William and Mary Elderhostel is pleased to offer a new Road Scholar program in conjunction with TV's "History Channel":

The History Channel Traveler:
Reaching the New World:
Jamestown's 400-Year Legacy
Program #15267

April 6-11, 2008
The Crowne Plaza at Fort Magruder Hotel
Williamsburg, Virginia

In May 1607, three ships carrying 104 English men and boys sailed up the James River 60 miles from the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. They found a deep-water channel on a swampy, mosquito-infested island, and moored their ships to its trees. The settlers’ mission was to reward their sponsor, the Virginia Company, with riches from the New World. Survival, however, would be their primary concern.

Commemorate the 400th anniversary of England’s first permanent settlement at Historic Jamestowne and the Jamestown Settlement — both newly expanded and enhanced for the special commemoration. Curators, historians and archaeologists lead an in-depth exploration of the people, sites and events that defined the settlement’s tenuous grasp on life in the New World and its significance in American history.

Begin with an historical overview of Jamestown in 1607 with historian Dave DeSimone. Then dig into history itself at the Jamestown Rediscovery project, and see how recent archaeological finds are reshaping our ideas about the Jamestown era. Examine the colony from the Indian perspective, discuss the Indian-settler conflicts. In Colonial Williamsburg, experience a way of life from the Revolutionary War era, including dinner at the King’s Arms Tavern.

Unique features:

- Explore the Jamestown Settlement museum, newly expanded for Jamestown's 400th anniversary. Includes replicas of the settlers' three ships: the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery.
- Join curator Bly Straube of the Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological project for an examination of the excavation site of
the original Jamestown fort.
- Focus on Jamestown’s geologic past, as well as English and Indian artifacts with a hands-on demonstration.
- Screen and discuss the film "The New World" with an Indian expert who served as a consultant on the film.

$879/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single

Road Scholar, a partner organization with Elderhostel, is a travel program that emphasizes unique learning experiences with access to renowned experts, but unlike Elderhostel, Road Scholar is for adults of all ages. Road Scholar programs tend to be more physically active and adventurous, featuring smaller groups, more behind-the-scenes opportunities, flexible scheduling, and more free time for participants to explore their own interests. For more information on this and other Road Scholar programs, visit the Road Scholar web site.