VMHC Podcasts

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History

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Updated 03/12/2024
History

History

Updated 08/01/2024

Apr 15 · Bonus

BONUS: Getting in Ship Shape: Forming the Continental Navy

The colonies had maritime experience—they had sailed with the British Navy, they had operated on privateering vessels—but they didn’t have a navy of their own. And that’s the challenge as the Revolution begins. On land, you can turn militias into an army, but there’s no equivalent at sea. If they’re going to stand up to the British, they have to build a naval presence from the ground up. In this bonus episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech and guest Dr. Kylie Hulbert explore the origins and challenges of the Continental Navy during the American Revolution. They discuss how a collection of colonies with maritime experience but no unified naval force attempted to build a navy from scratch, the competition with privateers for sailors, and the critical role that naval power, especially from international allies, played in securing American independence. Inside the Episode: At the start of the American Revolution, the colonies faced a massive problem at sea. They had the sailors and the experience, but they lacked a unified naval force capable of challenging the British Royal Navy. In this episode, we follow the 1775 push to create the Continental Navy, a movement led in part by John Adams. We’ll look at the immediate hurdles they faced including limited funding, scarce resources, and a desperate competition for talent with privateers. We’ll also explore the people on the decks, from green recruits to the skilled African American pilots whose knowledge of local waterways proved essential. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Revolution Revisited and Forming the Continental Navy00:47 Guest Introduction: Historian Dr. Kylie Hulbert01:16 The Colonial Maritime World and British Naval Dominance03:43 Why the Colonies Had No Navy at the Start of the Revolution04:30 John Adams Pushes for a Continental Navy05:40 Debate in Congress: Navy as a Step Toward Independence07:15 Building a Navy from Scratch: Ships, Money, and Manpower09:20 Early Steps Toward Formation in Late 177510:30 State Navies and the Struggle for Unity12:30 Pirates vs. Privateers vs. Naval Sailors Explained15:40 Privateering vs. Navy Service: Risk, Reward, and Recruitment Challenges18:25 Who Served: Crews, Skills, and Life at Sea21:00 African American Sailors and Their Contributions25:34 Stories of Individual Sailors and Service28:30 John Paul Jones and Criticism of Privateers30:00 Early Naval Engagements and Missed Opportunities32:03 The French Navy and the Turning Point at Sea34:53 The Global Nature of the American Revolution36:30 Why Britain Ultimately Lost the War38:24 The End of the Continental Navy40:08 Closing Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up RELATED CONTENT: Virginia Museum of History & CultureRevolution Revisited PodcastDr. Kylie Hulbert - Hampden-Sydney CollegeThe Untold War at Sea: America’s Revolutionary PrivateersThe Continental Navy in Virginia during the American Revolution

Apr 15 · Bonus

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41 min
02/12/2025

Coercion to Convention: Organizing Resistance

They've just kind of decided they're going to meet whether the governor says they're going to meet or not. They feel that this is a crisis. In this episode of Revolution Revisited™, host Maggie Creech explores the transformative year of 1774 in the Virginia colony with guest historian Dr. Cathy Hellier. Discover how Virginia's reaction to the Boston Tea Party and Britain's Coercive Acts led to a year full of drama and defiance, shaping the road to revolution. Learn about the symbolic act of a public day of fasting, the dissolution of the House of Burgesses, and the bold steps taken at the First Virginia Convention. This episode examines grassroots democracy and highlighting the economic sacrifices of non-importation and non-exportation agreements. It also reflects on the broader tensions between colonial self-governance and British parliamentary sovereignty that fueled the burgeoning conflict. Featured Guest: Dr. Cathleene B. Hellier, Senior Historian at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Cathy Hellier is currently Senior Historian at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia. Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, she joined the Foundation in 1978 as a historical interpreter. From 1979, she has worked in Historical Research at the Foundation. This department produces original research, primarily on Virginia during the colonial period, and supports programming in the Foundation’s Historic Area. Cathy has master’s degrees in Museum Education and American Studies and a doctorate in American Studies. Her dissertation is on enslaved male domestics in Virginia to 1800, and her other research interests include the politics and ideology of the American Revolution; the community of Williamsburg; history of the family; eighteenth-century English language; dance and deportment; and household management. She and her husband Ben have two grown children, Stephen and Katie. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 00:38 Setting the Stage: Virginia in 1774 00:58 The Coercive Acts and Virginia's Response 04:00 Symbolic Defiance: A Day of Fasting and Prayer 07:34 The Dissolution of the House of Burgesses 09:53 The Raleigh Tavern Meeting and Non-Importation Agreement 12:34 The First Virginia Convention 13:54 Colonial Perspectives on Power and Rights 26:33 Non-Importation and Non-Exportation: Economic Resistance 35:00 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Revolution Revisited™ is produced by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of William & Karen Fralin. © 2025 Virginia Museum of History & Culture

02/12/2025

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38 min
01/29/2025

The Spark: The French & Indian War

A skirmish in the backwoods of America set the world on fire. In this inaugural episode of Revolution Revisited™, host Maggie Creech, alongside experts Travis Henline and Michael Plumb, delves into the often overlooked French and Indian War, revealing its critical role in igniting the American Revolution. As conflicts between European powers Britain and France entangled indigenous nations and set the stage for the Declaration of Independence, notable figures like George Washington and indigenous leader Tanaghrisson emerge, highlighting their early contributions and ambitions. This episode explores key battles, alliances, and the contentious Proclamation Line of 1763, shedding light on the broader historical context that preceded America's fight for independence. Listeners will also discover items from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture's collection, including a letter Washington wrote to Governor Dinwiddie. Ultimately, the episode underscores the complex interplay of colonial ambitions, indigenous interests, and the evolving sense of American identity that emerged through the colonies' cooperation in the conflict. Featured Guests:Michael Plumb: Vice President of Guest Engagement, Virginia Museum of History & Culture Michael Plumb, Vice President for Guest Engagement, holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Washington & Jefferson College and a Master of Arts in history from George Mason University. He has worked in the museum field for almost 15 years and was employed by George Washington’s Mount Vernon as Manager of Program Development and Digital Engagement before joining the VMHC in 2017. Travis Henline: Curator of Indigenous History, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Travis Henline earned his MA in history from West Virginia University. He has spent a career in public history and museums, working for the National Park Service, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and the WV Division of Culture and History. He currently serves as the Curator of Indigenous History and Culture for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in Williamsburg, VA. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 00:43 The French and Indian War: Setting the Stage 04:00 The Ohio River Valley: A Contested Territory 08:14 George Washington's Early Military Exploits 14:37 The First Skirmishes and Fort Necessity 21:46 Indigenous Nations and Their Role 27:48 The Treaty of Paris and Its Aftermath 29:19 The Proclamation Line of 1763 33:17 The Road to the American Revolution 33:55 Conclusion and Credits Revolution Revisited™ is produced by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of William & Karen Fralin. © 2025 Virginia Museum of History & Culture

01/29/2025

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35 min
02/05/2025

Taxes & Tea: Tensions Mount

What was supposed to be a decade of peace and prosperity actually is the road to revolution. In this episode of Revolution Revisited™, host Maggie Creech and guest historian Dr. Richard Bell delve into the critical decade leading up to the American Revolution, from 1763 to 1773. As Britain grappled with post-war financial crisis, its new taxation policies on the American colonies ignited simmering tensions and widespread defiance. Explore key events including the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, and the Townshend Acts, and learn how these taxes led to colonial protests, boycotts, and a growing demand for representation. Discover the pivotal moments of intercolonial unity and resistance that set the stage for the revolution. This episode highlights not just the economic grievances but the burgeoning American identity and the quest for rights and freedom that would define a nation. Featured Guest:Dr. Richard Bell, Professor of History at the University of Maryland & Author Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home which was a finalist for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize. He has held major research fellowships at Yale, Cambridge, and the Library of Congress and is the recipient of the National Endowment of the Humanities Public Scholar award and the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. He serves as a Trustee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture and as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 01:36 Setting the Stage: Post-War Financial Crisis 04:53 Colonial Reactions to British Taxation 07:42 The Sugar Act and Its Impact 10:05 The Stamp Act: A Direct Tax on Daily Life 13:55 Patrick Henry and the Virginia Resolves 28:52 The Townshend Acts and Colonial Boycotts 38:34 The Tea Act and the Boston Tea Party 43:50 The Coercive Acts and Rising Tensions 47:55 Conclusion and Next Episode Revolution Revisited™ is produced by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of William & Karen Fralin. © 2025 Virginia Museum of History & Culture

02/05/2025

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49 min
Season 3 Trailer

Coming Soon! Revolution Revisited Season 3: Liberty in Action

Welcome to Revolution Revisited™, your crash course in the American Revolution. Join us as we dive into the stories of Virginia's rebels, rule breakers, and rabble rousers. While July 4, 1776, is a key date--and perhaps the most recognized in our history--it is not the end of the Revolutionary period. Season Three of Revolution Revisited™ follows the war across the colonies, tracing the role of Virginia and Virginians as the struggle for independence continues. Across six episodes, hear from historians Eric Schnitzer, Sam Florer, Eric Sterner, Amanda Ohlke, and Bert Dunkerly. As fighting unfolds across the northern colonies, the western frontier, and the South, the resolve of the Continental forces is tested time and again. This season, historians explore the campaigns that transformed the Continental Army and examine how intelligence networks and international alliances helped turn the tide of the war. As the conflict intensifies, the story moves to Yorktown, where the Revolution's decisive chapter begins and the path to American independence comes into focus. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform and join us for a captivating journey through the American Revolution. Revolution Revisited: Liberty in Action coming July 2026.

S3 Trailer

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3 min
11/12/2025

Choices: Patriot Perspectives

It's probably a relatively new phenomena that people are actually thinking about patriots and loyalists, because for a long time it was usually Patriots and red coats, right? So you were either a soldier that fought in the British Army or you were a patriot, and a huge portion of the population got ignored for a long time, because they didn't really fit the patriotic narrative established for so long. In this episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech unpacks the tangled question of loyalty in revolutionary Virginia, where choosing a side was rarely simple and often dangerous. Through stories of enslaved men who seized freedom, Indigenous nations navigating impossible choices, and women whose quiet resistance shaped the cause, she reveals how patriotism was anything but uniform. What emerges is a portrait of a revolution fought as much in hearts and households as on battlefields. Inside the Episode: As the Revolutionary War deepened, Virginians faced choices that were anything but simple. Loyalty wasn’t always a question of right or wrong. It could come down to putting food on the table, keeping family safe, or simply where you happened to live. In this episode, Maggie Creech looks at how ordinary people tried to find their footing in a world split between rebellion and allegiance, uncovering the complicated, deeply human side of America’s revolution. Joined by Andy Talkov of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Christina Vida of The Valentine, and Dr. Ashley Spivey of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, the conversation moves beyond battlefields to focus on everyday decisions that shaped the new nation. From the loyalty oaths and lead mines of the backcountry to the experiences of enslaved and free Black Virginians, Indigenous allies, and women who kept the armies alive, each story complicates the myth of clear heroes and villains. Together, these voices illuminate how community, circumstance, and courage defined the revolution for those who lived it. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited01:16 Defining Loyalty in Revolutionary Virginia02:14 Everyday Choices and Divided Communities03:12 Rethinking Patriots and Loyalists03:52 Loyalty Oaths and the Backcountry Divide05:27 Enforcing Allegiance and the Lead Mines Plot07:50 Patriots, Prisoners, and Survival Strategies09:35 The Story of James Armistead Lafayette10:58 Lafayette’s Spy and the Turning of Yorktown12:31 Freedom, Faith, and the Fight for Equality15:42 The Complex Realities of Black Patriotism16:17 Indigenous Perspectives on the Revolution18:24 The Pamunkey and Virginia’s Tribal Histories20:50 Treaties, Neutrality, and Choosing Sides22:48 The Meaning of Neutrality and Self-Determination25:01 The Brafferton School and Patriot Influence27:22 Indigenous Veterans of the Revolution29:40 Reassessing Virginia’s Tribal Alliances31:59 Women’s Invisible Labor and Camp Life33:30 The Randolph Brothers: A Family Divided34:34 Reflections on Loyalty and Rebellion35:00 Exhibitions, Research, and Continuing the Story RELATED CONTENT: Virginia Museum of History & CultureRevolution Revisited PodcastThe Valentine MuseumPamunkey Indian TribeEncyclopedia VirginiaVirginia HumanitiesAndy Talkov - LinkedInDr. Ashley Spivey - LinkedIn

11/12/2025

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36 min
02/19/2025

Ink & Independence: The Power of Print

The high literacy rates amongst colonists created the perfect environment for revolutionary ideas to take root. In this episode of Revolution Revisited™, host Maggie Creech explores the pivotal role of print culture in the American Revolution with guests Dr. James Herrera-Brookes & Dr. Cathy Hellier. Highlighting the contributions of trailblazing printer Clementina Rind and the impact of Thomas Jefferson's radical pamphlet 'A Summary View of the Rights of British America,' the episode delves into how literacy and printed materials like newspapers and pamphlets spread revolutionary ideas. The discussion covers the intellectual foundations of the Enlightenment, the logistics of 18th-century printing, and the far-reaching effects of disseminated ideas, even among enslaved populations. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of the written word in mobilizing and unifying colonial resistance against British rule. Featured Guests Dr. James Herrera-Brookes, Melanie Trent de Shutter Sr. Director of Research & Publications at VMHC James is responsible for leadership of the VMHC’s library services, overall management of research and publications, and growing the library’s print collection. He holds an MRes and Ph.D. in American studies and history from the University of Nottingham, where he specialized in the American Civil War and American print and visual culture. James has held research fellowships at the Newberry Library, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Library of Congress. James’ doctoral research examined Civil War soldier-artists and the varied ways they pictured the conflict and has been published in Civil War History and Journal of American Studies. This work will form the basis of a forthcoming exhibition and publication by the VMHC.Dr. Cathleene B. Hellier, Senior Historian at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Cathy Hellier is currently Senior Historian at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia. Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, she joined the Foundation in 1978 as a historical interpreter. From 1979, she has worked in Historical Research at the Foundation. This department produces original research, primarily on Virginia during the colonial period, and supports programming in the Foundation’s Historic Area. Cathy has master’s degrees in Museum Education and American Studies and a doctorate in American Studies. Her dissertation is on enslaved male domestics in Virginia to 1800, and her other research interests include the politics and ideology of the American Revolution; the community of Williamsburg; history of the family; eighteenth-century English language; dance and deportment; and household management. She and her husband Ben have two grown children, Stephen and Katie. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 00:41 The Power of Print in the 18th Century 01:54 Literacy and Print Culture in Colonial America 05:44 The Role of Newspapers and Pamphlets 15:04 Censorship and Challenges in Print 17:49 Clementina Rind: A Trailblazing Printer 23:34 Jefferson's Radical Pamphlet 29:20 Impact of Revolutionary Print on Enslaved People 34:11 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Revolution Revisited™ is produced by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of William & Karen Fralin. © 2025 Virginia Museum of History & Culture

02/19/2025

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35 min
Mar 11 · Bonus

BONUS: Give Me Liberty Panel Discussion

What I think has really changed since the Bicentennial is that issues of race and gender have become much more at the center of the academic story. And one of the paradoxes is that by and large among academics, there's a greater sense of agreement as the landscape has become broader, whereas in the public culture, things are much more polarized. In this bonus episode of Revolution Revisited, listeners will hear a keynote panel discussion from the 2025 Conrad M. Hall Symposium for Virginia History, featuring scholars Dr. Alan Taylor, Dr. Karin Wulf, and Dr. Sarah McCartney. Together they explore how our understanding of the American Revolution has evolved since the 1976 Bicentennial, and what the 250th anniversary means for how we tell the fuller story of who shaped and was shaped by the founding of this nation. Inside the Episode: As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, historians are grappling with a profound question: how do we tell the full story of a revolution that involved everyone, but whose history has long centered only a few? In this keynote panel discussion from the 2025 Conrad M. Hall Symposium for Virginia History, three leading scholars reflect on how the field has transformed since the 1976 Bicentennial and what that means for this pivotal commemorative moment. From digitized primary sources bringing new voices to light, to the challenge of translating scholarship into public exhibitions, the conversation is as much about how we do history as what history we tell. What emerges is not a single, tidy narrative of liberty, but a richer and more honest one rooted in Virginia, shaped by slavery, and still very much being written. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Revolution Revisited and Bonus Episode01:25 Introducing the Keynote Panel and Scholars05:37 How Our Understanding of the Revolution Has Changed Since 197609:11 Academic History Then and Now: Race, Gender, and Expanding the Story13:17 Primary Sources, Digitization, and the Give Me Liberty Essays16:05 Family, Religion, and the Overlooked Threads of Revolutionary Life20:09 Scholars and Public History: Are We Doing Enough?27:12 What We Hope the 250th Anniversary Leaves Behind33:11 The Promise and Limits of Digital Research38:39 Q&A: AI, Archives, and the Future of Historical Research42:20 Broadening the Story Without Losing the Underlying One47:34 Fascinating Characters from the Revolutionary Era52:52 What It's Like to Advise an Exhibition56:38 A Teacher's Question: Are We Losing a Shared Story?1:03:29 Looking Ahead to 2026 and the Official Narrative1:09:22 Commemoration vs. Celebration and Final Reflections RELATED CONTENT: Virginia Museum of History & Culture Revolution Revisited Podcast Give me Liberty Virginia's official 250th Commemorative Exhibition

Mar 11 · Bonus

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1h 14m
12/24/2025 · Bonus

BONUS: Christmas 1776: Crossing the Delaware

In this bonus episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie and guest Michael Plumb explore the perilous decision that George Washington made in December 1776 to cross the Delaware River in order to hold off the British Army – and more importantly, secure an important morale victory for his troops. Inside the Episode: By December 1776, the American Revolution was hanging by a thread. The Continental Army was underpaid, underfed, and freezing, retreating in the face of repeated defeats while Congress fled Philadelphia and enlistments ticked toward expiration. In this episode, we follow Washington and his army through that darkest hour — from anxious letters and crumbling morale to the risky, ice-choked crossing of the Delaware and the surprise victory at Trenton. Along the way, we unpack the realities behind the legend: the Hessian soldiers, the logistics, the overlooked figures who made the crossing possible, and the morale boost that gave the revolution new life. What emerges is not a tidy myth, but a story of fragile hope, collective effort, and a revolution that very nearly failed — until it didn’t. Recommended Resources Washington Crossing the Delaware Map: Battle of Trenton Washington Crossing the Delaware Related Content The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775–1777 (Wilkinson Lecture 2019)Movie Mythbusting: Liberty's KidsThe Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution

12/24/2025 · Bonus

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19 min
11/05/2025

Dunmore’s Proclamation: Freedom, Fear, and Fallout

The real heroes in this story are the enslaved people. These people who left their homes based on very little information in order to seek freedom, I think, underscore the terrors of slavery and the fact that people were willing to take enormous risks to find a better life, even if it was a very, very big gamble. In this episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie discovers how words on a page began a path to freedom for thousands of enslaved people and reshaped a nation. Join Revolution Revisited with guest Andrew Lawler as we uncover the untold story of Lord Dunmore's proclamation and its impact on the Revolutionary War. Did it ignite a spark for freedom or deepen the conflict? Inside the Episode: In this episode of Revolution Revisited: Your Crash Course in the American Revolution, host Maggie Creech looks at one of the most complicated and consequential moments in Virginia’s path to independence, Lord Dunmore’s 1775 proclamation. When the royal governor offered freedom to enslaved people who would fight for the British Crown, it sent shockwaves through the colonies. What some saw as strategy, others saw as betrayal, and the promise of liberty set off both panic and possibility across Virginia. Andrew Lawler, journalist and author of A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis that Spurred the American Revolution, joins to unpack the human stories behind that proclamation. He explains how Dunmore’s gamble reshaped the fight for freedom and forced Americans to face the uncomfortable truth about who that freedom was really for. It’s an episode that reveals the messy, often contradictory heart of the Revolution. A time when the word “liberty” meant very different things depending on who you were, and what you were fighting for. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited00:39 The Overlooked Document of Freedom01:19 Lord Dunmore's Desperate Proclamation02:21 The Ripple Effect of Dunmore's Actions03:32 The Theft That Sparked a Revolution05:05 Dunmore's Strategic Retreat06:10 The Ethiopian Regiment and Its Significance19:19 The Battle of Great Bridge20:18 The Aftermath and Legacy of Dunmore's Proclamation21:44 The Broader Impact on Enslaved People29:12 The Book of Negroes and the Black Diaspora35:35 Conclusion and Reflections RELATED CONTENT: Virginia Museum of History & Culture Revolution Revisited Podcast Lord Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment The Virginia Revolutionary Conventions (1774–1776) A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution Andrew Lawler Lord Dunmore's Proclamation John Murray, fourth Earl of Dunmore

11/05/2025

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37 min

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) provides podcasts for listeners to bring Virginia history with them, no matter where they go! The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society — a private, non-profit organization. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation. For use in its state history museum and its renowned research library, the historical society cares for a collection of nearly nine million items representing the ever-evolving story of Virginia.

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VMHC Podcasts

Top Shows

BONUS: Getting in Ship Shape: Forming the Continental Navy

Coercion to Convention: Organizing Resistance

The Spark: The French & Indian War

Taxes & Tea: Tensions Mount

Coming Soon! Revolution Revisited Season 3: Liberty in Action

Choices: Patriot Perspectives

Ink & Independence: The Power of Print

BONUS: Give Me Liberty Panel Discussion

BONUS: Christmas 1776: Crossing the Delaware

Dunmore’s Proclamation: Freedom, Fear, and Fallout

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