African Americans

Biographical Fact Sheets:

Daily Life

Introduction to Colonial African American Life

Lord Dunmore's Proclamation--an early emancipation proclamation.

Bibliography

Multimedia and related links

Podcasts
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In Their Own Words

Old sources give fresh voice to slavery's story. Manager of African American programs Tricia Brooks explains how we know what we know. May 18, 2009

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Swordmaking in the 18th Century

Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009

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Video podcast: Watch (mov) | Transcript
African American Programs at 30

African American programming adapts through the decades. Harvey Bakari outlines the goals of interpreting Williamsburg's enslaved population. February 2, 2009

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The Native Tongue

Native tribes and colonizers began a dialogue without a word in common. Buck Woodard describes the early exchanges. January 19, 2009

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The Chiefdom of Powhatan

Stratified social organization, strategic alliance, and lineage leadership were hallmarks of Powhatan's rule over southeastern tribes. Buck Woodard describes the society that existed before first contact. January 12, 2009

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We Hold These Truths

Examine iconic American rhetoric in Paul Aron's new book, "We Hold These Truths." December 29, 2008

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Games & Interactive
Interactive
Word of the Day

Impress your friends with your command of the queen's English with this daily feature.

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Games
Daily jigsaw

Piece together scenes from the Historic Area.

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Activities
A Day in the Life

Online activities from the video series

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Downloads
Wallpapers
Thomas Jefferson
Bruton Parish Church
Ringtones
Song: O Dey Seo
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2. Listen: MP3 | WAV
Song: Sit Down
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2. Listen: MP3 | WAV
Screensavers
African Americans

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of African American programming.
1. PC download (6.7 Mb)
2. MAC download (4.7 Mb)
Flowers

Flowers grown in Colonial Williamsburg gardens make this vivid new screensaver. Available for PC and MAC.
1. PC download (7.4 Mb)
2. MAC download (5.3 Mb)
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