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.
Patrick Henry's passion for his beliefs comes alive in Colonial Williamsburg's Richard Schumann's interpretation of the patriot's thoughts on the importance of religious faith in daily life.
To listen to this podcast, select "All 2009 podcasts," and scroll to the April 20th program.
Senior Architectural Historian Carl Lounsbury tells the story of Williamsburg's Capitol's reconstruction, early in the 20th century. The architects overseeing the reconstruction at the time focused more on issues of aesthetics and polished completion than on social historical accuracy.
Click here to discover more about Colonial Williamsburg's Capitol building.
Director of Educational Program Development Bill White describes Colonial Williamsburg's Electronic Field Trip program, the resources connected with it and the vision behind it, and how it may be used by educators. Colonial Williamsburg also offers a number of other resources for teachers.
The Governor's Palace is a Williamsburg icon. Chief Curator Emeritus Graham Hood discusses the work involved in reexamining the furnishing and decoration of its period rooms, to make them as historically accurate as possible.
Note: this podcast is no longer available. To view a transcript of the original podcast, click here.
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.
The story of Jamestown continues to unfold as archaeology proceeds at the fort site. One of the discoveries was an abandoned well where early colonists dumped oyster shells, which were studied by Juli Harding, the senior marine scientist at at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. She explains how oysters join the narrative of America's first permanent English settlement.
Note: this podcast is no longer available. To view a transcript of the original podcast, click here.
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.
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.
Settlers came to Jamestown in the 1600s looking for natural resources that would make them rich. They were disappointed in their search for gold, but the New World offered a metal nearly as precious: iron. Shel Browder of Colonial Williamsburg discusses early efforts at smelting, and describes the smelting process.
Learn more about ironworks in Virginia by checking out this article by Christopher Geist.