History comes alive as the people of America's past come to life to tell their unique and powerful stories. This series of historical snapshots—each designed to stand alone—targets significant events in history. Each video segment can be used to introduce a unit of study or serve as a review tool.
A shipmaster tells about his experiences with Christopher Newport during the exploration of Virginia. He explains the sponsorship, reason for exploration and achievements of Columbus, Ponce de Leon, and Cartier.
Rolfe describes a Powhatan village and the culture. He continues with the change in attitude towards the settlers and the deterioration of relationship between the two people.
John Rolfe describes the establishment of the first permanent settlement. He also tells of the original hardships, the relationship with the Indians, the beginnings of success, the arrival of women, and the importation of slaves.
A Colonial surveyor tells about mapping the new world and introduces the five geographic regions of Virginia. He also talks about natural, human, and capital resources.
A veteran of the Revolutionary War tells about the battle at Yorktown and the surrender of Cornwallis, and talks about the role of Virginians during the war. An American Statesman/General tells about the causes of the war, and explains how Washington, Madison, Mason, and Jefferson helped shape the new government.
An Army veteran tells about his experience during the war. He recalls General Stonewall Jackson earning his nickname, and of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee. An aristocratic Virginia businessman tells about the economic differences between North and South, the rise of sectionalism and the conflicts leading to secession.