Revolution – Past & Present Podcasts

Hear the Declaration of Independence read in its entirety by renowned Thomas Jefferson interpreter Bill Barker.

The piercing fife, the thundering drum: both can be heard over the din of battle, making them a crucial means of communication for commands like parley, cease fire, and retreat. How does this combination work?

The men who served in the Revolutionary War share much in common with their modern-day brothers. The sacrifices of friendship, safety, and security unite soldiers across time. Remember their devotion and support them when they come home, urges Lieutenant Colonel James Innes, portrayed by Nat Lasley.

Research Librarian Allison Heinbaugh stalked the stacks of the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library looking for evidence of spies and spycraft in the 18th century. The bibliography she compiled tells its own story of loyalty, secrecy, and stealth.

From its origins in Chinese potions for immortality to the agent of death on the battlefield, the history of gunpowder is one of chemistry, ingenuity, and violence. Armorer Ron Potts fascinates with the tale.

More gruesome than the injuries of battle were the means of mending them: field medicine offered no anesthesia, no modern antiseptics, and no antibiotics. David Podolfino interprets the life and duties of the military surgeon.

Pass through the gates of the military encampment and you’ll become the newest member of the Williamsburg Regiment. Learn to drill, march, and think as a unit, leaving behind the life you knew for a chance at the future you hope for. Our guest Dale Smoot commands the recruits.

Civil war is bloody, regressive, and destructive. Revolution is forward-looking, positive, and regenerative. Yet, says historian David Armitage, even the noblest revolution bears traces of the primitive violence of civil war.

Throughout history, the desire for justice and human rights has motivated the oppressed to demand political change and the promise of a better future. February 21st and 22nd, Colonial Williamsburg and the Chautauqua Institution present “Turning Worlds Upside Down: Liberty and Democracy in Revolutionary Times,” an exploration of revolutions past and present. Creative Director for […]

George Washington slept here, ate here, planned here, and plotted here through the eight years of the Revolution. A joint project with the Museum of the American Revolution is reconstructing the tent that Washington called home during the war. Learn more about the great man when you see his life in the field.

Shortages of sugar, rum, gunpowder, textiles, tea and china were among the inconveniences suffered by colonial Americans during the Revolution. Historian Lou Powers describes the deprivations and the substitutions.

An onsite game embroils players in a Revolutionary spy’s world of danger, loyalty, codes and plots. “The Black Chambers” is game three in “RevQuest: Save the Revolution” series.

Would Benedict Arnold be remembered as a hero if he had picked the winning side? Interpreter Scott Green shares the rise and demise of a brilliant strategist.

Fort Nelson is under attack, and its defenders are outnumbered 10:1. Should they stay and fight, or retreat? This is the central question in Courage or Cowardice, a Colonial Williamsburg evening program.

George and Martha Washington answer audience-submitted questions about their marriage, their partnership, and the Revolution in this special Presidents Day podcast.

The American Revolution came from an old British tradition. Hear how the English were in the habit of rebelling in “A Very British Revolution,” a tour at The Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums led by Emma Ross.

Code names, dead drops, invisible ink, and secret ciphers were all part of the American Revolution. Historian Taylor Stoermer introduces Benjamin Tallmadge, George Washington’s chief intelligence officer.

George Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address teems with advice that rings true today. Listen to interpreter Ron Carnegie read excepts from the timeless epistle.

Patrick Henry demands liberty or death in his rousing 1775 speech. Hear the immortal words voiced by interpreter Richard Schumann.

Thomas Jefferson reads the words that started it all: The Declaration of Independence.

Could the war have been won without women? Author and Professor Holly Mayer thinks not. Learn more about the inner workings of the Continental Army.

While General George Washington commanded the troops in the field, Martha led the charge at home. Historic Interpreter Lee Ann Rose describes the impact women made during the Revolution.

British colonists revolt against their mother country when traditional English rights are threatened. Author and historian Jack Greene explains.

The Civil War has its roots in the American Revolution. Explore the causes and conflicts in “Storm on the Horizon,” a special two-day Colonial Williamsburg event February 18th and 19th, 2011.

Local militiamen were ragtag but tenacious fighting forces. Supervisor of Military Programs John Hill describes Revolutionary War hometown defenses.

A man of remarkable strength and size was George Washington’s one-man army. Author and sixth-generation descendant Travis Bowman shares the tale of Peter Francisco.

Women’s unassuming roles made them excellent spies. Playwright Darci Tucker tells the story of Elizabeth Thompson: Lady Spy.

Underwater archaeologist John Broadwater and his team dove down to a sunken fleet of ships from the Battle of Yorktown.

Determined women disguised themselves as men to fight in the Revolutionary War. Historian Joyce Henry brings us the story of Anna Maria Lane.

Muskets, swords, buttons and drums convey powerful memories of the soldiers who claimed them. Curator Erik Goldstein highlights some of his favorite military treasures from the Colonial Williamsburg collections.

As long as there have been wars, there have been prisoners of war. Tom Hay talks about Revolutionary War captives.

The means have changed, but the end is the same. Interpreter Jay Templin describes the tactics of information gathering.

As important as the cannon is the vehicle to carry it: a two-wheeled cart that transports, supports, and stores the weapon and its accoutrements. Wheelwright John Boag has the task of construction.

Revolutionary-era cannon are artifacts of war technology’s evolution. Director of Historic Trades Jay Gaynor and Master Blacksmith Ken Schwarz describe the process of recreating a light infantry three-pounder.

Contentious elections are the founders’ legacy, explains Bill White, the Theresa A. and Lawrence C. Salameno Director of Educational Program Development.

Four flags survive through battle and time against equally long odds. Curator Erik Goldstein talks about a compelling new exhibit at the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

Britain’s tax on paper goods was unremarkable in itself, but the colonies’ furious response surprised two continents. Historian Linda Rowe talks about the Stamp Act.

The fundamentals of British law reside in the American Constitution. Historian Nancy Milton describes the English influence.

The American rebels stood to lose a lot by winning the war. Sites interpreter B.J. Pryor discusses the risk of success.

Forty-six pages from Thomas Paine’s pen whip discontent into outright rebellion. Public Sites Interpreter Alex Clark details the transformation.

A new documentary reflects on five decades of Fifes and Drums. Director Mike Durling talks about building a film that looks through the years and across the country.

Taking the shape of a founding father calls for equal parts of preparation and imagination. Interpreters John Hamant and Steve Holloway detail the process.

The Powder Magazine stood ready to arm soldiers against the oppressors of the age. Historic interpreter Chris Geist details the building’s purpose.

“Prelude to Victory” celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown with three days of special programs that recall September 26, 27, and 28, 1781.

Add your shouts to the clamor for revolution in Colonial Williamsburg’s evening program, “The Gunpowder Plot.” Author Gina DeAngelis explains.

Loyal subjects of the king walked among Williamsburg’s revolutionaries. Colonial Williamsburg’s Jack Flintom interprets John Randolph’s allegiance to King George III.

Portraying the Marquis de Lafayette, Colonial Williamsburg’s Mark Schneider tells the story of the Frenchman who helped save the American Revolution.

Hear the words that were catalyst to the Revolution, read by Bill Barker, Colonial Williamsburg’s Thomas Jefferson.

The Revolutionary War wasn’t always a winning proposition for the colonists, explains Tim Sutphin. “Under the Redcoat” recalls the British occupation of Williamsburg.

What would Benedict Arnold have to say for himself? Interpreter Ken Johnston gives listeners a taste.