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.

Carolyn Wilson, an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the historical figure she interprets, Betty Randolph, and the work involved in interpretation.

Hope Smith of Colonial Williamsburg talks about the work and fate of black women who followed the British army during the American Revolution, hoping to find their freedom.

Emily James, a Jamaican interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the roles she has played over the years, discussing the slave trade and the movement of slaves between the British West Indies and the North American colonies.

Valarie Holmes, an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the life of slave Lydia Broadnax, cook to George Wythe, whose role she plays.

Corinne Dame, an actor-interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the work involved in researching and portraying a variety of historical characters, including Frances Davenport, an upper-middling wife, married to Matthew Davenport, a clerk of the courts; Barbry Hoy, whose husband enlists in the Army during the Revolutionary War; and Elizabeth Maloney, who has two children with a slave.

Ivor Noel Hume, author and retired Chief Archeologist for Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the atrocities and indignities English colonists at Jamestown inflicted on the Native Americans in the region, including Pocahontas.

Linda Baumgarten, Curator of Textiles and Costumes at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about 18th-century clothing and fashions, including how they reflected class differences.

James Ingram, a character interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the life of Gowan Pamphlet, a colonial tavern slave who, influenced by the Great Awakening, became a Baptist slave preacher. For the first part of this interview, click here.

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