Mondays

3:00 - The Revolution Takes Center Stage

In this scene: Even while public performances were banned by the Continental Congress, the theater continued to delight audiences and influence the political and social climates of the new American nation.

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• Colonial Theater

3:25 - The Times that Try Men's Souls

In this scene: The year is 1775. One of the country’s founding fathers recalls the recent events that began the American Revolution in Virginia. He calls the citizens to action and challenges them to consider their rights and responsibilities in a self-governing republic.

Listen to the thoughts of Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, or George Washington on issues like: the perils and injustice of human bondage, religion and the state, legal burdens on free blacks, the importance of private property, international relations and diplomacy, the consequences of waging war, and other debates that were cornerstones of the revolution, and the ideals of a new republic.

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• Thomas Jefferson
• Patrick Henry
• George Washington

3:45 - That Freedom Ain’t for Me: July 1776

In this scene: Lydia Broadnax or Eve Randolph discusses the impact of the Declaration of Independence on their lives.

Lydia Broadnax is a slave in the household of George Wythe, signer of the Declaration of Independence and mentor to Virginia's patriots. She frequently hears about liberty and equality, yet she knows these rights do not extend to her.

Eve is a slave of Elizabeth Randolph, widow of Peyton Randolph, president of the first two Continental Congresses and speaker of Virginia's House of Burgesses. Less patient than Lydia, she flees with her son and is captured and then sold.

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• Lydia Broadnax
• Eve

4:00 - Lady Washington Visits the Capitol: August 1777

In this scene: Martha Washington arrives in Williamsburg to great fanfare and celebration. She receives honors in her husband’s name for his service to “The Glorious Cause” of American liberty.

Martha Washington spends much of the Revolutionary War in camp with her husband, General George Washington, and his army. As mother, plantation mistress, slave owner, and military wife, she has multiple roles, each of which requires different talents. Mrs. Washington is an important and intriguing personality. Like the rest of the gentry, she feels deeply responsible for the less fortunate.

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• Martha Washington

4:25 - Thy Rod and Thy Staff: Fall 1793

In this scene: Pastor Gowan Pamphlet, a former slave, discusses his vision for the black Baptist church he leads. He gains recognition for his congregation even as the shadow of slavery puts them all at risk.

Gowan Pamphlet is optimistic about the future. A seasoned and savvy pastor, Pamphlet tells his church, once little more than a ragtag prayer group, that it has been accepted into a regional Baptist association of mostly white churches. Some members are unhappy with the news, fearing he has lost respect for his heritage. Pamphlet eventually re-gains their trust.

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• Gowan Pamphlet

4:55 - Looking Forward: A Founding Father Envisions the Future of the American Republic

In this scene: One of Virginia’s premier patriots sums up his experiences in Williamsburg and expresses his hopes for the future of the young republic.

He addresses such issues as westward expansion, partisan politics, regional sectionalism, and the fate of slavery. Hope is offered for the new constitutional government, economic growth, and America’s attraction to European immigrants.

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• Thomas Jefferson
• Patrick Henry
• Marquis de Lafayette
• George Washington