Events & exhibitions

Journey to the New World: London 1606 to Virginia 1607

23 November 2006 to 13 May 2007

Archaeology, artefacts, documents and stories come together in a tale of daring survival that charts the crucial role of Londoners in the founding of the United States of America. Coinciding with anniversary celebrations on both sides of the Atlantic, Journey to the New World is a unique glimpse into the history of an emerging nation.

Journey to the New World brings to life the hidden story of the first pioneering group of settlers who sailed from Blackwall, a stone’s throw from the Museum in Docklands, in November 1606.

Drawing on archaeological evidence unearthed since 1994 at the site of the original settlement, and objects from Museum in Docklands’ permanent collection the exhibition charts the history of Jamestown and its links with London.

The exhibition tells a story of hope and despair, conflict and failure, tragedy and triumph, and shows how ordinary and extraordinary men, women and children helped to create a new nation. It also tells of how the expedition changed forever the lives and culture of the Native American Indians already living in what was to become Virginia.

Through bodices and beads, coins and cups, prints, charts, maps, astronomical and maritime instruments, visitors will discover startling new evidence about the colonists’ diet, health and lifestyles, their relationship with the local indigenous peoples and their attempts to manufacture goods for trade.

Tracing the story of Jamestown and the Virginia colonies from their birth to eventual prosperity with the development of the tobacco trade, Journey to the New World is a captivating look at the hidden story of hardship, adventure and big business behind the founding of the United States.

Supported by the Embassy of the United States of America, London.

Entry to Journey to the New World is FREE with Museum admission.