Historic Williamsburg site of Military History Weekend

The first annual Military History Weekend will be held in Williamsburg, Va. Oct. 16-18 at the Hospitality House in downtown Williamsburg.

A wide range of guests are expected at the event, including World War II veterans, military antique experts, re-enactors, and authors, with various activities such as talks on how to research your family's combat history, model-making tutorials, living history displays, war gaming demonstrations and $2,000-worth of door prizes.

Organized by Casemate, in conjunction with fellow sponsors W. Britain and Osprey Publishing, the show will also feature a varied list of exhibitors, including bookstores, toy soldier companies and military artists.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
For the Historian and Military History Enthusiast:
- Private guided tour of the Virginia War Museum (additional charge applies)
- Book signing by WWII 101st Airborne Veteran Eddie Shames
- Additional book signings by renowned authors from various aspects of military history
- Outdoor display of vintage military vehicles and equipment
- Anniversary weekend of Yorktown Victory – parade on Monday, Oct. 19 in Yorktown
- Military antique/equipment identification (no weapons or explosives please)

For the Military Collector and Historian
- Book dealers and publishers
- Toy soldier dealers and manufacturers
- Military Miniature and wargame vendors
- Military dealers
- Special W. Britain Show exclusive figure
- Collectors evening event on Saturday (additional charge)

Programs and Activities for Children, Scouts, Young Collectors and History Students
- Learn to paint a Miniature Figure and take it home (no charge)
- Wargame demonstration and participation for all age groups
- American Revolution mini boot camp for kids – become a Revolutionary War soldier! (1hour camp-FREE)
- Military model kit make and take it home (no charge)
- Meet re-enactors and learn about their equipment

For the Spouses
- Tranquility Suite with English tea, chocolates and an 18th and 19th century women’s fashion and clothing expert discussing period fashions and how
they were made, with demonstrations

- Walking distance from Merchants Square Shops - Williams Sonoma, Talbots, Precious Gem and Binn’s (Women’s Clothing)

- Located two blocks from Colonial Williamsburg and 5 minutes from the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg. Outlet shopping and The Pottery Factory within 15 minute drive.

-Busch Gardens and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park within 5 miles

Special Highlights
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Friday, Oct. 16 – Open House at The Toymaker of Williamsburg – featuring sculptors and authors from W. Britain, Osprey and Casemate. Re-enactors will be on site to greet guests.

9:00 am-12:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 – Private guided tour of the Virginia War Museum by a Virginia War Museum historian. Price will include bus ride to and from site and all admission fees. A great opportunity to get an up close and personal tour of an amazing museum. Recommended for age 16 and over.

12:00 pm-6:00 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 and 10:00 am-4:30 pm Sunday, Oct. 18 – Daily show events (most events on both days, more detailed schedule to follow). “Tonight We Die As Men” 101st Airborne Book signing by Col. Eddie Shames, veteran WWII Paratrooper, 101st Airborne Author Jonathan Gawne, of Casemate’s “Finding Your Father’s War: A Practical Guide to Researching and Understanding Service in the World War II Army”.

6:30 pm-9:30 pm, Saturday, Oct. 17 – W. Britain, Osprey and Casemate Collectors Evening – Join the sponsors of the show for an evening at the Hotel
restaurant with a special presentation by Col. Eddie Shames, WWII 101st Airborne Veteran, focusing on his wartime experiences in England and Normandy. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served with a chance to meet one on one with Col. Shames, authors, figure sculptors and
sponsors. A special W. Britain Redcoat Ensign, Regimental (King’s) Colour, Coldstream Guards figure will be given to all attendees. (Additional cost for this event applies)

Admission: Adults, $5.00; Children 16 and under, Free; Families (up to 6 people), $5.00; Veterans and Active Duty Military, Free; Osprey, Casemate and W. Britain Club Members, free; Historic Re-enactors in Uniform, free (No weapons). Admission is good for both days. Call W. Britain at 1 (888) 771-5576 to make your reservation and save $1 per ticket ($4.00 per ticket).