Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, Virginia
What a quaint little history rich town. It has been quite a long time since I visited this village. In fact, not since i was a child. My parents took me here a few times and its probably one of the key influences on formulating my strong interest in history. Well at least the Colonial living history part of Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is of course the key attraction to the area next to the infamous college of William and Mary (1693 - the 2nd oldest university in the United States). Also home to the first known mental hospital in the United States (Eastern State Hospital 1770) This small 12,000 populated city (2000 census) is located on the Virginia Peninsula in the the Hampton Roads region in southeastern Virginia and forms a pivotal entry point to Historic Triangle where it borders James City County (Jamestown) and York County (Yorktown) connected by the National Park Service’s 23 mile long bucolic Colonial Parkway. It was originally known as Middle Plantation that was founded in 1632 that became a fortified settlement on high grounds between the James and York Rivers where it was defensible. In 1698 it became the capital of the Virginia Colony and renamed “Williamsburg”. In 1722 it became a royal charter and was the founding block for the political events that led to the American Revolution.
Weather in the area is very temperate and seasonal with hot and humid summers and cool evenings. The mean annual temperature is 60 °F (15 °C), with an average annual snowfall of 6 inches and an average annual rainfall of 47 inches. The highest recorded temperature was 104.0°F (40.0°C) on June 26, 1952 and August 22, 1983. The lowest recorded temperature was -7.0°F (-21.6°C) on January 21, 1985. Elevation: 82 ft (15 m). Website: http://www.williamsburgva.gov/ and more information can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamsburg%2C_Virginia.

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Historic Jamestown Virginia

Historic Colonial Williamsburg * Williamsburg, Virginia (downtown) * http://www.history.org/
In this very pristine historic living history town costumed actors bring to life the incendiary passions of the Revolution on the streets of Colonial Williamsburg so that the future may learen from the past. While you can do historic Williamsburg without purchasing a ticket, they highly encourage it and emphasize that its a must (though I didn’t have any problems without a pass). I didn’t bother with one because I only went in the evenings and late afternoons - maybe that’s why. If you’ve got it, buy a pass to help support this wonderful project. General admission passes include access to a variety of Historic Area buildings and exhibits, the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and regular daytime programs. Some offer discounts on evening performances and other perks. Bus transportation is included in your Colonial Williamsburg admission. Access to as many as 20 to 40 Historic Area buildings and exhibits (depending on season and operating schedules), such as the Capitol, Raleigh Tavern, Great Hopes Plantation, all historic trades sites (wheelwright, blacksmith, silversmith, milliner, wigmaker, etc.), all gardens, and all original 18th-century exhibition sites (the Courthouse, Gaol, Magazine, and the homes of Peyton Randolph and George Wythe), along with admission to Revolutionary City®. Check Colonial Williamsburg This Week for openings. Also includes Capitol tour, orientation tour, regular daytime programs*, and viewing of the movie classic Williamsburg—The Story of a Patriot. Plus, free parking at the Visitor Center and use of Historic Area shuttle buses. ($37/adults; $18 for ages 6-17)

Colonial Williamsburg is the historic district of Williamsburg, Virginia and consists of many of the buildings that existed from 1699 to 1780 that formed the colonial capital of Williamsburg and a thriving pivotal point of the historic triangle (Jamestown and Yorktown). It was once the center for Government, education, and culture in the Colony of Virginia. As a historical re-enactment village, its meant to be an interpretation of a Colonial American city with exhibits including dozens of authentic and accurately-recreated colonial houses, shops, and activity grounds including the Raleigh Tavern, the Capital building, the Governor’s Palace, and Bruton Parish Church. The Historic area is located just east of the College of William and Mary that was founded at Middle Plantation in 1693 just prior to the establishment of the town as capital of Virginia. the restoration and recreation of Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest historic restorations ever undertaken, was championed by the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the patriarch of the Rockefeller family, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., along with the active participation of his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who wanted to celebrate the patriots and the early history of the United States.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Visited 5/20/08, 5/21/08, and 5/22/08.

The National Mall, Washington, D.C.

The National Mall * Washington, D.C. * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Mall
In the heart of D.C. connecting the Capital building, Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial is a green open-are National Park and recreational strip called “The National Mall”. It was originally conceived by Peter Charles L’Enfant during the construction of Washington D.C. in 1791. Because of its size and width, open expanse - its often the site for many protests and rallies. Most popular rallies in the area were the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedoms, a massive rally for African-American civil rights, at which Martin Luther King Jr gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1969 it was home to the largest officially recorded rally known as the Vietnam War Moratorium. In 2004 the Nation of Islam leader Min Louis Farrakhan was the Million Man March. In 2007 tens of thousands of Iraq War protesters converged here as well. This green strip also serves as a popular spot for picnics, walks, jogs, and kite flying. Each year several events are held here including 4th of July celebrations. In July and August there are annual Screen on the Green movie festivals. Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Visited 2007 and 2008.

National Geographic Live ~ Afghanistan: Voices of Cultural Preservation

NG Live! lecture and private reception - Afghanistan: Voices of Cultural Preservation * National Geographic Society * 1145 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 http://www.nationalgeographic.com/nglive/washingtondc/s2008/single/afghanistan.html * Thursday, 22 May 2008: 6:30-10:30 pm

This week it’s been an honor as an invited guest, coming up from Colorado to participate and join Fredrik Hiebert’s presentations of the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan, the press preview, and the NG Live! presentation and repatriation of additional national treasures of Afghanistan that were collected by Homeland Security when they stopped the illegal transport of Afghanistan’s heritage into the United States. The NG Live! presentation and discussion was available (at cost) to the public, held at the National Geographic Society. Presented was a panel discussion on many various elements of cultural preservation issues and concerns surrounding Afghanistan especially in relation to the Hidden Treasures that are currently available for viewing at the National Gallery of Art until September 2008. Omara Masoudi, the Director of the National Museum of Afghanistan discussed the hiding, recovery, preservation of the treasures and the rebuilding of the Museum after its destruction during Afghanistan’s civil war. Reza, the director of AINA, who has photo documented Afghanistan for over two decades presented some of his work and the devotion him and his organization AINA has towards the development of independent Afghan media - including some really well crafted cultural preservation episodes made for children to help teach the prevention of looting Afghanistan’s heritage. Fred Hiebert, National Geographic Archaeologist and curator of the Hidden Treasures while in D.C., was a key role in the recovery and verification of the “Bactrian hoard” - a priceless collection of Silk Road-era artifacts that are among the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan exhibit; he was commended for his work and presented much of the story of this epic of history. Photographer Steve McCurry the infamous photographer who photographed one of National Geographic Magazine’s most famous cover photos - “Afghan girl” in 1984 - showed a slide show of all of his photos (some unpublished photos) in Afghanistan he’s been photographing since the struggle against the Soviets. Shamim Jawad, the founder of Ayenda, who runs an organization in Afghanistan for improving the lives of Afghan families discussed her projects and the recently released Afghan children’s songbook. Fred Starr, the Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at John Hopkins University moderated the evening. A surprise repatriation ceremony took place at the end when officials from Homeland Security presented and returned a collection of artifacts they recovered from illegal smugglers that were stealing Afghanistan’s heritage. They were repatriated back to Afghanistan. This week and the discussions at NG Live: Voices of Afghanistan presented that there are serious cultural preservation concerns and cultural pleas of help with Afghanistan and timing is critical. The courageous individuals who spoke this evening demonstrated many different ways they and others can take action in defending Afghanistan’s incredible history and heritage. Afterwards, a private reception at National Geographic was held where National Geographic staff, invited guests, Afghanistan’s ambassador and his wife, royal family, benefactors, and those involved with the events came together to wine and dine and network together on the things they’ve done. I had a wonderful visit. Thank you Fred. Rating 5 stars out of 5. Visited 5/22/2008.

The Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan: The Collection

The Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan * Press and invited guests previewing 5/20/08 * National Gallery of Art * Washington, D.C.
On the morning of May 20th, 2008 I was invited to D.C. to attend the press and invited guest previewing of the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan - over 228 artifacts that were unearthed in modern Afghanistan - most of which are being viewed for the very first time in the United States. These artifacts highly reflect the important role that Afghanistan played in the Silk Trade route aka the “Silk Road” that connected most parts of Asia with the Mediterranean. During the last 25 years, tremendous amount of war and conflict has plagued this country, from Russia to the Taliban, destroying a good portion of Afghanistan’s historical treasures - these items were originally believed to be destroyed or lost until they were dramatically recovered from a hidden vault under the Presidential Palace in 2004. These were once the remains of the treasures once held in the National Museum at Kabul before it was ransacked and destroyed. Dating from 2200 BC to AD 200, the objects reflects Afghanistan’s rich history, cultural significance, and mosaic of importance in world history. The collections consists of gold bowls from Mesopotamia from Tepe Fullol in Northern Afghanistan, bronze and stone statues from the site of the former Greek city of Ai Khanum; bronzes, ivories, and painted glassware imported from Roman and Indian markets discovered in Begram; and over 100 gold ornaments from among 20,000 pieces known as the “Bactrian Hoard” found in 1978 in Tillya Tepe, the site of six nomadic graves. A National Geographic Video (2 minutes) can be viewed about the collection here: http://luxmedia.vo.llnwd.net/o10/clients/nationalgallery/afghanistan/afghanistan-new.m4v. This collection is highly impressive and worth coming to see, especially in its home city where National Geographic Society resides with the National Gallery of Art. It’s tour in North America is as follows: National Gallery of Art, May 25–September 7, 2008; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, October 24, 2008–January 25, 2009; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 22–May 17, 2009; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, June 23–September 20, 2009. Rating 5 stars out of 5. Viewed 5/20/08.

5/20/08 - Part 2 - Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan, Program Remarks

Tuesday, 20 May 2008 - Part 3
Washington, D.C.

At 9:20 we were brought into the Large Auditorium at the National Gallery of Art to be introduced to those responsible for the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan becoming present and available to be viewed by the world. It was a fabulous presentation. The following spoke and commented on these phenomenal discoveries: Earl A. Powell III, Director, National Gallery of Art; The Honorable Abdul Karim Khuram, Minister for Information and Culture, Afghanistan; His Excellency Said T. Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States; terry D. Garcia, Executive Vice President, National Geographic Mission Programs; The Honorable Bruce Cole, Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities; Elliot F. Gerson, Board Member, National Construction and Logistics; and Fredrik T. Hiebert, Curator and National Geographic Archaeology Fellow.

Terry Garcia, executive vice president for Mission Programs, National Geographic:
“We are delighted to partner with the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Afghanistan in bringing these rare and precious items to the United States. Our goal is to introduce this unique collection of objects to a broad audience and raise awareness and understanding about the little-known ancient cultures of modern-day Afghanistan. We also want to tell the heroic story of the Afghans who risked their own safety to hide and protect these treasures.”

His Excellency Said Tayeb Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States:
“Afghanistan has always been the heart of Asia. Afghanistan’s centrality in the Silk Road created a rich mosaic of cultures and civilizations. Although this mosaic was shattered by war and terror, both the spirit of the Afghan people and our cultural heritage survived. These priceless artifacts are a testament to the Afghan people and to the heroism of the brave and selfless Afghans who preserved and protected them. This exhibition is a celebration of Afghanistan as much as it is an expression of our appreciation for the global partnership between our ancient nation, the international community, and our friends in the United States.”

Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art:
“The National Gallery of Art has a long tradition of bringing works of exceptional quality and merit from other cultures and periods to the United States. We are very pleased to be working closely with National Geographic and the National Museum of Afghanistan, Kabul, to introduce the American public to these archaeological treasures, their history, and their legacy.”

Bruce Cole, chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities:
“The artifacts featured in this collection are more than dazzling exhibition pieces; they serve as primary documents recording the vitality of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. The National Endowment for the Humanities is proud to have supported the preservation, cataloging, and exhibition of these treasures as part of our broader ‘Rediscovering Afghanistan’ initiative, and we are delighted to play a part in bringing this collection to citizens across our nation.”

Hamed Wardak, president, NCL:
“National Construction & Logistics is honored to sponsor this historic exhibition of Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul. The emergence of these objects after 25 years of struggle is emblematic of the beauty of Afghanistan and the resilient spirit of its people. This exhibition brings the rich and diverse culture of Afghanistan to the Washington area, and we are proud to help make that possible.”

Fredrik Hiebert, exhibition curator and National Geographic Archaeology Fellow:
“This exhibition is the culmination of many years of work by the Afghans. Without their courage and commitment, these objects would not exist today. Having worked closely with Afghan officials since 2003 on the preservation and inventory of the objects, I am honored to be part of the effort to share these treasures with audiences in the United States and ultimately to enhance the understanding of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage.”

Audio Download of the Program of Remaks will be available as an MP3 file on the National Gallery of Art’s press Web site nga.gov/press/ by late afternoon, May 20.

Preview Breakfast of the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan, 5/20/08 - National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, 20 May 2008 - Part 1
Washington, D.C.

I apologize kind gentle readers of Wanderwords.com for my recent absence. I’ve been busy closing down my storefront, concentrating on Archaeology, and moving to a new home causing a lack of internet. I will be finishing up the SAA Adventures in Vancouver, B.C. I was presenting to you formerly, but before finishing that series - give you a special event I’m attending right now - due to the news worthiness of these fabulous finds, and the grand opening to the public this coming Saturday … I present to you a new adventure as a intermission to the Vancouver, B.C.

I’m currently in Washington, D.C. attending the press preview of the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan beginning on Tuesday morning 5/20/2008.

Upon entering the National Gallery of Art, i was asked for my invitation, given my badge and directed downstairs where they would be hosting the Press Breakfast, Preview, and Tasting at 8:30 am. Concourse style, the joint efforts of the National Geographic Society and the National Gallery of Art had a Afghan-style breakfast Buffet and Music presented to us. Mixing and socializing, I wandered and met various members of the Press - dining with authors from United Press and the Chicago Tribune, Ambassadors from Afghanistan as well as Archaeologists and Curators from Afghanistan who were key members of people who saved these antiquities from destruction and theft during the pillage of war. The food and music was fabulous. Soon we would hear the story and contributions to this dispay. I felt extremely honored to be part of this event.

Washington, D.C.
Extraodinary artifacts uncovered in modern-day Afghanistan - once the heart of the Silk Road linking cultures from Asia to the Mediterranean - long thought stolen or destroyed during some 25 years of conflict until the dramatic announcement of their existence in 2003, begin their United States tour at the National Gallery of Art, Washington - May 25 through September 7, 2008. The exhibition, co-organized by the National Geographic Society and the National Gallery of Art, will travel to the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, October 24, 2008 through January 25, 2009; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 22- May 17, 2009; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, June 23 through September 20, 2009. After its tour through Paris, Turin, and Amsterdam, the show was reorganized for the United States and accompanied by a new catalogue and a video documentary produced by National Geographic and narrated by the celebrated author, Khaled Hosseini. Revealing Afghanistan’s multicultural heritage are some 228 objects ranging in date from 2200 BC to the second century AD. Drawn from four archaeological sites, they belong to the National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul and include fragmentary gold bowls with artistic links to Mesopotamia and Indus valley cultures (modern-day Pakistan) from the Bronze Age site of Tepe Fullol; bronze and stone sculptures and a gilded silver plague from the formere Greek colony at Ai Khanum (”Lady Moon”); bronzes, ivories, and painted glassware that had been imported from Roman Egypt, China, and India; and excavated from ancient storerooms discovered in the 1930s and 1940s in Begram; and more than 100 gold ornaments from the “Bactrian Hoard”, found in 1978 in Tillya Tepe, the site of six nomad graves, and revealing a synthesis of Greek, Roman, Persian, Indian, Chinese, and Siberian styles. The exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, in association with the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. It is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. At the National Gallery of Art the exhibition is made possible by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. It is also supported by the Charles Engelhard Foundation. Corporate support is provided by National Construction and Logistics and Hamed Wardak. The works in the exhibition are the sole property of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.