|
History Program Presentations
The links below will help you to quickly review our four History presentation categories. You can access a speaker's contact information by clicking on his/her name. You can also review our entire index of Speakers Bureau presenters. Please remember - only members can schedule a Speakers Bureau presentation. Once you find an interesting topic, use the reservation form to schedule a presentation.
African-American Experience Presentations
African/African American Historical Journey
Speaker: Kamau Ngom
Yes! It is possible to chronologically trace African American (American) history through the oral tradition using music, symbols and stories as the conductor. Be prepared to make an occasional stop at a historical point in time and examine the events that have propelled America into the 21st century.
America & Slavery: The Reparations Question
Speaker: Samuel Hoff
A discussion of whether or not the United States government should apologize to African-Americans for permitting slavery and/or offer financial reparations. The topic is placed in the context of recent civil rights initiatives.
Black Delaware Participation in the Civil War
Speaker: Ron Whittington
A first person portrayal of William Owen, a free black man from Milford, DE. Owen tells the story of hearing Frederick Douglass speak and deciding to become part of the '54th Massachusetts', the renowned first black regiment to fight in the Civil War.
Delaware Black History: Past and Present
Speaker: James Newton
This presentation traces the history of African-Americans in Delaware from the colonial era to modern times, including aspects of the social and cultural life of Black Delawareans. Several themes are examined including religion, education, Delaware's role in the Underground Railroad, civil rights, and cultural and folk traditions.
Dr. Charles Albert Tindley: Delaware Hymnist Extraordinaire
Speaker: Celestine Lyght
Through lecture, songs and skits, the speaker examines the life and works of a former resident Charles Tindley, noting the link between his hymns, slave songs, spirituals, modern gospel and the Black experience in Philadelphia during his lifetime. (Program requires a Piano.)
From Africa to the Americas via Music, Song, Dance & Stories
Speaker: Kamau Ngom
A journey from Africa to the Americas using music, song, dance and stories as the mediums, highlighting the many similarities between traditional African culture and African influenced culture in the Americas. Audience participation is a must as this is a village-oriented culture.
George Washington Carver, An Interpretive, Interactive Telling of the Legacy
Speaker: Willis Phelps, Jr.
This presentation is a first-person interpretation of George Washington Carver a former slave who, through his innovative studies of plants and agriculture and his deep faith in God, became an Educator, Scientist and Farmer. The products he derived from peanuts, soybeans, sweet potatoes and other southern stables. His love for his students led him to write a list of eight Commandments To Success for them as goals. Dr. Carver taught his students to understand the dynamics of agriculture and the forces of nature. He believed that education should be used for the betterment of the whole community, for all the people! This is program for all audiences, connecting them to the legacy of George Washington Carver.
History of the Negro Baseball Leagues
Speaker: Ron Whittington
Through a first-person interpretation of Baseball-Hall-of-Famer William 'Judy' Johnson, discover the History of the Negro Baseball Leagues.
Kwanzaa
Speaker: Kamau Ngom
An African American cultural holiday derived from harvest celebrations practiced throughout sub-Sahara Africa. Learn of its creation, the early years and development into a holiday that is observed by millions. Also, learn of the "traditional" celebratory procedures that occur in the home and community (village). And, let us not forget about Kwanzaa songs!
Let's Bookmark Brown
Speaker: Irene Owens
The 2004 yearlong celebration, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Board decision, renders opportunity for reflection, celebration, and forward thrust. This desegregation case, which combined the plaintiffs from the states of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kansas, South Carolina and Virginia, represents one of the most important laws affecting African Americans in the twentieth century. It is also considered to be one of the most significant Supreme Court decisions in U.S. constitutional history. This presentation is a unique learning experience consisting of activities that include Math, Social Studies, History, English and film. The end result forms a bookmark. Modeling this presentation is available upon request. Session requirements: Display table, VCR, TV.
Private James H. Elbert
Speaker: Willis Phelps Jr.
This program presents a first-person interpretation of Private James H. Elbert, C Company, 8th United States Colored Troops. Since the War of Independence, African-Americans rallied to the colors: ready to fight for a freedom they themselves were denied. Through the eyes of Private James H. Elbert, this is their story.
back to top
Delmarva History & Native Peoples
Delaware in the Civil War
Speaker: Gary Wray
This lecture examines Delaware's involvement in the War through the eyes of Delaware's greatest Civil War soldier, MGA Alfred A. Torbert of Georgetown. Other topics to be discussed include Fort Delaware, Delaware's industrial contribution to the war, other Delawareans in the war, and the geographic importance of Delaware to the Union.
Delaware in World War II
Speaker: Gary Wray
Many Delawareans are surprised to learn of the state's role in the successful conclusion of World War II. This lecture examines Delaware's involvement in the War including the surrender of the German U-boat 858 at Fort Miles, German Prisoners in Delaware, Delaware heroes in the War, and the role of the DuPont Company during the War.
Elkton, Maryland: Marriage Capital of the East
Speaker: Ed Okonowicz
In the first half of the 20th century, a small Maryland village became a marriage center of the East Coast. Movie stars, famous musicians and pro athletes arrived to take part in quickie marriages, with no waiting period, along with thousands of couples from surrounding states each month. Find out why and how this occurred and, interestingly, who tied the knot in the Marriage Capital of the East. Also learn the reasons for the wedding industry's decline.
Food Lore: Scrapple, Muskrat and More
Speaker: Ed Okonowicz
Learn about the region’s historic association with food and the personal heritage and regional influences associated with what we eat. From the catches of Chesapeake Bay watermen and duck hunters to the customs preserved in immigrant neighborhoods, what we consume reflects on who we are, where we came from and where we live and work. In this informative and entertaining program, learn about and discuss America’s regional foods and, in particular, the cuisine most identified with the immediate Delmarva region.
Fort Miles Restoration
Speaker: Gary Wray
Little Delaware is fortunate to have two of the most important forts in the United States: Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island and Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park. While Fort Delaware is much restored, the State of Delaware and the Fort Miles Historical Association are working jointly to restore Fort Miles. This presentation will cover the history of Fort Miles and the restoration plan which will make Fort Miles one of the best World War II museums in the United States. Dr. Wray is President of the Fort Miles Historical Association.
Lightships: Floating Lighthouses of the Delaware River
Speaker: Wayne Kirklin
Lightships are a small but important part of Delaware maritime history. Between 1823 and 1970, many vessels served on the one hundred and sixteen (116) stations located on the coasts and in the Great Lakes. These vessels were used to mark shoals, harbor entrances and ship channels where physical or financial considerations would not allow the use of a lighthouse. During the 165 years of lightship service in the United States, 179 vessels were built for the purpose. Today, few of these ships still exist. Mr. Kirklin has visited the seven ships open to the public as museums and seen nine others not usually available to the public. The illustrated talk highlights the life and use of some of the vessels providing an insight to some of the maritime history of our area.
Oliver Evans, Merino Sheep, and the Industrial Revolution in Delaware
Speaker: Tony Shahan
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, several key factors came together to make the Industrial Revolution possible. Gentleman farmers established a source of raw materials. Millers created innovative equipment and exploited natural power sources. The War of 1812 provided opportunity for economic independence. Explore how this mix of raw materials, water power, innovation, and economic freedom shaped the Industrial Revolution in Delaware. The program connects the primary themes of Delaware inventor Oliver Evans and the impact of his revolutionary equipment, Robert Bakewell’s application of scientific agriculture with the English Leicester sheep, and the introduction of Merino sheep and subsequent Merino Mania in America caused by Napoleon Bonapart’s actions. Larger themes are examined through Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm to show how national and international trends and events impacted local milling sites. Mill technology is discussed to understand change-over-time and the individual impact of specific innovations. Audiences interested in Delaware history will love comparing the First State’s role in the global market during the Early Republic with today.
Rails in Delaware
Speaker: Michael Dixon
The railroad was once an important link to the outside world for many Delawareans and the local depot was the center of the community, a place to catch a train and learn the news of the day. As tracks spread downstate, growth followed the lines. This slide-illustrated program traces the social history of trains in the First State, from the beginning of the railroad age to the present.
The Ciconicin (Sikonese)
Speaker: Marshall Becker
The first known native land sale west of the Delaware Bay and River was made by the chief of the Ciconicin Nation. In 1629 the representatives of the chief sold a small tract of land, called Zwaanendael by the Dutch purchasers, on behalf of their leader. This powerful chief governed a small nation, whose members lived in the area of Lewes. In this slide lecture, the extent of Ciconicin territory and the lifestyles of the people will be discussed.
The Crime and the Time: The History of Criminal Justice in Delaware
Speaker: Michael Dixon
This slide-illustrated lecture offers an intriguing look at the evolution of crime, punishment, and police work in Delaware from the colonial era to the mid-twentieth century. This fast-paced talk examines old county jails, headline-grabbing criminal escapades of long ago, discontinued methods of punishment, and unheralded peace officers. Topics may include the whipping post, hangings, and lynchings. The goal of the program is to look at how crime and policing methods have changed by using many little-known stories of this often unexplored aspect of history.
The Life & Times of Caesar Rodney
Speaker: Dick Pack
A rather elusive historical character, Caesar Rodney is most remembered for his famous journey to Philadelphia to cast the deciding vote for independence. However, he was an activist patriot in Delaware and held numerous positions in Delaware government, including President of the State of Delaware (Governor) to which he was elected in 1778. Through a first-person portrayal in period costume, learn about the life of Delaware's native son.
The Mason-Dixon Line: The Story Behind the Boundary
Speaker: Michael Dixon
See also: US History. Born as the result of a bitter territorial dispute over royal land grants, the Mason-Dixon Line was surveyed between 1763 and 1767 to settle the boundaries for Pennsylvania and Maryland. After 1820, when the Missouri Compromise created political conditions which made the line important to the history of slavery, it became associated with the division between the free and slave states. Today the line is still seen by many as a symbolic dividing line for regional attitudes and customs. This program explores the story of the line, which runs through our land and our history, along with the perceptions that have developed about the boundary.
The Native Peoples of Delaware: Indian Culture & History
Speaker: Marshall Becker
Residents of modern Delaware may be familiar with the names of Native Americans such as Lenape (Delaware), Susquehannock (Minquas), Iroquois and Ciconicin (Sikonese). These names remind us of the many Native American peoples who lived in and around Delaware before the coming of Columbus. How they lived and how they interacted with with one another now is better known thanks to recent archaeological finds and new historical studies. The new histories of the Lenape and the Ciconicin cultures reveal how they interacted with other native peoples as well as with the Swedish, Dutch, English and other colonists. These findings form the basis for this slide illustrated lecture.
The People Who Stayed Behind: A History of the Indian People of Delaware, 1630-2008
Speaker: Cara Blume
Dr. Blume's presentation is a discussion of the post-European Contact history of the Nanticoke and Lenape people who remained in Delaware following the diaspora of the early- to mid-eighteenth century when many families of both tribes moved north to join with the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) in New York and Canada or west to join with other Lenape people on the long trek to Oklahoma. She focuses on the challenges faced by both tribes in surviving as distinct tribal communities separate from their Euro-American and African American neighbors and the strategies they used to maintain their identities as Indian peoples. She also discusses the difficulties faced by historians and anthropologists today in researching the history of these communities as a result of decisions made by record keepers and researchers in the past.
The Tales Tombstones Tell
Speaker: Ed Okonowicz
From the tombstone carved in the shape of the state of Delaware to the 'Remember Me As Thou Stands by..' marker, Delaware's cemeteries record our history and reflect our ever-changing modern world. This presentation, accompanied by color and black and white images, presents Delaware's history, culture and major historical figures and events through grave markers. The talk examines tombstone architecture and interesting inscriptions and shows how permanent memorials reflect individual tastes and specific historical periods.
We Suffered to Make You Free:
Memories of a Delaware Continental Soldier
Speaker: John Gardner
The speaker appears as a fully equipped infantryman who served in the Revolutionary War from 1776 through 1783. Private Gardner tells of the experiences and motives of the soldiers and what the Revolution meant; this presentation can be customized at the request of the sponsoring organization.
back to top
Global Issues & World History
A Misunderstood Peace: the Treaty of Versailles
Speaker: Susan Turnbull Shoemaker
The Treaty of Versailles is the most maligned treaty in Western history. The educated public blames its harshness for the rise of Hitler and Nazism in Germany and ultimately the Second World War. While the Treaty was harsh and did play a role in crises of the 1920s and 1930s, its actual provisions and the context of the times suggest that a revision of this image is long overdue. Together we will explore the horrors of the Great War, the Treaty of Versailles and how it compares to other treaties, and how the Treaty failed in the end.
From Ben Hoa to Bosnia: My 27 Years in Today's Army
Speaker: Eugenia Thornton
What was it like to take the Army from the Vietnam War to ticker-tape parades following Desert Storm, to reshaping the force into a smaller size while writing doctrine in support of new 'Operations Other than War' doctrine? Meet someone who has done just this...sometimes on the front lines, sometimes briefing the Secretary of Defense, sometimes writing laws, sometimes working with the press, and sometimes commanding soldiers and trying to make it all work.
Vietnam Under Renovation
Speaker: Mark McLeod
Since 1987, when Vietnam adopted a major economic restructuring plan, its relationships with the rest of the world have changed significantly. This slide presentation illustrates how the changes in economic policy and Vietnam's opening to the outside world have changed the daily lives of ordinary people.
back to top
United States History
An Examination of the Presidential Assassination Attempts 1789-Present
Speaker: Ed Herbert
There have been 13 attempts to assassinate presidential figures since 1789. The rate of these crimes spiked during the years 1967-1975. This multi-media presentation exposes the details about these assassinations and attempts, dispels myths and sets the stage for predicting the fate of future presidential figures.
Dark Days in Dallas
Speaker: Ed Herbert
Ed Herbert was the News Director/Anchorman for Channel 11 in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. He was the on-air anchor for President John F. Kennedy's speech--his last speech as it turned out--in Fort Worth on the morning of November 22, 1963. His presentation includes videotape excerpts of that event, plus a detailed description of the unbelievable, horrible weekend. He was live at Parkland Hospital and aired the dreaded bulletin that the president was dead; he later covered Lee Harvey Oswald's murder, the arrest of Jack Ruby and the funerals of President Kennedy and Oswald.
Duck & Cover: Remembering the Days of Sputnik, Conalrad & Fallout Shelters
Speaker: Michael Dixon
This program examines Civil Defense from World War II to the time when planning for survival of an all-out nuclear attack started fading into the past. Opening with an examination of World War II era blackout drills, plane spotter stations, and air raid wardens, the program quickly moves to the era when the stakes became higher – the nuclear age. This was a time when air raid sirens wailed, signaling practice drills, Conalrad interrupted radio programs, government officials planned for the worst, and people contemplated building family fallout shelters. Vintage audio and video footage, such as Bert the Turtle telling schoolchildren to duck and cover, helps engage the audience in the program. In this post 9/11 era this is a timely time topic and the audience is encouraged to share their memories and discuss the historical concepts of civil defense.
Forging the Future: Civil War Military Intelligence
Speaker: Donovan Jagger
Some historians believe modern management practices gave the Union Army an advantage during the Civil War. This presentation focuses on one example: the intelligence system that was nearly nonexistent at the beginning of the war. After the initial battles, the Union Army evolved intelligence systems that were nearly as sophisticated as those of the 20th century.
George Washington, Stonewall Jackson and Tom Hanks
Speaker: Donovan Jagger
American citizen soldiers, in peace and in war, have borne the brunt of homeland defense and wars, both civil and foreign. This presentation illustrates that fact by tracing the history of a National Guard infantry regiment from its origins as a county militia unit to its participation in America's major wars.
Great Expectations and Dashed Hopes: American Indians and the American Revolution
Speaker: Cara Blume
During the time of the Revolution, many American Indian communities were forced into the difficult position of choosing to support either the British or the Patriot cause. Others attempted to remain neutral or to tread a middle ground between the warring groups. Unfortunately, these choices would impact the lives of their people for generations to come. In this presentation, Dr. Cara Lee Blume will examine the Native American response to the American Revolution and the consequences that followed.
Ladies and Gentlemen: The Presidents of the United States
Speaker: Daniel Pritchett
Mr. Pritchett uses portraits, photographs, cartoons, and words from famous presidential speeches to illustrate both a presidential trivia quiz and a lecture trip through the history of the American presidency, focusing especially on the issues of slavery, civil rights, war, and peace. This look at American history through an examination of the lives and words of our chief executives can be interesting to audiences of all ages, to history buffs as well as those who don't especially enjoy history.
Meet the Presidents
Speaker: Ed Okonowicz
Presidential history is a mixture of mystery, superstition and legend. But the facts associated with the country's 43 chief executives may prove more fascinating than fiction. Find out through a number of interesting and outlandish tales in this presentation-that begins with a brief quiz for members of the audience-which will help them discover and compare their PKL "Presidential Knowledge Level."
On the Home Front, "The War" as Seen through the Eyes of a Young Girl
Speaker: Barbara Wilhide
What was it like to be a kid in 1934? As a young girl, my family moved to New York City and came to know its émigrés escaping Fascism in Spain and Italy and telling us about it. After watching “The War� on PBS, thoughts and feelings I experienced came rushing back: The Germans, proud to wear the swastika armbands, marching to their bund meetings, singing their marching songs; as a kid learning to sing and dance for the Bundles for Britain Rallies; touring a British battleship at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs and what happened to its crew afterward; listening to Edward R. Murrow from London, with bombs falling in the background; and then, Pearl Harbor, its aftermath and how we helped. It truly was, in the words of Charles Dickens, the best of times and the worst of times.
Planning For Survival: The Eastern Trail of Lewis and Clark
Speaker: Tony Shahan
While some are familiar with the epic voyage of the Corps of Discovery under command of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, most do not know the truth behind one of America’s greatest adventures. Clark was officially a subordinate to Lewis. The expedition was foremost a military operation and carried thirty-two tons of equipment. The members of the Corps remembered today for their team work were regularly court-martialed for fighting, drinking, and misconduct. Despite all of these challenges, Lewis and Clark successfully completed their mission with the loss of only one member. The preparations of Meriwether Lewis as he traveled through Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware were the key to the Corps’ success. This eastern Lewis & Clark trail is often known as the Supplying for Survival Trail. This interactive slide presentation goes through the planning process and equipment chosen. Jefferson’s instructions to Lewis, the corps members themselves, and their equipment will be examined in modern terms as a job description, personnel necessary for the job, and the equipment necessary to complete their tasks. The audience will also be asked to place themselves in role playing situations to better understand the decisions that had to be made every day. The presentation touches on the larger topics of proper planning, diplomacy, working with other cultures, and basic problem solving. It is appropriate for classroom instruction, informing community groups, or even as an introduction to team building or project planning. The story of the Corps has lessons for everyone.
Rediscovering America
Speaker: Arica Coleman
The speaker shares her insights on how to make American history come alive...by finding out more about your family's role in the familiar dates and events linked to our historical past. By conducting genealogical research, learn about your predecessors' unique contributions to our 'melting pot' society, and hear the presenter's personal journal to discover her family's slave ancestry.
Tempest in a Teapot
Speaker: Nancy Gardner
Focusing on women in their own words and work, this presentation is a costumed presentation using a commonplace book to recount events leading up to and through the American Revolution. Teapots and homespun cloth symbolized often overlooked political, literary and labor support provided across class and gender.
'Terrible Swift Sword': Modern Technology in the Civil War
Speaker: John Gardner
The American Civil War was the first war fought with mass-produced equipment. New weapons and adapting civilian inventions to military uses resulted in new organizations, tactics and strategies. Innovations made this first modern war one of the most terrible ever.
The Civil War in History and Memory
Speaker: Daniel Pritchett
The history and memory of the US Civil War still haunt us today, for as William Faulkner once observed, "the past is never dead; it isn't even past." As we approach the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, this talk, profusely illustrated with slides and transparencies, takes a fresh look at our most bloody conflict. Starting with John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, and concluding with a critical look at the aftermath of the war, the talk will examine the scope, devastation, and horrible human toll of this "first modern war." Intended to preserve and protect slavery, the Civil War wound up destroying it, thus making it possible for the US to consider a "new birth of freedom." But with the failure of the US government to fulfill its promises of liberty and equality after the war, the legacy of the war turned out to be very different from what the victors of 1865 might have expected.
The Mason-Dixon Line: The Story Behind the Boundary
Speaker: Michael Dixon
See also: Delmarva History. Born as the result of a bitter territorial dispute over royal land grants, the Mason-Dixon Line was surveyed between 1763 and 1767 to settle the boundaries for Pennsylvania and Maryland. After 1820, when the Missouri Compromise created political conditions which made the line important to the history of slavery, it became associated with the division between the free and slave states. Today the line is still seen by many as a symbolic dividing line for regional attitudes and customs. This program explores the story of the line, which runs through our land and our history, along with the perceptions that have developed about the boundary.
The Muzzleloading Pennsylvania Rifle: Its Influence on Colonial Culture
Speaker: Richard Niekamp
This presentation includes the history and influence of the muzzleloading rifle, from its German roots to the tool that was needed; the Master, apprentice and journeyman structure and how it fit into colonial society; and the bridge between rural folk art and European technology. The talk can include demonstration and display.
The Under the Skirt Tour of the Civil War
Speaker: Karen Jessee with Thomas Tear and Roxanna Hurst
See also Women's Lives. This living history presentation features the dresses and the dressing of the early Victorian lady in the years 1861-1867. Thomas Tear, historical fashion consultant and designer, Karen Jessee and Roxanna Hurst, former teachers, appear as characters from that historic period and provide lecture, a mannequin exhibit of dresses and gowns, and a table display of antiques, toiletries, bonnets, original Civil War letters, and photographs and narration on accessories, jewelry, etiquette, toiletries and the languages of fans, flowers and parasols. The presentation can be adapted in size and time and allowing time for questions and answers. Please note that this presentation demands at least an hour for set up.
The Welsh in North America: the Impact of David Thomas
Speaker: Peter Williams
From letters sent in the 1840's from David Thomas in Wales, we are able to piece together the facts concerning his enormous impact on the United States' anthracite iron industry. The presentation deals with this impact, his expertise and arrival in the US at the most propitious time: the beginning of the era of iron ships and iron railroad.
Unlacing the Victorian Woman
Speaker: Barbara Darlin
See also Women's Lives. This popular program has been described as a one-woman fashion show, a social history lesson, and a Victorian striptease. Call it what you will, Unlacing the Victorian Woman is a delightful performance that educates while it entertains. As she changes (onstage) into outfits worn by a turn-of-the-century lady in a typical day, she models two sumptuous ensembles, complete with all the unmentionables. Audience volunteers help lace the corset and hook the gowns. Throughout the program, Ms. Darlin explains women's role in Victorian society, daily routines, and social customs and etiquette. This presentation is easily adapted for a teenage or children’s audience.
With Malice Toward None: Abraham Lincoln in Words and Pictures
Speaker: Daniel Pritchett
This illustrated lecture takes us through Lincoln's early life and character, including his remarkable physical strength, love of books (despite his lack of formal education), aversions to hunting, gambling, and drinking alcohol (against the status quo of the day), sense of compassion toward native Americans, and his almost visceral disgust about slavery, even though he grew up and lived in a very racist society and culture. The presentation also illustrates some of Lincoln's most magnetic words and how he used his eloquent speaking manner to transform our country forever.
back to top
|
