Robert Van Ness
Virginia History Podcast
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 EraAmerican War for IndependencePre-Civil WarCivil WarReconstructionEarly ModernVirginia During the World's WarsCold War VirginiaContemporary VirginiaAlong the way, I will blog, mostly small notes, resources, and pictures to supplement the history at www.vahistorypodcast.com
Author
Robert Van Ness
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jan 30, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
First Families of Virginia - The Fitzhughs 28.03.2021 1:01:30
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.
The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage 27.02.2021 44:07
In which Museum Director Bethany Sullivan highlights the James Madison Museum of Orange County, Virginia.
First Families of Virginia - The Taliaferros 28.01.2021 29:49
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.
The Deadly Politics of Giving - Dr. Seth Mallios Interview 23.12.2020 47:19
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.
First Families of Virginia - The Randolphs 24.11.2020 1:11:29
In which the Randolph's Virginia beginnings are detailed, and some of their fascinating later generations are highlighted.
Special Halloween Episode - Haunted Tuckahoe with Jessica Stith 28.10.2020 31:58
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.
Scott Dawson and the "Lost Colony Mystery" 25.09.2020 1:09:48
In which historian Scott Dawson tells the "Lost Colony" story based upon primary sources and archaeological evidence found on Hatteras Island, NC.
First Families of Virginia - The Corbins 17.08.2020 43:39
In which a young Henry Corbin emigrates to Virginia and builds a strong family that profoundly touches Virginia's story is recounted.
Virginians and their Histories - Brent Tarter Interview, Part 3 23.07.2020 57:59
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.
Virginians and their Histories - Brent Tarter Interview, Part 2 16.06.2020 1:09:04
In which historian Brent Tarter and I discuss the 18th Century and events leading up to the Civil War.
Virginians and their Histories - Brent Tarter Interview, Part 1 14.05.2020 41:11
In which I interview historian Brent Tarter for the first of three episodes in advance of his upcoming book Virginians and Their Histories.
Lessons from the 1721 Boston Smallpox Epidemic - Tony Williams Interview 07.05.2020 46:59
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.
First Families of Virginia - The Pages 27.04.2020 44:16
In which the Page family's 17th Century rise, 18th Century zenith, and 19th Century demise are recounted.
First Families of Virginia - The Burwells 26.03.2020 37:52
In which the Burwell Family foundation and rise to prominence is recounted.
First Families of Virginia - The Harrisons 22.02.2020 41:34
In which the Harrison Family's founding as well as their influence on Virginia and the United States is illustrated.
First Families of Virginia - The Lees 27.01.2020 28:44
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.
First Families of Virginia - The Bollings 12.12.2019 15:03
In which a series outlining Virginia's "First Families" is begun by introducing the Bolling Family Line.
Interview with Berkeley Castle's Charles Berkeley 10.11.2019 18:00
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.
Special Halloween Episode - Haunted Thoroughgood 26.10.2019 9:47
In which a few haunted tales from Virginia Beach's Thoroughgood House are retold from L.B. Taylor's The Ghosts of Tidewater.
Berkeley Challenges the Navigation Acts 23.10.2019 30:15
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.
Jamestown Burned! Interview with eyewitness Thomas Mathews 27.09.2019 55:21
In which Thomas Mathews - portrayed by Historic Jamestowne's Willie Balderson - recalls the terrible events and aftermath of Bacon's Rebellion.
Berkeley Returns to Power 22.08.2019 32:09
In which Sir William Berkeley and King Charles II return to power and begin organizing their lands under the renewed Stuart cause once again.
Sir William Berkeley - Interview with Dr. Warren Billings 08.08.2019 35:20
In which Dr. Warren Billings and I talk about Sir William Berkeley's importance on 17th Century Virginia's development.
Virginia During the Interregnum 26.07.2019 30:18
In which fallout from the English Civil War is felt in Virginia and Maryland as both colonies endure changes under the English Protectorate.
Virginia's Native History - Interview with Dr. Ashley Spivey 17.07.2019 1:06:01
In which I interview Dr. Ashley Spivey concerning Native Virginian history, culture, influence, as well as past, present, and future Native concerns.
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