Overview
This fall enjoy an inspirational voyage on the Chesapeake Bay, featuring an intriguing portrait of American history, architecture, and culture from the Colonial era to the present. Departing from Philadelphia, venture through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to Annapolis, where you’ll learn about the town's naval heritage and many historic sites. Visit charming St. Michaels, home to fabulous seafood, and Tangier Island, an isolated fishing community whose inhabitants speak an English Restoration era dialect. Explore important Civil War sites in historic Richmond, and Revolutionary War sites in Yorktown, as well as colonial life experiences in Historic Williamsburg, America’s premier living museum. Your American history cruise concludes with a visit to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s stately home on the Potomac, and Old Town Alexandria.Smithsonian Experts
Throughout your cruise enjoy presentations by Extraordinary Speakers. After practicing law for more than 25 years, David O. Stewart began a second career writing history. David will draw from his books to bring to life crucial episodes in the history of the American Republic. Bill Messenger is a teacher, historian, and author, as well as a composer, music critic, and pianist. During his presentations, Bill will focus on 20th-century American popular music.Special Highlights
Enjoy a memorable survey of some of America's most historic maritime towns and waterways during our cruise along the Delaware, James, and Potomac rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.Explore America's Colonial history at sites in Annapolis, Richmond, Colonial Williamsburg, and George Washington's Mt. Vernon.Walk the Civil War battlefield at Petersburg, and visit the interactive American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, which tells the story of the Civil War from the perspectives of the Confederacy, the Union, and the slaves.Experience the maritime history and culture of the Mid-Atlantic through stops at St. Michaels and Tangier Island, and cruising the coastline aboard the small ship Yorktown.Don't forget to check out our photo slide show to glimpse the excitement of this special program!
View photos by clicking "Next Photo" at top of page!
