America’s First College & Memorial Day Celebration

In May 1619, King James I allowed a school to be established in the colony of Virginia. This event will demonstrate and commemorate the charter of America’s first English formal school, called the “College of Henrico,” initially intended for the literacy and vocational training of Powhatan boys. Interpreters will be conducting lectures and living history presentations on how this school affected the lives of both the Powhatans and the English colonists for years to come.

In honor of Memorial Day, the Henricus Militia and Henricus interpreters will be conducting cannon salutes at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, as well as musket firings throughout the day for our visitors. These weapons demonstrations will recreate the military origins of our early American militia and our modern armed forces on land and sea. Free admission will be offered to active and retired military members and their immediate families.
Cost: $9/adult, $7/children ages 3-12; Henricus Patrons: free