Political pressure and personal bias have hounded American journalists since the first newspapers were printed. Interpreter Dennis Watson talks about the Virginia Gazette.

Colonial Williamsburg actor-interpreter James Ingram details the life of Matthew Ashby, a free black man who purchased his wife and two children in order to set them free.

Colonial Williamsburg master bookbinder Bruce Plumley describes hand bookbinding and discusses the value of books during the colonial era, including the value of Thomas Jefferson's personal library.

Brooke Welborn, a journeywoman milliner and mantua maker at Colonial Williamsburg, describes colonial women's undergarments, the ways in which dress determined or was determined by women's social roles and class, and the trade of millinery and mantua making. For more information on 18th century clothing, click here.

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.

Architectural historian Ed Chappell explains the reconstruction of the Charlton Coffeehouse in Colonial Williamsburg and the function of the coffeehouse when it stood.

Rural tradesman Wayne Randolph describes the farming of tobacco and the importance of the crop to colonial Virginia.

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.

Click here for part two of this podcast.