The replica of John Smith's shallop, at the Maryland State House
Photograph by Drew McMullen

In 1608, Captain John Smith and 14 colonists left Jamestown, Virginia, in a 30-foot (nine-meter) boat to explore the Chesapeake Bay. Observations collected during that voyage became the basis of Smith’s 1612 map, which stood for nearly a century as the definitive rendering of the region.

Last year, a replica of Smith’s vessel was constructed for the Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project, an initiative commemorating the 400th anniversary of the journey. The vessel will be used in a recreation of the voyage next year, and can be seen in a related National Geographic exhibition.

Get a firsthand look at the adventure of Smith’s explorations as Willie Balderson, manager of character interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg, offers a lively portrayal of crew member Anas Todkill. A behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming expedition will be presented by Drew McMullen and Chris Cerino, president and vice president of Sultana Projects, which organized the John Smith project and offers other educational programs focusing on the Chesapeake Bay.

The Grosvenor Auditorium National Geographic Society Headquarters 1600 M Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20036 +1 202 857 7700

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