War creates an industry of its own in every century, calling artisans and inventors to bring forth the best of their craft in the fastest way possible. In the Revolutionary War, this burden lay heavily on metalworkers, whose sword blades and gun barrels were in constant demand. Suzie Dye, a journeyman brass founder, discusses the technology of war in the 18th century, particularly the art of swordmaking.

Click here to discover more about colonial gunsmiths and iron workers.

Settlers came to Jamestown in the 1600s looking for natural resources that would make them rich. They were disappointed in their search for gold, but the New World offered a metal nearly as precious: iron. Shel Browder of Colonial Williamsburg discusses early efforts at smelting, and describes the smelting process.

Learn more about ironworks in Virginia by checking out this article by Christopher Geist.

From the Colonial Williamsburg website:

"Chocolate held the same appeal in the 18th century as it does in the 21st. Colonists spiced it, baked it, drank it, and drizzled it with an eagerness which makes the past seem not such a distant place."

A journeyman cook in Historic Foodways at Colonial Williamsburg, Jim Gay, talks about making chocolate.

Learn more about colonial foods by clicking here.

Elaine Shirley, manager of rare breeds at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the management of livestock and the roles these animals played in colonial-era society.

Brenda Rosseau, supervisor of Research and Design in the Costume Design Center at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the work involved in accurately costuming historical interpreters and the place of clothing and fashion in colonial society.

Marshall Scheetz, an apprentice cooper at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about coopering according to colonial-era practices.

Note: this podcast is no longer available. To view a transcript of the original podcast, click here.

Preston Jones, a silversmith at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the process of making silver pieces according to colonial-era practices.

Christine Trowbridge, master brick maker at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the process of making bricks according to colonial-era practices.

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.