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Experience the live, dramatic programs of “Revolutionary City” Between the dramatic scenes listed here, meet on the street with some of the people of Williamsburg and learn how these changes touch their lives.

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Building a Nation

Preachers, house servants, farmers, actors, and artisans—both enslaved and free—were architects of a new nation no less than General Washington, Governor Jefferson, or Governor Henry. Meet the men and women who helped shape their times. See how their lives, like our own, are affected by the promises of the Declaration of Independence, whether realized or unfulfilled.

3:30 - The Revolution Takes Center Stage

In this scene: Even while public performances were banned by the Continental Congress, the theater continued to delight audiences and influence the political and social climates of the new American nation.

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Colonial Theater

4:00 - That Freedom Ain’t for Me

In this scene: Lydia Broadnax or Eve Randolph discusses the impact of the Declaration of Independence on their lives.

Lydia Broadnax is a slave in the household of George Wythe, signer of the Declaration of Independence and mentor to Virginia's patriots. She frequently hears about liberty and equality, yet she knows these rights do not extend to her.

Eve is a slave of Elizabeth Randolph, widow of Peyton Randolph, president of the first two Continental Congresses and speaker of Virginia's House of Burgesses. Less patient than Lydia, she flees with her son and is captured and then sold.

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4:15 - Lady Washington Visits the Capitol

In this scene: Martha Washington arrives in Williamsburg to great fanfare and celebration. She receives honors in her husband’s name for his service to “The Glorious Cause” of American liberty.

Martha Washington spends much of the Revolutionary War in camp with her husband, General George Washington, and his army. As mother, plantation mistress, slave owner, and military wife, she has multiple roles, each of which requires different talents. Mrs. Washington is an important and intriguing personality. Like the rest of the gentry, she feels deeply responsible for the less fortunate.

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Martha Washington

4:30 - Thy Rod and Thy Staff

In this scene: Pastor Gowan Pamphlet, a former slave, discusses his vision for the black Baptist church he leads. He gains recognition for his congregation even as the shadow of slavery puts them all at risk.

Gowan Pamphlet is optimistic about the future. A seasoned and savvy pastor, Pamphlet tells his church, once little more than a ragtag prayer group, that it has been accepted into a regional Baptist association of mostly white churches. Some members are unhappy with the news, fearing he has lost respect for his heritage. Pamphlet eventually re-gains their trust.

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Gowan Pamphlet

4:50 - Looking Forward: A Founding Father Envisions the Future of the American Republic

In this scene: One of Virginia’s premier patriots sums up his experiences in Williamsburg and expresses his hopes for the future of the young republic.

He addresses such issues as westward expansion, partisan politics, regional sectionalism, and the fate of slavery. Hope is offered for the new constitutional government, economic growth, and America’s attraction to European immigrants.

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