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 Revisited
• 00:39 The Overlooked Document of Freedom
• 01:19 Lord Dunmore's Desperate Proclamation
• 02:21 The Ripple Effect of Dunmore's Actions
• 03:32 The Theft That Sparked a Revolution
• 05:05 Dunmore's Strategic Retreat
• 06:10 The Ethiopian Regiment and Its Significance
• 19:19 The Battle of Great Bridge
• 20:18 The Aftermath and Legacy of Dunmore's Proclamation
• 21:44 The Broader Impact on Enslaved People
• 29:12 The Book of Negroes and the Black Diaspora
• 35:35 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

This is a great example of things like this happening all across Virginia at this time when the revolution is getting teeth, they are forcing people to choose sides.

In this episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie takes us through the summer of 1775, as Virginia catches fire. What begins with impassioned debate at the March Convention erupts into open revolution as militias form, tempers flare, and the colony prepares for war. Amid the chaos, Virginia’s leaders race to channel the rising tide of rebellion, struggling to command a movement fueled by courage, fear, and a newfound taste for independence.

Inside the Episode:

In this episode of Revolution Revisited: Your Crash Course in the American Revolution, host Maggie Creech takes us to Virginia in the summer of 1775, a moment when the colony stood at the edge of open conflict. Royal Governor Lord Dunmore and determined Virginia patriots repeatedly collide, and despite last-ditch efforts to reconcile with Britain, the fragile peace gives way. Out of that breakdown emerges Virginia’s first revolutionary military framework.

Our guide through this turning point is Sam Florer, Director of Public Programs at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. He unpacks the key debates and fast-rising tensions as the House of Burgesses reconvenes to consider a conciliatory proposal from Britain. Sam lays out the tangled relationships between Virginia’s revolutionary leaders and British authority, and how they sour. As the crisis deepens, Dunmore steps up his actions. He issues threats, takes forceful measures, and allegedly sets a trap gun that injures several Virginians. The incident fuels even more public outrage.

The episode also explores how Virginia builds a new revolutionary government and a three-tiered military system, along with the practical hurdles of raising, organizing, and supplying troops. Sam brings into focus the social and economic divides shaping the movement, and the struggle leaders face to steer a cause that is rapidly radicalizing. 

It all comes down to a local story about William Clark’s dramatic change of heart under pressure. His story shows the personal and community struggles behind the headlines. The revolution was not just a fight over ideas and institutions. It was also a series of very human choices.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
• 02:14 Tensions Rise in Virginia
• 03:44 Dunmore & the Conciliatory Resolution
• 08:57 The Gunpowder Incident and Its Aftermath
• 09:51 Dunmore’s Departure and the Power Vacuum
• 16:28 Formation of the Third Virginia Convention
• 19:14 Virginia’s Revolutionary Military Structure
• 22:06 Challenges in Mobilizing the Militia
• 27:25 Comparisons with Other Colonies
• 30:57 Escalation of the Conflict
• 32:11 Debate Over Military Leadership
• 32:11 Patrick Henry’s Bid for Command
• 32:11 Balancing Radicalism and Moderation
• 35:21 Formation of the Committee of Safety
• 38:21 Reorganizing Local Committees
• 40:07 Colonial Reactions and Independence
• 41:49 Dunmore’s Actions and Escalation
• 42:51 King’s Declaration of Rebellion
• 43:33 Revolution on the Ground
• 41:48 Conclusion and Reflections

RELATED CONTENT:

• Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• Revolution Revisited Podcast
• The Revolution in Virginia, 1775-1783
• The Politics of War: Race, Class, and Conflict in Revolutionary Virginia
• The Virginia Revolutionary Conventions (1774–1776)
• Give Me Liberty: The Revolutionary Spring of 1775
• Samuel Florer - LinkedIn

 He was tall, he was muscular. He walked into a room and people took notice, and those might sound like frivolous things, but they're actually really important when you're trying to get people to follow you. 

In this episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech explores the journey of George Washington becoming the Commander of the Continental Army, and some of the choices that got him there, with guest historian Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. 

Inside the Episode:

In this episode of 'Revolution Revisited,' hosted by Maggie Creech, we explore the critical juncture of the American Revolution as the second Continental Congress convenes in 1775. George Washington emerges as the indispensable leader of the newly formed Continental Army, facing internal and external challenges. 

Through insightful commentary from Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, we delve into Washington's evolving role and leadership, the dynamics within the Continental Congress, and the broader impact on the quest for American independence. 

Explore Washington's strategic decisions, his humility and ambition, his stance on slavery, and his efforts to unify disparate colonies into a nascent nation. The podcast highlights Washington's crucial contributions to the Revolutionary War and sets the stage for his enduring legacy.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited
• 00:44 The Spark of Revolution: Lexington and Concord
• 00:59 Virginia's Boiling Point and the Rise of George Washington
• 02:55 The Second Continental Congress and Washington's Appointment
• 04:57 Washington's Leadership and Early Challenges
• 07:14 The Unifying Force of George Washington
• 11:40 Washington's Reluctance and Acceptance of Command
• 16:51 Forging a National Identity
• 32:30 Washington's Evolving Views on Slavery
• 37:29 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

RELATED CONTENT:

• Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• Revolution Revisited Podcast
• Revolution Revisited Season 1
• Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky
• Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky - Mount Vernon
• Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky - LinkedIn
• Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky - Instagram
• The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution
• Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents that Forged the Republic

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.

Season Two of Revolution Revisited™ follows the story of the Revolution as the colony moves from protests to open war, from royal authority to self-government, and from loyalty to independence. Across six episodes, hear from historians Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, Sam Florer, Andrew Lawler, Dr. Ashley Spivey, Christina Keyser Vida, Andrew Talkov, and Dr. John Ragosta.

Discover how Washington took command of the Continental Army, how Dunmore’s Proclamation shook the foundations of both slavery and loyalty, and how ordinary Virginians confronted extraordinary choices. Witness the birth of Virginia’s new government, its Declaration of Rights, and the momentous adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform and join us for a captivating journey through the American Revolution. Revolution Revisited: Words to Action coming Fall 2025.  

Words had turned to action, and revolutionary sentiment simmered amongst Virginians.  

In this episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech provides a preview of the upcoming Season 2, along with a refresher on key points from the previous season.

Inside the Episode:

Before anyone fired a shot in the American Revolution, the colonies were already on edge and Virginia was right in the middle of it. In this bonus episode of Revolution Revisited, we’re dropping into the spring and summer of 1774, a moment when anger at British rule was building fast, but full-blown independence still felt impossible. Our guide is a single letter from Virginia statesman Edmund Pendleton to his friend Joseph Chew. It’s preserved at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and it captures a snapshot in time when people were fighting with words, not weapons.

Pendleton writes about the chaos in Boston and a fresh round of harsh laws from Parliament. You can feel the colonies starting to come together. In Virginia, lawmakers declared a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer to stand with Boston until Royal Governor Lord Dunmore shut them down. So, the Burgesses met anyway at the Raleigh Tavern and quietly began organizing. From there, everything sped up: Patrick Henry’s “liberty” thundered through the colony, Lexington and Concord erupted, and Dunmore escalated things even more, seizing gunpowder and threatening to arm enslaved Virginians. Debate turned into rebellion.

This one letter also puts real faces to the choices people had to make. Pendleton, careful and cautious at first, would help draft the Virginia Declaration of Rights and steer the new nation’s early steps. Chew, who was friends with Washington and Madison, stayed loyal to the Crown. Their paths remind us the Revolution wasn’t a simple split between patriots and loyalists. It was a personal decision for every colonist.

This episode connects those early cracks in the system to the moment the break finally comes and sets up Season 2, when the fight for liberty moves from letters and taverns to battlefields and declarations.

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:35] Host Maggie Creech previews Season 2 and introduces a 1774 letter from Edmund Pendleton to Joseph Chew as a lens on pre-revolution tensions.
• [01:10] The Royal Proclamation of 1763 is explained as a key source of colonial frustration and the spark for westward expansion debates.
• [01:45] Pendleton’s letter describes Parliament’s punishment of Boston through the Port Act, seen by Virginians as a direct attack on American rights.
• [02:31] The Boston Tea Party and its consequences unfold as Virginia declares a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer in solidarity with Massachusetts.
• [03:15] Governor Dunmore dissolves the Virginia House of Burgesses, pushing members to meet at the Raleigh Tavern to plan resistance.
• [04:00] The colonies’ first steps toward unity take shape as twelve colonies gather in Philadelphia for the First Continental Congress.
• [04:50] Pendleton warns of new conflict in the Ohio Valley, as Lord Dunmore mobilizes militias and clashes erupt with Indigenous nations.
• [05:30] The narrative shifts to spring 1775 when Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech inspires Virginia’s independent militia.
• [06:05] The “shot heard ’round the world” at Lexington and Concord coincides with Dunmore’s seizure of gunpowder and threats to free enslaved people.
• [06:45] Virginia edges from loyalty to revolution as words turn to action and resistance spreads across the colony.
• [07:15] Pendleton’s transformation from cautious loyalist to revolutionary leader contrasts with Chew’s decision to remain faithful to Britain.
• [07:55] Reflection on how patriot and loyalist divisions were more complex than hindsight suggests.
• [08:20] Maggie previews Season 2 topics: the Battle of Great Bridge, Virginia’s evolving identity, and its role in shaping the Declaration of Independence.

The voiceover of Edmund Pendleton's letter in this episode was generated by AI. The content of the transcript itself was not altered.

RELATED CONTENT:

• Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• Revolution Revisited Podcast
• Revolution Revisited Season 1
• Edmund Pendleton

In this bonus episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech and guest Nicole Brown, a doctoral candidate at William and Mary, explore the Williamsburg Bray School's complex legacy in colonial Virginia. 

The episode delves into the school's operations from 1760 to 1774, its focus on educating free and enslaved black children, the school's complexities, its role in both perpetuating and challenging racial hierarchies, and the nature of education in 18th-century Virginia. They delve into the curriculum, the students' experiences, and the impact of the school's teachings. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of recognizing and naming the children who attended the school and the role of education in empowering them, despite the school's initial intention to maintain social control. The episode also highlights recent efforts to preserve and disseminate the history of the Bray School through interdisciplinary research and community involvement.

Nicole Brown, PhD Candidate in American Studies at William & Mary 

• Nicole Brown is an award-winning author, living history expert, and a PhD Candidate in American Studies at William & Mary. Her ongoing academic research analyzes Black literacy in the Atlantic World via interdisciplinary and descendant-engaged scholarship. Brown’s work as a museum professional has taken her across the globe, presenting on interpretive techniques for “hard” histories at museums and historic sites in the United States. Brown recently co-edited a book entitled The Williamsburg Bray School, 1760-1774: A History Through Records, Reflections, and Rediscovery. 

• 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 
• 00:54 The Williamsburg Bray School: An Overview
• 01:55 The Bray Schools Network and Its Origins
• 04:30 Educational Practices and Challenges
• 08:07 Student Experiences and Historical Records
• 15:30 The Impact and Legacy of the Bray School
• 18:33 Modern Research and Public Engagement
• 21:45 Conclusion and Reflections

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 vital role that taverns and spirits played in both colonial and revolutionary Virginia. Featuring insights from Annie Tobey, a writer and editor, and Barry Haneberg, a distiller and historian, the discussion covers the evolution of alcohol production, the gendered aspects of brewing, and the central place of taverns in social and political life. 

The episode delves into the traditional and practical uses of alcohol in colonial Virginia, the role of women in brewing and distillation, and how the revolutionary war accelerated the transition of alcohol production from domestic to industrial spheres. Taverns are examined as social and political hubs where community life flourished and revolutionary ideas were exchanged. Key topics include colonial regulations, the impact of British taxes on molasses and rum, and the significant role of spirits as rations, incentives, and morale boosters for Revolutionary soldiers. The episode concludes by emphasizing the central role of taverns in the communal and political life of the colonies.

• Annie Tobey, Writer and Editor
• Barry Haneberg, Distiller & Historian

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:39 Colonial Taverns: The Heart of Community Life
• 01:50 Brewing and Distillation in Early America
• 04:49 The Role of Women in Brewing and Taverns
• 06:05 Taverns as Revolutionary Hubs
• 09:00 Colonial Regulations and Tavern Culture
• 14:45 The Importance of Rum and the Molasses Act
• 19:35 Alcohol in the Continental Army
• 21:28 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.

In this mini episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech and guest Cody Youngblood, Director of Historic Preservation and Collections at Patrick Henry's Red Hill, explore the story behind Patrick Henry's paper cutter. This seemingly unassuming artifact played a pivotal role in Henry's iconic 'Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death' speech.

The episode delves into Henry's complex personal life, including his contradictory legacy as a revolutionary figure and enslaver. Youngblood provides insights into Henry's family life, his dramatic flair, and new discoveries around the paper cutter that enhance our understanding of this historic object. The episode underscores the enduring impact of Patrick Henry and his contributions to American history. 

Cody Youngblood, Director of Historic Preservation & Collections at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill 

• Cody Youngblood is an architectural historian and the Director of Historic Preservation & Collections at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. He holds a B.A. in Historic Preservation and Museum Studies from the University of Mary Washington and an M.A. in the Conservation of Historic Buildings from the University of York. He has formerly served as Museum Director of George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor and Collections Manager at Oatlands Historic House & Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia. At Red Hill, Cody stewards a collection of nearly 3,000 artifacts and manages the preservation of its historic built environment. He remains a lifelong taphophile and enjoys genealogical research in his spare time.

• 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 
• 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 
• 00:53 Spotlight on Patrick Henry's Paper Cutter 
• 01:49 Patrick Henry's Personal Life and Legacy 
• 03:38 The Complexities of Henry's Family Life 
• 07:12 Henry's Early Career and Rise to Fame 
• 08:22 The Significance of the Paper Cutter 
• 10:15 Historical Context and Preservation 
• 13:00 Patrick Henry's Theatrical Flair 
• 16:50 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 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