Nankins at Williamsburg

A flock of Nankins greets visitors to the poultry house at George Wythe House at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. They are historically accurate and an educated man such as Mr. Wythe might well have kept them.

George Wythe was the first law professor in the new United States of the 1700s. Thomas Jefferson and John Marshall were among his students.

“The poultry yard should reflect his education,” said Rare Breeds Manager Elaine Shirley.

Mrs. Shirley increased Colonial Williamsburg’s Nankin flock from 20 breeding hens to over 50 in 2010. Part of the flock lives in the modern stable area, the rest at Wythe House. She often takes Nankins along on classroom trips and for other school groups.

“When I give chicken talks, Nankins are the ones I bring with me,” she said. “They are so easy to carry and so well-behaved.”

The Colonial Williamsburg flock provides hatching eggs to other breeders who are dedicated to keeping the Nankin breed vigorous.

These photos are by Roy and Dolores Kelley, taken on Thanksgiving Day at Colonial Williamsburg.

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs