|
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.
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.
Delaware Through the Lens
Speaker: Michael Dixon
Since photography was introduced, this method of recording moments in time has provide people with visual records of places, people and events in Delaware. This slide-illustrated program, using many old pictures and postcards of Delaware, presents the role photography has played in depicting people and landscapes in Delaware since the 19th century. It concludes with a discussion on how to identify photographs commonly found in family collections and provides basic tips on preserving this visual heritage.
Disappearing Delmarva: A Look at the Effects of Progress on the Peninsula
Speaker: Ed Okonowicz
This program offers an overview of the Delmarva Peninsula's history and geographical importance while also focusing on the effects of rampant development and increased population on traditional small family businesses and regional occupations. The program uses stories and pictures from the national award-winning book "Disappearing Delmarva: Portraits of the Peninsula People" to address pressing regional issues, but the presentation also offers a fair amount of humor, country store philosophy and local history.
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.
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 History of the C&D Canal: A Tale of Towns, Villages, Locks & Bridges
Speaker: Michael Dixon
Every town and village along the canal has a fascinating story to be told. In this slide-illustrated talk, which focuses on how these places grew, you will discover the role that mule-drawn barges, locks, steamboats, and changing modes of transportation played in shaping this part of Delaware.
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 so
The Native Peoples of Delaware: Indian Culture & History
Speaker: Marshall Becker
Delawareans are familiar with native names such as Lenape, Susquehannock, Iroquois, and Ciconicin (Sikonese). They remind us of the many Native American peoples who lived in and around Delaware before the arrival of Columbus. Recent archaeological finds and historical studies have changed our understanding of how these peoples lived and interacted with one another, as well as with colonist. This presentation reviews the histories of the Ciconicin and Lenape cultures incorporating this new information.
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
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.
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."
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 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 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 era of iron ships and iron railroad.
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
|
