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281 years ago, a "Poor Potter" in Yorktown was fueling a revolution. This June, for the first time in 6 years, the Poor Potter site is reopening its gates to the public for a 3-day event! As part of Yorktown’s massive SAIL Festival, we invite you to step into the "Master & Apprentice" world of the mystery man who defied the British Empire with nothing but clay and fire.For the first time since 1745, pottery will be made on this site!
✨ THE EXPERIENCE
★ Hands-on History: Craft your own commemorative clay medallion using replicas of actual 18th-century historical stamps.
★ Live Performances: Watch scholar-led, first-person demonstrations by Thomas Kilian as he brings the 1720s factory to life.
★ The Secret Factory: Explore the largest known colonial pottery enterprise in America—a site that remained a mystery until 1970!
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⚓ PART OF THE SAIL FESTIVAL
Make it a full weekend! "Mark of the Maker" is a signature event of the SailVirginia 2026 celebration, featuring:
An international fleet of Tall Ships and military vessels.
A massive "Parade of Sail" and fireworks.
The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra at the Victory Monument.
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📅 THE DETAILS
When: June 12–14, 2026
Where: The Poor Potter Site (A short walk from the Yorktown Visitor Center)
Who: Perfect for all ages—Children and Adults welcome!
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the past and take home a piece of American history.
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👤 WHO TO FOLLOW:
👍 @kilianware
👍 @VA250
👍 @America250
👍 @VisitYorktown
👍 @colonialNPS
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SPECIAL GUESTS:
🇺🇸 Virginia Congressional Representatives
🇺🇸 USA Today
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PLACES TO CLICK:
https://america250.org
https://www.va250.org
https://www.visityorktown.org
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Event Venue
Colonial National Historical Park, 1000 Colonial Pkwy,Yorktown, Virginia, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
