Godspeed returns for Publick Days at Henricus Historical Park

You won't need to travel to Williamsburg this weekend to absorb some of Virginia's richest history.

Publick Days at Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield County will help you re-create life in 1611 Colonial Virginia with two days of presentations, demonstrations, historical interpretations and, most intriguing to history buffs, a chance to tour the Godspeed.

The reproduction of the storied ship, one of the three on the English Virginia Company's voyage that ended with the discovery of Jamestown, will sail up the James River from Jamestown to be docked at the bluff at Henricus Historical Park on Saturday and Sunday.

The park was discovered in September 1611 by Sir Thomas Dale, who named it "Commonwealth of Henrico," or "Henricus." The area was also the site of lucrative tobacco crops.

Christine Duball, media coordinator at Henricus Park, said park staff is prepared for crowds of 5,000 to 8,000 throughout the weekend -- 2,000 to 3,000 is the norm for Publick Days -- because of interest in the Godspeed.

Visitors can tour the ship, but Duball suggested that attendees arrive as early as possible because only a certain number of people can be rotated on and off.

"This is the only place in 2009 that it's sailing to," Duball said.

The Godspeed made an appearance at the 2007 Publick Days in association with the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.

One new event at this year's commemoration: the Powhatan English Tactical demonstration.

There will be a live "call to arms" for the English and a mock Indian attack -- though there will be no violence or actual fighting -- while a narrator explains what would have happened at the point of the attack, Duball said.

Other exhibitions will include blacksmiths, carpenters and a lesson in 17th-century surgery and medical practices, complete with, Duball said jokingly, "some scary looking tools."

Publick Days is free, but the park will accept donations (also, an area where children can create Colonial crafts has a nominal fee).

On-site parking also will be available at no cost. With a larger-than-usual crowd expected, a free shuttle bus will transport attendees to satellite lots.

Contact Melissa Ruggieri at (804) 649-6120 or .