Cherokee Week, Williamsburg, VA

Williamsburg, Virginia is well known for its history, particularly the history surrounding Virginia's colonial time period: For 81 formative years, from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the political, cultural, and educational center of what was then the largest, most populous, and most influential of the American colonies. It was here that the fundamental concepts of our republic — responsible leadership, a sense of public service, self-government, and individual liberty — were nurtured” (History.org). A huge portion of Virginia history includes the Native Americans, and coming up in July, Colonial Williamsburg will be celebrating a specific event in the cultural heritage of the Cherokee people: “Colonial Williamsburg and the Eastern Band of Cherokee commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the journey of Cherokee leader Ostenaco and Virginian Henry Timberlake from the capital of the Cherokee nation to Williamsburg and London in search of a lasting peace. Join us for a stirring performance of Beloved Woman, featuring Guest Artists Wes Studi and Irene Bedard, and delve into the world of the 18th-century Cherokee.” (If the names “Wes Studi” and “Irene Bedard” sound familiar, they should! Both are well-known actors. Wes Studi has been seen in films such as “The Last of the Mohicans,” “The New World,” and “Avatar.” Irene Bedard not only voiced the title character of Disney's “Pocahontas,” but she was also the physical inspiration for the iconic figure. You have the chance to see and hear them in person during Cherokee Week.) Quick Facts: Where: Williamsburg, VA When: July 18–22 BBAV Lodging: Boxwood Inn A Williamsburg White House Bentley Manor Inn Colonial Capital B&B Inn Magnolia Manor Newport House B&B Liberty Rose B&B Inn   [caption id="attachment_692" align="aligncenter" width="300"] ©A Williamsburg White House (http://awilliamsburgwhitehouse.com/)[/caption]   By Tara Stoll