Abraham Lincoln: The Personal Side
By Spencer Davis
This is a Chautauqua-style program done in Lincoln costume. Davis uses Lincoln's departure from Springfield, Ill., as the occasion for Lincoln's reflections on his early life. 

Adam Clayton Powell, a Living History Presentation

By Preston Love Jr.

Join a Harlem, New York, audience in 1968 to hear Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a civil rights advocate and U.S. Congressman for more than twenty-five years, give a campaign speech in which he recalls his history and the ups and downs of his life and career.

Buffalo Bill Cody Reminisces About His Early Life on the Plains
By Stuart C. Lynn
Stuart Lynn brings to life Buffalo Bill Cody in this living-history program, reminiscing about his youth and early years as a Pony Express rider, young soldier and buffalo hunter, as well as his experiences scouting for the Army in Kansas and Nebraska. Lynn brings Cody up to the famous buffalo hunt with the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia in 1872.

Cattle Towns and Soiled Doves
By Marla Matkin
Possessing a twinkle in her eye and a tantalizing sense of humor, the Contessa is in rare form as she deftly transports you to the frontier of cow towns, painted ladies and the riveting characters that strode the streets and rode the range. Movies, television and novels have long kept the West and its saga alive, but it takes the insight of a charmer such as the Contessa to immerse you in the history and lore of such an unforgettable moment in time. Her invitation is an appeal to suspend 21st century reality and travel back to the boomtowns where men lived by the gun and women lived by their wits. It's the Victorian Era on the wild side. As the Contessa, Matkin employs ample supplies of humor, sensitivity and skill to navigate the nuances of the subjects of this presentation.

The Courage to Continue
By Cherrie Beam-Clarke
This is the sequel to the program “Promise in a New Land.” Beam-Clark, as Maria Monahan in period attire with Irish brogue, depicts prairie life 1870 to 1880 continuing her story in a Chautauqua-style presentation. Selling the eastern Nebraska homestead, they begin again in the desolate western end of the state. Relive trials of being lost in the sandhills, lightning storms, crying for rain, rattlesnakes and the never-ending wind. Delight with homemade music, the 4th of July, picnics and American pride.

Daniel Freeman: America's First Homesteader
By Darrel W. Draper
Hear Daniel Freeman's amazing story as Darrel Draper portrays "Old Number One" in full costume. It is a Chautauqua-style, humorous and historically factual account of America's first homesteader and the impact of the Homestead Act in settling the West. Recommended for ages 10 to adult.

Dr. Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa)
By Jerome Kills Small
Charles Alexander Eastman was 32 when he accepted his first appointment as a physician for the Indian Bureau at the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1890. He witnessed the Wounded Knee Massacre and later recounted what he saw and did in his autobiography "From the Deep Woods to Civilization." In this living-history presentation, Kills Small portrays Eastman and describes the many changes he went through and his service in many areas of Dakota and Lakota Sioux life.

General George Crook: His Life and Times

By Greg Nestroyl

Dressed in period costume, Nestroyl introduces General George Crook with a program of entertaining history from an American Indian War veteran and humanitarian. Nestroyl presents reflections and experiences from on and off of the field of battle through the eyes of the man who was called the "Greatest Indian fighter in the U.S. Army."

General U.S. Grant
By Thomas N. King
Step back to the Civil War era and listen to tales and personal history from one of America's most famous generals. This Chautauqua-style portrayal takes Ulysses S. Grant from personal mediocrity to his promotion to the highest-ranking general in the Union Army. Complete with period costume, the presentation allows audiences to relive the war years through the eyes of General Grant.

George Drouillard: Hunter, Interpreter and Sign-Talker for Lewis and Clark
By Darrel Draper
In full expedition costume and voyageur accent, Draper combines history and acting ability to portray the life of Lewis and Clark’s most valuable expedition member.  Half French and half Shawnee Indian, this expert hunter, Indian sign talker and wilderness woodsman was called upon by the two captains whenever they needed a nearly impossible task to be completed. The audience will relive the humor, dangers, miracles and hardships of the expedition and receive a rare glimpse of how Shawnee spirituality contributed to the success of this amazing story of human perseverance and voyage of western discovery.

Grace Abbott: Children's Crusader
By Helen M. Lewis
Grace Abbott's Grand Island upbringing influenced her advocacy for education and social justice as  director of Chicago's Immigrant Protective League. Writing and speaking for social reform--from women's suffrage to world peace--Abbott became a leader in the struggle for federal child labor legislation. As Chief of the U.S. Children's Bureau, Abbott shaped public assistance programs, especially to protect children. The presentation, done in costume, conveys the continuing relevance of Abbott's work by exploring her efforts for the exploited. Lewis will adapt the program to meet the interests of the sponsoring group.

Grit n Gumption

By Cherrie Beam-Clarke

This program is a continuation of stories told in “Promise in a New Land” and “The Courage to Continue.”  Reprising her role as Maria Monahan, Beam-Clarke tells more stories depicting Nebraska life from 1860 to 1895.  Hear about getting lost in the sand hills, how settlers found someone to marry when there weren’t many people around, what they did when they got sick, how they were schooled, and what happened when they encountered buffalo, tornadoes and Indians.  This program is appropriate for all ages.

Hartley Burr Alexander: A Living History
By Robert Haller
Those who quote “Not the victory but the action; not the goal, but the game; in the deed, the glory” or “The Salvation of the State is Watchfulness in the Citizen” may not know that the author of these inscriptions is Hartley Burr Alexander.  He was nationally prominent as a philosopher and educational theorist, but put much of his energy into Nebraska institutions—the Capitol Building for which he was thematic consultant, the Pageants of Lincoln, Ak-Sar-Ben, the culture of native peoples, and prairie populism. For this program I impersonate Alexander, presenting in his own words, reflections on his upbringing in Syracuse and his years as a philosopher, educator and professor active promoter of pageants, architectural symbols, poetry and psychology.

The History of Nebraska as Told by Peter A. Sarpy
By Darrel W. Draper
Dressed in period costume and speaking in his native French accent, "Peter Sarpy" describes the transformation of Nebraska from French colony to statehood. This dramatic one-act play uses humor, interactive audience participation and factual historical anecdotes to captivate youth and adult audiences alike. This living-history presentation is appropriate for schools, civic groups, churches, museums and festivals.

J. Sterling Morton, Author of Arbor Day
By Darrel W. Draper
This history program introduces the audience to the life of J. Sterling Morton, from his birth in upstate New York to his rise to power and fame in Nebraska. Within five years after his arrival at Bellevue, Morton was twice elected to the Territorial Legislature, appointed Clerk of Supreme Court, became Territorial Secretary and was made acting Governor at the age of 26. The founder of Arbor Day would later become secretary of agriculture. The presenter, in costume and in character, uses humor and pathos to give us new insight into Morton's failures and successes, educating and entertaining audiences of all ages.

John A. Creighton: Blazing the First Internet
By Brian Kokensparger
Portraying John A. Creighton, Kokensparger helps the audience envision the building of the first “Internet”– the first transcontinental telegraph. Although his brother, Edward, was the chief superintendent of the project, John was in a unique position to observe the installation of the line, and did his share to help the Creighton crew win the race to Salt Lake City. At the end of this Chautauqua-style program, Kokensparger comes out of character to make connections between today's Internet and the telegraph network.

John C. Fremont: The Pathfinder

By Doug Meux

Hear Fremont overview his event-filled life as explorer, surveyor, general, politician, and author. Then follow along as he chronicles the first of his five expeditions to the West (with special attention to the Nebraska aspects), including his times with Kit Carson, Peter A. Sarpy, Senator Thomas Hart Benton, and others. Meux portrays Fremont in costume.

The Klondike Goldrush, Seen Through the Eyes of Robert W. Service, Bard of the Yukon
By Stuart C. Lynn
In a Chautauqua-style presentation, Lynn portrays the Scottish-born poet Robert W. Service. Lynn revives the age-old art of storytelling with personal recollections and renditions of ballads about the Klondike gold rush. Service lived and wrote in the Yukon between 1903 and 1910. The program introduces listeners to such characters as Dangerous Dan McGrew, Sam McGee, Blasphemous Bill McGee, Salvation Bill and others.

Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery Through the Eyes of a Crew Member
By Dale Clark
The quest of Lewis and Clark to discover the interior of the continent of North America was one of the most successful expeditions in American history. Between May 14, 1804, and Sept. 23, 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled about 8,000 miles with the loss of only one man. This presentation, which can be tailored for any age group, features a fictional member of the Corps a few days after returning to the United States. As he unpacks his chest of mementos, he reminisces with the audience about the 28-month journey. 

Libbie's Story
By Marla Matkin
This is a Chautauqua-style program about Elizabeth Bacon Custer, the wife of Gen. George Armstrong Custer. As "Libbie," Matkin introduces her audiences to the Civil War, the 7th Cavalry, the Kansas Plains, the Little Bighorn and her husband and Golden Cavalier, General Custer. Based on historical fact, it is a personal account of the Custers from the first furtive glances of romance to Libbie’s last remembrances as widow, author and lecturer. 

Lincoln Lore and Legend
By Spencer Davis
Abraham Lincoln rarely discussed his personal feelings or details of his early life; but in this re-enactment in costume by Spencer Davis, Lincoln sets the record straight. Set in the 1860 election, Lincoln deals with political controversies, as well as rail-splitting legends, the Ann Rutledge affair and other personal issues. 

Louise Pound, Nebraska Athlete and Scholar: Living History
By Evelyn Haller
Louise Pound was the first woman elected to the Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame. The confidence she gained from her notable athletic achievements, including a man's letter in tennis at the University of Nebraska and many long-distance bicycling awards, contributed to her setting high academic goals and persevering to their attainment. Haller brings this notable Nebraskan to life in a Chautauqua-style portrayal.

Maria Rodaway: Prairie Pioneer
By Karen Wyatt Drevo
Maria (portrayed by her great-great granddaughter in period attire) looks back at her life as a prairie pioneer in Otoe County, Nebraska where she homesteaded in 1867. Maria crossed the Atlantic Ocean with seven children to reunite her family after a 7½ year separation. She endured grasshoppers, hail, drought, tornadoes, blizzards, and the loss of her husband and six of her thirteen children as she worked to become a citizen and a land owner in a new country.  Resilient and resourceful, she lived a life of usefulness to her family and large circle of friends with her loving deeds and kind acts, delivering babies and nursing the sick. Program suitable for children grade 4 to adults.

Mark Twain on the Lecture Circuit
By Wally A. Seiler
The great American humorist Mark Twain turned to lecturing as a method of making money. His lectures competed with other forms of entertainment, but he always drew a large audience. His secret was the wonderful stories he told, some true and some fabricated. In this presentation, Twain look-alike Seiler recounts some of Twain's best-loved writings as he might have presented them on the lecture circuit.

Mary Bewick Bridges White
By Laureen Riedesel
In period costume (late 1890s), Riedesel portrays Dr. Mary Bewick Bridges White, sister of Nebraska suffragist Clara Bewick Colby, with an emphasis on women's rights and the split between practitioners of homeopathic medicine and the American Medical Association at the turn of the century.

Meet Buffalo Bill
By Terry Lane
William F. Cody reflects on his life as express messenger, teamster, buffalo hunter, scout, actor, showman and builder of the West through a series of true-life adventures--from Bill’s perspective, of course. Length and content can be varied according to audience.

Nebraska's Winding Road to Statehood: In the Footsteps of a Female Settler
By Sara Brandes Crook
Barbara Kagi Mayhew Bradway, a female settler, recounts the issues of Nebraska's territorial days. In a first-person portrayal, Sara Brandes Crook recounts Bradway's impressions as an early permanent white settler. She also explores the Underground Railroad. Bradway was the older sister of John Kagi, who was a close confidant to John Brown.

President U.S. Grant
By Thomas N. King
Step back to the Gilded Age and listen to the stories and personal history from one of America's most popular and yet misunderstood Presidents. This Chautauqua-style portrayal takes President Ulysses S. Grant from personal mediocrity to his promotion to the highest-ranking general in the Union Army to his election as the eighteenth President of the United States. Complete with period costume, the presentation allows audiences to relive the two controversial presidential terms through the eyes of Ulysses S. Grant.

Promise in a New Land
By Cherrie Beam-Clarke
Beam-Clarke as Maria Monahan, with Irish brogue in period costume, depicts a Nebraska settler between 1845 and 1870. Based on historical fact, this is a first-person Chautauqua-style presentation. Through a dramatic rendition, viewers are transported in time to sail the ocean from Ireland, ride the wagon trail, feel the loneliness and fight prairie fires. Laugh and cry with stories of successful crops, dancing, hard work, losing loved ones and becoming an American. The program has a sequel entitled "The Courage to Continue."

Reminiscences of an Oregon Trail Pioneer
By Maurine Roller
The Oregon (Overland) Trail linked the East with the West via the "Great American Desert." Thousands of men and women chronicled their journeys from familiar homelands to their Promised Land. Roller researched more than 400 women's diaries and created a composite pioneer woman, Cora Garvey, who left Missouri in 1853 to find a new life in Oregon. Cora, now at journey's end, looks back over the last six months. In this living-history presentation, she reminisces about cholera, encounters with Indians, accidents, humorous anecdotes and everyday toil, dispelling the myths and stereotypes surrounding women who traveled the Overland Trail.

Rheta Childe Dorr: The Struggle for Suffrage
By Maurine Roller
Nebraska native Rheta Childe Dorr was a dedicated disciple of Susan B. Anthony at the tender age of 12. Dorr devoted her life to the fight for women's rights. As a journalist, she compiled an impressive record of firsts. She was the first American woman to cover World War I from enemy lines in France, the first American woman to cover the Bolshevik Revolution from Moscow and the organizer of the first women's suffrage parade in Washington, D.C. Roller retells Dorr's story with Dorr's own words, wit and poignancy. In the telling, she illustrates how the issues of Dorr's day still are valid.

Understanding Emancipation: Abraham Lincoln and Sojourner Truth
By Spencer Davis & Vivian Davis
Abraham Lincoln and Sojourner Truth met only once — a brief meeting in the White House in 1864. That meeting serves as the premise for a dialogue between Lincoln and Truth based on primary sources and dedicated to revealing the complicated path to — and beyond — the Emancipation Proclamation. The presentation is in period costume with Spencer Davis portraying Lincoln and Vivian Davis portraying Truth. The dialogue is preceded by a historical introduction by Spencer Davis and followed by a question-and-answer period with the Davises.

A Visit With Alexander Hamilton
By Donald Hickey
This Chautauqua-style portrayal focuses on Hamilton's vision for America and his contribution to the country's founding. Hickey sketches important elements of Hamilton's life, including his youth, his work with George Washington's staff, the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention, authorship of the Federalist Papers and his famous feuds. The program in costume and in character is followed by an opportunity to talk with Alexander Hamilton and with Hickey, the scholar of American history who has portrayed Hamilton under the Great Plains Chautauqua tent.

A Visit With Lady Vestey
By Beverly Beavers
In costume and in character, Beavers portrays the life of Evelene Brodstone and her rise from Nebraska farm girl to British nobility. No Cinderella romance surpasses the story of the stenographer who became the highest paid woman executive of her time. Brodstone later married Lord William Vestey and lived in a castle in London.

A Visitor From Russia
By Richard Kimbrough
Kimbrough assumes the personage of Dr. Viktor Ustinov, a Russian visiting the U.S.A. He points out cultural differences ranging from food to education to marriage. Later in the program he drops his "Russian" accent and addresses the audience as himself, but before he assumes his real identity, the audience will be forced to think about cultural and political differences. He has presented this program more than 500 times all across the nation.

Voicing a Cause, Voicing a Self: Jane Addams of Hull House
By Helen M. Lewis
Throughout her long career advocating the needs of impoverished immigrants, exploited laborers, youth criminals and war victims, Jane Addams valued Hull House, her settlement house in Chicago, as the center from which she and her colleagues could assist others and improve society, while adding meaning to their own lives. She trusted social democracy to restore dignity to the marginal. Her many publications reveal a person finding identity and purpose through her causes. The presentation, done in costume, helps to explain the path chosen by this Nobel Peace Prize recipient, as well as to convey the relevance of Addams' work and ideas today.

A Young Man's Journey on the Oregon Trail
By Dale Clark
In 1843 an emigrant group of about 1,000 people left Independence, Mo., traveling to Oregon guided by Marcus Whitman. The group included more than 100 women and 600 children. In the next 25 years, over 350,000 emigrants made the 2,000-mile journey in this huge voluntary migration. Many myths have sprung up about this journey. The program is delivered as though Clark is reflecting on the diary and artifacts he kept when embarking on the cross-country adventure he "recreates" as an 11-year-old might have lived it in 1849.