In September of 1996, a team of archeologists led by director Dr. William Keslo announced their discovery of James Fort. Their dig efforts still continue today as part of a public exhibition. Visitors can now stand along side a dig site, converse with archeologists and observe techniques for sifting through the rubbles of time. Just imagine being present during an important finding like the governor’s teakettle! During my visit, the team had found a few cup handles and a piece of china in a pattern they hadn’t come across before.
The visitors’ center and museum is a great place to start any trip to Historic Jamestown. A 20-minute film entitled "Jamestown" gives a brief yet very good overview into the story of this early settlement. For relic lovers, the museum is home to one of the most extensive collections of 17th-century artifacts in Northern America.
Statues and monuments are dotted around the grounds and ruins commemorating important dates and events in this early colony’s history. Some ruins of the early settlement are still visible such as the Jamestown Tower Church built in 1639. Some others have been re-created over the originals still buried underground. This was done in order to preserve the delicate bricks from eroding until a safer means of exposing them is found. Among the other interesting exhibits on display is a complete skeleton from one of the settlers. Visitors can pour over the archeological evidence and determine for themselves who this person was and even the cause of death. There is also a reconstructed glasshouse on site. Here, visitors can observe glass blowing techniques while learning about the New World’s first big industry. The ruins of the original glasshouse built in 1608 are located nearby.
Admission to Historic Jamestown runs about $6 per person, but for $9 per person, a Yorktown combination ticket is also available. The gates are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm daily, but visitors may stay until just before dark.