Ink & Independence: The Power of Print

The high literacy rates amongst colonists created the perfect environment for revolutionary ideas to take root.

In this episode of Revolution Revisited™, host Maggie Creech explores the pivotal role of print culture in the American Revolution with guests Dr. James Herrera-Brookes & Dr. Cathy Hellier. 

Highlighting the contributions of trailblazing printer Clementina Rind and the impact of Thomas Jefferson's radical pamphlet 'A Summary View of the Rights of British America,' the episode delves into how literacy and printed materials like newspapers and pamphlets spread revolutionary ideas. The discussion covers the intellectual foundations of the Enlightenment, the logistics of 18th-century printing, and the far-reaching effects of disseminated ideas, even among enslaved populations. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of the written word in mobilizing and unifying colonial resistance against British rule. 

Featured Guests 

Dr. James Herrera-Brookes, Melanie Trent de Shutter Sr. Director of Research & Publications at VMHC  

• James is responsible for leadership of the VMHC’s library services, overall management of research and publications, and growing the library’s print collection. He holds an MRes and Ph.D. in American studies and history from the University of Nottingham, where he specialized in the American Civil War and American print and visual culture. James has held research fellowships at the Newberry Library, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Library of Congress. James’ doctoral research examined Civil War soldier-artists and the varied ways they pictured the conflict and has been published in Civil War History and Journal of American Studies. This work will form the basis of a forthcoming exhibition and publication by the VMHC.

Dr. Cathleene B. Hellier, Senior Historian at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

• Cathy Hellier is currently Senior Historian at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia. Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, she joined the Foundation in 1978 as a historical interpreter. From 1979, she has worked in Historical Research at the Foundation. This department produces original research, primarily on Virginia during the colonial period, and supports programming in the Foundation’s Historic Area. Cathy has master’s degrees in Museum Education and American Studies and a doctorate in American Studies. Her dissertation is on enslaved male domestics in Virginia to 1800, and her other research interests include the politics and ideology of the American Revolution; the community of Williamsburg; history of the family; eighteenth-century English language; dance and deportment; and household management. She and her husband Ben have two grown children, Stephen and Katie. 

Show Notes: 

• 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited  
• 00:41 The Power of Print in the 18th Century  
• 01:54 Literacy and Print Culture in Colonial America  
• 05:44 The Role of Newspapers and Pamphlets  
• 15:04 Censorship and Challenges in Print  
• 17:49 Clementina Rind: A Trailblazing Printer  
• 23:34 Jefferson's Radical Pamphlet  
• 29:20 Impact of Revolutionary Print on Enslaved People  
• 34:11 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview 

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