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