Richard Schumann, an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the historical figure he portrays, Patrick Henry, and about the work involved in interpreting Henry.

Ed Chappell, director of architectural research at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the research required to restore buildings to their colonial-era state, and how perception of how a building should be restored and presented changes over time and with the appearance of new information.

Associate Curator of Textiles and Historic Interiors at Colonial Wiliamsburg, Kim Ivey, discusses the fad for mourning art following the death of George Washington in December 1799.

To listen to this podcast, select "All 2009 podcasts," and scroll to the January 26th program.

Ron Carnegie, an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses his experiences portraying George Washington, and the research required to play the role.

Patrick Henry, as portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Richard Schumann, defends the bill on religion he introduced to the Virginia General Assembly.

Colonial Williamsburg interpreters Bill Barker, as Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Schumann, as Patrick Henry, debate on whether Virginia citizens should be taxed to support religious institutions.

Rhys Isaac, winner of the 1983 Pulitzer Prize in History, discusses his work in researching and writing about colonial Virginia life, in which he takes an anthropological view of the past, trying to uncover people's day-to-day lifestyles.

Lee Holfelder, who interprets Martha Washington at Colonial Williamsburg, speaks in-character of Martha's experiences during the American Revolution.

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.