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Thomas Jefferson's vision of Independence Thomas Jefferson copied for James Madison his notes, an account of the events in the Second Continental Congress surrounding the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Included in Jefferson's autobiography is the unedited Declaration—the version Jefferson wanted adopted—before Congress began amending and editing. READ Declaration An Anecdote of Doctor Franklin, by Thomas Jefferson READ Anecdote  |
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 July 4th, 1776: And The Colony that declared Independence some 2 months prior. (PDF file. Requires Adobe Acrobat.) |
 From Colonists to Countrymen: A Memorial Day Retrospective (PDF file. Requires Adobe Acrobat.) |
 Taxation, Tyranny & Tea: An essay on the origins of American taxation. (PDF file. Requires Adobe Acrobat.) |
 From Lincoln to Washington: A Presidents Day Retrospect (PDF file. Requires Adobe Acrobat.) |
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Colonial Courtship
Notable Williamsburg Visitors
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Scottish Slaves
About Faces
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Swordmaking in the 18th Century
Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009
A Splendid Coincidence
Inspiration intersects with means in a partnership that resurrects a city. Character interpreter Ed Way portrays W.A.R. Goodwin at Colonial Williamsburg. November 3, 2008
Prisoners of War
As long as there have been wars, there have been prisoners of war. September 7, 2009
We Hold These Truths
The foundation of American democracy rests on one sheet of parchment. Bill Barker reads the Declaration of Independence. June 29, 2009
The Revolution
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Podcasts
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Colonial Girls
Gentry girls had but one job: to find a husband. Historian Cathy Hellier explains the custom. November 30, 2009
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The Cherokee Nation
The modern Cherokee Nation is enjoying a renaissance in language and culture. Living History Demonstrator Paula Nelson shares the resurgence. November 16, 2009
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Smallpox and the Covenant
America's smallpox eradication has its roots in 18th-century Boston. July 13, 2009
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptIn Their Own Words
Old sources give fresh voice to slavery's story. Manager of African American programs Tricia Brooks explains how we know what we know. May 18, 2009
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptSwordmaking in the 18th Century
Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009
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African American Programs at 30
African American programming adapts through the decades. Harvey Bakari outlines the goals of interpreting Williamsburg's enslaved population. February 2, 2009
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe Native Tongue
Native tribes and colonizers began a dialogue without a word in common. Buck Woodard describes the early exchanges. January 19, 2009
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe Chiefdom of Powhatan
Stratified social organization, strategic alliance, and lineage leadership were hallmarks of Powhatan's rule over southeastern tribes. Buck Woodard describes the society that existed before first contact. January 12, 2009
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptWe Hold These Truths
Examine iconic American rhetoric in Paul Aron's new book, "We Hold These Truths." December 29, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptA Splendid Coincidence
Inspiration intersects with means in a partnership that resurrects a city. Character interpreter Ed Way portrays W.A.R. Goodwin at Colonial Williamsburg. November 3, 2008
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The Bray School
A historic headmistress devotes her days to educating enslaved children. Interpreter Antoinette Brennan shares the biography of Ann Wager. September 29, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptFirst Lady of Virginia
Lady Dunmore's ease and grace are among Lord Dunmore's most valuable political assets. Interpreter Corrine Dame reflects on the lady who delighted the colony. August 25, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe Jefferson Blog
A new blog subjects Thomas Jefferson's ideals to modern scrutiny. Add your two cents beginning this July. June 23, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptLiberty or Death
Patrick Henry spoke with a minister's conviction and a patriot's passion. Colonial Williamsburg interpreter Richard Schumann discusses Henry's seminal speech. March 24, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptA Rarity Restored
Two artists collaborate across the centuries: one working with a brush, and the other with a micro spatula. Curator Barbara Luck and conservator Pam Young describe the restoration of a rare watercolor. March 10, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptWashington as a Symbol
Washington's leadership was an appealing surrogate for the king's paternal presence. Historian Kevin Kelly discusses the first president's legacy. February 18, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptNo Master Over Me
A man purchases his enslaved family to set them free. James Ingram shares the tale. February 4, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptFounders or Traitors
Not all colonists were ready to follow their leaders into revolution. Interpreters Steve Holloway and John Hamant debate in character as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. December 3, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptPrelude to Victory
"Prelude to Victory" celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown with three days of special programs that recall September 26, 27, and 28, 1781. September 24, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptTempted to Enlist
The prospect of ready money tempted many middling men to enlist. Bryan Simpers and Bereni New interpret the Hoys at Colonial Williamsburg. July 30, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptA Loyal Subject
Loyal subjects of the king walked among Williamsburg's revolutionaries. Colonial Williamsburg's Jack Flintom interprets John Randolph's allegiance to King George III. July 23, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptA Slave's Perspective
The Declaration of Independence was a promise extended to white men only. Hope Smith portrays Eve, a slave in the Peyton Randolph house. July 16, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptMarquis de Lafayette
Portraying the Marquis de Lafayette, Colonial Williamsburg's Mark Schneider tells the story of the Frenchman who helped save the American Revolution. July 9, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe Declaration of Independence
Hear the words that were catalyst to the Revolution, read by Bill Barker, Colonial Williamsburg's Thomas Jefferson. July 2, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe Murder of George Wythe
Colonial Williamsburg's Jim McDonald explains how a confluence of convenient circumstances protects the chief suspect. June 4, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptMartha Washington Remembers
This first lady devoted herself to her husband and his troops. May 28, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptSlavery and Manumission
The little-known process of manumission was a means of securing freedom for a handful of Virginia slaves. May 21, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptJamestown Unearthed
Portraying lesser-known historical figures gives Willie Balderson an opportunity to relate the experiences of the everyday man. April 23, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptMusic Suited to a Lady
Colonial ladies played instruments that showed their graceful features to the best advantage, and they never showed their elbows. Music Interpreter Jane Hanson explains. April 9, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptGowan Pamphlet, slave preacher, cont.
Hear James Ingram, Colonial Williamsburg's Gowan Pamplet, tell how an enslaved man became the leader of Virginia's largest Baptist church. February 26, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptGowan Pamphlet, slave preacher
Born at the right time, this revolutionary figure was an electrifying force. February 19, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptResearching Revolutionary Citizens
Actor-interpreter Corinne Dame talks about the continual research necessary to give a living and accurate portrayal of Williamsburg's 18th-century citizens. September 18, 2006
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptMr. Wythe's Cook
Valarie Holmes interprets Lydia Broadnax - a cook for one of Williamsburg's most influential men. June 19, 2006
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Alexander Purdie
Dennis Watson speculates on the loyalties of the publisher of The Virginia Gazette in the years leading up to the Revolution. May 15, 2006
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Marquis de Lafayette
Mark Schneider portrays French general Marquis de Lafayette, whose passion for the cause of freedom helped America win liberty from British rule. April 24, 2006
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Williamsburg's Evangelical Preacher
Ron Carnegie interprets the charismatic colonial preacher George Whitefield. April 10, 2006
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Telling the story of colonial women.
Kristen Spivey reveals some surprises about 18th-century women and their role in history. March 6, 2006
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Professor Minnigerode lights a tree
Bob Doares talks about playing the part of the German professor who brought the tradition of the Christmas tree to Williamsburg in the mid-19th century. December 5, 2005
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Dunmore's Proclamation
Dennis Watson talks about the royal governor's promise to free slaves and indentured servants who joined the British army in the American Revolution. November 7, 2005
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James Armistead
Interpreter Richard Josey talks about an enslaved man who became a valuable spy during the Revolution. September 26, 2005
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Interpreting Patrick Henry
Richard Schumann discusses the intensity and passionate character of Patrick Henry. August 29, 2005
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Carolyn Wilson on Interpreting an American Lady
Carolyn Wilson talks about her passion for what it means to be an American citizen and her love for interpreting Betty Randolph in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. August 15, 2005
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Carolyn Wilson on Betty Randolph and Independence
In the pursuit of American independence, Betty Randolph played the role of lady and wife, enabling husband Peyton to fight for freedom. June 21, 2005
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We the People
America's Constitution stands as a monument to compromise. September 28, 2009
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptPrisoners of War
As long as there have been wars, there have been prisoners of war. Tom Hay talks about Revolutionary War captives. September 7, 2009
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Cherokee Diplomacy
European and Cherokee cultures converge in Virginia in the 1700s. June 15, 2009
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptSpies of the 18th Century
The means have changed, but the end is the same. Interpreter Jay Templin describes the tactics of information gathering. March 23, 2009
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptCaptured Colors
Four flags survive through battle and time against equally long odds. Curator Erik Goldstein talks about a compelling new exhibit at the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. August 11, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe Stamp Act
Britain's tax on paper goods was unremarkable in itself, but the colonies' furious response surprised two continents. Historian Linda Rowe talks about the Stamp Act. July 28, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe British Constitution
The fundamentals of British law reside in the American Constitution. Historian Nancy Milton describes the English influence. July 21, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe Fifth Virginia Convention
The American rebels stood to lose a lot by winning the war. Sites interpreter B.J. Pryor discusses the risk of success. July 14, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptCommon Sense
Forty-six pages from Thomas Paine's pen whip discontent into outright rebellion. Public Sites Interpreter Alex Clark details the transformation. July 7, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptWe hold these truths
Hear the words that started a war, read by Thomas Jefferson interpreter Bill Barker. Episode one of July's Revolutionary Documents series. June 30, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptThe King's Man
Could Lord Dunmore have prevented the Revolution? Interpreter Phil Shultz considers the question. June 2, 2008
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptPlaying the Part
Taking the shape of a founding father calls for equal parts of preparation and imagination. Interpreters John Hamant and Steve Holloway detail the process. November 26, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptUnder the Redcoat
The Revolutionary War wasn't always a winning proposition for the colonists, explains Tim Sutphin. "Under the Redcoat" recalls the British occupation of Williamsburg. June 25, 2007
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Image enhanced: View (m4a) | TranscriptBlack Women and the Revolution
Hope Smith talks about the women and children who followed their men to war. October 3, 2005
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Rhode Island Regiment
Interpreter Greg James discusses the determination of the members of an all-black regiment of soldiers. September 19, 2005
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Brothers in Arms
Harvey Bakari shares his passion for presenting the often forgotten stories of black Americans who contributed to the American Revolution. September 12, 2005
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Richard Schumann on Patrick Henry and Independence
Whenever there was trouble in Williamsburg, it's a sure bet Patrick Henry was in the middle of it. June 14, 2005
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Daily jigsaw
Piece together scenes from the Historic Area.
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Principles of Freedom
The Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution
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Wallpaper: Cordial greeting
Wallpaper: Winter walk
Wallpaper: Race day
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Wallpaper: Preserving the sound
Wallpaper: A declaration
Wallpaper: Great minds
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Wallpaper: Muster
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Wallpaper: Afternoon tea
Wallpaper: Dresses
Wallpaper: Thomas Jefferson
Wallpaper: Bruton Parish Church
Wallpaper: Dancers in the Palace
Wallpaper: Argument
Wallpaper: Thomas Jefferson at tea
Wallpaper: Shoemaker through a window
Wallpaper: Couple in garden
Wallpaper: Writing a letter
Wallpaper: Firepower
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Audio
In Freedom We're Born: Songs from the American Revolution
New lyrics set to familiar (or some not so familiar) English melodies, recorded using 18th-century instrumentation to recreate the ambience of a small tavern or public meeting place.
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Journal articles
To Boldly Go
Captain James Cook and the Search for the Northwest Passage
The Truth About Betsy Ross
A Man of Firmness
Justice John Blair and the Letter of the Law
About Faces
"An honest, upright, and industrious man, a kind and obliging neighbor, and a good citizen"
Unwelcome in Williamsburg
The Saga of Merchant Daniel Fisher
Lord Mayor Wilkes
Liberty & No. 45
The Governour's Lady
Mistresses of the Palace
Photo Gallery: A Cast of Colonial Characters
The Upstart, the Speaker, the Scandals, and Scotchtown
The Life and Literature of Nathaniel Beverley Tucker
"Treason is but trusted like the fox" - Shakespeare
Whatever Happened to Benedict Arnold?
A Surveyor for the King
Speaking of the Past: the Words of Colonial Williamsburg
Captain John Smith
Fighting... Maybe for Freedom, but probably not
Slaves and free blacks in the Revolutionary War
Revolutionary City
A Colonial Adventure
"The Monstrous Absurdity"
The Gunpowder Theft Examined
"Throw down your arms, ye villains, ye Rebels, Disperse!"
A Look at the Revolutionary City
The Alternative of Williams-Burg
"Monster madness... the Patriots are in high Spirits just now."
Felled on the Field of Honor
The Seditious Patriot: Mr. John Daly Burk
Spies and Scouts, Secret Writing, and Sympathetic Citizens
Living the Revolution
Colonial Williamsburg's New Historic Area Adventure
Promises to Pay, Promises Unkept
How We Won a War and Lost Our Shirts
Enduring Images of War
A Patriot, a Traitor, and a Bill of Attainder
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Historic Triangle
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