George Washington Carver impersonator tells stories of discoveries and inventions — **George Washington Carver** *PORTRAYED BY* *Keith Henley*

“There is no End to What I can do”
George Washington Carver, often known as "The Peanut Man", was the inventor responsible for redeveloping the Southern crop industry after the American Civil War. From plant propagation and crop rotation, to harvesting, industrial and retail use, Dr. Carver's discoveries and innovations with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soy beans revolutionized the science behind planting and farming. His ideas influenced farmers not just in the Southern States, but across the Nation and the World.
Keith Henley’s portrayal of George Washington Carver provides an enthusiastic and delightful look into the ingenuity, tenacity, and social conscience of “The Peanut man” whose inventions, and innovations are still very much a part of our lives today.
Keith Henley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Carrie Chapman Catt impersonator tells the story of the 19th Amendment — **Carrie Chapman Catt** portrayed by
*Pat Jordan*

Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters in 1920 and helped lead the fight to ratify the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Mrs. Catt was the women's rights dynamo who succeeded Susan B. Anthony as head of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. She was featured on the cover of Time, inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, and received the American Hebrew Medal. In 2016 a statue was dedicated to her and other suffragists in Nashville, TN —the state that cast the deciding vote for the 19th Amendment. The year 2020 is the Centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Audiences will learn of Carrie’s sense of justice and her will to create change while they experience the sense of humor that contributed to her reputation as a public speaker and popular leader. She never feared defeat and didn’t hesitate to speak out for equality and justice. Her leadership of the woman suffrage mainstream organization will inspire modern audiences just as she inspired its two million members in a steady fight that took 72 years to accomplish.
“As suffragists, we believe that the vote will do women good and women will do politics good…and with the broad application of democracy that knows no bias on the ground of race, color, creed or sex, Americans may stand united, not as Irish-Americans, German-Americans, Negro-Americans, Slav-Americans and “The Women,” but, one and all, as Americans for America.” Carrie Chapman Catt for "The Crisis" magazine - October 31, 1918
Pat Jordan: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, Interpreter, Impersonator

Carrie Chapman Catt talks about working with others to pursue her life's mission of women's suffrage

Meet Carrie Chapman Catt, who founded the League of Women Voters and helped lead the fight for the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women th...

Moments from a live performance by Pat Jordan as Carrie Chapman Catt

Bessie Coleman impersonator Daisy Century is an actor and historian — **Bessie Coleman** *PORTRAYED BY* *DAISY CENTURY*

The first African American and the first Native American woman pilot, as well as the first American to earn an international pilot's license, Bessie Coleman was a woman who didn’t give up. Born in Texas, raised on a farm, she loved school and walked four miles every day to attend a one-room all-black school through 8th grade. Working with her mother and two sisters, she did laundry, cleaned homes, picked cotton to earn money to finish school. At age 18, she enrolled in the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural Normal University, but only had enough money for one year. Traveling north to Chicago to live with her brothers, she heard stories from pilots returning from World War I and decided to become a pilot. After applying to 3 American aviation schools that refused to teach her, this smart, naturally-gifted “double threat” prepared to study in France. Learning enough French to get by, she enrolled in a French school, the only black person in the class. Finishing the 10-month course in 8 months, she achieved her goal.
Dr. Daisy Century as Bessie Coleman is an exciting portrayal of a beautiful, determined woman who knew what she wanted and made it happen. Audience members thrill to tales of barnstorming and stunts with parachutes. Bessie inspires the audience to identify with a woman who risked everything to make her dream a reality. For younger audience members, Daisy brings a pattern to use to create their own plane. She showcases a life that broke the mold, inspiring her audience to do the same.
**Invite Bessie Coleman your event:**
• Educational Programs: Program with Press Conference for Schools, Libraries, Museums and Historic Sites
Daisy Century: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, Interpreter, Impersonator

Dr. Daisy Century will entertain and inspire your audience in her one-woman show as Bessie Coleman. This video features moments from Bessie Coleman’s story of becoming the first American to earn an international pilot’s license.

Bessie Coleman reenactor performs her dynamic show — Dr. Daisy Century entrances and motivates young and old alike with her dynamic one-woman show as Bessie Coleman!

Grace Coolidge actor historian tells stories of the White House and beyond! — **Grace Coolidge** *PORTRAYED BY* *KIM HANLEY*

Kim Hanley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Amelia Earhart historical impersonator tells high-flying stories filled with courage! — **Amelia Earhart** *PORTRAYED BY* *PAT JORDAN*

Amelia Earhart continues to fascinate and to inspire. The charismatic, athletic, risk-taking tomboy could charm you with her sparkling eyes, motivate you with her passion, could convince you with her skill. Although she was born in Kansas, Ms. Earhart had solid Philadelphia connections: Amelia attended the Ogontz School, now part of Penn State University, flew a piper cub from Coatesville and spoke about aviation in Germantown. Ms. Earhart was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to actually flying, she wrote aviation books, helped form the Ninety-Nines to support other female pilots, and taught classes at Purdue University’s aviation department. Earhart was active in the political arena as a member of the National Woman’s Party and as a strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. A friend to Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, Ms. Earhart took Eleanor flying after FDR told her he didn’t want Eleanor piloting a plane. Pat Jordan has also flown a plane and like Amelia, she enjoys taking artistic risks. Ms. Jordan is an adept costumer and is a confident speaker.
**Invite Amelia Earhart to events featuring aviation, courageous women, and women’s rights organizations:**
• Keynote Speaker: Courage • Educational Programs: Schools, Libraries, Museums, Historical Sites • Mix & Mingle
Pat Jordan: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, Interpreter, Impersonator

Juliette Gordon Low impersonator tells of the Girl Scouts' founding and spirit! — **Juliette Gordon-Low** *portrayed by* *carol spacht*

In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low (1860–1927) founded **Girl Scouts of the USA,** an organization that today serves millions of girl members and alumnae, and reflects the arc of her remarkable life. An ardent believer in the potential of all girls and the importance of fostering their individual growth, character, and self-sufficiency, Juliette is credited with establishing and nurturing a global movement that has changed the world.
**Birth of a Movement**
A meeting in 1912 with Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, inspired Juliette to establish Girl Scouts that same year. Telephoning a cousin from her home, she announced, "I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!"
From that first gathering of a small troop of 18 culturally and ethnically diverse girls, Juliette broke the conventions of the time—reaching across class, cultural, and ethnic boundaries to ensure all girls, including those with so-called disabilities, had a place to grow and develop their leadership skills. Using her innate talent for fundraising and public relations, combined with her vast network of friends and supporters, she led Girl Scouts with passion and determination—ensuring it was, and always would be, an experience that was “girl led.”
Carol Spacht: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, Interpreter, Impersonator

Meet Juliette Gordon Low, founder of The Girl Scouts of America

Juliette Gordon Low historical actor inspires audiences of all ages — Carol Spacht is Juliette Gordon Low

harvey Girl Hanley Seated 2 - wooden wall.jpg — **Harvey Girls - Go West!** portrayed by *kim hanley*

**It is 1942** and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt has joined the Allied Powers in the second Great War. Troops are on the move across the country and the Train lines are the most efficient means to move them. But an army needs to be fed! Who better to do so than the company that literally pioneered rail-way food service, Fred Harvey. His famous waitresses, known as The Harvey Girls were the first nationally known female workforce. They were known for efficient, courteous service. During the depression of the 1930’s, many Harvey Houses across the southwest had been closed, but with the troop trains on the move, many houses have to re-open, and they need to be staffed. Many is the old Harvey Girl who came out of retirement to do her duty to her nation by feeding the troops. In this presentation, we will meet Mrs. Alice Dougherty White. Along with many young women in search of independence and adventure, Alice left her home back East in 1907 when she was a teenager, answering the call to work as a Harvey Girl along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. These young ladies and the Fred Harvey Company are credited with civilizing the Southwest. Mrs. White will recount her days as a Harvey Girl as she considers coming out of retirement to Serve the Troops.
Kim Hanley: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, Interpreter, Impersonator

Langston Hughes Keith Henley cropped photo.jpeg — **Langston Hughes** *PORTRAYED BY* *KEITH HENLEY*

Langston Hughes was a poet who utilized the American language, music, slang and religious views to educate the world about African American lifestyles during the Harlem Renaissance. His jazz poetry depicted the "low-life", or the real life experiences of blacks in the lower social-economic strata. His criticisms focused on the divisions, and prejudices, based on skin color within the black community.
Henley’s portrayal deals with the issue of how to be oneself, and encourages all to joy in the knowledge that “I too have a song to sing” and to ask the question “why not me?”
Keith Henley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Langston Hughes (portrayed by Keith Henley) introduces and reads his poem, “The Colored Soldier”

**Martin Luther King, Jr.** *PORTRAYED BY* *KEITH HENLEY*

Born Michael King and later renamed by his father, after the Baptist Minister who was a seminal leader of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the world’s greatest orators, as well as a pastor, activist, and humanitarian. King is best remembered for the advancement of civil rights. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work combating racial inequality through the use of nonviolent civil disobedience, an approach refined based on his studies with Veteran African-American civil rights activist Bayard Rustin and his admiration for Ghandi. While King organized or participated in a great many, and variety, of protests, his most famous speech, the “I have a Dream”, was first delivered at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
Keith Henley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

DORA LEWIS-SPACHT- NWP RATIFICATION CHAIR.jpg — **Dora lewis** *PORTRAYED BY* *CAROL SPACHT*

Dora Lewis was a Philadelphia reformer and suffragist. As Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, she was comfortably connected to the highest levels of society. She chose to dedicate her efforts and position to political action, pressuring the government to pass the 19th Amendment, Woman Suffrage, to the United States Constitution.
Mrs. Lewis was arrested while carrying protest banners in front of the White House as a “Silent Sentinel.” She served as the spokeswoman during the infamous “Night of Terror” at the Occoquan Workhouse, and endured being forcibly fed after hunger-striking. Nothing stopped Mrs. Lewis’ commitment to a woman’s right to vote. Her protest banner quoted President Wilson’s words, “Conquer or Submit.” Dora Lewis would not submit.
Women finally attained the right to vote in 1920. One hundred years later, we have almost forgotten the struggle and sacrifice involved in the battle for a privilege that is too often taken for granted today. You are invited to meet Dora Lewis, National Woman’s Party Ratification Chair, to learn more about this important moment in women’s history.
Carol Spacht: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

**Charles Lindbergh: The Spirit of Lindbergh**

**PRESENTED BY** **NEILL HARTLEY**
Neill Hartley portrays Charles Lindbergh in The Spirit of Lindbergh, an exciting adventure based on his historic 1927 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. See "Lucky Lindy" planning his trip, navigating in the cockpit, and arriving in Paris. Experience first hand the incredible journey that riveted the world and transformed aviation forever!
“The Spirit of Lindbergh” is a fully staged one-man presentation sure to delight, entertain and educate audiences of all ages.
Following the performance, there is a short informational section detailing Lindbergh's life and an explanation of the plane. The presentation is completed with a question and answer period with the audience.
The show can be easily be adapted to fit a time slot from 40 minutes to one hour and may include any and all parts listed above. Age suitability for the show ranges from age 6 too adult, and the group size is flexible.
Neill Hartley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Neill Hartley as Charles Lindbergh in the one-man show: “The Spirit of Lindbergh”

**Joshua Lionel Cowen** *PORTRAYED BY* *NEILL HARTLEY*

Neill Hartley is Joshua Lionel Cowen in this exciting and magical one–man show about the founding and history of one of the greatest toy companies ever created! A fully-staged presentation that will entertain and educate audiences of all ages. See young Joshua Lionel Cowen as he begins building “electrical novelties.” Then follow his climb to the top of the toy industry as he creates Lionel Toy Trains, one of the most beloved and successful toy companies of all time.
Experience the magic of toy trains and the timeless pleasure of model railroading. Learn about Joshua Lionel Cowen’s incredible skill at marketing with indelible images that have helped sell more than 50 million train sets and more than 300 miles of track each year!
Invite Joshua Lionel Cowen to your event:
• Educational Programs: 40-60 minutes plus Informational Section (about the history of railroads, model trains and their popularity with generations of fans) and Q & A for Schools, Libraries, Museums, Historical Sites
"Lionel Toy Trains are truly the Standard of the World."
Neill Hartley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Neill Hartley in the one-man show, “The Magic of Lionel Trains”

**Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis** *PORTRAYED BY* *JILL LAWRENCE*

She was a Kennedy. She was an Onassis. She did not define herself by her husbands.
Her enduring legacy would be the force of nature that was Jacqueline!
As a young mother she was catapulted onto the World Stage when her husband John F. Kennedy became the 35th President of the United States. She quickly observed that America’s rich, cultural and architectural past was being destroyed in the name of progress. Realizing that the future generations would need the insights of the past for guidance, Jacqueline embarked upon a series of preservation efforts: First the White House, and then Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C, and eventually Grand Central Station in NYC. Such preservation efforts galvanized the rest of the country to protect its historic monuments. Aided by her public profile, her work helped bring about the Historic Preservation Act of 1966: the most far-reaching preservation legislation ever enacted in the United States.
Actress Jill Lawrence brings the woman we now know as Jackie O’ to life by interpreting her tireless efforts for the public good. By conveying Jacqueline’s personal and professional struggles and victories, a poignant portrait of the First Lady, wife and mother and activist vividly comes alive. By bringing historic preservation center stage, Jacqueline’s gift for the future was to preserve the past. Get to know the great American Legacy of a woman who wore many more hats than her famous pillbox.
Jill Lawrence: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Jill Lawrence is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the one-woman show, “Preservation and Grace: An American Legacy”

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis suggests a family-friendly, quarantine-accommodating, pandemic-possible activity

**Dorothy Parker** *PORTRAYED BY* *RENE GOODWIN*

A co-founder of the famous lunchtime literary gathering known as the Algonquin Round Table, Dorothy Parker’s comments and pithy poems gained her a national reputation when reprinted in newspaper columns written by her fellow writers. This earthy, articulate writer penned poems, theater reviews, short stories and film scripts, including co-writing the original A Star Is Born. Her particular perspective, the assumed persona of the “bad boy,” was accepted and enjoyed by her audience. This perceptive life-observer lived life her own way, driven to use her talent to see past hypocrisy and any obfuscation to the truth.
Hawking her new book, Death and Taxes, we meet Dorothy Parker, a fascinating woman of the 1930’s with timely messages for today. Excerpting Dorothy Parker’s works, Rene Goodwin’s presentation treats her audience to short stories, poems and quotes rendered so deftly that you can smell Parker’s perfume or taste the food she’s cooking. Goodwin shows us a woman, like herself, who marches to her own drum, living life on its own terms and wasting little time on regrets. Sounding the way Parker sounded, impeccably dressed as Parker might, we meet a woman who’s smart, fun, confrontational.
“Rene’s performance was both captivating and insightful. I heard many positive comments afterwards such as ‘delightful and accurate portrait,’ ‘the caustic commentary was right on,’ and ‘her performance was delightfully wicked and uncannily honest.’ Clearly the audience was captivated by Rene’s performance.” - E.G. West Caldwell Public Library, NJ
Rene Goodwin: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

**Rosa Parks** *PORTRAYED BY* *ALEXANDRA FORD*

Rosa Parks said: "I'd see the bus pass by me every day...but to me, that was a way we had no choice but to accept what was the custom. The bus was among the first ways I realized there was a black world and a white one."
On December 1, 1955, what did one woman on a Montgomery Alabama Bus do to deserve such accolades and why? What drove her to her actions and what did she hope to achieve? How did this change her life, and the lives of others in the United States? Rosa Parks’ story will serve to remind all who hear it that we cannot always stand by and observe the status quo. Sometimes, we have to take a seat to be heard and knowingly place our personal comfort aside in order to bring about the changes that will help "We the People..." form that "...more Perfect Union" that is our Nation's promise.
Alexandra Ford: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Get to know Rosa Parks (Alexandra M. Ford) in this short introductory video

Rosa Parks shares some of her wisdom on how to pass the time during quarantine

**Ruth Patrick** *PORTRAYED BY* *CAROL SPACHT*

Dr. Ruth Patrick broke through the gender barrier of the early 20th century to become a pioneer environmentalist in the area of freshwater ecology. Her research on diatoms, or single-cell algae, led her to develop what is known as the “Patrick Principle,” proving that a balanced ecosystem in a river depends upon biological diversity. Dr. Patrick’s work on water quality and pollution has made her an advisor to five Presidents of the United States and a recipient of the National Medal of Science. Her love of the natural world continues to influence new generations of scientists who share her desire to make this world a better place.
Carol Spacht: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Alice Paul - Williams Head Shot.jpg — **Alice Paul** *PORTRAYED BY* *TAYLOR WILLIAMS*

Blunt-speaking, no-nonsense Alice Paul was born into a Quaker family in New Jersey. Her many areas of studies and earned degrees included a BA in Biology from Swarthmore, studies in social work at the New York School of Philanthropy (now the Columbia University Graduate School of Social Work) and the University of Birmingham. He continuing pursuit of a higher education took her to England where she was inspired by Britain’s Christabel Pankhurst to speak out for women’s right to vote. Paul joined the fight for suffrage in Great Britain, returned home to work with the National American Woman Suffrage Association, founded the National Woman’s Party, campaigned against President Wilson’s refusal to support woman suffrage, went on hunger strikes and was jailed in order to secure the 19th Amendment. When that passed, in 1920, Alice Paul wrote and worked for the Equal Rights Amendment, introducing the bill in 1923. The ERA has been introduced to Congress every session since 1982, but has never gotten out of committee.
Welsh-American legal scholar and activist, Taylor Williams takes up the standard of Alice Paul. The two women both studied extensively, studied law and have lived lives dedicated to protecting civil rights. Taylor Williams explains the simple idea behind the Equal Rights Amendment: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” Ms. Williams demystifies the concept, as well as its nonratification. Crediting Ms. Paul as a supreme strategist who revitalized the suffrage movement, Ms. Williams brings to life the all-too-human woman willing to be classified a political prisoner and endure force feedings in order to elicit the public outrage that would eventually convince a nation that women deserve the vote. When Alice Paul was asked why she persevered so single-mindedly, Paul quoted her father, “When you put your hand to the plow, you can’t set it down until you get to the end of the row.” Taylor Williams would remind us that we haven’t yet finished the row.
Taylor Williams: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator
“Thanks you so much for the wonderful presentation that you provided in celebration of Women’s Equality Day…. Bringing “herstorical” figures to life is a most effective way to bring the struggle home to those of us who take those hard-won gains for granted.” -Federal Women’s Program, National Security Agency
“Ms. Williams was outstanding in an entertaining and educational performance that captured the complexities and achievements of such a devoted woman. Both the audience and the committee raved over the event.” -Women’s History Month Planning Committee, Smithsonian Institution Taylor Williams as Alice Paul:

Alice Paul tells part of the story of how the 19th Amendment was ratified.

Alice Paul tells of how she struggled against her own shyness and reticence in order to inspire others with her words and courage.

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.jpg — **Abby aldrich rockefeller** *PORTRAYED BY* *KIM HANLEY*

Kim Hanley: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, Interpreter, Impersonator

Theodore Roosevelt presidential impersonator tells his stories with energy and confidence — **Theodore Roosevelt** *PORTRAYED BY* *PEYTON DIXON*

Theodore Roosevelt was the second of four children born to a wealthy New York Family. Sickly in his youth, he dedicated himself to a physical regimen and became an avid outdoors-man and naturalist, who later promoted the conservation movement. He attended Harvard University, where he studied biology and boxed. Only one year out of college, he was elected to the New York State Assembly.
When President McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Roosevelt (then Vice President) stepped in to the Presidency. In his tenure as Chief Executive, he promoted progressive reforms. Roosevelt described his domestic political agenda as a "Square Deal" to emphasize his commitment to ensure that the average citizen would get a “fair share” under his leadership. His accomplishments were plentiful and diverse - A famed hunter, he was also one of our nation’s first conservationists and as a dignified war hero he was also a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The slogan "Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far” lives on well beyond the life of this remarkable man.
Peyton Dixon: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Theodore Roosevelt, during a Zoom event, answers a question about workers’ rights and his Square Deal.

Peyton Dixon is President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt historical reenactor and lookalike Peyton Dixon — Peyton Dixon as Theodore Roosevelt during a performance

Alice Roosevelt Longworth impersonator Kim Hanley tells stories with sparkle and a cutting wit — **Alice Roosevelt** *PORTRAYED BY* *KIM HANLEY*

The oldest child of Theodore Roosevelt, Alice grew up at an exciting time in America’s history: the United States was emerging as a global power. She was in a key position to observe and comment because she knew all the important players and was present at key events. A rule-breaker, a fashion icon, an independent woman, Alice was only intermittently politically active, but when she did feel strongly, she made her opinions well known. She was vehemently against the proposed League of Nations following World War I because the League was President Wilson’s idea and because it would have limited America’s power. And even though she married Republican Nicholas Longworth, Alice temporarily became a Democrat while Presidents Kennedy and Johnson were in office and was outspoken on their behalf.
Kim Hanley as Alice Roosevelt invites you to experience what life was like when America was coming into its own on the world stage. Sharing her picture album with her audience, we glimpse a life lived in the United States and abroad, a life filled with adventures and adventurers, triumphs and tragedies. The ideal commentator of defining moments, Kim’s Alice takes us on a journey that includes the famous and the infamous, including “Princess Alice” herself.
Kim Hanley: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, Interpreter, Impersonator

Alice Roosevelt Longworth recalls stories from her childhood at Sagamore Hill and The White House

Alice Roosevelt Longworth tells of her experiences at The White House, and of how the building got its name.

**Alice Roosevelt's Maid** *Portrayed by* *Kim Hanley*

In 1905 during the Gilded Age when fashions and fortunes reached fabulous heights, President Theodore Roosevelt authorized the largest diplomatic and imperialistic mission in the History of the United States. The steamship USS Manchuria, would cross the Pacific Ocean to dock at Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, China and Korea and along for the ride was the President's daughter Alice, a media darling known for her outgoing, free-spirited behavior. Join Alice Roosevelt's maid Peggy, as she packs her mistress's trunk for the voyage home and be privy to the glamour, the politics and the gossip including an exclusive on the rumor of a budding courtship which may just end in the White house wedding of America's most eligible bachelorette.
This program is a glimpse into the world of the folks "upstairs" through the eyes of one "downstairs".
Kim Hanley: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, Interpreter, Impersonator

**Anna Eleanor Roosevelt** *PORTRAYED BY* *RENE GOODWIN*

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt is best-known as the articulate First Lady of the United States, supporting her husband Franklin’s policies and advocating humanitarian causes; and after Franklin’s death Eleanor is perhaps just as well known as a co-creator of and delegate to the United Nations. Born into a family of wealth and privilege, and marrying a distant cousin from a wealthy, powerful family, could have meant a life of comfort and ease for Eleanor. But she became more than a shy socialite dabbling in good works and more than a political wife hosting parties. Especially after her husband was stricken with paralysis, Eleanor became Franklin’s eyes and ears, listening to his constituents and providing a sounding-board for Franklin’s policies. After Franklin’s death, Eleanor continued to champion human rights, actively fighting segregation as First Lady of the World. Eleanor’s difficult early life made her sensitive to the pain of others and her character made her commit to a lifetime devoted to easing that suffering.
Ms. Goodwin’s Eleanor Roosevelt elicits a visceral reaction: she’s frequently told, “We felt the presence of Eleanor,” whether in Part I on the campaign trail or in Part II at Eleanor’s last White House tea. Rene’s Eleanor urges, “One can without any great talents learn to live widely and fully and that, ladies and gentlemen, is my challenge to you today, to live widely and fully. It is, after all, your birthright.”
Rene Goodwin: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator
"I must write to comment on the magnificence of Ms. Goodwin. Her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt completely captivated the audience. We all felt as though we were in the presence of Mrs. Roosevelt herself--quite an extraordinary experience." -- B.H. Ridgewood Public Library, NJ

Franklin Delano Roosevelt impersonator Neill Hartley — **Franklin Delano Roosevelt: A New Deal for America**

**PRESENTED BY** **NEILL HARTLEY**
It’s the 1930’s and unemployment is up to 33%. America’s president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, must rally a nation demoralized by poverty, hunger, housing shortages and labor disputes escalating to riots. Unable to walk without crutches, FDR was able through the sheer power of his personality, his political skill and his eloquent Fireside Chat rhetoric, to lead America from fear to federal programs that eventually break through the economic crisis of the Great Depression. Neill Hartley’s FDR: A New Deal for America is a collage of personalities from a watershed period in United States history. When Hartley sings Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? he expresses the prevailing despair, while Hartley’s humor, courtesy of Will Rogers, is a reminder that there is always hope. Hartley leaves his audience with a final speech from FDR, in profile seated in a car with his signature cigarette holder, describing what he envisions for America. We are left to wonder whether FDR, the most powerful man alive at the time, abused the power a grateful nation had placed with him. Or whether he was the right person at the right time to do what needed to be done.
"Our library was honored to host the first performance of this astonishing new program by the multi-talented Mr. Hartley. Not only did Neill re-create the dramatic emotional and political climate of the Great Depression, but he made clear the lasting impact of Roosevelt's New Deal programs on the American economy. ...Neill Hartley consistently produces and performs first-rate theatrical productions." -- P.B. Waldwick Public Library, NJ
Neill Hartley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

President Franklin D. Roosevelt calls for unity and courage in a time of crisis.

Neill Hartley is FDR and the narrator in the one-man show, “FDR: A New Deal for America”

FDR impersonator Neill Hartley — **Franklin Delano Roosevelt in:** *Arsenal for Democracy*

**PRESENTED BY** **NEILL HARTLEY**
The date is December 29, 1940. Franklin Delano Roosevelt has just been re-elected to an unprecedented third term in office. But the world is in a crisis. Nazi Germany has blazed the path of destruction across Europe, and America may soon be drawn into war.
Watch this famous moment come to life, as you meet with the President just prior to his delivery of the famous “Arsenal of Democracy” speech. Learn what President Roosevelt was thinking, and listen to his plea for the support of our Allies. Experience first hand the history that shaped our nation.
Neill Hartley is Franklin Delano Roosevelt in this fully staged historical presentation that will entertain and educate audiences from school age to adult. Following the presentation, there will be time for comments and questions for the one of the most influential presidents of all time.
"We must be an arsenal for democracy" Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1940
Neill Hartley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

**Rosie the Riveter** *PORTRAYED BY ELIZABETH MICHAELS*

Rosie the Riveter has been a popular American cultural icon for many years. A song of the same name was written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb and was recorded by Kay Kyser’s band. J. Howard Miller’s “We Can Do it” poster (mistaken for Rosie) is still popular, as is Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post cover featuring the strong, capable woman. In times of war, women are called upon to take on tasks traditionally considered men’s work and have shown themselves more than equal to the challenge. Even more difficult might have been returning to traditionally female roles once the men return home. Rosie has symbolized rising to both types of challenges.
Elizabeth Michaels’ Rosie the Riveter shows the characteristic strength and grace under pressure for which this American archetype is famous. This self-taught actress has created a successful career and family by identifying her talents and finding ways to make her contribution.
“I’ve been privileged to see many Broadway and other professional shows…your talent, confidence, and stage presence delightfully compares with the best that I’ve seen.” –W.W. LuLu Legion of Honor

**Frank Lloyd Wright** *Portrayed by* *Bob Gleason*

Frank Lloyd Wright was born June 8th, 1867 in rural Richland Center, Wisconsin. He was the greatest American architect. Just ask him! Except he’d tell you he’s the greatest architect from anywhere… ever!
Frank made Richard Wagner look humble. His life was a grand soap opera on a roller coaster and it went on for 91 years if you don’t count the fact that somebody had one of his houses built in Ireland a couple years ago or that he was buried twice. Wright promoted organic architecture and is known for his Usonian house concept and his Prairie School movement. Wright’s buildings speak for themselves, but a viewing of Ken Burn’s documentary is a big help.
Bob Gleason: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

**Woodrow Wilson and the Great War**

**PRESENTED BY** **NEILL HARTLEY**
Neill Hartley is president Woodrow Wilson in this captivating and exciting one–man show set in the turbulent days leading up to World War I. This fully staged historical presentation will entertain and educate audiences all ages. Woodrow Wilson, a former college professor somehow defied the odds and become President of the United States. But early success in office was soon overshadowed as Europe exploded into the most brutal war mankind had ever fought. A world filled with international intrigue, deadly U-Boat attacks and secret diplomatic communiqués that would slowly draw America into war.
See Woodrow Wilson as he struggles to protect democracy and promote peace through the League of Nations. Watch as the president and his advisors work out the details of war. Hear the moving declarations of one of the most famous American orators. Experience first-hand the extraordinary times that shaped our nation then and today. Following the performance, there is a short informational section about the early life of Woodrow Wilson, and the many technological innovations that evolved during the time period. A question and answer will conclude the presentation.
The program can be easily be adapted to fit a time slot from 40 minutes to one hour and may include any and all parts listed above. Age suitability for the show ranges from age 6 to adult, and the group size is flexible.
*"The world must be made safe for democracy."* Woodrow Wilson 1917
Neill Hartley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator

Woodrow Wilson (Neill Hartley) speaks at a community event in New Jersey