Jolly's Mill Pond in Williamsburg, Virginia

Nestled just outside Williamsburg, Virginia lies Jolly's Mill Pond, an outdoor classroom revealing histories often overlooked by conventional narratives. Established in the late 1700s as a source of power for a gristmill, the pond and its dam have undergone centuries of transformation through farming, recreation, and changing ownership.

Rather than restoring the property to a singular moment in time, current owners Bill and Angi Kane have embraced these layers, creating a space where visitors discover history through courses, tours, and most importantly, the foods and drinks enjoyed by people across time.

This approach stems from the Kanes' extensive research into the property's past, uncovering stories that have largely been forgotten. Notable among these is Jeremiah Wallace, a Black farmer, real estate broker, and entrepreneur who purchased the property in 1894. His story has profoundly shaped the Kanes' interpretation of Jolly's Mill Pond, shifting it from focusing solely on the mill to exploring a broader narrative about land ownership, resilience, and the communities that have shaped Tidewater Virginia.

The Kanes' discoveries are woven into every aspect of their offerings at Jolly's Mill Pond. Cooking classes and farm dinners serve as a gateway to learning about heritage grains and teas such as yaupon, a historically significant Indigenous beverage. Visitors can also participate in workshops focused on native plants and regional food traditions, where they might prepare traditional recipes like spoonbread and Johnny cakes, or delve into the stories of ingredients like corn, beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, which embody tales of migration, adaptation, and survival.

Through Jolly's Mill Pond, history is not presented as a mere sequence of dates, but rather as a sensory experience, inviting visitors to taste, smell, and walk through the landscape where these stories unfolded.