As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, WHRO presents this chronicle of America's semi-quincentennial through the people, actions, and events that have shaped our country. This weekly feature offers a fresh and intriguing look at American independence through our region's unique lens.
Latest episodes
-
2 min
A Genesis: The Fifth Virginia Convention
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we conclude our series with a return to the genesis of the American experiment. At the Fifth Virginia Convention in Williamsburg, d…
-
2 min
The Age of Revolution!
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we take a closer look at the generation that launched the American Revolution. Many of the figures we remember as Founding Fathers…
-
2 min
The Sound of the Common People
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we explore how music connected ordinary people in colonial Virginia. Familiar tunes played in taverns, marketplaces, and ports brou…
-
2 min
Revolution at Sea: Norfolk's Richard Dale
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we tell the story of Richard Dale, a Norfolk County sailor who rose from the merchant trade to become one of America’s first naval…
-
2 min
The End of War: The Moore House
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we explore the Moore House at Yorktown, where officers from Britain, France, and the American forces negotiated the surrender terms…
-
2 min
Theater in the Colonies
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we explore Williamsburg’s colonial playhouse and the entertainment culture that flourished before the American Revolution. Theater,…
-
2 min
Great Dismal Swamp: Refuge Amongst Revolution
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we explore the Great Dismal Swamp and the hidden communities that formed there during the Revolutionary era. As colonists tried to…
-
53 min
Revolution 250: The Founding Mothers (Extended Special)
As America reflects on 250 years of independence, we remember the women whose courage, sacrifice, and determination helped shape a nation. They published revolutionary ideals, orga…
-
2 min
The British Raid of 1779
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we examine the British raid of 1779 and Virginia’s role as a supply center for the American Revolution. British forces struck ports…
-
2 min
Voices of Revolution!
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we explore how newspapers shaped the American Revolution. Competing editions of the Virginia Gazette reflected deep divisions in co…
-
2 min
Benedict Arnold: The Aftermath of Betrayal
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we continue the story of Benedict Arnold after his defection. Once a respected officer, Arnold entered British service and used his…
-
2 min
The Gunpowder Incident: When Tensions Ignited in Williamsburg
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we explore the Gunpowder Incident, when a quiet overnight decision in Williamsburg sparked anger, suspicion, and growing calls for…
-
58 min
Revolution 250: Sounds of a New Nation: Music in Colonial Virginia (Extended Feature)
Revolution 250: Sounds of a New Nation: Music in Colonial Virginia explores how music reveals the cultural origins of early America. Hosted by Dr. Wayla Chambo and Dr. Barry Graham…
-
2 min
From “Tap Toe” to “Tattoo:” How a War Call Became a Celebration
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we explore how music shaped military life and communication. The signal known as tap-toe guided soldiers back to their quarters and…
-
2 min
The Sound of the Battlefield
On Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore, we explore how music and sound shaped the experience of the American Revolution. From battlefield commands to daily camp routines,…
-
2 min
Women, Community, and Care: Polly Miller
This March, Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore honors the women of the American Revolution. Polly Miller ran a tavern at Great Bridge that became a place of care after ba…
-
2 min
Women, War, and Service: Sarah Osborn Benjamin
Podcast Description This March, Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore honors the women of the American Revolution. Sarah Osborn Benjamin followed the Continental Army throug…
-
2 min
Women, War, and Letters: Betsy Ambler Carrington
This March, Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore highlights women of the American Revolution. Betsy Ambler Carrington recorded the upheaval of wartime Virginia through her…
-
2 min
Women, Words, and Power: Clementina Rind
This March, Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore honors the women of the American Revolution. When Clementina Rind took control of the Virginia Gazette after her husband’s…
-
2 min
Women, Property, and Power: Anne Roberts of the Golden Quarter
This March, Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore honors the women of the American Revolution for Women's History Month: Anne Roberts inherited land, defied expectations, an…