Ron Carnegie, a historic interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the forms of government in the U.S. prior to the ratification of the Constitution, including the Articles of Confederation; the new country's fear of a strong federal government; and the development and ratification of the Constitution.

Colonial Williamsburg's Mark Schneider describes the duel between Vice President Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, resulting in Hamilton's death. Schneider also looks at the other aspects of duel etiquette and talks about several unusual duels, including a duel between a murderer and a dog.

Also check out this slideshow reenacting the duel between John Daly Burke and Felix Coquebert.

The art of spying is as old as the art of war. Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Jay Templin talks about the techniques and deceptions employed during the American Revolution.

Check out this article by Ed Crews to discover more about espionage during the colonial era.

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.

Bill Barker, an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the work of interpreting Thomas Jefferson, and looks at some of the questions Jefferson would have been posed even in his own lifetime.

Richard Schumann, who interprets Patrick Henry at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses Henry's role in and leading up to the American Revolution.

Carolyn Wilson, who interprets the historical figure Betty Randolph at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the Randolph family, one of the first families of Virginia, focusing particularly on John and Peyton Randolph and the American Revolution.

Harvey Bakari, manager of African American history interpretation at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the participation of African Americans in the American Revolution and their fates following the war.

Bill Barker, an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about Thomas Jefferson, the historical figure he portrays. Barker focuses on Jefferson's beliefs and ideals as reflected in the Declaration of Independence.

The manager of African American history interpretation at Colonial Williamsburg, Harvey Bakari, talks about how interpretation of African American history has changed at Colonial Williamsburg over the past three decades.