Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Research Reports

A collection of research reports from throughout the Foundation's history are available through this webpage. All Colonial Williamsburg research reports, whether in digital or hardcopy format, are discoverable through the Rockefeller Library's online catalog. Their contents reflect the evolution of scholarship over the decades. Given the long period over which these reports have been written, reports sometimes contradict or correct previous thinking due to the discovery of new evidence. Researchers should consult the full range of reports on a particular topic to ensure a thorough understanding of the most current interpretation.

Types of reports include:

Archaeological reports describe archaeological excavations. Reports predating 1960 share only the results of cross-trenching, rather than comprehensive excavation results.

Architectural reports discuss restored and reconstructed buildings.
Historical reports (house histories) incorporate primary and secondary sources into the discussion of individual properties and structures.

Interpretive reports clarify the way in which key buildings should be presented to visitors by Colonial Williamsburg's historical interpreters.

Topical reports outline specific areas of interest in 18th-century research.

Other research reports are discoverable at the following website that also has a keyword searchable option: Research Reports.