Darryl Hamson
Contributing Writer
Darryl Hamson - aka, The Virginia Wordsmith - personal photo
Ever since I've been old enough to think about it, I've been happy to be a generalist in a world of specialties. My interests have always been wide-ranging, but over the years there have been several enduring themes:
- History. I've recently retired after nine years as a historical interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, so it's not surprising that early American history and British history are among my favorite subjects.
- Reading. I have a particular interest in children's literature, and find great enjoyment in working my way through my collection of over a thousand young adult books.
- Science. I majored in psychology in college, and have always been curious about the nature of mind and consciousness.
What ties all my interests together, of course, is words — their origins, their changing meanings, their use (and abuse), and above all their ability to allow us to communicate with one another. There is no greater satisfaction, for me, than to express myself clearly and to help others to do the same.
Latest Articles
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Book Review: The American Dreams of John B. Prentis, Slave Trader
Kari J. Winter's latest book is a revealing study of a man who embodied two conflicting visions of early America: one of wealth, the other of equality.
Jun 24, 2011
- Darryl Hamson
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The Significance of Freemasonry in Early America
In the new American republic, Freemasonry provided a nonsectarian alternative to religion that simultaneously reinforced and weakened the ruling elites.
Feb 19, 2011
- Darryl Hamson
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The Use of Foreign Coins in Colonial America
For Americans in the colonial and revolutionary periods, ready money consisted almost exclusively of coins from other countries, primarily Spain.
Feb 11, 2011
- Darryl Hamson
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Abigail Adams and Her Financial Investments
During John Adams's many years of public service, his wife Abigail handled the family's financial affairs - and proved herself a shrewd investor.
Feb 5, 2011
- Darryl Hamson
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The Growth of Democracy in Post-Revolutionary America
The decade of the 1780s saw the decline of many of the Enlightenment values of the Founders and a rapid growth of democracy among the common people.
Jan 28, 2011
- Darryl Hamson
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The Gentlemen Founders of the American Republic
The colonial leaders who declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776 never intended or imagined that they would be governed by common people.
Jan 20, 2011
- Darryl Hamson
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The Largest Slave Revolt in American History
Fifty years before the Civil War began, an uprising of slaves in Louisiana helped awaken the rest of the nation to the plight of those held in bondage.
Jan 6, 2011
- Darryl Hamson
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Book Review: American Privacy, by Frederick S. Lane
The right to privacy has been under increasing assault over the last few decades - from government, from businesses, and from the people themselves.
Nov 22, 2010
- Darryl Hamson
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Book Review: Banned in Boston, by Neil Miller
As American society began to undergo radical changes in the late 1800s, stalwarts of the old order joined in a crusade against immorality of all kinds.
Oct 25, 2010
- Darryl Hamson
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Thomas Jefferson and Public Education
Jefferson regarded a comprehensive education for all as fundamental to both good government and the responsible practice of religion.
Sep 10, 2010
- Darryl Hamson
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