The film transitions to 1624 where English privateers come across a Portuguese ship containing African slaves, which are then brought to Virginia. The film closes with stories by people who have "struggled, persevered and laid the foundation of a new country." This film, like Disney's "Pocahontas," has much to be desired. Yes it has names and places correct; however, there are key concepts that are lacking. The Indians had already observed Europeans years earlier when the Spaniards had sailed up the coast during the 1500's perfecting their cartography of the eastern seaboard and even stopping in 1561 to take a young Chiskiake lord into custody. (pp 8) Exploration and new cultures were the first for only the novice English. .
Moving on to the living history portion: the James Fort, Powhatan Indian Village, and the Settlement's ships area, a story is woven and shown to visitors. The story, for the most part is accurate – the Virginia Company, the royal charter, settlers trying to find wealth. However, upon closer examination we begin to observe bias. The Powhatan Indian Village, a replica village based upon archaeological findings, aims at showcasing the way of life of a typical Powhatan village. Available activities on display include corn grinding, corn cob darts, agriculture, animal hide tanning, tools and other handicrafts. This cements the European notion of a 'simple' people, as it fails to adequately convey the social hierarchies and diplomatic prowess of the Powhatan people and leaders. From the beginning of the English colonization efforts, Chief Powhatan had sought to understand the purpose, their length of stay, and what exactly his people would be against. When it was understood that the English planned to establish more than a trading post and sought expansion into indigenous lands, Chief Powhatan ceased friendly relations. In essence the visitors had overstayed their welcome and needed to leave:.
