mom22militarymen
Nov 2021
I love CW and have been going for nearly 40 years. But it is different.
It started to offer less pre-Covid and it’s even less so now.
I think the programs with Nation Builders that are on the Charleton Stage are really well done. As was a play at the Museum with a young George Washington acting out a period during the earlier French/Indian wars.
And the inclusion of less famous and common people’s voices and enslaved people’s. voices are important additions.
But, it is definitely a much more subdued, quiet experience. Much less costumed actors waking around. Very few animals. Much fewer sights opened daily. You have to check the schedule to make sure you get to see favorites or things you’re interested in.
The Mental Hospital part of the old museum entrance and Bassett Hall are not opened yet. Though the newly remodeled and rebuilt museum is very nice.
My feelings this most recent visit was that there was much less attention to the details of running CW. Things didn’t seem as clean.
There were areas behind houses and buildings that were untidy.
There was more abruptness from employees in the historic area, though I’m sure they’re all tired from navigating all this past year plus.
On the schedule for a Monday was a Foodways program to be going on in the palace kitchen. When I got to the kitchen it was shut up. I asked the person letting people in for the Palace tour. She just said ,”Oh yea there supposed to be open, guess they’re not. “
Later I found at another kitchen program , on another day, at the Armory that the employees had a conference they needed to attend. A simple sign would’ve been helpful and the employee in that area at the Palace that day should’ve been informed.
Also the app was incorrect. It showed Chownings Tavern as opened throughout the week. It was never open that week. It did have a sign out front. But the App should have been updated.
Raleigh Tavern bakery isn’t open everyday. Nor was the wagon snack area open every day. And when we went only Kings Arms was open a few days, limited times and reservations only.
So really no where to get food or even a snack.
I’d suggest carrying snacks and drinks with you.
Yes there are places at Merchant Square but they got very crowded.
There is a cafe at the Museum that was open daily.
Overall I’d say, the programs still have quality. I believe that CW is still trying to navigate Covid. And doing their best, requiring masks indoors.
But they do need to pay attention to details and if they’re going to be cancelling or not opening programs which are scheduled then they need to inform visitors.
Same with the app, if they’re offering it, then it needs to be kept updated.
And if they’re going to continue to charge the same entry amounts for reduced programming and activities then they need to make sure the colonial area is kept up, is clean and that what programs they do offer is top notch.
I feel it’s still worth a stop, but not the only one. In that area are so many other wonderful historical places to explore, Jamestowne, Yorktown ( the museum there is great), across the James River on the free ferry there’s much history to explore.
It’s an area worth exploring.