With the President’s Day winter weekend approaching, I thought I’d send out a separate newsletter highlighting the many events coming up in the Historic Triangle and throughout the Peninsula this week.

Several events will also be offered in virtual formats, including a presentation on NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries (hosted by The Virginia Living Museum), two intriguing lectures in honor of Black History Month (by Mariners Museum), a discussion about the impacts of the Williamsburg Bray School (by Williamsburg Regional Library) and a special “Evening with the Presidents” (hosted by Colonial Williamsburg.)

You’ll also find a variety of family-friendly and kid-centric activities, like the Cabin Fever Carnival and Bookmobile FunFest.

As always, if you have any events you’d like to submit for consideration, please email them to christin@thetriangle.news.

-Christin

Events This Week

Multiple Days

Virginia Kindness Week: #VAisForKindness Campaign – The #VAisforKindness campaign has raised over $13,590.00 to support local food banks in Virginia since March of 2020. Covid-19 continues to lead to high demand for emergency food assistance. In honor of Virginia Kindness Week (Feb. 14-18, 2022), the campaign is carrying out a fundraiser to distribute funds to food banks across Virginia to ensure those who need food are able to get it. You can help this cause by going here.

Change is Coming with G. Pamphlet and G. Mason – Hennage Auditorium at Colonial Williamsburg. Wednesdays, Feb. 16 & 23. 1:30 -2:15 pm. Enslaved Baptist preacher, Gowan Pamphlet, learns that Virginia’s new Declaration of Rights promises religious freedom and states that “all men are born equal and free.” Watch as Pamphlet seeks out George Mason, the primary author of the document, to find out how it will change his life. Included with art museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass.

Teach Them Diligently – The Hennage Auditorium at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Embark on a journey with lifelong Colonial Virginia teacher Ann Wager as she runs the Williamsburg Bray School – the first school in Virginia for African American children. Learn how the experience changes Ann’s perspective on slavery and education in the Colonial era. Sundays, Feb. 6, 13, and 20 at 1:30 pm. Included with art museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass.

Black History Month at Colonial Williamsburg – In addition to the two events listed above, Colonial Williamsburg is running special programming for Black History Month all month long. See the full list of those events here.

Colonial Williamsburg Hiring Event – Williamsburg Lodge. Every Wednesday in February, 12-7 pm. CW is actively seeking to fill hospitality roles, including guest services, food and beverage, housekeeping and more. Hiring bonuses will be offered for a limited time.

Black History Month at the Virginia Living Museum – VLM is offering special activities relating to African American scientists all month long. This week, the focus is on Dr. Andre Douglas of Chesapeake, Virginia. Andre and nine other candidates were selected out of 12,000 applications to join NASA’s 2021 astronaut candidate class.

WRL Youth Art Show – Middle and high school students in James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg are invited to submit hangable, original artwork to be included in the Williamsburg Regional Library Youth Art Show. The show will take place between March 6 – March 31, and all submissions must be received by February 25.

Hearts for Homeless Pets – Now through Valentine’s Day, Heritage Humane is running a Hearts for Homeless Pets campaign. Customize a paper heart with a pet lover’s name, pet name or special message for $10 per heart. Each heart will be displayed in the adoption center front lobby throughout the month of February.

“Snow Many Books” Reading Challenge – Virtual. Williamsburg Regional Library is running a reading challenge for kids throughout the month of February. Participants can log on to wrl.beanstack.org all month long to log their reading progress, complete activities and ultimately earn 3-D pieces to build a snowman.

Black History Month Reading Challenge – Newport News Public Library (Virtual). Participants who spend 420 minutes reading books written by or about African Americans will receive a completion badge and a prize.

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras – Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Jan. 28 – Feb. 27. Features jazzy live music, Mardi Gras-inspired food, colorful entertainment and more. Suitable for guests of all ages. Fridays, 3:00 – 8:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00 – 6:00 pm.

Ice Skating at Liberty Ice Pavilion – Colonial Williamsburg. Daily through Feb. 27, 2022. Features ice-skating and a concession stand that sells hot chocolate, hot cider and other treats. See the full ice rink schedule here.

Afterschool Crafts – James City County Library. Monday – Thursday, 4:00-7:00 pm; Friday, 4:00-6:00 pm. This drop-in event features new crafts every week.

Tuesday, Feb 15

“So Pious an Institution” – Virtual (Hosted by Williamsburg Regional Library) – At this virtual event, public historian and scholar Nicole Brown will discuss the crucial impacts of the Williamsburg Bray School, which was the first school in Virginia for enslaved and free African Americans. 6:00 pm. Free.

Wednesday, Feb. 16

Social Security Services During Covid – Virtual (presented by Newport News Public Library). In this Zoom session, learn how you can benefit from the Social Security Administration’s programs during the Covid-19 pandemic. Registration is required. 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

Thursday, Feb. 17

NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries: Protecting and Preserving for 50 Years – Virtual (hosted by The Virginia Living Museum). At this virtual event, Mark Losavio will discuss NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries: Protecting and Preserving for 50 Years. Free.

Emphatically, the Black Man’s President: African Americans and Abraham Lincoln – Mariners’ Museum in Newport News. This event will be offered both in person and virtually (live-streamed). This lecture will discuss how racial color lines were broken down during the Civil War when African Americans claimed the First Amendment right to petition the government. Presented by Jonathan W. White, associate professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University. $10 per guest; free for Mariners’ Museum Members and free to view online. Advanced registration is required. 7:00 pm.

Friday, Feb. 18

The Honorable Robert Smalls – Mariners Museum in Newport News. Learn about the life of Robert Smalls, born enslaved on February 23, 1839. He eventually went on to serve five terms in the US House of Representatives and serve as ambassador to Liberia. Presented by John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center. 12:00 pm.

Getaway Cafe – Stryker Center in Williamsburg. This program is geared toward adults with early memory loss and their care partners. Participants will be able to share conversation, experience and memories. February’s theme is “How Did We Get There?” and features special guests from the Muscarelle Museum of Art, who will discuss modes of transportation represented in art. All new participants are welcome and no registration is necessary. Masks required. 2:00 – 3:30 pm.

Cabin Fever Carnival – Williamsburg Library (515 Scotland St.) – This after-hours family event at the library will feature homemade mini-golf, a magic show, crafts, a Candyland cakewalk and more. 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Splash on Friday: Cannonball of Love – James City County Recreation Center indoor pool. Enjoy family time at the pool. Features a free swim area and an area for a Wibit inflatable obstacle course. Registration required. All ages welcome. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Saturday, Feb 19

Animal Fun with Girl Scouts – Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg. Spend a fun morning at Heritage Humane Society learning about animals and making toys for the pets to play with. Parents will also be able to ask questions about joining Girl Scouts. This event is for children who are not currently Girl Scouts but would like to learn about what kind of activities they do. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Bookmobile FunFest: Slime Time – Abram Fink Jr. Community Center. Kids can learn about the science of polymers and create slime at this fun event, sponsored by Williamsburg Regional Library. Two workshops will be available: 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. Space is limited; call to register.

Saturday Storytime – James City County Library. Features stories, rhymes, songs and more for children of all ages. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Williamsburg Friends of IANDS – Virtual. Williamsburg Friends of IANDS is a nonprofit organization focused on introducing the public to individuals who have had life-changing near-death experiences. February’s speaker is Yvonne Sneeden, who experienced a profound and powerful life-changing event. See website for details on how to join the Zoom meeting. Free.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition – Stryker Center in Williamsburg (hosted by Williamsburg Regional Library). Attendees will participate in jigsaw puzzle competitions to complete a 500-piece puzzle in two hours. For ages 13+. Space is limited and registration is required; all visitors must wear masks. 1:00-4:00 pm. Free.

Newport News Shipbuilding Hiring Event – NetCenter in Hampton. This Trades Hiring Event is open to the public but limited to the first 350 job seekers. Job offers will be made that day. Trainee, entry-level and experience trades positions are available. Masks are required for attendance; additional Covid precautions will be in place. See website for additional details. 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Black History Month Movie: Just Mercy – Pearl Bailey Library in Newport News. Features a showing of the film Just Mercy starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. CDC guidance on masks will be followed. 2:00-4:00 pm.

Guides Tours of Until Freedom Comes: The African American Experience in Newport News Exhibit – Main Street Library in Newport News. Learn about local African American history with a guided tour of the Until Freedom Comes Exhibit. Tour times are from 2:00-2:30 pm and 3:00-3:30 pm. Registration is required; be sure to indicate which tour time you’re registering for. Free.

Sunday, Feb. 20

Celebrate Black History Month: History Half Told is Untold – Williamsburg Library. Features a documentary offering an in-depth look into the Historic First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, the oldest continually active African American church in the U.S. A Q&A session will also be held. 2:00 pm.

Fireside History Talk about George and Martha Washington – Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters. Celebrate Valentine’s Day and President’s Day by learning about the nation’s first couple. 1:00 – 2:00 pm. $10.

An Evening with the Presidents – Hennage Auditorium at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (also offered online). Washington, Jefferson and Madison will be featured in this special President’s Day evening event. Learn how these presidents’ administrations handled political divisions and different points of view. 7:00-8:30 pm. Tickets are $19. Join live virtually here.

Salute to the Presidents – Colonial Williamsburg. Celebrate Presidents Day with our founding fathers, military program staff and Fifes and Drums. 2:00 – 2:30 pm. Free and open to the public.

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