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Tea party activists travel to Colonial Williamsburg

Amid the history buffs and parents with young children wandering along the crushed shell paths of Virginia's restored colonial city, a steady stream of noticeably angrier and more politically minded tourists can be found.

Bill Barker, who portrays Thomas Jefferson, meets with tourists after a speaking event in Williamsburg. Williamsburg executives said they have certainly noticed the influx of tea partiers, and have also noted a rise in the number of guests at the museum who ply the costumed actors for advice about how best to rebel against 21st-century politicians.

Bill Barker, who portrays Thomas Jefferson, meets with tourists after a speaking event in Williamsburg. Williamsburg executives said they have certainly noticed the influx of tea partiers, and have also noted a rise in the number of guests at the museum who ply the costumed actors for advice about how best to rebel against 21st-century politicians.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Tourists get a lesson on loading and firing a musket, by an actor portraying a local militia member.

Tourists get a lesson on loading and firing a musket, by an actor portraying a local militia member.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Robert Weathers, center, who portrays a local barkeeper in town, waves his flag along with other townfolk, as the Fife and Drum Corps marches through the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Tea party activists say their unhappiness with Washington reflects how far the federal government has strayed, through taxation and regulation, from the Founders' intentions.

Robert Weathers, center, who portrays a local barkeeper in town, waves his flag along with other townfolk, as the Fife and Drum Corps marches through the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Tea party activists say their unhappiness with Washington reflects how far the federal government has strayed, through taxation and regulation, from the Founders' intentions.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Bill Barker, portraying Thomas Jefferson, addresses tourists. The nonpartisan foundation that runs Colonial Williamsburg's programs welcomes the angry activists' business, as ticket sales have dropped from more than 1 million in the 1990s to 660,000 tickets sold in the last year.

Bill Barker, portraying Thomas Jefferson, addresses tourists. The nonpartisan foundation that runs Colonial Williamsburg's programs welcomes the angry activists' business, as ticket sales have dropped from more than 1 million in the 1990s to 660,000 tickets sold in the last year.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

The Fife and Drum Corps march through Colonial Williamsburg. Tourists have been enthusiastically cheering patriotic speeches by people portraying colonial leaders.

The Fife and Drum Corps march through Colonial Williamsburg. Tourists have been enthusiastically cheering patriotic speeches by people portraying colonial leaders.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Reenactors play a scene from Oct. 30, 1765, when George Mercer, Virginia's appointed stamp distributor, second from left, is confronted by gentlemen property owners in front of Richard Charlton's Coffeehouse.

Reenactors play a scene from Oct. 30, 1765, when George Mercer, Virginia's appointed stamp distributor, second from left, is confronted by gentlemen property owners in front of Richard Charlton's Coffeehouse.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Actors and tourists cross the lawn in front of the Governor's Palace. When tourists ask 21st-century questions, the "Founding Fathers" do their best to provide 18th-century answers.

Actors and tourists cross the lawn in front of the Governor's Palace. When tourists ask 21st-century questions, the "Founding Fathers" do their best to provide 18th-century answers.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Local militia fire muskets as the general reviews troops. Colin Campbell, president and chairman of Colonial Williamsburg, said he hopes visitors come away having learned something about the nuance and messiness of history.

Local militia fire muskets as the general reviews troops. Colin Campbell, president and chairman of Colonial Williamsburg, said he hopes visitors come away having learned something about the nuance and messiness of history.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

An Order in the Court reenactment is seen through the keyhole of the courthouse.

An Order in the Court reenactment is seen through the keyhole of the courthouse.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Clayton Williams, who portrays the town sheriff, reenacts a court proceeding. Chairman Colin Campbell said, "What happened in the 18th century here required engagement, and what's required to preserve democracy in the 21st century is engagement. That is really our message."

Clayton Williams, who portrays the town sheriff, reenacts a court proceeding. Chairman Colin Campbell said, "What happened in the 18th century here required engagement, and what's required to preserve democracy in the 21st century is engagement. That is really our message."

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Bill Barker signs a book as Thomas Jefferson for Iain Mackinnon, 9, of London.

Bill Barker signs a book as Thomas Jefferson for Iain Mackinnon, 9, of London.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Tourists listen closely to the reliving of dramatic moments in the history of the United States.

Tourists listen closely to the reliving of dramatic moments in the history of the United States.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

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