Originally published on October 5, 2018 (Episode 80)
Introduction
Virginia’s past is long, complicated, and deeply influential in American history. Few know it better than Brent Tarter, who spent decades at the Library of Virginia documenting, writing, and teaching its history. From the persistence of elites to the resilience of slavery and the challenges of genealogy, this conversation explores the depth and difficulty of studying Virginia’s story.
About the Guest
Brent Tarter is historian emeritus at the Library of Virginia and author of numerous books and essays on Virginia history.
For Further Investigation
Brent Tarter, The Grandees of Government: The Origins and Persistence of Undemocratic Politics in Virginia (Virginia, 2013)
—, A Saga of the New South: Race, Law, and Public Debt in Virginia (Virginia, 2016)
—, Virginians and Their Histories (Virginia, 2020)
—, Vignettes of Colonial Virginia: Remarkable Stories from the Founding of America (Virginia, 2025)
Brent Tarter, “The New Virginia Bookshelf” (VMHB 104.1, Winter 1996)
Related Episodes
“A South You Never Ate”—about Virginia’s Eastern Shore
“In the Matter of Nat Turner”—about the largest slave revolt in the history of the United States, which happened in Virginia
“Debating the Constitution”—about Virginia’s debate on ratifying the Constitution
“Mr. Jefferson’s University”—about the creation and first years of the University of Virginia
“A Brave and Cunning Prince”—about Opechancanough, one of the most important leaders of early Virginia, who nearly ended English settlement
Listen & Discuss
Why did elites remain powerful in Virginia for so long?
What unique challenges face genealogists studying Virginia families?
If you know a Virginian who thinks history begins with them, share this episode.
