activities and weather)
Talk about this building being the first exhibition site opened to the public.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.6
- 55
- 43
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 8 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- The sandwich board will be placed in the street in front of the church.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Shades of Our Past
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Williamsburg
- Its from-price is 19% below the median of the 90 experiences we list in Williamsburg.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 40 of 90.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a Virginia town of restored colonial streets, a historic college and a nearby settlement of 1607, in the Historic Triangle.
Williamsburg lies between the James and York rivers in eastern Virginia and was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780. The restored historic area stretches along Duke of Gloucester Street from the Capitol to the College of William and Mary, with reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters, taverns and workshops. Bruton Parish Church, from the early 18th century, stands on the same street.
Top-ranked sights in Williamsburg: Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial Williamsburg.
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