FAQS

What is Jamestown 2007?

Jamestown 2007 is the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. Some of the Traditions established at Jamestown, including representative government, the rule of law, free enterprise and cultural diversity, form the basis of American culture today.

What is the Virginia 2007 Community Program?

Under the auspices of Jamestown 2007, a steering committee empowered by the Virginia General Assembly, communities throughout Virginia are joining to commemorate the anniversary of the birthplace of our state and nation by showcasing their contributions to Virginia's heritage. Participants do not have to have a direct connection to the original Jamestown settlement. The Town of Occoquan is an official participant in the Virginia 2007 Community Program and the town's committee has been actively planning a number of one-time and legacy projects since April of 2006.

How is the Town of Occoquan Commemorating the Founding of Jamestown?

The Town of Occoquan formed a Virginia 2007 Commemoration Committee in April of 2006 to plan for the commemoration. The Committee, working with other organizations in town, has scheduled a number of Legacy and 2007 Anniversary Projects. Legacy projects are those extending beyond the year 2007, while 2007 Anniversary Projects begin and end during the anniversary year itself. A list of both Legacy and 2007 Anniversary Projects can be found on this web site, as well as a calendar of the accompanying events in town.

What are Some Other Jamestown 2007 Programs being Held Throughout the State?

At the heart of the Jamestown 2007 commemoration is a series of Signature Events -- 10 large-scale professionally-produced special events and longer-term programs that are entertaining, educational, cultural and memorable. Examples include the sailing of the replica ship Godspeed, "Jamestown Live!" a national teach-in broadcast to every school in America; events featuring accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans and Native Americans, a worldwide forum on "The Future of Democracy"; a yearlong "World of 1607" museum exhibit at the Jamestown Settlement, plus many more. Details on these signature events can be found at the Jamestown 2007 web site. Of particular note is America's Anniversary Weekend, May 11-13, 2007 at the Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement & Anniversary Park. Additionally, more than 170 communities throughout Virginia are participating in the commemoration. For a list of their projects see the "Showcasing Virginia" web page on the Jamestown 2007 web site.

Will the Replica Ship Godspeed be Visiting Occoquan?

In 2006 the Occoquan Virginia 2007 Commemoration Committee did attempt to schedule a visit by the replica sailing ship Godspeed. While the captain of the ship was receptive to our request, unfortunately, the ship's height is too great to pass under the various bridges crossing the Occoquan River.

Will the Replica of Captain John Smith's Shallop Boat be Visiting Occoquan?

In 2006 the Occoquan Virginia 2007 Commemoration Committee did attempt to schedule a visit by the replica of the shallop boat that John Smith used to explore the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Unfortunately, while the captain of the ship was receptive to our request, scheduling and the difficulty of getting the boat to Occoquan (the ship's crew is rowing the entire trip) made a visit impractical. For information on the shallop and its schedule see the Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project web site.