In this episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech and guest Sam Florer delve into the pivotal events of 1775 that marked the transition from diplomatic efforts to armed conflict in the American Revolution.

The discussion focuses on the formation of local militias, the enforcement of boycotts through committees of safety, and the influence of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” speech at the Second Virginia Convention. The conflict's spread from Massachusetts to Virginia underscores the collective push towards rebellion. Notably, Dunmore's removal of gunpowder and subsequent threats to free and arm enslaved people significantly escalated tensions, culminating in Virginia labeling Henry a rebel.

Sam Florer, Manager of Public Programs at Virginia Museum of History & Culture

• Sam holds a BA and MA in History from the College of William & Mary and has more than 10 years of experience working in museum settings, with a focus on education and public engagement. In his current role, Sam provides teacher professional development, assists students, and coordinates with statewide cultural institutions to implement the Virginia affiliate of National History Day, a nationwide historical research competition. He also manages a variety of public adult programs at the VMHC. In addition, he works as a historical researcher and writer, specializing in 18th and 19th century American history.

• 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited
• 00:41 The Revolutionary Spring of 1775
• 01:48 Formation of Local Committees and Militias
• 09:24 The Second Virginia Convention
• 14:01 Patrick Henry's Fiery Resolutions
• 23:26 Escalating Tensions and Slave Rebellions
• 24:18 Colonial Resistance in Massachusetts
• 27:49 The Road to Lexington and Concord
• 30:19 The Alarm Spreads: Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
• 31:20 The Battle of Lexington: The First Shots Fired
• 32:11 Chaos at Concord: The Militia's Stand
• 33:24 The British Retreat: A Militia Victory
• 34:16 The Siege of Boston: War Begins
• 35:18 Virginia's Gunpowder Incident: Tensions Rise
• 42:24 Dunmore's Threats: A Colony on Edge
• 45:12 Patrick Henry's Militia: Marching to Williamsburg
• 49:01 The Road to Revolution: A Nation Divided
• 51:31 Conclusion: The Revolutionary Spring of 1775

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

In this episode of Revolution Revisited™, host Maggie Creech, along with expert John Ragosta, explores the First Continental Congress of 1774 and the significant contributions of Virginia.

This episode discusses the early resistance efforts in Virginia, the formation and impact of Committees of Correspondence, and the subsequent unity among the colonies. Key figures such as Patrick Henry, Peyton Randolph, and George Washington are highlighted, as well as the major decisions made during the Congress, including the Suffolk Resolves and the Continental Association.

Dr. John Ragosta, Fellow, Virginia Humanities

• John Ragosta, previously the acting director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, is a fellow at Virginia Humanities. He has taught law and history at the University of Virginia, George Washington University, and Hamilton, Oberlin, and Randolph Colleges. Dr. Ragosta’s most recent book – For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle – was released in August of 2023 by the University of Virginia Press. He is also the author of Religious Freedom: Jefferson’s Legacy, America’s Creed (UVA Press, 2013), Wellspring of Liberty (Oxford 2010), and other works. An award-winning author and frequent commentator, Ragosta holds both a PhD and a JD from the University of Virginia. Before returning to academia, Dr. Ragosta was a partner at Dewey Ballantine LLP. He is also a beekeeper.

• 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited
• 00:41 Setting the Stage: Virginia's Role in Early Resistance
• 02:39 The Path to Unity: From Local Grievances to Continental Congress
• 04:45 The First Continental Congress: A Historic Gathering
• 08:34 Virginia's Influence and Key Figures
• 16:17 Debates and Decisions: Defining Colonial Rights
• 21:27 The Continental Association: Economic Strategy and Enforcement
• 30:49 Looking Ahead: The Road to Revolution
• 33:28 Conclusion

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

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.

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.

• 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