Presented by Henricus Historical Park

In May of 1619, 400 years ago, the first school charter was granted in the colony of Virginia. The College of Henrico was designed to become a center for Powhatan Indian boys to become scholars in literacy, various technologies, and Christianity.

Discover the story of the first college in the New World and explore 17th-century children’s education. Colonial English interpreters will be demonstrating the mathematics of carpentry, the sciences of farming and animal care, song and dance instruction, the literacy of Pocahontas, medical/surgical instruction, military training on cannons and muskets, and more!

Learn why the English chose to establish this 10,000-acre college and why Powhatan families may have been willing to send their sons to this English school.

This event is designed for today’s children to be guided in interactive activities of the early 17th century.

In honor of Memorial Day, the Henricus Militia will be conducting cannon salutes and musket firings throughout the day. 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.