Bob Doares, a trainer and interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about Karl Minnigerode, the historical figure he portrays, a German professor who lit the first Christmas tree in Williamsburg in 1842.

Barbara Scherer, a journeyman tradesman in foodways at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about preparations for and participation in a formal colonial-era dinner.

Emily Roberts, assistant curator of historic interiors at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the research involved in furnishing and re-outfitting rooms according to colonial practices.

Associate Curator of Textiles and Historic Interiors at Colonial Wiliamsburg, Kim Ivey, discusses the fad for mourning art following the death of George Washington in December 1799.

To listen to this podcast, select "All 2009 podcasts," and scroll to the January 26th program.

Buck Woodard of Colonial Williamsburg talks about instances of first contact between explorers and colonists and Native Americans, focusing on the diversity of Native American languages and problems of understanding and translation that arose at these meetings.

Al Saguto, a shoemaker at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about making shoes according to colonial-era practices.

Frank Clark, supervisor of Historic Foodways and brewmaster, talks about preparing food according to colonial-era practices.

Harvey Bakari, manager of African American history interpretation at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the history of the African American interpretation program there, and the roles of African Americans in the Revolutionary War.

Rex Ellis, vice president of Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area, traces the history and evolution of the interpretation of African American history in Colonial Williamsburg.

Ron Carnegie, an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses his experiences portraying George Washington, and the research required to play the role.