The resources in this collection were created by Colonial Williamsburg. The collection includes multimedia tools and downloadable lesson materials developed by historians and educators to address educators’ needs for engaging, inclusive, relevant American history and civics resources. This free resource library also includes primary sources, multimedia content, lesson plans, and additional materials for use by teachers, students, and scholars of all ages.
Join Patrick Henry in 1798 as he reflects on his career and life as a renowned orator, firebrand politician, and advocate for American liberty.
Yorktown, Virginia was the location for the American and French army's most significant victory of the Revolution on October 19th, 1781. This victory, led by General George Washington, would set the United States on the path to independence. Join General Washington and General Lafayette as they discuss the campaign of 1781 and the siege of Yorktown.
America has a long history of protest, and how to protest appropriately” is a hotly debated issue today. What did some of the nation’s founders think about the right way to protest?
Hear from some modern historic interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg about what they would have done if they had lived in the 18th century – would they have been for or against independence or undecided? And why? Their answers may surprise you!
Hear from some modern historic interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg about what they would have done if they had lived in the 18th century – would they have been for or against independence or undecided? And why? Their answers may surprise you!
Explore this interactive art piece from the Colonial Williamsburg collection.
Since 2005, the "Past and Present" podcast from Colonial Williamsburg has taken you behind the scenes to meet interpreters, chefs, tradesmen, musicians, historians, curators, and more. We offer two versions of our podcast: one that's audio-only and one that includes a slideshow. In this episode: Each year, Colonial Williamsburg hosts Return of the Cherokee. This special event draws hundreds to observe Cherokee culture as it was in the 18th century when members would come to Williamsburg for trade, diplomacy, or even education. Buck Woodard with Colonial Williamsburg’s American Indian Initiative joins to explain some of the exciting updates to this year’s event.
In this vodcast, we take a look at the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 brought together strong-willed representatives with opposing points of view on slavery and its future. To ensure passage of the Constitution itself, the representatives deemed it necessary to find a path forward that could be agreed to, with the understanding that the consequences of those actions would impact future generations. We are those future generations. We look back at this founding document and the challenging perspectives of our past and present with hope for the future. This panel discussion will be interspersed with dramatic interpretations from perspectives of the time period.
Since 2005, the "Past and Present" podcast from Colonial Williamsburg has taken you behind the scenes to meet interpreters, chefs, tradesmen, musicians, historians, curators, and more. We offer two versions of our podcast: one that's audio-only and one that includes a slideshow. In this episode: The piercing fife, the thundering drum: both can be heard over the din of battle, making them a crucial means of communication for commands like parley, cease fire, and retreat. How does this combination work?
George Washington remarks on our Constitution
That all men are created equal” is a high and mighty concept, but far from the reality of Virginia in the 18th century. How do we reconcile a body of law that does not live up to our highest ideals?
This season, the US: Past, Present, Future team has been discussing how we learn about American history. In this program, we will take a hard look at how we teach and talk about the American Revolution and our nation's founding.