Bill Kelso and his wife Ellen enjoy playing music together.
If Bill Kelso, director of archeology for the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation at Historic Jamestowne, had his way, he would never leave Jamestown Island.
The famed archeologist earned a master’s degree from the College of William & Mary in the 1960s and has come and gone from the area a few times, most recently returning following a stint at Monticello before digging his way through Historic Jamestowne. Kelso’s perfect day would begin with a run along Island Loop Road, taking in the scenery.
Morning Relaxation
“Right now, I am in my favorite place in the world,” said Kelso, who’s worked at Historic Jamestowne for the past 24 years and lives on the island with his wife, Ellen.
His morning would be spent tinkering in his garden and strumming his banjo.
“My wife plays the bass,” Kelso said. “We have our own little band going.”
Afternoon in Town
After lunch, Kelso would head over to Zable Stadium to catch a William & Mary football game.
“I love sports,” Kelso said. “Not only am I a football fan, but I am also a former player.” Kelso was a football player during his undergrad years at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio. He played semi-pro football while excavating in Savannah, Georgia. Kelso also served as a football coach at then-James Blair High School, where he worked for three years as a history teacher before switching gears and focusing on archeology.
Following the William & Mary game, Kelso would stroll through Colonial Williamsburg, visiting both the St. George Tucker House as well as Wetherburn’s Tavern.
“I particularly like the outbuilding at the St. George Tucker House,” he said. “I excavated for three years at Wetherburn’s Tavern, so it is dear to my heart. My perfect day would also include a drive on the Colonial Parkway. I just think it is one of the National Park Service’s greatest treasures. It is so beautiful.”
A Grilled Dinner
Depending on his mood, Kelso would stop for a burger at Center Street Grill or a steak at Opus 9 Steakhouse, both in New Town, or enjoy some seafood at either Blue Talon Bistro or Whaling Company.
“I love to cook, though, so my perfect day would include me grilling out for dinner,” Kelso said.
What Kelso enjoys most of all about living in Williamsburg is, of course, its rich history.
“You don’t need to read about it in a book, you can walk right through it here,” Kelso said. “There are so many significant events in American history that occurred right here. You can’t get that anywhere else in the United States. It is why I came here. This is where I want to be.”
Want to tell us about your perfect day in Williamsburg? Email us at natalie@localscoopmagazine.com.
