Ever wondered about the state of 18th-century literature? Then this podcast produced by Colonial Williamsburg is perfect for you. Discover what reading, books, and printing were like during the colonial period.
From Colonial Williamsburg: Past and Present Podcasts
"Attaining ideal beauty in the 18th century might require hog's lard, mousehide, toxic lead, and daily application of gin. Historical Interpreter Meg Brown shares her favorite discoveries."
Interested in making your own colonial cosmetic products? Click here for authentic 18th century recipes to cure dry-skin, freshen rooms, and create body fragrances.
Colonial Williamsburg's Harmony Hunter interviews Kristen Spivey to discover how child rearing in the 18th century differs from modern day practices.
Colonial Williamsburg's Harmony Hunter interviews author Mike Olmert to discover the significance of outbuildings. Some of the structures discussed in the podcast include: a smokehouse, an outhouse, and a dairy.
There is also a video, or vodcast, that accompanies this podcast, which can be viewed here.
Colonial Williamsburg's Harmony Hunter interviews historian Cathy Hellier to discover the daily activities of young aristocratic girls in Colonial America. In addition, Hellier discusses the most important duty of young gentry girls: marriage.
Interested listeners can learn more about the adolescence of gentry girls by perusing this article by Cathleene B. Hellier.
The Bruton Parish graveyard is one of America’s oldest cemeteries. Listen as Anne Conkling—church guide at Bruton Parish Church—describes the church, its graveyard, and colonial burial practices.
Joyce Henry, head coachman and interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the place of the horse in colonial society, including its use in work and transportation, its value, and its training.
Colonial Williamsburg also provides a short video clip demonstrating present-day horse training.
Colonial Williamsburg beekeeper Bill Krebs talks about the importance of bees to English colonists in North America and the ins and outs of bee behavior and beekeeping.
Colonial Williamsburg staff archaeologist Meredith Poole discusses excavation at the Williamsburg Ravenscroft site, where archaeologists are using the "Frenchman's map," a map showing the layout of Williamsburg in the 18th century, to guide their search for the remains of structures.
Interested listeners can learn more about the Ravenscroft Archaeological Project by exploring the project's website.
Colonial Williamsburg author Mike Olmert discusses the significance and preservation of colonial-era outbuildings, which included structures such as kitchens, laundries, dairies, privies, smokehouses, offices, dovecotes, and icehouses. Olmert focuses on the window onto social norms and expectations and onto indentured and enslaved life that these structures reveal.
To listen to this feature, select "All 2009 podcasts," and scroll to the July 27th program.