Do the African American actors speak in dialect at Colonial Williamsburg? (living, plantation)

[oldhousegirl]

Have always wanted to go to Colonial Williamsburg - and I just may get my chance this summer. But something is causing hesitation. Am very interested in history, particularly African American history. I have never been to a living history type museum before so am not sure what to expect.

I understand the actors are in costume. I understand there is a plantation. So does this mean the African American actors depicting and reenacting scenes during slavery are speaking in dialect? I have been to the website and sort of get a feel. But only sort of. Just how realistic and how far do the reenactments go ?

[oldhousegirl]

Anyone?

[Coconut1]

It depends on the actors. Some will really put on a good show, and others will be there in costume and tell you about things, but aren't exactly going to do any accents.

I wouldn't count on hearing an accent, so if you do just consider it a treat, although it will also depend on where you're going. If you're just going to Colonial Williamsburg there is no plantation there, so if you want a plantation, you'd have to visit Shirley or Berkeley or there's a couple others.

Enjoy your *maybe* trip!

[oldhousegirl]

Thanks Coconut. I am just not certain of how I would feel about the whole slavery reenactment. I pulled a few articles from online - and they speak of protests several years ago and controversy. Just wanted to get a variety of opinions from folks who are local and may have gone to Willamsburg.