Nations Classroom Blog

School groups touring the “Historic Triangle” in Colonial Virginia often visit three educational and commemorative sites, including Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, to learn about the early history, settlement, and development of the U.S.

Renovated in 2018, the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown is an immersive history experience at  that completes the story of the birth of our nation. 

When students visit Colonial Virginia, they will have the opportunity to engage with America's history in a tangible way. Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown offer hands-on learning experiences centered on history, science, engineering, and technology. Next time you're on the Historic East Coast, make a trip to Colonial Virginia to experience the cultural exchanges, strained relations, and significant battles that altered history. 

If you don't have the chance to visit in person, your students can still immerse themselves in colonial history by using the free teacher resources on the History Is Fun website.

Colonial Virginia is only a few hours from Washington, D.C., but is often overlooked by school groups who would rather travel to New England. While our New England destinations are incredible, there is still a lot to be said for the Historic Triangle!

Colonial Virginia offers more than just lessons in history. Times of war are often times of advancements in science, engineering, and technology. By studying these concepts in a historical context, students discover how advancements are made! Here are our top five favorite Colonial Virginia Tour sites for student groups.

Colonial Williamsburg continues to be one of NationsClassroom's most popular student group trip destinations.  And as the birthplace of America's revolution, it's easy to see why.  During the day, visitors enjoy learning about 18th century colonial life on over 300 acres of historic property.  But, by night?  That's when some believe Colonial Williamsburg takes on a spookier feel and the real fun begins.  

Now through November 16th, Colonial Williamsburg is offering two updated "haunting" after-dark experiences for visitors to explore the spookier side of Colonial Williamsburg... if you dare.

A class trip to Washington, D.C. is a great starting point for an educational experience of a lifetime. Going beyond the city to add another stop to your itinerary can offer new opportunities without adding much travel time.

Deepen your curricular connections, add science and technology experiences, or simply have a day of fun in these great cities.

As summer kicks into full swing, our favorite NationsClassroom destinatons are preparing not only for an increase in visitors, but also for an increase in temperatures - especially for our furry friends.  So how does a place like Colonial Williamsburg ensure animal safety during the heat of the summer?

Named after the hometown of the Welsh builders and engineers who completed it in 1837, the Tredegar Iron Works was the largest iron works and munitions factory for the Confederacy during the Civil War and was the primary factor in the decision to move the Confederate capital from Montgomery, Alabama to Richmond, Virginia.

Today, Tredegar is home to the Richmond National Battlefield Park Visitors Center. Maps, artifacts, video, and activities inside the building highlight life in Civil War-era Richmond, making it a rich educational opportunity for NationsClassroom school groups.

Virginia played an instrumental role in winning American independence and determining the values and aspirations of the new nation.  St. John’s Church in Richmond’s historic Church Hill neighborhood is a shrine to the foundations of our republic and the founding ideal of liberty.  

As Virginia’s largest river, the James River has held extraordinary historic, economic, environmental, and recreational importance to Virginians and to the United States. As a vital transportation and commercial pathway between the 17^th and 20^th Centuries, the river and surrounding area has been the site for Jamestown, the first permanent settlement in the New World; the colonial capital of Williamsburg; Revolutionary War battles; Civil War battles; and the modern day capital city of Richmond.

With Virginia being the location of numerous Civil War battles and Richmond being the Confederate capital, it is fitting that Virginia’s capital city has one of the best museums dedicated to the War Between the States.  In this week's SCHOOL TRIP SPOTLIGHT, licensed tour guide Christian Mirasol gives readers his perspective on visiting the American Civil War Museum.