The Joy of Discovery

Description

Colonial Williamsburg's Director of Historic Trades, Jay Gaynor, sits down with interviewer Harmony Hunter to describe the the process of recreating an 18th-century cannon. According to Gaynor, the cannon "is a reproduction of a British light three-pounder, which was a gun that was developed about the time of the American Revolution and saw deployment over here during the Revolution."

The Colonial Williamsburg site also offers resources for interested readers to learn more about gunsmiths and all of Williamsburg's attempts to recreate historic trades.

On This Day

Description

Colonial Wiliamsburg Librarian Juleigh Clark describes her research into the events described in Revolutionary-War-era newspapers, both in articles and advertisements.

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

Swordmaking in the 18th Century

Description

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.

Fife and Drum Major

Description

Lance Pedigo, the drum major of Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums, talks about the place of the fife and drum in colonial- and Revolutionary-era militia and armies and the training needed to play for the Fifes and Drums today.