The popular History Alive! program of the West Virginia Humanities Council is adding half a dozen new figures from history that will be available for presentations beginning this Nov. 1. The new characters are: Julia Child, the First Lady of Food, portrayed by Karen Vuranch of Fayetteville; Founding Father Benjamin Franklin portrayed by Leon Alexander of Charleston; Ward Hill Lamon, Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguard, portrayed by Bob O’Connor of Charles Town; legendary Grand Ole Opry comedienne Minnie Pearl portrayed by Denise Giardina of Charleston; 26th President Theodore Roosevelt portrayed by Gene Worthington of Fayetteville; and Lewis & Clark Expedition Native American guide and translator Sacagawea, portrayed by Mary Dailey of Lewisburg.
The History Alive! program brings historical figures to life through first-person portrayals by presenters who have conducted scholarly research on their character. The programs provide entertaining and educational experiences by allowing audiences to explore history through interaction with important people from the past. Programs are available for $125 to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations throughout West Virginia including schools, libraries, museums, historical societies, civic groups, associations, parks, and companies. More than 150 History Alive! presentations are given each year across the state.
History Alive! features a total of 15 historically significant characters ranging from Chief Cornstalk to Eleanor Roosevelt. Information on all the History Alive! characters and how to schedule a presentation can be found at www.wvhumanities.org or by contacting Humanities Council Program Officer Mark Payne at 304-346-8500 or payne@wvhumanities.org.
