The History Speaks Lecture Series at Naper Settlement begins its 10th season this Sunday with presentations about historic events of the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring first-person interpretations and informative presentations through May 2014.
“We plan the series based on milestones in history, such as the 150th anniversary of the Civil War or that November day 50 years ago when President John F. Kennedy was shot and the entire nation mourned,” said Lead Museum Educator Cindy Lackore, who co-chaired the committee that planned this year’s lineup. “The series has grown in popularity over the years because our presenters share historical information in a compelling way.”
The first presentation, Letters of the Civil War, will be held from 4-5PM this Sunday, Sept. 15 at Naper Settlement’s Meeting House on the corner of Webster Street and Porter Avenue in Naperville.
In observance of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, “Letters of the Civil War” is a 60-minute audio/video performance with period-attired Civil War actors dramatically interpreting over 30 original letters from the war.
Advance tickets are $6 adult, $5 student, youth and Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining members. On the day of the presentation, tickets are $7 adult, $6 student, youth and Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining members. Reservations are recommended.
From October through May, presentations will take place in Century Memorial Chapel.
The Haunting of Two Salem Witches, 7-8PM Oct. 20
Meet Bridget Bishop, a tavern keeper who loved pretty clothes and having a good time. Bridget was accused of witchcraft and was the first to be hung in Salem on June 10, 1692. Meet Martha Corey, a devout member of the Puritan church and self-proclaimed Gospel woman, who was accused of witchcraft and was among the last to be hung in Salem on September 22, 1692. As Martha prepares for her final hours, she is visited by Bridget’s ghost and the two share their life stories.
For ages 10 and up.
Pierre Salinger and the 1,000 Days of Kennedy’s Camelot, 4-5PM Nov. 10
This program will commemorate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and describe the 1,000 days that made up the Kennedy administration, told through the eyes of White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger, as portrayed by Terry Lynch of HFK Presents.
Stories Behind Our Most Loved Christmas Hymns and Carols, 4-5PM Dec. 8
Have you ever wondered how your favorite holiday hymn or song came into origin, or what events inspired its lyrics to be written? Author Rochelle Pennington’s narrative will offer factual perspective, behind-the-scenes trivia, and little-known insights into well-known carols. Audience attendees will be invited to sing with gusto (or simply hum along) during the program’s musical conclusion.
The Essential PT Barnum, 4-5PM Jan. 12, 2014
Years before he revolutionized the circus, P.T. Barnum was already the most famous name in the world. Join author William Pack as he reveals the amazing life of P.T. Barnum, through storytelling and recreations of historical performances.
The Last Years of Mary Todd Lincoln, 4-5PM Feb. 9
Donna Daniels as Mary Todd Lincoln will speak of her marriage to Lincoln and the traumatic years of the Civil War, with the focus on the period of her life after the assassination. The audience will learn about her insanity trial and subsequent hospitalization at Bellevue Sanitarium in Batavia, Ill.
Jamestown Settlement, 4-5PM March 9
America — discovered by Columbus, claimed by Spain, desired by all. Who was up to the job of settling this wild new land? In this presentation, Captain John Smith, portrayed by Terry Lynch of HFK Presents, will explain how he helped settle Jamestown in the Virginia Territory.
Food Revolution: How the Civil War Changed Food in America, 4-5PM April 13
Bruce Kraig, PhD, founding president of the Culinary Historians of Chicago, will talk about the fascinating history of food in the mid-19th century. Military demands for canned goods to feed enlisted men stimulated the creation of a new industry. Chicago became a center for canned food processing. After the Civil War, soldiers back home continued to want canned foods like Borden’s Condensed Milk.
Spies and Spying in the Civil War, 4-5PM May 4
As the Civil War began, neither side had an espionage or military intelligence system, but by the summer of 1861, the Confederates had begun to fashion a spy network and the North would wait until the shooting started. This presentation about espionage during the Civil War features the illustrations of acclaimed artist Jim Weren.
For more information, visit www.napersettlement.org.
