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Henricus Historical Park May 25 will commemorate the first school charter granted in the colony of Virginia in May 1619. The College of Henrico was designed to become a center for Powhatan Indian boys to become scholars in literacy, various technologies, and Christianity.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is designed for today’s children to be guided in interactive activities of the early 17th century. In honor of Memorial Day, the Henricus Militia will conduct cannon salutes and musket firings throughout the day. These weapons demonstrations will recreate the military origins of our early American militia and our modern armed forces on land and sea.
Visitors will discover the story of the first college in the New World and explore 17th-century children’s education through historical interpretation and demonstrations. Colonial English interpreters will demonstrate the mathematics of carpentry, the sciences of farming and animal care, song and dance instruction, the literacy of Pocahontas, medical/surgical instruction, military training on cannons and muskets, and more. Guests will learn why the English chose to establish this 10,000-acre college for Powhatan Indian boys and why Powhatan families may have been willing to send their sons to this English school.
Cost of admission is $9 per adult and $7 per child age 3-12. Free admission will be offered to active and retired military members and their immediate families, and to Henricus Patrons. For information visit henricus.org.
