Yorktown, Virginia--well, it can be a little overlooked. Part of America's Historic Triangle, it previously hadn't seen the "updates" to visitor spaces and museums of nearby Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. However, a major renovation resulted in the newly-revitalized American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Not to be confused with a similarly-named museum in Philadelphia, this site updates the museum space that contextualizes the last battle of the American Revolutionary War.
The museum does do a bit of "dazzing" as indicated in its promo materials--there's a video with multi-dimension effects, multiple exhibits that make use of touch screens to provide different perspectives and data, and kid-oriented hands-on components that intrigue younger and older visitors alike. The changing exhibit space is large and currently contains AfterWARd, an exhibit about what happened to various revolutionary figures after the war (and yes, it includes Alexander Hamilton). There's also an outdoor living history area where one can visit a small Virginia farm and see artillery demonstrations. There are not, however, a ton of artifacts on display in the museum; this space is designed in a more open, less busy contemporary style. However, we Haltermans missed more artifacts and more related signage--that is still something we enjoy. We will still recommend your visit, forgiving some points of weaker interpretation in favor of the overall importance of Yorktown. While visiting the museum, your experience will be enriched if you pay close attention to the photographs--there are some common individuals that figure in several exhibits if you are paying attention.
The nearby National Parks Service Yorktown Battlefield Park is worth your time as well--and the nominal entry fee. In the visitor's center, check out George Washington's actual tents from the Revolutionary War, as well as the kid-famous walk-through "boat." On the battlefield, the cannons are unique. And in the town? Visit the Thomas Nelson House and Grace Episcopal Church. We passed by a guided tour, which appeared to be quite well-interpreted. Engage the staff in chatting about the role of the Nelson House(s) and Cornwallis Cave--like many historic sites, Yorktown has its share of real history and myth. There's even a ghost tour we'll have to take in someday. For more on our previous adventures in this park, including the Moore House, click here.
If you go, know that the American Revolution Museum as well as the nearby National Park Service site provide ample free parking. There are walking paths between the sites that are reasonably easy to access and that also connect you to Riverwalk Landing and the Yorktown Waterfront. The living history area at the American Revolution Museum is gated, making it a great place for a trip with kids. In the busy and hot summer, consider starting your visit early in the day and making the museum area your air conditioned destination for last. A family could easily make a day of Yorktown, especially with a picnic. There are restaurants on the waterfront that are lovely--but there are not a ton of super-casual, hot-day, just-grab-a-bite family options.
Several friends have asked us about our lodging on this trip--we stayed in Colonial Williamsburg at the Colonial Houses. This was a great experience that was paradoxically both quaint and luxurious, an excellent choice for a couples weekend. We secured a nice rate on Hotels.com. Do ask questions upon reservation, especially if you are looking for particular accessibility features. Staying in the Houses comes with nice perks associated with the Inn at Colonial Williamsburg and affords you the opportunity to say you've stayed at an Historic Hotels of America property.
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