The American Revolution offers countless remarkable stories of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things—from the call for independence in 1776 Philadelphia to the improbable surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Hampton Roads, with its deep harbors and strategic position in the prosperous Virginia colony, played a distinct role in that history. As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, WHRO presents Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore, a 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. This podcast is in...
Latest episodes
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…