American Historical Theatre

The American Historical Theatre (AHT) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our Actor/Historians educate, entertain and inspire through Living History. For more than 25 years, our first person interpreters have encouraged audience members to encounter and interact with history, developing empathy and underscoring the role of choice.

AHT offers hundreds of well-known historical characters, stock and custom written scripts, plays and programs. AHT also presents professional training sessions for actors and docents alike.  AHT brings historical theatre to the world; art centers and colleges, historic sites and museums, special events, celebrations and promotions. Schools and other educational and cultural institutions also benefit from AHT’s singular dedication to the fine art of historical interpretation

Recent AHT performances and presentations include The Women of President Washington’s Household, commissioned by Independence National Historical Parks for the re-dedication of the Deshler-Morris House; My Dear Mrs. Lincoln, for the Lincoln 200 celebration, performed outdoors at Independence Mall; The Handoff, in honor of President Obama’s inauguration, performed in Congress Hall; On Fire For Liberty, commissioned by the White House, performed in the East Room; and the UNESCO panel featuring Abraham Lincoln, presented in Paris.

AHT has a proud tradition of civic engagement that includes Mad Anthony Wayne Days in Wayne, PA; and Trenton’s annual Patriots Week events. AHT is the natural choice for launching new concepts and for putting a face to initiatives that seek public awareness and understanding.

Contact Information: 215-625-0986

Programs–

This group offers the following characters:

• Abigail Adams
• John Adams (Doyle)
• John Bartram
• Colonial Woman
• James Forten
• Benjamin Franklin (Ochester)
• Benjamin Franklin (Robling)
• Alexander Hamilton
• John Hancock
• Ned Hector
• Patrick Henry (Gleason)
• Patrick Henry (Thomas)
• General William Howe
• Thomas Jefferson
• Henry Knox
• Marquis de Lafayette (Barnieu)
• Marquis de Lafayette (Goldman)
• Dolley Madison (Michaels)
• Robert McGillvraie
• Thomas Paine (Gleason)
• Thomas Paine (Gulick)
• Charles Willson Peale
• William Penn (Gleason)
• William Penn (Gulick)
• William Penn (Thomas)
• Molly Pitcher
• David Rittenhouse
• Betsy Ross
• Benjamin Rush
• Sailor/Soldier
• Annis Boudinot Stockton
• Gilbert Stuart
• Baron von Steuben (Gleason)
• Baron von Steuben (Ochester)
• George Washington (Lopes)
• George Washington (Malissa)
• Martha Washington (Jordan)
• Martha Washington (Spacht)
• Phillis Wheatley
• James Wilson
• John Witherspoon

Governor Livingston, I Presume

Born in New York (1723) Livingston, a graduate of Yale, went into law, but after years in New York politics, he and his family moved to Elizabethtown where they built an estate (Liberty Hall). Returned to politics by the Revolutionary War, he was a member of the first and second Continental Congresses. In 1776, he left Congress to command the New Jersey militia, and later that year he was elected the first governor of our state. Livingston spurred New Jersey’s rapid ratification of the Constitution, conducted agricultural experiments, and was also active in the anti-slavery movement.

Hercules: Culinary Artist – Free at Last

Flamboyant, and larger than life, Hercules was George Washington’s talented chef in Mount Vernon, New York and in Philadelphia. As gifted as any chef in the colonies, Hercules was a popular and prominent figure inside and outside of the Washington household. Because of his special talents, this slave was afforded many privileges: keeping the profits from the sale of left-over food, being able to walk around freely with his gold-handled cane, and the opportunity to dress extravagantly for his station. Hercules worked the system, and succeeding in living life as much on his own terms as possible. One day, he left the Washington’s, never to be found; once master of the kitchen, now master of his own destiny!

Oney Judge: Runaway Slave

A dower slave owned by the estate of Martha Washington’s first husband, Oney Judge, worked for President and Lady Washington, first in the New York City capital, and later in Philadelphia. Though Pennsylvania Law gave slaves the legal power to free themselves after six months in residence, Washington’s position was that Pennsylvania was only temporarily the capital, so the law was not applicable to his household. When Oney learned that Martha Washington intended to offer her as a wedding present to her granddaughter, and that her transfer back to the south was imminent, Oney made a plan of escape. She traveled north to New Hampshire and lived as a fugitive for 52 years. This strong, capable woman never regretted her actions, and is quoted as saying, “No, I am free and have, I trust, been made a child of God by the means.”

Law Day

Celebrate Law Day, or constitution day, or other civic event with Abraham Lincoln, George Washington or one of the many other great legal minds and founders of American history. Debate programs between founders (Jefferson, Hamilton and Adams) available.

Colonial Crafting

Colonial crafters and tradesmen for demonstration programs or for hands-on: Bobbin Lace, Quilling, Weaving, White-smithy, Candle-making and more.

A Day in the Life of a Soldier

A program detailing the day to day life of the rank and file, throughout the various battles. Audiences get to see firsthand 18th Century reproduction items which would make up a soldier’s kit and weapon.

 

Bob Mayers

Contact Information: [email protected]; 908-757-0038

Program–

The War Man

Author Bob Mayers is available to speak and sign books. He has slide presentation that can be customized to focus on local events in the war that occurred in the immediate area of the League member. He has had several N.J. appearances, including the NJ American Revolution Round table in Morristown where he had a very enthusiastic audience of about one hundred.

 

David Veasey

David Veasey is a life-long New Jersey resident and has given illustrated talks all over the state.  Veasey lives in Morris Plains, graduated from Drew University, Madison, and holds a Master’s degree from New York University. Veasey has worked as a writer his entire career. His work has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Military History and Naval History Magazines, as well as in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post. His latest book is titled, New Jersey’s Colonial Architecture Told in 100 Buildings.

Contact Information: 973-538-0723 or [email protected]

 

Deborah Peterson

Culinary Historian Deborah Peterson has over 34 Years of Colonial Domestic Skills Research & Sharing Experience. She has a vast array of program offerings that include chocolate, tea, spices, ice cream, clothing, language barriers for the colonial cooking era, seasonal foodways, etc. Below is a list of some of the programs she is offering in 2018.

Contact Information: email address- [email protected] and phone number 215-256-9399

Programs–

Breaking Through Language Barriers Encountered by Period Cooks 

The focus of this PowerPoint presentation helps today’s  cooks understand colonial language shifts from 18^th century to the modern day.  It can be daunting to interpret period cookbooks, diaries, letters, journals, almanacs, and newspapers. Add to that the use of unfamiliar words, terms, punctuation, measurements, punctuation, and often difficult handwriting, and the challenge becomes even greater. A hand-out is supplied.

Sugar-plums!

Explore how sugar-plums got their name!  This PowerPoint program is a delightful prelude to Christmas planning.  Some tastes and receipts (recipes) will be supplied.

Coffee, Chocolate, Tea, Spices, and Many Other Items too Tedious to Mention: 18c Imports into the Colonies

This PowerPoint program covers imports into the colonies as coffee, chocolate, imported and patriotic teas, spices, sugar, salts, peppers, food colorants, isinglass, hartshorn, gums, leavenings, oils, pickles, sweetmeats, syrups, jellies, rose and orange-flower waters and many, many other items that were part of our nation’s imported foods. A hand-out is supplied.

Hands–on Hearth Cooking Demonstrations and Classes, tailored to your needs, are also available.

Click to view more programs offered in 2018 by Deborah Peterson.

Donald J. Peck

Author Donald J. Peck is a trustee for the League of New Jersey Historical Societies; immediate Past President of the Raritan-Millstone Heritage Alliance, Inc., Somerset, New Jersey; past Commissioner for the Woodbridge Historic Preservation Commission, Woodbridge, New Jersey; Life Member (since 1972) of the Proprietary House Association, Perth Amboy, New Jersey and since 2003 President Emeritus having served on that Board of Directors for 18 years and for three non-consecutive terms as president, and as board member of the Museums of Perth Amboy.

A direct descendant of six signers of the Mayflower Compact, active memberships include The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of New Jersey and several state and national historical organizations. A direct descendant of East Jersey proprietors Sir George Scott and Dr. John Johnstone, he is the author of A Spirited War – George Washington and the Ghosts of the Revolution in Central New Jersey, An American Journey of Hope and several monographs including Perth Amboy the Port City on Raritan Bay.

Contact Information: residence 732-738-1165, office 732-738-1165 email [email protected].

Program–

September 11, 1776

Most Americans are aware that since September 11, 2001, their lives have never been the same. The same can be said for September 11, 1776, the date of the only face-to-face official meeting of the British and the Americans during the entire American Revolutionary War. “September 11, 1776” provides a fresh analysis of the event that took place, along with an explanation of the personalities involved in it. You are invited to take an in-depth tour of Central New Jersey’s most important Revolutionary War sites in his new book, A SPIRITED WAR-George Washington and the Ghosts of the Revolution in Central New Jersey.

 

Douglas Aumack

Doug Aumack is the Assistant Curator of New Jersey and Local History for the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission. He has expertise in compilation, evaluation and presentation of highly complex data in interactive, dynamic and engaging multi-media formats. Award-winning writer of New Jersey History, consultant for Discovery Science Channel documentary, advisor and strategist for “Legal History of New Jersey” exhibit, and producer of “UnCommon History” series of iTunes podcasts. He is an expert in a variety of Colonial and Revolutionary War Era topics and is available for lectures and speaking engagements.

Contact Information: [email protected]

 

Dr. Christopher M. Bellitto

Dr. Christopher M. Bellitto is  a frequent public speaker and media commentator on church history and contemporary Catholicism. He has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post and has appeared on The History Channel, CNN, MSNBC, PBS’ News Hour, and NPR. He is also a member of the Speaker’s Bureau of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

During and immediately after college, he worked in journalism, including a period at Newsweek magazine. He taught English at his alma mater, Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, N.Y. before entering graduate school at Fordham University. He was then a church history professor at St. Joseph’s Seminary (Dunwoodie) and its Institute of Religious Studies in Yonkers, N.Y., where he also served as the Institute’s Associate Dean.

Contact Information: [email protected]

Program–

Ancient Greece and Rome Meet Revolutionary New Jersey

Explore the Liberty Hall archives and early American newspapers to discover how John Kean, first cashier of the U.S. Bank, and William Livingston, New Jersey’s first governor, turned to classical Greece and Rome for inspiration. Our search reveals how revolutionary Americans charting a new nation’s future wrapped themselves in the mantle of a great ancient past.

 

Dr. Richard Veit

Historical archaeologist and Associate Professor of Anthropology at Monmouth University

Contact Information: [email protected]

Program–

Stranger Stop and Cast an Eye: Four Centuries of NJ Cemeteries and Gravemarkers

An illustrated look at our state’s historic burial grounds from the 1600s to the present day. The author of “Digging New Jersey’s Past: Historical Archaeology in the Garden State” and co-author of “New Jersey Cemeteries and Tombstones:  History in the Landscape” examines Native American and colonial grave markers, the rise of the cemetery, Victorian commemorative practices and other memorial traditions.  Unusual and even humorous grave markers found in modern cemeteries will also be included in this fascinating presentation.

Patriots, Tories, Inebriates, and Hussies: Unearthing the History of the Abraham Staats House

This lecture will uncover details of the Staats’ family history through the Revolutionary War, the arrival of turnpike roads, the construction of the D&R Canal, and the emancipation of slaves

 

Dr. Robert Selig

Pre-eminent author of all things “Washington-Rochambeau” will be available in 2016 for a few speaking engagements. Contact Dr. Selig if you are interested in scheduling him for a talk.

Contact Information: [email protected]

Frederic Minus

He is a member of the Camp Olden Round Table and founding member of the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops. He is also a reenactor with the Old Barracks Museum.

Contact Information: 609-396-1776

Program–

Oh Freedom! Slavery in New Jersey During the American Revolution

This talk addresses the topic of slavery during the American Revolution.

 

Glenn LeBoeuf

Glenn W. LeBoeuf is a lifelong student of military history. A graduate of Monmouth University, he taught social studies for several years before becoming a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor with Garden State Securities, Inc. in Red Bank, N.J. He is an active ‘living historian’ with the 3rd N.J. Vol. Infantry ( www.3rdnj.org ) and has helped organize and run the largest civil war reenactment ever held near Gettysburg in 1998 with over 22,000 participants. Glenn is also a noted authority on the life and character of Abraham Lincoln and is a sought after speaker by law firms, historical societies and library associations. He lives in the Atlantic Highlands N.J.

Contact Information: [email protected]; 908-938-5518

Programs–

The Military Career of George Washington

Educated only until he was eleven, at 20 years of age, George Washington, the wealthy Virginia militiaman, began a 33 year military career amidst the turmoil of the ‘French & Indian War’ ( 7 Year’s War ) where the bitter and deadly lessons of ambush, betrayals, desertions & disease, were harshly taught first hand. Losing more battles than he won during the American Revolution, his personal dedication to the cause of independence helped galvanize those officers and men in his command. In victory as well as defeat…his courage, stamina, luck, tolerance, intellect and decisiveness under fire built his reputation.

Come hear the story of the ‘indispensable man’ who, during 8 long years of war…single handedly kept the flame of independence flickering in the darkest days of the Revolutionary War.

“The Crossing”…1776: How Gen. George Washington’s desperate gambles at Trenton & Princeton saved America 

Gone were the ‘sunshine patriots’ of 1775. By the winter of 76’…Washington’s cold, hungry and poorly clothed army that once numbered around 33,000 dwindled to around 4,500 by December after several defeats on Long Island, Harlem Heights and Ft. Lee. Many politicians were calling for Washington’s replacement. But the men who remained with Washington through these bitter defeats and the rapid retreat across New Jersey to the relative safety of Pennsylvania were committed to the cause of independence and willing to suffer for that noble cause. He would lead them back…across the river…to attack.

Come hear the stories of these brave men…and the many political, logistic, geographical and tactical challenges they faced. Above all, come to hear about the man who led them; the man who these volunteers had taken the measure of over many months of battles, defeats and retreats. He was not giving up. They would not abandon this cause….or this man.

Gordon Bond

Contact Information: Gordon Bond, 908-352-0313; 908-477-6908; [email protected]

Program–

James Parker on the Eve of the Revolution

Gordon Bond discusses the life of James Parker, the first printer in New Jersey.

 

Gordon Thomas Ward

Contact Information: Gordon Thomas Ward, P.O. Box 226, Pottersville, NJ 07979; www.gordonthomasward.com; [email protected]; 908-295-2391

Programs–

Welcome to the Past

Immerse yourself in this entertaining and informative evening of tales, songs, poetry, and ghost stories about our history. This timeless, multimedia presentation celebrates the layers of history in our landscapes, especially the local history of Somerset/Morris/Hunterdon Counties including the Lenape, the NJ Encampment at Jockey Hollow during the Revolutionary War, farming, industry, and the “landed gentry.” In brilliant detail, Mr. Ward both entertains and illustrates the signatures we leave behind us and celebrates the geographies of our lives.

Gateway to History

Celebrated authors and presenters Dr. Jude M. Pfister and Gordon Thomas Ward will present different perspectives on the era of the American Revolution as it relates to the Morristown area. First, Dr. Jude M. Pfister (author of The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion and The Fords of New Jersey) will discuss the Ford family of Morris County, New Jersey, along with their mansion in Morristown. Both the Ford Family and their home participated in and witnessed some of the most trying times of the first century of the American pageant. The multi-layered family history is tangibly represented in the multi-floored and memory-laden mansion, which stands to this day as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring power of place. Following this, Gordon Thomas Ward (author of local history books A Bit of Earth and Ghosts of Central Jersey) will discuss the 1779-1780 encampment of the New Jersey Brigade in Jockey Hollow and their encampment site, which was discovered in the 1960s. He will also entertain you with several, seldom-told ghost stories connected with local historic sites from the time of the American Revolution. Projected photos will complement the entire presentation.

Story-Songs of History

Audiences adore this evocative presentation of original songs and their inspiring stories celebrating the rich histories and secreted tales of our shared past. Many of the songs Gordon performs are from his CD Welcome to the Past. Presented in brilliant detail, Mr. Ward uses a “behind the music” format combining enchanting anecdotes, vocals, and a multi-instrumental accompaniment to transport listeners on a captivating journey through various time periods and historic events including the Revolutionary War, the Civil Way, railroads in NJ, Trail of Tears, the Lenape, Robert Frost, and more!

Ghosts I’ve Come to Know

Did you ever wonder what’s on the other side? As a well-respected investigator of ghosts and hauntings for forty years and an author on the topic, Mr. Ward has developed a distinctive approach and body of evidence to support the belief in the survival of the human consciousness after death. This program includes new photos, audio recordings, developing theories, and information collected from his favorite, historic, investigation sites. This presentation will leave you with a fresh perspective on what happens us all after the transition we call death.

Historic Haunts of Central Jersey

What ghosts roam within the historic sites and buildings of central New Jersey? How accurate are the traditional stories? From the shadowed woods of the Somerset Hills to the dappled banks of the Delaware River, Historic Haunts delivers a rich mix of factual history and the sound investigation of ghostly phenomena. This presentation also mixes in numerous PowerPoint Photos of investigation sites and audio clips of unexplained voices. The combination of an open-minded enthusiasm and a level-headed approach underscores this collection of reports that will inform, entertain, and lead audience members to places where the past is considered to be very much alive and entwined with the present.

 

History on the Hoof

An educational performance troupe that employs storytelling, roleplay, displays, and music to illustrate historical topics. Stacy Roth and David Emerson offer a variety of their own separate programs as well as programs done together.

Roth is an interpreter, museum educator, historian, and information specialist who has performed and presented for museums, libraries, schools, civic organizations, and festivals throughout the area. Emerson has worked at living history museums for over 25 years as an independent storyteller, teaching history through the eyes of a “person of the past.” He is a veteran of Colonial Williamsburg, Plimoth Plantation, Morristown National Historical Park, and the Old Barracks Museum.  They will appear in period costumes.

Contact Information: Stacy F. Roth / B. David Emerson, P.O. Box 421, Burlington, NJ 08016;

609-239-2706 voicemail; [email protected]

Stacy Roth’s Programs–

Revolutionary Tea: An 18th Century Tea Experience

Why was tea so important in the lives of 18th-century people that fashion-conscious families posed for portraits with their tea sets? Did Great Britain lose her American Colonies over “the cup that cheers?” Find out in this unusual costumed presentation of tea lore, history, songs, poetry, living history display and demonstration.

Over Here, Molly Pitcher

A dramatic presentation highlighting the lives of women who “belonged to the army” during the American Revolution. “Molly” reminisces about the days when she accompanied her husband through summer battles and winter encampments from Valley Forge to Monmouth to Morristown. Relating her tales of firing a cannon in the heat of battle to trudging “behind the baggage,” she provides a glimpse into what it was like to be a “camp follower” in the days when American independence was a dream rather a certainty.

The Distaff Muse

What qualities define the 18th Century Woman? Virtue? Piety? Gentility? Spirit? Wit? Fortitude? Resignation? Passion? Historical interpreter Stacy F. Roth explores the private thoughts and popular image of women of the 18th century through songs, quotations, poetry and prose. In this unique presentation from a revolving repertoire, audiences will visit with humble heroines, brave Amazons, wise wits, and warriors in disguise.  Come, be amused with the distaff muse.

Colonial Frolick: Early American Songs, Singing Games and More

Stacy Roth and music therapist/trumpeter Flora Newberry present their favorite rhymes, riddles, rounds, ditties, instruments, and dances from the 17th to early 19th centuries. Lots of audience participation. For kids, their parents, and their grandparents!

Good Old Colony Times

A humorous and perhaps occasionally sober look at issues that fascinated folks of Early America. Join historical interpreter and balladeer Stacy Roth for songs and anecdotes celebrating love, courtship, marriage, sex, work, current events, and politics in the 17th and 18th centuries. This program can be customized to various themes: all American Revolution, all humorous songs, etc. Presented in the attire of the age!

Fife and Drum

Revolutionary War and general repertoire available for festivals, event openings, etc.

David Emerson’s Programs–

*David was featured as George Washington in New Jersey Network’s “Ten Crucial Days.”

Christmas and Midwinter Stories

Anecdotes about the origins of holiday customs, the Victorian “invention” of modern Christmas, the popularity of the Christmas tree, and traditional tales about “the most wonderful time of the year” are among the topics presented by David in an hour of holiday storytelling.

George Washington for your Celebration

David Emerson portrays the Revolutionary War General for special events. Horse optional. David has been customizing his interpretation to the needs of 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution commemorations. He has appeared as “His Excellency” at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, & Monmouth, the Middlebrook encampment, and more.

…and six and two-thirds dollars per month on account of pay

The founding fathers fought for freedom, the officers for honor; but what motivated the common soldier? Historical interpreter David Emerson, as recruiting Sergeant David MacCaffrey, presents an enlisted man’s-eye view of the American Revolution.

The Lure and Lore o Liquor: Tavern Beverages of the American Revolution

Many people know that our Revolution was fomented in the famous taverns of Colonial America – City Tavern of Philadelphia, Boston’s Green Dragon, and the Raleigh in Williamsburg. But other than politics, what was fueling the debates between the Sons of Liberty or the Virginia Burgesses?  Join historian and mixologist (yes, indeed) David Emerson in a lively exploration of Colonial drinking customs. The talk will include discussion of the various types of beverages available to the 18th Century tavern tippler, how they were made, and even some recipes that you can try on your own (if you dare). Discover our forefathers’ alternative to the modern Mojito and Martini, and what Ben Franklin considered “The Proof of God’s Love.”

Meet Benjamin Franklin

Walkaround and meet and greet character for special events, festivals, and more

Stacy Roth and David Emerson Programs–

Legends and Lore of the Winter Holidays

Join Interpreters Stacy Roth and Dave Emerson as they conjure the ghosts of Christmases past. Hear the traditional songs and stories, learn of archaic customs and carols and discover how the Victorians in general — and three authors in particular — revitalized and reinvented our favorite holiday. A veritable cornucopia of holiday treats certain to delight the entire family.

Christmas Carols * Tavern Songs * Songs of the Sea: Spiced Punch

Quartet with David, Stacy, and musicians and puppeteers Tom & Marianne Tucker. Costumed performance of Victorian (and earlier) Christmas Songs, Colonial Tavern Ditties, and Sea Songs of all periods — in appropriate historical dress. Our programs can include anecdotes and introductions of musical selections, if desired.