Bringing History Alive for our Youth History Camp Panel Discussion Boston, MA Saturday Mar. 28, 2015 by Kyle Jenks
Bringing History Alive
for our YouthHistory Camp Panel Discussion
Boston, MA
Saturday Mar. 28, 2015
by Kyle Jenks
American Heritage Living
History Productions
www.AmericanHeritageLivingHistoryProductions.com
Kyle Jenks
216 509 7502
www.linkedin.com/kyle-jenks/32/507/542
American Heritage Living History Productions
Program Listings-started in 2005
• The American Revolution:
America’s first Civil War.
• Crafting 18th Century
Articles: (Separate presentation or
add to any other option for a significant
savings)
• See next slide
American Heritage Living History Productions
Program Listings-started in 2005
1. A wax sealed letter written with quill pen and ink.
2. A simulated black powder cartridge.
3. Button sewing
4. Making an officer's gorget.
American Heritage Living History Productions
Program Listings
• Patriot vs. Loyalist perspectives
• Country vs. Urban Lifestyles
• The American Revolution: Conservative or Radical Movement?
• Flags of the American Revolution
• Military campaigns
• Medicine / Disease / Sickness
• Daily Living / Civics /Politics / Material Culture
• Religion
What I would be thrilled to see at the end of this
session is formation of alliances that take action on
mutual interests.
• By the end of this presentation
you will discover THREE
• CALL TO ACTIONS that I am
passionate about.
• I am seeking people to help me.
• I am willing to work with you on
your projects too.
THE ACADEMIC SIDE
gives us a studied base to rely on…..
• “Process Drama”-Role Playing
in the Classroom
• NYU Steinhardt School
• Prof. Philip Taylor
• Investigate Ursuline College in Ohio
• Dr. Bari Stith
• High School alternatives
“From classical antiquity to the present, education and theatre have shared common goals and uses. The Program in Educational Theatre at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development consciously brings the two fields together – in the classroom, workshop, studio, and
on the stage. Here, we develop new strategies in teaching and learning through drama.”
What is Educational Theatre at NYU?
THE ACADEMIC SIDE
• “…venture beyond your history textbook and
provide students with opportunities to
experience history firsthand. Using
applied history, bring to life the people, places,
and events of our nation's history, inspiring in
your students a passion for the past.
• Students embark on what Percoco calls
"academic adventures." Taking advantage of the
many resources in their surrounding community
and beyond, students travel to historic sites and
exhibits, examine archives and other primary
source documents, analyze movies and
documentaries, conduct interviews, create
sculptures, and more.”
Millennials-Age 18-34
• I am a baby boomer. In order
for me to relate to history
from a contemporary
standpoint, I must be willing
yield to what works in today’s
society.
http://fusion.net/story/47184/f
usion-massive-millennial-poll-
results/
Contemporary Example #1:
“At Liberty Hall”-a Play by James Christy Oct. 2014
http://www.nj.com/suburbannews/index.ssf/2014/09/premiere_stages_at_kean_univer_11.html
“At Liberty Hall follows two high school students who've just moved to New Jersey: Cristian Rosario, a funny but unfocused teenager from Queens by way of the Dominican Republic; and Alexander Hamilton, 16, the subject of Cristian's 10th grade history project. This time-bending story finds common threads of humor, honor and awkwardness as told through the experiences of a someday-Founding Father and a kid looking for a way out of the projects.”
Contemporary Example #1:
“At Liberty Hall”- a Play by James Christy Oct. 2014
www.kean.edu/premierestages
Alexander Hamilton on the
left.
Christian Rosario on the
right.
Contemporary Example #1:
“At Liberty Hall”- a Play by James Christy Oct. 2014
• The I performance I watched
was a matinee attended by
middle school children who
were bused in. These folks on
stage answered questions at
the end of the show. The kids
were captivated!
“Rapping a Revolution”
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/theater
/lin-manuel-miranda-and-others-from-
hamilton-
talkhistory.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150205&nlid
=68529031&tntemail0=y
February 6, 2015
Additions made March 17, 2015
“The Baby Boomer view vs. the
Millennial view”PERSONAL COMMENTS ON THE PLAY:
HAMILTON currently playing at Public Theater in NYC through May 3, 2015.
These comments are based solely on the content of the NY
Times article: “Rapping a Revolution” Feb. 5th, 2015.
Although I love to be a purist, pragmatism wins out on this creation. It’s a
classic case of: “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
To be honest, I am not a fan of hip hop music. From the article: “A meeting of old and new, Colonial and millennial, is
the quintessence of “Hamilton,” in which Mr. Miranda — who wrote the book, lyrics and music, and stars in the title
role — uses a hip-hop, R&B and pop score to retell America’s founding story.” This play is not just for my eyes. This is
art and history combined together which widens its appeal. It is presented by a younger generation than mine for a
younger generation of people that find value in this kind of communication. Just yesterday [March 16th] I met a young
lady of the millennial generation who offered telling comments. She was fascinated by my description of this play. Her
comment first was that she felt her communications by various social media outlets was getting to be monotonous. She
said the subject matters revolved around, fashion, celebrity news or negative press in current events. Second, she
offered that this play interested her. When “shopping” for entertainment she looks for subjects that she can personally
relate to. This I think is an almost universal reason why a particular entertainment event achieves large scale success. I
found this refreshing and hopeful insight into what our young adults are looking for out of life.
If the content is historically accurate [right now I can’t afford the $120 ticket price to judge it for myself!] that is one of
two crucial reasons I would support this work. The second, as I eluded to, is that it is presenting history in a method
familiar and appealing to the performer’s contemporaries. As a First Person Interpreter of two 18th century characters,
I still choose to be pragmatic and open minded regarding this stage play. Again, perhaps this play is not designed to
appeal to the baby boomer generation necessarily. Its power lies in appealing to the audience represented through
popular culture in today’s world.
SHAKESPEARE:
As another analogy, I dare say Shakespeare is never challenged when people of different races or genders depict his
characters.
As an aside, I find it fascinating that this play comes on the heels of another new play about Alexander Hamilton
called “All Things Liberty” by James Christy which debuted to school children bused onto the Kean University
Campus in Union, NJ this past October. See:
http://www.nj.com/suburbannews/index.ssf/2014/09/premiere_stages_at_kean_univer_11.html
It is also relevant for a younger audience. “All Things Liberty” hits home because it brings universal human
experiences and makes them relatable to the current generation. By succeeding in doing that we have a better chance
to keep the appreciation of our hard won creation called the United States of America alive.
LAST OF THE MOHICANS:
Indulge me a bit of elaboration please. Do we get value from the fact that Last of the Mohicans has fostered an
enduring impact on the public’s fascination with its history even though it is not a completely non-fiction story? I
would argue yes. It has helped perpetuate an interest in history.
A crucial kudo to “Hamilton” would be if they get the history right. It just may seem out of context to an audience not
used to rap or hip hop music.
THE CONSTITUTION AND ITS BILL OF RIGHTS.
……which is another analogy I’d like to make: The way the Constitution was written to be a “living,
breathing” document. The founders were wise. They saw into the future and predicted evolution in
society. A strict document would paralyze society and eventually doom this then experiment in
Republican government delivered on a large scale. James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution”
doggedly researched all previous forms of Republican government through time and concluded that
they all sprung from small, city state environments and all eventually failed. In 1787 a group of 55
men gathered in the same place our Declaration of Independence was signed 11 years earlier. They
were now attempting to organize this bold statement it took eight years of war to forge and unite it
into a large and varied amalgam of states that became the largest successful republic ever devised. It
still stands today….227 years later and I believe our millennials still want to protect it.
Kyle Jenks
"
http://www.publictheater.org/hamilton/
No tickets available!!-Jan-May 3, 2015 Performances were already extended to May 3rd. They are getting a phenomenal response and
are predicted to go to Broadway!
School Channel Reality Show
• A take off on PBS shows
such as:
• Manor House
• Frontier House
• Colonial House
School Televised
History Jeopardy competition
• I have a bunch of
Jeopardy questions saved
up if you would like to
contact me to help you
put one together that has
an American Revolution
theme.
History Stories: “Arguing Comics”
• The Historical Society of Rockland County Invites You to Join Us for
• "How Cartoonists Responded to 9/11," A Golden Anniversary Lecture by Kent Worcester
When: Thursday, April 23, 2015; 7:15 sharpWhere: HSRC, 20 Zukor Road, New City, NYAdmission: $FREE (reservations required)
• Reserve tickets by sending an email to [email protected] or calling (845) 634-9629.
History Stories: “Arguing Comics”
• Kent Worcester is a professor of political science at Marymount Manhattan College, where he teaches courses on democratic theory, modern political theory, contemporary war, and the politics of popular culture. He is the author or coeditor of six books including, most recently, "Arguing Comics: Literary Masters on a Popular Medium" and "A Comics Studies Reader." For several years, he gave talks on New York City and comic books for the New York Council for the Humanities' Speakers in the Humanities program.
Write a Story
• Document your experiences
• Example: Your Diary
• Write it in quill pen and ink
by candlelight.
• Self Publish a Graphic
Novel or Comic
My story started with the very first
reenactment I attended in 2003.“After talking with those men, that very
moment like a shot out of nowhere, a
revelation hit me. I said to myself: “I could do
this if I wanted to!” I still find it hard to
describe exactly what attracted me so strongly
to this hobby at that instant. I attribute it to
the fact that as a kid I inherently liked to role-
play especially around military times such as
the Civil War and WW II. I used to watch
Combat on TV and my hero was the boy with
the dog Rin Tin Tin. I never delved into the
history of the wars bur I always liked to
imagine myself as a soldier……..” KJ
Colonial Story Cubes
• Use existing product called Story Cubes-I brought them to try today if you like.
• Or make your own…..
• Purchase these items at a craft store
• Wooden cubes
• Wood burner
An idea on how to use Colonial Story Cubes
• Make it a group lesson. It is a fine way to utilize
intellect and creativity, requiring both sides of
the brain to function optimally.
• Whoever begins the story, sets the tone for its
theme.
• Each successive roll of the dice is done by the
next person in the group.
• They must build on the same story line
established by the first person.
• Successive games begin with a different person
to establish differing themes.
Make a Facebook Page, write a blog, create
a wikiHow article…..OR
• Google +
• wikiHow
Great event listing sites
http://www.thehistorylist.com/
• Lee Wright
http://www.smoke-
fire.com/smoke-fire-
newspaper.asp
Great blogs
http://boston1775.blogspot.com/
• By J.L. Bell•Boston 1775 • History, analysis, and
unabashed gossip about the
start of the American Revolution
in Massachusetts.
Great blogs
http://www.benfranklinsworld.com/
• by Liz Covart
www.newyorkhistoryblog.org
• Editor: John Warren
Great blogs and web sites
http://allthingsliberty.com/
Notice the relevance to
21st century life.
Commentary on a television
series dealing with the
American Revolution.
Great blogs and web sites
http://raglinen.com/
Notice the relevance to
21st century life.
Commentary on a modern
aspect of
American Revolution.
USE www.hstry.co
• www.hstry.co
• "Create interactive timelines
that remind you of a FB set-up"
• It’s free to sign up.
• CEO Thomas Ketchall
• See article at:
www.edtechtimes.com
Museum Trek
• “Create a memorable experience
for your visitors with MuseumTrek,
the mobile game of location based
clues that players solve while they
Trek around your museum.”
• http://www.museumtrek.com/con
tactinfo.php
• President: Tim Cook
CALL TO ACTION #1:
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs
• One’s that I know exist:
• Montgomery Township HS, NJ-”Living Historians Club”
• Held twice a year at Rockingham Association Kingston, NJ-Washington’s Last Military Headquarters
• Guilderland High School, Guilderland, NY [Albany area]-did a FP project
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs
• Bureau Valley CUSD
• Manlius, Illinois
• Heights
• Oakland, NJ
• Manito
• Oakland, NJ
• How about developing an exchange
program between the groups?
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs cont.
• WHERE DO YOU FIND THE KIDS?
• Schools
• Public, Private
• Rudolph Steiner Schools
• Waldorf Technique
• Magnet, Charter
• Homeschoolers
• Academies
• National Blue Ribbon Schools
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs cont.
• WHERE DO YOU
FIND THESE KIDS?
• Reenactments
• Encampments
• Rendevous’
• Community Events
Create your own Reenactment
• Watch this awesome
DVD.
• Plan, write and act
out your own
reenactment.
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs cont.
Finding the kids cont.
• At the History Bee/History Bowl
www.historybowl.com
• At the National History Day competitions
www.nationalhistoryday.org
The History Bowl
Mid Atlantic Regional• I attended the Mid Atlantic
Regionals at Princeton University on Sat. March 21, 2015, volunteering as a question reader.
http://www.historybowl.com/
• This and the following 2 photos were taken in the Frist Building Room 302. This is where Albert Einstein used to teach!
The History Bowl
Mid Atlantic Regional
Hundreds of kids and
growing into an
international competition.
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs cont.
Finding the kids cont.
• Boy Scout International
Exchange Program
• Canada: SCOPE-Toronto area
• United States: Olympia
http://www.sbfg.ca/
• Scout Brigade of Fort George
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs cont.
Finding the kids cont.
• Boy Scout Domestic
Exchange Program
• Mohawk Valley/Schenectady Council-
gathering in Fort Plain, NY May 1-3, 2015
• Cradle of Liberty Council in Valley Forge,
PA
• Northern NJ Council-Offices in Oakland, NJ
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs cont.
Finding the kids cont.
• Boy Scout
• Eagle Project Suggested Topics
•First Person Interpretation
•Historical Drama
•Graphic Novel
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs
cont.• WHERE DO YOU FIND
THESE KIDS?
• Summer Camps-Workshops
• Helderberg Workshop, Albany, NY
• Did crafts from our AHLHP program listing
• 1) A wax sealed letter written with quill pen and ink.
• 2) A simulated black powder cartridge.
• 3) Button sewing
• 4) Making an officer's gorget.
Establish Living Historians Club cont.
• WHERE DO YOU FIND THESE KIDS?
• Association of Public Historians
• State Historian’s office
• Community Historian’s office
• Museum conferences
• ALHFAM
• NAI
• CAR
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs
cont.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
• Staged Readings
• Graveyard Tours
• Dinner Theatre
• Make them all fundraisers
for the Living Historian’s Club
Establish Living Historian’s Clubs
cont.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
• Docents at historic sites
• Perform a play
• [BBA play at Dorset, VT Playhouse]
• Rent wars
• Pullman Porters
• Perform a role play
• Alternate history
• Both sides of the story
Encourage the club members to develop
First Person Personas
• Book: Past into Present: Effective Techniques for First Person Historical Interpretation
• By Stacy F. Roth
• Go to Appendix 2: The Ultimate Character Development List
• Interpreting Our Heritage
• by Freeman Tilden
• Telling History
• By Joyce M. Thierer
First Person Interpretation
in grand style
• Here’s a very sensory rich application of the use of First Person Interpretation.
• General George Washington reviewing the troops. This re-creation was in Fort Plain, NY on Aug. 1-3, 2008.
• Gen’l Washington actually toured the Mohawk Valley in 1783 after the war was officially over.
This is the dragoon unit that accompanied
General Washington into town.
• They are called Sheldon’s Horse
Second Continental Light Dragoons.
They are still a semi-commissioned
military unit called out by the Governor
of Connecticut.
• They were Washington’s
official “life guard” unit.
• Dean Malissa as Washington rode into
town on horseback with them up to the
site at the Fort Plain Museum.
Reception Friday night
Meet the General
• This weekend long event began with a reception Friday night.
• On Sunday there was a dinner. Dean Malissa is shown here with a guest at the Friday night reception.
First Person Interpretation in grand style
• On Saturday “His
Excellency” greeted the
public in character under
his marquee shown here.
• In the afternoon there was a
formal review of troops as
shown on slide 60.
A powerful emotional impact took place…..
“I remember being paralyzed with awe as I
was given permission to have the ultimate
experience: Stand aside and be a "fly on the
wall" so to speak and observe this man work
his magic. “His Excellency” received the
public at this event under the marquee
pictured on slide 63. The way the public
responded to him is a testament to the
incomparable magnetic attraction he
displayed. And the thing of it is, it is George
Washington's magnetic and magnanimous
personality that the people responded to.” KJ
I have never forgotten that day…..
• “Not to take anything away from Dean. He is magnetic and magnanimous too, but the public was actually mesmerized and tongue tied in his presence. They [and I] thought we were in the presence of the commander in chief of the Continental Army!
• It was one of the most powerful emotional experiences I have ever had. Right then and there I said to myself, "I am going to do this as well as Dean Malissa someday .".... [but as someone shorter.]
• All the reenactors attending this commemoration received one of these medals. I have saved it for 7 years, always on display at my desk.”
My Development of a First Person Persona
• I started chronicling my experiences as a reenactor in 2003 which turned into a story.
• I began the hobby in my native upstate New York which lent itself to learning about the French and Indian War and American Revolution time periods.
My Development of a First Person Persona
• I found and bought Past into Present: Effective Techniques for First Person Historical Interpretation
• By Stacy F. Roth
• I went straight to Appendix 2: The Ultimate Character Development List and started filling in the blanks.
My Development of a First Person Persona
• I started blending my
chronicles in “Musings”
with the Appendix in Stacy
Roth’s book.
• I started reading books of
real life people I thought I
might like to portray.
I came up instead with a personal example
of a First Person Interpretation
My persona resulted in a historically inspired character
named Douglas McKenna. It was developed based on
being born in 1732 in Schenectady, NY. I told the story
of growing up in what was then known as the
Western Frontier.
I delved into his dealings with the varied and diverse
cultures present in upstate New York including the
English, Dutch, French, Scottish, Irish, Palatine
Germans and the five nations of the Iroquois
Confederacy. My journey into manhood was through
participation in the French and Indian War as a Roger's
Ranger and then deciding to join the patriot cause
during the American Revolution.
Evolution of Douglas McKenna
What I really enjoyed next was bringing the civilian
aspect into Douglas’ life.
The reenactment hobby although not limited to the
military approach is most commonly battle
reenactment oriented.
I continued to participate in that aspect which I
thoroughly enjoy but I also sought out community
history site projects that brought a more complete
picture to Douglas’ life.
This is a sample of an interpretation I did at the
Schuyler Mansion in Albany, NY.
Evolution of Douglas McKenna cont.
One of the best examples of my evolving awareness
of the time period was a move to a neighboring state.
Since New Jersey, commonly known as either the
Cockpit of the Revolution or the Crossroads of the
American Revolution, is so rich in that time period’s
history, it allowed Douglas to have reason to end up
in many more different places.
Proof of the increased complexity of character
development was a presentation I was hired to do at
Valley Forge National Historical Park for a large,
annual Boy Scout pilgrimage.
Evolution of Douglas McKenna cont.
I assembled a team of first person interpreters to
approach the story from the perspective of soldiers
traveling to Valley Forge at different times
throughout the winter of 1777/78 and spring of 1778
from the northern campaign in Saratoga, NY.
It allowed me to present this “global” perspective to
the war as well as highlight three historical figures
that not only have less renown, but are of minority
status. They are Salem Poor of Bunker Hill fame,
Honyerry Doxtader, an Oneida Indian from the
Iroquois Confederacy and Polly Cooper, also of the
Oneidas.
Evolution of Douglas McKenna cont.
Douglas continues to travel around and meet many more
people as he ages and gets involved in things that men
did back then, like own property, invest and get into
politics.
This is when I decided the time was ripe to take on a
historical figure that really lived.
James Madison, our fourth President has been in the
back of mind since 2007 but I didn’t feel I could do a
man of such great renown justice.
When opportunity finally knocked, I was ready. Now I
am studying for a first official presentation as Mr.
Madison for Constitution Day this year on Sept. 17, 2015.
A Douglas McKenna performance example
• This is my stage for the
performance I did at the West
Point Museum, West Point,
NY.
• The client was the West Point
Chapter of the Company of
Military Historians.
A Douglas McKenna performance example
• The stage consisted of the table and chair you see center stage. Table had period appropriate props appropriate for a desk.
• There is a fireplace at stage left. Here I piled real wood logs with a cast iron pot set on the imaginary fire. I had real food [pre-warmed] in the pot [canned beef stew.] The pot was lined with a plastic container.
• I had bottles of grape juice mixed with wine and apple juice mixed with hard cider to drink along with the proper drinking glasses, tankards, bowls plates and utensils.
• In the very center of the audience, [very hard to see] is a “cage” made of wire that protected a halogen work light that sat inside.
• The work light was tilted up ever so slightly and the light was shown through a piece of parchment yellow tissue paper to give the stage a candle lit appearance once the house lights dimmed.
A Douglas McKenna performance example
• When the house lights dimmed I had various flickering lanterns and battery candles stationed to augment the incandescent spotlight. I had all the other period props necessary for my performance.
• I had pre-planned for an audience member to be part of the show.
• He sat in the front row with a small table next to his chair.
• He was someone I could talk to and serve food and drink to while I was telling my story.
• This particular presentation revolved around the story I received in a letter from my wife Sarah who was in Philadelphia in 1787 when the Constitutional Convention has just adjourned.
CALL TO ACTION #2:Help me organize a
First Person Interpretation Symposium
• Held at a Physical location
• How to do it…..
• … or a Virtual Location
• Series of Podcasts
• SKYPE
• Webinar
• WikiHOW-Article
• HSTRY.COM timeline format
• First Person Blog or FB page
Introduce kids to Professional
Actor/Interpreters at the Symposium
www.ahtheatre.orgDean Malissa on Right as George Washington
courtesy of AHT.
Let them feel the power that this presentation style is
capable of.
Introduce kids to Professional
Actor/Interpreters at the Symposiumwww.leagueofmostinterestinggentlemen.com
• Left to right:
• Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury,
• President James Monroe,
• President Thomas Jefferson,
• Count Rumford and seated: Dr. Benjamin Franklin.
• Not pictured: President James Madison
Introduce kids to Professional
Actor/Interpreters at the Symposium
• Stacy Roth at
Monmouth State
Battlefield site
• Monmouth, NJ
It took me 7 years to track down
Stacy Roth, but I finally met her
and saw a pro in action.
Molly Pitcher-Battle of
Monmouth June 28, 1778
Introduce kids to Professional
Actor/Interpreters at the Symposium
John Andre and
Benedict Arnold Douglas McKenna
and friend
Interpreters from Genesee Valley
Country Village and Museum
Introduce kids to Professional
Actor/Interpreters at the Symposium
California
Gold Rush
Victorian
Mount Vernon
Introduce kids to Professional
Actor/Interpreters at the Symposium
Not sure about
this one!ca. 1860’s?
Benjamin
Franklin
Introduce kids to Professional
Actor/Interpreters at the Symposium
SUSAN MCKINNEY
STEWARD
First female African-American
doctor in New York State
SUSAN B. ANTHONY
Napoleon of the women's
suffrage movement, mother of
the 19th Amendment,
abolitionistSojourner Truth
Introduce kids to Professional
Actor/Interpreters at the Symposium
18th Century TradesmanBenjamin Franklin
CALL TO ACTION #3
Re-enact a historical eventExample: The 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent
• Feb. 16, 1815
• Place: Octagon House in
Washington, DC.
• Troops guard and wait to
ceremoniously welcome the
Treaty arriving from its
ratification by the Senate only
several blocks down the street.
Re-enact a historical eventThe 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent
• Recreation of the route taken by the Treaty from the Senate to the Octagon House.
• Actually it was so cold they cancelled it but three hearty souls make the trek anyway.
Re-enact a historical eventThe 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent
Delivering the chest to President
James Madison that contained the
Treaty as it traveled from Ghent,
Belgium the year before.
That is the actual chest that the
Treaty traveled in.
Re-enact a historical eventThe 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent
• President and Mrs. Madison looking over the Treaty before signing.
• This was the original table used by President Madison to sign the Treaty at the actual place. Octagon House was the First Couple’s temporary residence at the time.
• The President’s Mansion had been burned by the British on August 24th of the previous year, 1814.
Re-enact a historical eventThe 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent
• It’s official.
• Congratulations are
in order!
CALL TO ACTION #3:
Help me Re-enact this historical event
1754 Albany
CongressBen Franklin Comes to
New York with:
“Hints toward a Scheme…”
1754 Albany Congress
Ben Franklin Comes to New York with:
“Hints toward a Scheme…”
“2014 was the 260th anniversary of this month long convention that resulted in the Albany Plan of Union, the precursor to our American Constitution. There are many aspects to this seminal event that I believe are extremely compelling but not commonly known.” KJ
ASSIDUITY: constant or close application or
effort; diligence; industry.
Introduce kids to Professional Storytellers
• http://www.lauracrockett.com/
Laura_Crockett/Welcome.html
• http://www.magicwords101.com/
• Denise McCormack
Introduce kids to Professional Storytellers
http://www.storycircleatproctors.org/
www.facebook.com/partnersforalbany
stories
Introduce kids to Professional Storytellers
• Rick Salazar typically tells
the Native American,
[sometimes referred to as
First Peoples] rendition of
their creation evenings
around a campfire.
Unimagined Discovery
• I bought this book thinking it was a
history book. I didn’t read it though.
• I cracked it open several year’s later.
It’s not about history really, it’s about
this author’s story of discovery with his
social studies middle school students.
• In complete ignorance I proceeded to
create our play with the admittedly
unimaginative title: Colonial Life in the
Mohawk Valley.
Our Play: Colonial Life in the Mohawk ValleyRecommended for 7th-8th graders
• “250 years ago, English, French, Indians and
Colonists contested control of upstate New York.
Colonial life in the Mohawk Valley will be
performed in your auditorium, using your
students as impromptu actors.
• This 9 scene play is prearranged with your
teachers and is played out ON THE SPOT in a
LIVE 90-100 minute performance. AHLHP
provides all the clothing, accouterments, cue
cards, set decoration and stage direction for this
unprecedented style of performance.
• Presentations involve each and every student.”
Our Play: Colonial Life in the Mohawk ValleyRecommended for 7th-8th graders
• Scenes titles are:
• 1) Introduction,
• 2) People of the Longhouse,
• 3) Home Life on the Frontier,
• 4) The Alarm has Sounded,
• 5) The Stockade at Fort Hunter,
• 6) The Scouting Party,
• 7) The 1754 Albany Congress,
• 8) 1756: An Indian Celebration at Fort Johnson
• 9) Conclusion and Thank you ceremony.
Our Play: Colonial Life in the Mohawk ValleyRecommended for 7th-8th graders
• The School liked it so
much they invited us
back the following year.
• If it wasn’t for a move
out of state, it could
have become a tradition.
Here’s what the teacher’s said:
• From Cobleskill/Richmondville, NY Central School District Dec. 2006
• "The presentation by Mr. Kyle Jenks on the French and Indian War was remarkable. First, Mr. Jenks covered a great deal of information in an engaging manner. His program tied in directly to the material covered in both the ELA and social studies classes from our school.
• Second, all students had opportunities to participate. That direct involvement increased their appreciation for the material covered. We would highly recommend this presentation to other Middle Schools."
• Sincerely,CRCS 7th Grade Teachers:Christopher Baron, Chad Blakesley, Peggy Blohm, Amy Thompson, Noel Payton
Here’s what the kid’s said:
Excerpts of some of the 24 separate student testimonials we received from the Cobleskill/Richmondville French and Indian War presentation:
•"Thank you very much for inviting both 7 and split to see that wonderful presentation...I was in the part of the Albany Congress, and it really felt like I was there watching it all happen. Overall the presentation was fascinating and I really enjoyed it." MH
•"...it was great. The part that I played was People of the Longhouse-it was cool to be a clan mother of the Onondaga Nation. The way that you helped us learn about it was cool because we got to help. Thank (you) again, it was great." KH
Here’s what the kid’s said:
• "...I was captain of the French partisans and I felt like I was there it was so
real. I think the whole school could have been there." JO
•"...The part that I played was a Frenchman. It was neat to help out in an
assembly. I learned what a Sachem was. It was great to be in an actual
reenactment." RM
• "...we enjoyed it very much. I was part of the Albany Plan of Union Council.
I really felt like I was a part of it a long time ago. It was very exciting. This
presentation was a great, fun way to learn about the French and Indian War.
It was very fun." CM
•
Here’s what the kid’s said:
• "...The part that I played was in a French raiding party, and I enjoyed weaving
throughout the chairs like they were bushes and trees. I really enjoyed the play, and I
think it would be fun to be in another recreation. I hope we can do this again
sometime in the future." HM
• "...I was part of the French raiding party. What I liked best was when the French
tried to attack the base and the British drove us back." HS
•"...It was very fun being Benjamin Franklin. We all enjoyed it very much. It was very
informative. I learned that it was very hard living in colonial life." DF
•
Here’s what the kid’s said:
• "...We are going to have oodles of fun." CB
•"Your play is going to be awesome. We studied (the) French and Indian War and I loved it. It was pretty interesting." DB
•"I thank you for the honor of allowing the split 6-7 team to the presentation. The part I played was the People of the Longhouse and I was the Mohawk Sachem. Your efforts were astounding." ML
I created something
that already existed.
• I said, I think we got something here!
Much later, after our two years of this
production played, I realized what I
created already had official names.
• Process Drama, Educational Drama or
Applied Theater and I loved it. This
book [same author] was written 5 years
after Redcoats and Patriots in 2003.
What will be your “Corps of Discovery?”
• Sometimes you don’t have to create something new. You just have to add your unique contribution to a concept you believe in. By doing so you will strengthen it, evolve it and get more people interested.
My next evolution was to learn about a theatrical
genre called Outdoor Historical Drama
• Get help from:
www.outdoor-theatre.org/
• “Outdoor Historical Drama has the magical power to imbue the visitor with a sense of pilgrimage to another time and place where actual events took place.” KJ
Our Outdoor Historical Drama:
Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama
Gelston Castle Estate
980 Robinson Road
Mohawk, NY
www.datmod.com
www.facebook.com/drumsalongthemohawk
Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama
• Kids can participate in roles pertaining to:
• Cast
• Crew
• Production Team
• Set Design
• Wardrobe
• Props
• Support Staff
• Opening Acts-Living History Presentation
• Educational Project or Information Booth
Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama
Sat. Aug. 1, 2015 5 pm
Sun. Aug. 2, 2015 5 pm
Sat. Aug. 8, 2015 5 pm
Sun. Aug. 9, 2015 5 pm
Our Overnight, Guided Bus Tour goes to:Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama
• In 2014 our itinerary took our guests from the Historical Society of Rockland County [NY] and others to 12 locations that directly applied to the people, places and events in the show.
Our Overnight, Guided Bus TourDrums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama
• Itinerary: http://www.rocklandhistory.org/page.cfm?page=367
• Video testimonial on www.facebook.com/drumsalongthemohawk
• Also listed on:
www.thehistorylist.com
Revolutionary War Conference
May 1-3, 2015 Fort Plain, NY
• The Mohawk Valley played a key role in the struggle
for American Independence. Join us at the Fort Plain
Museum and discover the area’s rich history.
• Six Great Author - Historians! Six Great
Revolutionary Stories!
• Saturday May 2, 2015
• For More Information Contact Brian Mack at
518-774-5669 or E-mail us at
• Exit 29 off the NYS Thruway
• Friday night reception and Sunday bus tour
• Todd Braisted - "A hellish plan to go over to the enemy" The Revolutionary War Adventures of Lieutenant Edward McMichael
• Don Hagist - The Revolution's Last Men, the Soldiers Behind the Photographs
• Jack Kelly - Band of Giants, the Amateur Soldiers Who Won America's Independence
• James Kirby Martin - Forgotten Allies, the Oneida Indians and the American Revolution
• Bruce Venter - Col. John Brown and the Battle of Diamond Island on Lake George
• Glenn Williams - The Year of the Hangman, George Washington's Campaign Against the Iroquois
Revolutionary War Conference
May 1-3, 2015 Fort Plain, NY• Registration Fee (s): $40 per person (space is
limited, early registration is suggested!) Fee includes:
Cocktail Reception – Meet & Greet featuring a
presentation, “Discovering Fort Plain” by Norman
Bollen. Refreshments will be served Friday evening
and all day Saturday. A boxed lunch by Panera Bread
will be provided at noon on Saturday.
• *For an additional $20 per person fee: Guided Bus
Tour of “Mohawk Country” on Sunday: Includes
the Nellis Tavern, Fort Klock, Van Alstyne
Homestead, Isaac Paris House, Palatine Church,
Stone Arabia Churches, Fort Plain Museum, Stone
Arabia Battlefield, Klock’s Battlefield and John
Brown’s Grave.
• Registration Deadline is April 17, 2015
• Please make checks and money orders payable
to: Fort Plain Museum. Mail completed
registration and lunch order forms with
payment to:
Fort Plain Museum
Attn: Brian Mack
PO Box 324
Fort Plain, N.Y. 13339
Gil and Lana from Drums Along the
Mohawk Outdoor Drama get married!
• Saturday July 25, 2015
• Wedding at the 1770 Palatine
Church at 3 pm.
• Reception at 4 pm at the 1747
Nellis Tavern.
• Sponsored by Mohawk Country
• “America’s First Frontier”
Gil and Lana from Drums Along the
Mohawk Outdoor Drama get married!
• Both locations are off New York
State Thruway Exit 29.
• Get details from Kyle Jenks at
• 216 509 7502 or
Get them moving!
• Teach them Colonial
Dancing
• Popular periods are
• Colonial
• Regency
• Civil War
• I can help you find groups
and musicians.
Take them to Secret Places
Give them an adventure outdoors
Life was physically active in those days
• Take them on a Bike Ride
• Take them on a hike
• Take them on a Bike/Hike
• Geo-caching
• Orienteering
• Open fire cooking
• 18th Century Camping
Sports
• Watch movie: Crooked Arrows
• Play Lacrosse
• Play Cricket
• Play Rounders
• Bowl on a Lawn
• Play Vintage Baseball
Sports
Primitive Biathlon
http://www.shandakenprimitivebiathlon.net/
• Catskills, NY
• Manchester, VT
Are you up for forming some alliances?
My three CALL TO ACTIONS are:
• Create a network of Living History Clubs
• Create a First Person Interpretation Symposium
• Create a reenactment of the 1754 Albany Congress
I don’t know if I’m ready to form any alliances.
I just want to watch the clock.
• A patriot soldier asked his
commander at the Old North
Bridge:
• “Are you going to let them burn the
town down?” The patriot
commander replied: “Who’s with
me?”
• No one turned him down.
Let’s do this.
Thank you for your attendance and
contributions! I look forward to
getting better acquainted.
Kyle Jenks
216 509 7502
www.linkedin.com/kyle-jenks/32/507/542