There was an interesting show on PBS several weeks ago in it SECRETS OF THE DEAD series, in which a Virginia doctor presented his reasons for thinking the inhabitants of Jamestown died of arsenic poisoning. Here's the PBS description. The first colonists to leave Britain for America settled in Virginia, full of hope for their new home and dreaming of riches. But after just six months, 80 of the 100 were dead. The perceived wisdom is that they died of malaria or another disease. But, recent exhumations reveal a surprising discovery. The bodies contain high levels of arsenic. Were they poisoned? And could the culprit have been a Catholic intent on stopping the Protestants colonizing the New World? Look for it in reruns or you can by it at PBS, see http://www.shop.pbs.org/cust/cdeploy Coming up in October is another subject for anyone interested in Early American families. The times and dates are for Washington DC. AFRICANS IN AMERICA "The Terrible Transformation (1562-1750)" Monday, October 19, 1998 (8-9:30 pm) This four-part series takes a closer look at the events that transpired in America between 1807 and 1861, and shows the role that the struggle over slavery played in shaping the country. The first episode examines the origins of one of the largest forced human migrations in recorded history. AFRICANS IN AMERICA "Revolution (1750-1805)" Tuesday, October 20, 1998 (8-9:30 pm) In the second episode, the American colonies challenge Britain for independence while American slavery is challenged from within, as men and women fight to define what America will become. AFRICANS IN AMERICA "Brotherly Love (1791-1831)" Wednesday, October 21, 1998 (8-9:30 pm) The third episode explores the first 50 years of the new nation and the expansion of slavery into America's western frontier. AFRICANS IN AMERICA "Judgment Day (1831-1861)" Thursday, October 22, 1998 (8-9:30 pm) The final episode looks at how, as the nation expanded westward, slavery became the most divisive issue in American life. Diana