Tom Spear, historical interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg's Governor's Palace describes the history of the building during its years in service, 1716-1780, and the political contributions of its occupants.

Gina DeAngelis, author of Colonial Williamsburg's interactive evening program, "The Gunpowder Plot," discusses the historical event on which the program is based. In the spring of 1775 in Williamsburg, VA, the royal governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, decided to remove the gunpowder stored in the Williamsburg powder magazine to prevent its being seized by colonists in the event of an uprising; the colonists learned about the plan, and the men sent to remove the gunpowder were met by armed militia. Click here to learn more about the gunpowder theft.

Linda Randulfe, who produces and directs Colonial Williamsburg's Electronic Field Trips, outlines the North Carolina Cherokee nation's negotiations with colonists, including Chief Ostenaco's visit to England.

Interpreters Steve Holloway and John Hamant discuss their views on the upcoming Revolutionary War in character as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

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

Paul Aron, author of We Hold These Truths, discusses examples of famous American rhetoric, particularly dating from the American Revolution.

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 historian Kevin Kelly discusses the differences between popular perception of George Washington and the actual man, looking particularly at his role in the American Revolution. This interview is accompanied by an image slideshow.

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

Colonial Williamsburg museum educator Anne Willis discusses the youths and marriage of Edmund Randolph and Elizabeth Nicholas, a colonial couple, married in 1776, whose families stood on opposites sides of political and religious ideology.

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

Bill Barker, a Jefferson scholar and interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the political philosophy of Thomas Jefferson, in relation to the launch of a new blog publishing Jefferson quotes on the Colonial Williamsburg website.

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