He held this item when he declared, “Give me liberty or give me death”, and in fact pretended to plunge it into his breast as if it were a dagger.

In this mini episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech and guest Cody Youngblood, Director of Historic Preservation and Collections at Patrick Henry's Red Hill, explore the story behind Patrick Henry's paper cutter. This seemingly unassuming artifact played a pivotal role in Henry's iconic 'Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death' speech.

The episode delves into Henry's complex personal life, including his contradictory legacy as a revolutionary figure and enslaver. Youngblood provides insights into Henry's family life, his dramatic flair, and new discoveries around the paper cutter that enhance our understanding of this historic object. The episode underscores the enduring impact of Patrick Henry and his contributions to American history.

Featured Guest

Cody Youngblood, Director of Historic Preservation & Collections at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill

Cody Youngblood is an architectural historian and the Director of Historic Preservation & Collections at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. He holds a B.A. in Historic Preservation and Museum Studies from the University of Mary Washington and an M.A. in the Conservation of Historic Buildings from the University of York. He has formerly served as Museum Director of George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor and Collections Manager at Oatlands Historic House & Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia. At Red Hill, Cody stewards a collection of nearly 3,000 artifacts and manages the preservation of its historic built environment. He remains a lifelong taphophile and enjoys genealogical research in his spare time.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited
00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited
00:53 Spotlight on Patrick Henry's Paper Cutter
01:49 Patrick Henry's Personal Life and Legacy
03:38 The Complexities of Henry's Family Life
07:12 Henry's Early Career and Rise to Fame
08:22 The Significance of the Paper Cutter
10:15 Historical Context and Preservation
13:00 Patrick Henry's Theatrical Flair
16:50 Conclusion

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

BONUS: Dagger or Paper Cutter? Patrick Henry's Prop

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