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+44 203 026 1075

The Reverend and the Millionaire

Williamsburg, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (8 reviews)
Self-guided
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Free Cancellation up to before the experience starts (local time)

    Highlights

    • Discover the history of Colonial Williamsburg
    • Learn about Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin's dream
    • Explore the restoration process of the town
    • Interact with experienced interpreters
    • Understand the importance of the site today
    • Duration 1 hour
    • Private Tour Experience
    • Expert English Guide
    • Souvenir button included
    • All fees and taxes included

    Join us on The Reverend and the Millionaire tour to uncover the fascinating story of how Colonial Williamsburg was brought back to life by Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller Jr. Walk through the streets of this historic town and witness the transformation of buildings from 1927 to their original colonial charm. Explore the first exhibition site opened to the public in 1931, the Raleigh Tavern, and learn from our knowledgeable interpreters about the vision and determination behind this restoration project. Immerse yourself in the past and discover why this place holds significance not just for its founders, but for you as well. Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg.

    At a Glance

    • Free cancellation
    • 1 hours
    • Instant Confirmation
    • Available in English
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Mobile voucher
    • Small Group tour
    • Guided
    • Family friendly

    Featured Reviews

    Excellent (8 reviews)
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    Viator
    Madamhooch
    Jun 24
    For anyone interested in the how and why of the original restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, this is the tour to take. Very detailed and informative, the tour starts at Bruton Parish Church, lasts about an hour and ends at the Raleigh Tavern. Our guide Heather was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed the stories of the early days of the restoration with Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Highly recommend the tour!
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    Viator
    M4050NRsandraa
    Apr 24
    The tour was absolutely amazing. Our tour guide Heather Pfeifer was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable and made the tour very interesting. I learned much about the restoration of Williamsburg. I full recommend this tour.
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    Viator
    487pamp
    Mar 24
    I recently took the tour, The Reverend and the Millionaire, and found it to be a most enjoyable experience. Our tour leader was engaging, knowledgeable and fun!! The tour provided a behind-the-scenes view into the late 19th-century and early 20th-century preservation of Virginia's old capital city of Williamsburg and the founding of what is now Colonial Williamsburg. Though our guide shared images of the town and its buildings before restoration which were fascinating, this is really a tour about people, connections and a man with a vision. We learned about Reverend Goodwin's dream of restoring the town, his efforts to find a benefactor and how he enticed millionaire John D. Rockefeller Jr. to embrace his dream. Our tour leader shared many funny and poignant anecdotes that brought to life these men, various townspeople and others involved in this great restoration endeavor. Our leader also encouraged dialog and questions among the group, so it felt like a group of friends learning together. I highly recommend this tour. It was a very memorable afternoon.
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    Viator
    BellaLuna45
    Mar 24
    An engaging and informative walking tour! Our guide, Heather, was very knowledgeable, and it was evident that she enjoys what she does. The tour began on the Palace Green and introduced us to some of the individuals who were instrumental in the initial efforts to preserve this portion of local colonial history which leads to the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. You will be introduced to the key figures in the restoration, the historical significance to sites and why they were reconstructed or restored. I loved that Heather brought photos along to show what some of the sites looked like before they were restored and that she discussed how changes are still made today as new documentation comes to light. Do wear comfortable shoes as it is a walking tour, but I found that Heather went at a comfortable pace and stopped at significant places along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as that’s how everyone learns, and those questions can lead to even more discoveries! Well done, Heather and the Shades of Our Past team! I’ll definitely return for your other tours!
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    Viator
    thomaswV7558VE
    Feb 24
    The reverend and the millionaire is the story of the movement to save Colonial Williamsburg as a historical landmark. With so much amazing history, Williamsburg is worth preserving. The speaker was knowledgeable and was able to share pictures of some sleepy little southern burg that was transformed into the amazing historical site it is today. That being said the tour was interesting, but not inspiring. I have come to expect stories of our nations founding and found the founding of a living history park to be small and unimportant.
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    The Reverend and the Millionaire

    Explore the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg with an engaging walking tour led by an expert guide, uncovering the vision of Dr. Goodwin and Rockefeller.

    Included

    • inclusion
      Other
      Souvenir button

    Excluded

    • exclusion
      Other
      Gratuities

    Meeting Point

    The sandwich board will be placed in the street in front of the church.

    Meeting point

    201 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 , United States

    End point

    End Point

    Meeting point

    413 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 , United States

    End point

    What to expect

    1

    Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

    Tour guide introduces guests to W.A.R. Goodwin and his coming to Williamsburg and what the city looked like when he arrived.

    Duration 15 minutes
    Admission Admission Not Included
    2

    George Wythe House

    George Wythe House

    Tour guide talks about Godwin’s dream of taking Williamsburg back to its Colonial splendor. Pointing out on Palace green what was there in 1927. To do this though he needed money.

    Duration 15 minutes
    Admission Admission Not Included
    3

    Colonial Williamsburg

    <nil>

    Tour guide tells them of partnership between Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller, Jr.. Guide points out what were original buildings and what had to be reconstructed. Discusses methods used to find where buildings originally stood. ( this path may be different for each tour depending on Colonial Williamsburg maintenance schedule, activities and weather)

    Duration 20 minutes
    4

    Raleigh Tavern

    Talk about this building being the first exhibition site opened to the public.

    Duration 10 minutes
    Admission Admission Not Included

    The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

    Additional Information

    • Additional information
      All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Additional information
      Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Additional information
      Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Additional information
      Service animals allowed
    • Additional information
      Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Additional information
      Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Additional information
      Wheelchair accessible
    Provided by Shades of Our Past

    What our experts say

    • icon
      Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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      Visit nearby restaurants after the tour.
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      Check weather before your visit.
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      The tour starts at Bruton Parish Church.
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      Bring a camera for great photo spots.

    Why Book with Evendo?

    More About this Experience

    Introduction

    Welcome to "The Reverend and the Millionaire" tour, a captivating journey through the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg led by experienced interpreters. Discover the vision of Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the support of John D. Rockefeller Jr. that brought this historic town back to life, showcasing its colonial splendor.

    What to expect?

    Guests can expect to delve into the rich history of Colonial Williamsburg, learning about the efforts and challenges faced during its restoration. Explore the town's transformation from a sleepy southern town to a vibrant colonial hub, culminating in a visit to the iconic Raleigh Tavern.

    Who is this for?

    This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone interested in the preservation of heritage sites. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, this experience offers a unique insight into the past and the dedication of those who brought it back to life.

    Why book this?

    Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of how Colonial Williamsburg was revived, thanks to the collaboration between a visionary reverend and a generous millionaire. Gain a deeper appreciation for the town's significance and the lasting impact of their efforts, making this tour a must for history buffs and curious minds alike.

    Good to know

    As you embark on this walking tour, be prepared to be transported back in time as you witness the meticulous restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Engage with our knowledgeable interpreters, ask questions, and gain a newfound appreciation for the historical significance of this iconic town.

    Reviews

    Guests have raved about the insightful tour, praising the engaging interpreters and the in-depth exploration of Colonial Williamsburg's restoration. Many have found this experience to be both educational and inspiring, offering a unique perspective on the town's evolution and significance. Don't miss the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of this historic destination.

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