Terry Lyons, a Colonial Williamsburg wigmaker, looks at the place of wigs in colonial society and what they revealed about the wearer's social status.
Eric Myall, saddle and harness maker at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the work of the saddle and harness maker in the colonies; and talks about the construction and types of saddles.
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.
Neal Hurst, an apprentice tailor at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the tailor's trade in the colonial era and its practice in Colonial Williamsburg today.
Bryan Simpers and Bereni New, of Colonial Williamsburg, interpret the married couple Alexander and Barbry Hoy. As Alexander and Barbry, they discuss their struggles as a middling family adjusting to the changes brought by the Revolution.
Note: this podcast is no longer available. To view a transcript of the original podcast, click here.
Doc Hassell, Colonial Williamsburg's master brass founder, discusses the work of a founder during the colonial era.
Brooke Welborn, a journeywoman milliner and mantua maker at Colonial Williamsburg, describes colonial women's undergarments, the ways in which dress determined or was determined by women's social roles and class, and the trade of millinery and mantua making. For more information on 18th century clothing, click here.
Medical historian Susan Pryor describes the role of the apothecary in the colonial society, and looks at colonial understanding of disease and treatment.
What is Freedomland U.S.A.? An unusual theme park in the Bronx, in existence for less than five years, Freedomland has become the object of fascination for New York nostalgia lovers everywhere. Created by an outcast of Walt Disney's inner circle, Freedomland practically defined 1960s kitsch, with dozens of rides and amusements related to saccharine views of American history.
According to the Bowery Boys' website, "F.W. Woolworth was the self-made king of retail's newfangled "five and dime" store and his pockets were overflowing with cash. Meanwhile, in New York, the contest to build the tallest building was underway. The two combine to create one of Manhattan's most handsome buildings, cutting a Gothic profile designed by America's hottest architect of the early century. So what does it all have to do with sneakers and gym clothes?"