The Virginia History Podcast covers the rich history that has made the Commonwealth what it is today. Events covered during this podcast will include - Colonial Era American War for Independence Pre-Civil War Civil War Reconstruction Early Modern Virginia During the World's Wars Cold War Vi…
The Virginia History Podcast is a truly captivating and informative podcast that delves deep into the rich history of Virginia. Host Robert Van Ness does an excellent job of presenting historical facts in a new and insightful way, making each episode an engaging experience. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from well-known events to delightfully obscure vignettes of Virginia's past. Whether you are a history enthusiast or just have a passing interest in the subject, this podcast is sure to captivate and educate.
One of the best aspects of The Virginia History Podcast is how it breathes life into the past by highlighting the stories of ordinary people who lived during significant moments in Virginia's history. Van Ness expertly weaves together interviews with leading authors and historians, adding additional depth and perspective to each episode. Through these interviews and his own research, he uncovers lesser-known details and perspectives that provide a fresh understanding of historical events.
Another wonderful aspect of this podcast is its accessibility for listeners with varying levels of knowledge about Virginia's history. Van Ness has a talent for presenting complex information in an easily understood manner, making it enjoyable for both seasoned history buffs and those new to the subject. Even if you consider yourself well-versed in Virginia history, you are almost guaranteed to learn something new from each episode.
While there are very few negatives to mention about The Virginia History Podcast, some listeners have found the choice of musical interludes between segments to be odd at times. While these interludes may not always match the specific time period being discussed, they do add uniqueness to the podcast. However, it can be jolting for some listeners when heavy metal music plays during an episode focusing on pre-Revolutionary Virginia.
In conclusion, The Virginia History Podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in American history or simply curious about their own family's connection to Virginia's past. Van Ness has created a masterful podcast that brings history to life through engaging storytelling and insightful interviews. Whether you are a seasoned history buff or just starting your historical journey, this podcast offers a wealth of information and an enjoyable listening experience.

In which the Cary family is illustrated from medieval times to their involvment in Virginia's growth.

In which Governor Berkeley returns to Virginia and sets the Commonwealth on disastrous course.

In which Dr. Varon and I discuss her newest book.

In which the Alexandria Historical Society's Scott Vierick discusses the enduring legend of Poe's Alexandria visit.

In which historican H.W. Crocker discusses Robert E. Lee's leadership legacy.

In which we look at the Carters after Robert "King"Carter, including other Carter lines that bring us Country Music and the 39th President of the United States.

In which Dr. Gutzman and I discuss his newest book, The Jeffersonians.

In which Robert "King" Carter's importance is illustrated, showing just how powerful the Carter family had become.

In which the Carter family is introduced up to Robert "King" Carter's beginnings.

In which Dr. Alena Pirok discusses Ghost Stories' importance to Colonial Williamsburg and Virginia's history.

In which Katy Brown talks about the Barter Theatre's past, community involvment, and enduring legacy.

In which Jeremy Moss discusses his new book - Colonial Virginia's War Against Piracy: The Governor and the Buccaneer.

In which I interview Dr. Samuel Mitcham about his new book The Encyclopedia of Confederate Generals.

In which the Wormeley family is outlined from their earliest days as Norman Conquerors to their important time in Virginia.

In which I discuss the Armisteads and their important connections to Virginia's history.

In which the Nelson family of Virginia's founding and influence upon Virginia and the United States is discussed.

In which the rapid rise and fall of the Parke Family of Virginia is recounted.

In which the Custis influence from the time of John Custis IV to George Washington Parke Custis is discussed.

In which the Custis family foundations up to John Custis IV of Williamsburg are discussed.

In which Evelyn Byrd's life is summarily illustrated, and stories about her ghost are told.

In which Dr. Mary Grabar discusses her new book Debunking the 1619 Project.

In which Dr. Phillip Magness explains much of the criticism levied at The New York Times' 1619 Project.

In which the Grymes Family of Virginia's history and genealogy is outlined.

In which the Lafayette Trail's Julien Icher discusses Lafayette's 1824 tour of the United States, and his work to highlight that famous visit.

In which the Ludwell family and their impact upon Virginia is discussed.

In which the Fitzhugh story, dating back to 13th Century England, is illustrated from those humble beginnings to William "The Immigrant", his Virginia progeny, and beyond.

In which Museum Director Bethany Sullivan highlights the James Madison Museum of Orange County, Virginia.

In which the Taliaferro family's immigration to Virginia, as well as their spread throughout Virginia and the United States touching many lives along the way is outlined.

In which Dr. Mallios discusses how gift giving played a pivotal part in Ajcan's downfall, as well as gift giving's influence at the later Roanoke and Jamestown colonies.

In which the Randolph's Virginia beginnings are detailed, and some of their fascinating later generations are highlighted.

In which Tuckahoe's Jessica Stith tells some of Tuckahoe Plantation's haunted history such as the famous Gray Lady Ghost and other spooky happenings.

In which historian Scott Dawson tells the "Lost Colony" story based upon primary sources and archaeological evidence found on Hatteras Island, NC.

In which a young Henry Corbin emigrates to Virginia and builds a strong family that profoundly touches Virginia's story is recounted.

In which Brent Tarter and I discuss the shaping of Modern Virginia as she emerged from the Civil War and into the 20th and 21st Centuries.

In which historian Brent Tarter and I discuss the 18th Century and events leading up to the Civil War.

In which I interview historian Brent Tarter for the first of three episodes in advance of his upcoming book Virginians and Their Histories.

In which historian Tony Williams and I discuss his book The Pox and the Covenant to learn about how Bostonians handled the serious 1721 Smallpox epidemic in comparison to today's current virus pandemic.

In which the Page family's 17th Century rise, 18thc Century zenith, and 19th Century demise are recounted.

In which the Burwell Family foundation and rise to prominence is recounted.

In which the Harrison Family's founding as well as their influence on Virginia and the United States is illustrated.

In which Lee family patriarch Richard I and wife Anne Constable's lives as well as the lives of many of their descendants are briefly illustrated.

In which a series outlining Virginia's "First Families" is begun by introducing the Bolling Family Line.

In which I had the pleasure of interviewing Cherles Berkeley, 27th generation owner of Berkeley Castle, and we discuss the Gloucestershire influence upon Berkeley Plantation and Virginia's history.

In which a few haunted tales from Virginia Beach's Thoroughgood House are retold from L.B. Taylor's The Ghosts of Tidewater.

In which Governor Berkeley challenges the Navigation Acts before The Council for Foreign Plantations and King Charles II's Privy Council, while the Virginia settler landscape evolves.

In which Thomas Mathews - portrayed by Historic Jamestowne's Willie Balderson - recalls the terrible events and aftermath of Bacon's Rebellion.

In which Sir William Berkeley and King Charles II return to power and begin organizing their lands under the renewed Stuart cause once again.

In which Dr. Warren Billings and I talk about Sir William Berkeley's importance on 17th Century Virginia's development.

In which fallout from the English Civil War is felt in Virginia and Maryland as both colonies endure changes under the English Protectorate.

In which I interview Dr. Ashley Spivey concerning Native Virginian history, culture, influence, as well as past, present, and future Native concerns.

In which events surrounding the English Civil War, Virginia religious freedom, and free trade are used by the Matthews-Claiborne faction to remove Governor Berkeley from office are detailed.