Centuries of military history to unfold at Jamestown Settlement with re-enactments, music and demonstrations, March 15-16

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown Settlement is continuing a four-decade tradition this weekend with its presentation of Military Through the Ages, Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16.

Guests will witness an unequaled chronological display of military history – featuring Hoplites, Vikings, knights, privateers, sailors and soldiers – all in one weekend.

Hundreds of re-enactors hailing from 26 distinct military units will converge on the museum grounds to depict armed forces from 500 B.C.E all the way to modern-day soldiers with the Virginia Army National Guard.

Guests will participate in hands-on demonstrations showing how military uniforms, weapons and tactics evolved through the centuries. 

Units participating in this year’s event originate from eight states, including Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Re-enactors will portray military encounters from across the world from Greek times, the medieval period, the Hundred Years’ War, the War of the Roses, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War. There will also be 20th century depictions of World Wars I and II, the Vietnam War and Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada. 

The two-day event will feature special demonstrations of military equipment used in the air, on land and at sea, as well as a variety of musical performances from the Revolutionary War, World War I and II eras and present day. 

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be on site with its Mobile Vet Center near the museum’s main entrance. The “office on wheels” provides readjustment counseling, information and resources to veterans. 

Military Through the Ages is included with regular admission, which is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under.

Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.

For more information, click here.