We moved to the place we used to vacation: historic Williamsburg!

This past weekend was special- and it inspired me to hit the blog with a journal-style post. First off, if you've been following this blog, you know it began as a way to track the history I was taking in almost daily.

Later I realized this blog needed to be more than a "journal" for me- it needed to be the focus of my business. Daphne Reznik, LLC had been focused on the Free At 50 blog, but now history is the center-of-attention.

In fact, I created a mission statement for this history blog. Check it out here.

I'm sharing sharing my passion for early American history through:

• this blog
• curated, customized travel itineraries
• walking tours (yes, I'm officially licensed to give tours!)

So here it is, a snapshot of my new life in Williamsburg. One weekend that exemplifies the life I pictured. But don't worry, you won't get every moment of the day- just some bits of history-related stuff!

RELATED: Book a call with me by clicking here to discuss your trip to Colonial Williamsburg (CW) and how I can help you customize it!

Candle at Cecere Tavern night

Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

Friday, July 4th.

Yes- Independence Day in Williamsburg, Virginia. VA 250 (Virginia's 250th commission) has a fantastic campaign happening right. They're using "America: Made in Virginia" on their promotional videos and social media.

It is simply: a FACT.

In May of 1776, Virginia was the first colony to vote for independency. Thanks to Richard Henry Lee of Stratford Hall, the resolution was introduced in Philadelphia, debated and ultimately- adopted on July 2nd.

Reconstructed Capitol, CW

We all know what happened next. The Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson and submitted by the committee of five to the full Congress was adopted on July 4th.

So while the nation celebrates this annually, I truly feel like we here in Williamsburg celebrate it daily. We have the opportunity to see primary-source research come alive on the stage and on the streets in what's currently the largest living history museum in the world.

And on Friday, my man and I did something we've done every year since moving here in 2021- we watched Kurt Smith, who's portrayed Thomas Jefferson for over a decade, read the Declaration from the balcony of Williamsburg's reconstructed Capitol Building. You guessed it; where the May 1776 vote took place.

Yes, America... made in Virginia.

RELATED: Click here to learn about VA 250 and here for America 250's site to find 250th events in your state!

Kurt Smith holding the Declaration on his way to read it to visitors

Saturday, July 5th.

I've dined at the all of Colonial Williamsburg's taverns (and if you purchase one of my curated itineraries, you're likely to find one on there!). I've also toured the Raleigh Tavern multiple times-- as it was vital to all things "independence."

RELATED: Click here to read my post about the Raleigh Tavern.

But last Saturday night, we experienced an 18th century tavern in a whole new way, thanks to our friend Mike Cecere and his lovely wife. They created an event in their home simply called "Tavern Night" - in the beautiful Colonial-style home Mike designed.

For me, immersive experiences are the BEST way to learn. And this was it full-force. Many of the guests wore period clothes, punch bowls were filled, period tables and chairs were set out, and of course- we had musicians!

I cannot thank Mike, a retired history teacher, military re-enactor, and published author, enough. You may recall I've talked about him on this blog before- in this review of his fantastic historical fiction series. Click here to read the post.

Mike Cecere hosting Tavern Night

Sunday, July 7th at the farm- an historic farm.

If you're going to hit a "farm day," what better place than The Glebe in Charles City, originally part of Westover Parish? All historic. Every mention in that sentence.

Why we were there: Udder Nonsense Creamery is based on that historic site. They have dairy cows and make the most amazing cheese (I LOVE the shallot and chive Fromage Blanc!) and equally delectable gelato. OMG the Amped Up (espresso) is divine.

Not only did we sample (then purchase!) some of the goods, we got to hang with donkeys and cows-- and meet the owners. You'll see more about The Glebe later in this blog as Patti was excited to talk about her house.

Built in 1745 by Westover Parish as a parsonage, the brick house has had some additions as time has passed. However, the original structure, including windows and floorboards- is in tact.

Yes, folks- she invited us INSIDE her home. I couldn't have felt more honored to get this private tour of one of Virginia's historic gems. And they also offer up Open Air at The Glebe as a unique wedding venue.

The regenerative farming Steve and Patti are doing in Charles City, along with Udder Nonsense business partner Darin, is vital. And the property is only a few miles away from what Susan and her family are doing at Peace Hill Farm.

Click here to read about Peace Hill.

1740s house at The Glebe in Charles City

History every day and any day.

As I said when I began this post- I'm pretty much taking history in daily.

It can be as simple as walking past John Blair's house when we park for our Farmer's Market on a Saturday or doing a deeper dive asking questions and learning about 18th century wigs at Charlton's Wig Shop in CW.

History is vibrantly alive here in Williamsburg and I feel blessed to live here and even more blessed you're reading along and taking it in through the blog!

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Closing words from history.

Written by George Washington, from Williamsburg. An excerpt about historic action taking place at the Raleigh Tavern- a bit of the journey on the road to Independence for you to enjoy!

Read the letter in full by clicking here. (Note: I have broken the excerpt into two easier-to-read paragraphs)

From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 10–15 June 1774

(letter continues)

...The day after this Event the Members convend themselves at the Raleigh Tavern & enterd into the Inclosd Association which being followed two days after by an Express from Boston accompanied by the Sentiments of some Meetings in our Sister Colonies to the Northwd the proceedings mentiond in the Inclos’d Papers were had thereupon & a general meeting requested of all the late Representatives in this City on the first of August when it is hopd, & expected that some vigorous measures will be effectually 10 adopted to obtain that justice which is denied to our Petitions & Remonstrances; 11

in short the Ministry may rely on it that Americans will never be tax’d without their own consent that the cause of Boston the despotick Measures in respect to it I mean now is and ever will be 12 considerd as the cause of America (not that we approve their cond[uc]t in destroyg the Tea) 13 & that we shall not suffer ourselves to be sacrificed by piecemeal 14 though god only knows what is to become of us, threatned as we are with so many hoverg evils as hang over us at present;

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.