Martha Washington
Portrayed by Kathryn Broderius-Martinez
Martha Washington is remembered as the first First Lady of the United States, but her story reaches far beyond her role as the wife of George Washington. She was a woman who lived through a time of enormous change, helped support the American Revolution, and became an example of leadership and service during the creation of a new nation.
Born Martha Dandridge in 1731 in Virginia, she grew up in a world shaped by colonial traditions, family responsibilities, and expectations placed on women of the 18th century. After marrying George Washington in 1759, she became the partner of a man whose life would become deeply connected to the founding of the United States. While George Washington led armies and later served as the nation’s first president, Martha played an important role in supporting him and those around him.
During the Revolutionary War, Martha Washington demonstrated courage and commitment by joining George at military camps throughout the conflict. Her presence provided encouragement and comfort to soldiers who faced difficult conditions, and she helped organize efforts to support the Continental Army. She collected supplies, assisted with relief efforts, and used her position to improve the lives of those serving the cause of independence. Her actions showed that patriotism was not limited to the battlefield; it also existed through sacrifice, compassion, and service.
When George Washington became president, Martha helped establish the traditions and expectations of the role that would later become known as the First Lady. She hosted public gatherings, welcomed citizens, and helped create a sense of connection between the new government and the people it served. Although women of her time had limited political power, Martha influenced American culture through her example of hospitality, responsibility, and dedication to the country.
Martha Washington’s impact on American history is significant because she represents the many individuals whose contributions helped build the foundation of the United States. Her life demonstrates that leadership can take many forms and that supporting a movement, community, or nation can be just as important as leading it. She showed resilience through war, uncertainty, and personal sacrifice while helping shape the image of what a citizen and public servant could be.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Martha Washington’s story remains a reminder that the founding of the nation was not accomplished by one person or one group alone. It was created through the efforts of people who believed in something larger than themselves. Her legacy continues to represent patriotism, perseverance, and the powerful role of service in shaping history.
Personal Bio: Kathryn Broderius-Martinez graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor's degree in history, an emphasis in secondary education, and a minor in business administration. She most recently earned her master's degree in educational technology and instructional design. A middle school social studies teacher, Kathryn grew up participating in the Young Chautauqua program, an experience that inspired her to pursue a degree in history. She later started a Young Chautauqua program of her own at Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering, where she now helps students take part in the program that shaped her. She is excited to bring Martha Washington to life as a professional Chautauquan.
Recommended Readings Fraser, Flora. The Washingtons: George and Martha Partners in Friendship and Love.
Anchor Books, 2015.
Brady, Patricia. Martha Washington: An American Life. Penguin Publishing Group, 1970.
Chernow, Ron. Washington: A Life. The Penguin Press, 2010.
Bryan, Helen. First Lady of Liberty: Martha Washington. John Wiley & Sons, 2002.
Favorite Quotes by and/or About Martha Washington“An active life in the service of others is the best possible preparation for a happy old age.”
— Attributed to Martha Washington
“I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not upon our circumstances.”
— Attributed to Martha Washington
“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.”
— Martha Washington
“She was the worthy partner of the first President of the United States and contributed much to the success of his public life.”
— Historical descriptions of Martha Washington’s role and influence
“The first lady of the land was a woman of dignity, kindness, and devotion whose influence helped define the traditions of the new nation.”
— Summary reflection on Martha Washington’s legacy
Martha Washington is remembered as the first First Lady of the United States, but her story reaches far beyond her role as the wife of George Washington. She was a woman who lived through a time of enormous change, helped support the American Revolution, and became an example of leadership and service during the creation of a new nation.
Born Martha Dandridge in 1731 in Virginia, she grew up in a world shaped by colonial traditions, family responsibilities, and expectations placed on women of the 18th century. After marrying George Washington in 1759, she became the partner of a man whose life would become deeply connected to the founding of the United States. While George Washington led armies and later served as the nation’s first president, Martha played an important role in supporting him and those around him.
During the Revolutionary War, Martha Washington demonstrated courage and commitment by joining George at military camps throughout the conflict. Her presence provided encouragement and comfort to soldiers who faced difficult conditions, and she helped organize efforts to support the Continental Army. She collected supplies, assisted with relief efforts, and used her position to improve the lives of those serving the cause of independence. Her actions showed that patriotism was not limited to the battlefield; it also existed through sacrifice, compassion, and service.
When George Washington became president, Martha helped establish the traditions and expectations of the role that would later become known as the First Lady. She hosted public gatherings, welcomed citizens, and helped create a sense of connection between the new government and the people it served. Although women of her time had limited political power, Martha influenced American culture through her example of hospitality, responsibility, and dedication to the country.
Martha Washington’s impact on American history is significant because she represents the many individuals whose contributions helped build the foundation of the United States. Her life demonstrates that leadership can take many forms and that supporting a movement, community, or nation can be just as important as leading it. She showed resilience through war, uncertainty, and personal sacrifice while helping shape the image of what a citizen and public servant could be.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Martha Washington’s story remains a reminder that the founding of the nation was not accomplished by one person or one group alone. It was created through the efforts of people who believed in something larger than themselves. Her legacy continues to represent patriotism, perseverance, and the powerful role of service in shaping history.
Personal Bio: Kathryn Broderius-Martinez graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor's degree in history, an emphasis in secondary education, and a minor in business administration. She most recently earned her master's degree in educational technology and instructional design. A middle school social studies teacher, Kathryn grew up participating in the Young Chautauqua program, an experience that inspired her to pursue a degree in history. She later started a Young Chautauqua program of her own at Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering, where she now helps students take part in the program that shaped her. She is excited to bring Martha Washington to life as a professional Chautauquan.
Recommended Readings Fraser, Flora. The Washingtons: George and Martha Partners in Friendship and Love.
Anchor Books, 2015.
Brady, Patricia. Martha Washington: An American Life. Penguin Publishing Group, 1970.
Chernow, Ron. Washington: A Life. The Penguin Press, 2010.
Bryan, Helen. First Lady of Liberty: Martha Washington. John Wiley & Sons, 2002.
Favorite Quotes by and/or About Martha Washington“An active life in the service of others is the best possible preparation for a happy old age.”
— Attributed to Martha Washington
“I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not upon our circumstances.”
— Attributed to Martha Washington
“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.”
— Martha Washington
“She was the worthy partner of the first President of the United States and contributed much to the success of his public life.”
— Historical descriptions of Martha Washington’s role and influence
“The first lady of the land was a woman of dignity, kindness, and devotion whose influence helped define the traditions of the new nation.”
— Summary reflection on Martha Washington’s legacy
Benjamin Franklin, the Inventor Who Reinvented America
Portrayed By Larry Bounds
Benjamin Franklin appeared before the British Parliament as a colonial representative in 1757 dressed in the fine silks and powdered wig of the dignified Englishman. Twenty-one years later, however, representing a new American republic, he stepped among the silk clad, powdered, and bewigged French aristocracy in a plain, brown, homespun suit with no wig and wearing a rustic, beaver fur hat–his "Liberty Cap." Franklin created a new image, singularly American, representing a new national identity, more enterprising, less refined. His style immediately captured the imagination of the French, rich and poor, and was his first step in winning over their support.
Franklin became a beacon of reason and an icon of the Enlightenment. By demonstrating the power of the scientific method through his experiments in electricity, optics, and heat conduction, he improved the lives and safety of all Americans. His journalism popularized rational thought while evangelizing secular morality. Incredibly successful in amassing wealth through the free market capitalism of his time, he established the socialistic institutions of public libraries, community fire departments, mutual aid societies, and public education.
At the age of 17 he had fled a Boston printer apprenticeship and settled in the city of Philadelphia (population 4000). No longer an apprentice, he worked as a printer's assistant and then as an independent printer. He worked long hours, produced high quality work, and established a reputation for being industrious.
Franklin was appointed Postmaster of Philadelphia and later colonial Postmaster General. He transformed his local newspaper into a nationally syndicated journal made possible by his own improvements to the colonial postal system. As Philadelphia grew to a population of 20,000, Franklin guided the re-engineering of the city with paved roads and improved sanitation.
Then, at the age of 40, with his colony's most successful printing business, with a chain of franchised printers paying Franklin a percentage, with the ownership of numerous investment properties, Franklin retired to pursue his interests in science and invention. His pioneering work with electricity earned him honorary doctorate degrees from Oxford and the University of St. Andrews.
His international reputation as one of the world's great scientists led to his celebrity as a diplomat. In the 1750s Franklin became an agent (lobbyist) in London representing the interests of several of the 13 colonies. A speech he made before Parliament was one of the primary reasons that the hated Stamp Act was repealed. Franklin the Loyalist evolved into Franklin the Patriot recognizing the necessity of American independence.
Returning to the colonies in 1775, Franklin helped draft The Declaration of Independence, and after convincing the French to ally with America, he went on to help draft the US Constitution in which his ideas for representation in the House and Senate were adopted. Franklin foresaw the success America has enjoyed for more than 200 years, a nation, like Franklin, capable of infinite self-reinvention.
Personal Bio
Larry Bounds has been a Chautauqua performer since 2002 presenting historic figures including Churchill, Einstein, Houdini, and Disney for festivals from Florida to Ohio and Nevada.
In 2019 Larry retired as a nationally certified teacher after 35 years in the classroom. He earned his B.A. in theatre and an M.S. in education from the University of Tennessee.
Larry performs as a magician as he has since 1973 when he performed eight years for Ripley's Believe It or Not! He lives in Greer, South Carolina with his wife Carole, is active in Mensa, and serves on several community boards.
Recommended Readings
Brands, H. W. The First American. Anchor Books, 2000.
This national bestseller draws upon previously unpublished letters and other sources for a well-told biography.
Isaacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin - An American Life. Thorndike Press, 2003.
The current standard text on Franklin.
Lemay, J. A. and P. M. Zall, Ed.. Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. A Norton Critical
Edition. Norton, 1986.
This is the best starting place for any Franklin study, and the Norton edition has excellent explanatory notes.
Morgan, Edmund S. Benjamin Franklin. Yale Univ. Press, 2002.
An excellent short introduction to Franklin
Oman, Mike. The Ultimate Benjamin Franklin Guide for Kids. Independently published. 2025.
Suggested for readers 8-12 years old
Franklin Quotations
“He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.”
“Well done is better than well said.”
“What you seem to be, be really.”
“Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.”
“Glass, china, and reputation are easily crack’d, and never well mended.”
“Wish not so much to live long as to live well.”
Benjamin Franklin appeared before the British Parliament as a colonial representative in 1757 dressed in the fine silks and powdered wig of the dignified Englishman. Twenty-one years later, however, representing a new American republic, he stepped among the silk clad, powdered, and bewigged French aristocracy in a plain, brown, homespun suit with no wig and wearing a rustic, beaver fur hat–his "Liberty Cap." Franklin created a new image, singularly American, representing a new national identity, more enterprising, less refined. His style immediately captured the imagination of the French, rich and poor, and was his first step in winning over their support.
Franklin became a beacon of reason and an icon of the Enlightenment. By demonstrating the power of the scientific method through his experiments in electricity, optics, and heat conduction, he improved the lives and safety of all Americans. His journalism popularized rational thought while evangelizing secular morality. Incredibly successful in amassing wealth through the free market capitalism of his time, he established the socialistic institutions of public libraries, community fire departments, mutual aid societies, and public education.
At the age of 17 he had fled a Boston printer apprenticeship and settled in the city of Philadelphia (population 4000). No longer an apprentice, he worked as a printer's assistant and then as an independent printer. He worked long hours, produced high quality work, and established a reputation for being industrious.
Franklin was appointed Postmaster of Philadelphia and later colonial Postmaster General. He transformed his local newspaper into a nationally syndicated journal made possible by his own improvements to the colonial postal system. As Philadelphia grew to a population of 20,000, Franklin guided the re-engineering of the city with paved roads and improved sanitation.
Then, at the age of 40, with his colony's most successful printing business, with a chain of franchised printers paying Franklin a percentage, with the ownership of numerous investment properties, Franklin retired to pursue his interests in science and invention. His pioneering work with electricity earned him honorary doctorate degrees from Oxford and the University of St. Andrews.
His international reputation as one of the world's great scientists led to his celebrity as a diplomat. In the 1750s Franklin became an agent (lobbyist) in London representing the interests of several of the 13 colonies. A speech he made before Parliament was one of the primary reasons that the hated Stamp Act was repealed. Franklin the Loyalist evolved into Franklin the Patriot recognizing the necessity of American independence.
Returning to the colonies in 1775, Franklin helped draft The Declaration of Independence, and after convincing the French to ally with America, he went on to help draft the US Constitution in which his ideas for representation in the House and Senate were adopted. Franklin foresaw the success America has enjoyed for more than 200 years, a nation, like Franklin, capable of infinite self-reinvention.
Personal Bio
Larry Bounds has been a Chautauqua performer since 2002 presenting historic figures including Churchill, Einstein, Houdini, and Disney for festivals from Florida to Ohio and Nevada.
In 2019 Larry retired as a nationally certified teacher after 35 years in the classroom. He earned his B.A. in theatre and an M.S. in education from the University of Tennessee.
Larry performs as a magician as he has since 1973 when he performed eight years for Ripley's Believe It or Not! He lives in Greer, South Carolina with his wife Carole, is active in Mensa, and serves on several community boards.
Recommended Readings
Brands, H. W. The First American. Anchor Books, 2000.
This national bestseller draws upon previously unpublished letters and other sources for a well-told biography.
Isaacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin - An American Life. Thorndike Press, 2003.
The current standard text on Franklin.
Lemay, J. A. and P. M. Zall, Ed.. Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. A Norton Critical
Edition. Norton, 1986.
This is the best starting place for any Franklin study, and the Norton edition has excellent explanatory notes.
Morgan, Edmund S. Benjamin Franklin. Yale Univ. Press, 2002.
An excellent short introduction to Franklin
Oman, Mike. The Ultimate Benjamin Franklin Guide for Kids. Independently published. 2025.
Suggested for readers 8-12 years old
Franklin Quotations
“He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.”
“Well done is better than well said.”
“What you seem to be, be really.”
“Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.”
“Glass, china, and reputation are easily crack’d, and never well mended.”
“Wish not so much to live long as to live well.”
Phillis Wheatley: A Pioneering Voice in American Literature—The Revolutionary War Poet
The Remarkable Life and Legacy of America's First Published Black Poet: Born Circa 1753-1784
Portrayed by Dr. Daisy Century
Phillis Wheatley stands as a monumental figure in American history and literature. Born in West Africa around 1753, she was forcibly brought to the American colonies as a child and enslaved in Boston, Massachusetts. Purchased by the Wheatley family, she was named after the ship that transported her, the Phillis. The Wheatleys recognized her remarkable intellect, and in a rare gesture for the time, educated her in reading, writing, and the classics. Despite her status as an enslaved person, Wheatley’s talent for poetry soon became evident, and she began composing verses that would eventually earn her acclaim both in the American colonies and abroad.
Wheatley’s journey as a poet began in her early teens, when she started writing poems that reflected her keen observations of the world around her. Her work often touched upon themes of religion, morality, freedom, and the human condition. In 1773, at the age of just 20, she published her first and only book of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. This collection was the first book published by an African American woman in the United States, making her a trailblazer in the literary world. Her writing drew the attention of prominent figures of the time, including George Washington, to whom she wrote a poem and received a gracious reply.
The publication of Wheatley’s book was not without challenges. Skepticism about her authorship arose because of prevailing prejudices against the intellectual capabilities of Black people. To address these doubts, Wheatley had to undergo an examination by a group of Boston’s most respected men, who ultimately attested to her authorship. The preface to her book included this attestation, which, while affirming her abilities, underscored the deep-seated racism of colonial America. Nevertheless, Wheatley’s success was unprecedented, and her work was widely read in both America and England.
Phillis Wheatley’s poetry is notable for its classical references, elegant structure, and complex themes. She often used her work to subtly challenge the institution of slavery, even while writing in a style that was accessible to her audience. For example, in her poem “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” she expresses gratitude for her introduction to Christianity but also reminds readers of the shared humanity of all people, regardless of race. Her poetry thus became a vehicle for social commentary, advocating for the dignity and rights of African Americans at a time when such views were rarely expressed in public discourse.
Tragically, Wheatley’s later life was marked by hardship. After gaining her freedom, she married John Peters, a free Black man, but faced financial difficulties, the loss of her children, and declining health. She died in 1784 at around the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations of writers and activists. Despite the adversities she faced, Wheatley’s achievements stand as a testament to the resilience and brilliance of the human spirit. Her contributions to American literature continue to be celebrated, and her life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of education, artistic expression, and the ongoing struggle for equality. She may not have fought in the Revolutionary War physically, but she fought with her words and let the quill transform them onto the paper for publication.
Personal Bio
Dr. Daisy Century is a passionate historical performer and dedicated educator. She holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, reflecting her commitment to excellence in both scholarship and performance.
Dr. Century was honored as "Teacher of the Year" for three consecutive years by the School District of Philadelphia. She is a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society and earned a Supervisor's Certificate in Science from Temple University.
With years of experience bringing history to life on stage, Dr. Century engages diverse audiences by blending rigorous historical research with dynamic storytelling through her portrayals of eight historical figures. Her extensive educational background shapes her approach to teaching, inspiring learners to connect with the past in meaningful and memorable ways.
Whether performing for students, museums, historical societies, or churches, Dr. Century is committed to fostering curiosity and deepening audiences' understanding of history's enduring relevance. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she believes in the transformative power of history and is passionate about sharing it with people of all ages.
Phillis Wheatley Quotations
“Imagination! Who can sing thy force? Or who describes the swiftness of thy course?”
–from the poem “Imagination”
“May the muse inspire each future bard with philanthropic fire.”
–from the poem “A Hymn to Humanity”
“In every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call Love of freedom.”
–from a letter written to Reverend Samson Occom
“Through thickest gloom look back, immortal shade, on that confusion which thy death has made.”
–from a poem on the death of the Reverend Dr. Sewell
“While an intrinsic ardor bids me write, the muse doth promise to assist my pen.”
–from the poem “To the University of Cambridge”
Recommended Readings
Carretta, Vincent. Phillis Wheatley: Biography of a Genius in Bondage. University of Georgia Press, 2011.
Gates, Henry Louis. The Trials of Phillis Wheatley: America’s First Black Poet and her Encounters with the Founding Fathers. Basic Books (Division of Hachette Book Group), 2010.
Lasky, Kathryn. The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet. Candlewick Biographies, 2003.
Wheatley, Phillis. Complete Writings. Penguin Classics, 2001.
Wheatley, Phillis. Poems On Various Subjects, Religious & Moral. Anson Street Press, 2025
Wheatley, Phillis. The Poems of Phillis Wheatley-With Letters and a Memoir. Dover Publications, 2010.
Portrayed by Dr. Daisy Century
Phillis Wheatley stands as a monumental figure in American history and literature. Born in West Africa around 1753, she was forcibly brought to the American colonies as a child and enslaved in Boston, Massachusetts. Purchased by the Wheatley family, she was named after the ship that transported her, the Phillis. The Wheatleys recognized her remarkable intellect, and in a rare gesture for the time, educated her in reading, writing, and the classics. Despite her status as an enslaved person, Wheatley’s talent for poetry soon became evident, and she began composing verses that would eventually earn her acclaim both in the American colonies and abroad.
Wheatley’s journey as a poet began in her early teens, when she started writing poems that reflected her keen observations of the world around her. Her work often touched upon themes of religion, morality, freedom, and the human condition. In 1773, at the age of just 20, she published her first and only book of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. This collection was the first book published by an African American woman in the United States, making her a trailblazer in the literary world. Her writing drew the attention of prominent figures of the time, including George Washington, to whom she wrote a poem and received a gracious reply.
The publication of Wheatley’s book was not without challenges. Skepticism about her authorship arose because of prevailing prejudices against the intellectual capabilities of Black people. To address these doubts, Wheatley had to undergo an examination by a group of Boston’s most respected men, who ultimately attested to her authorship. The preface to her book included this attestation, which, while affirming her abilities, underscored the deep-seated racism of colonial America. Nevertheless, Wheatley’s success was unprecedented, and her work was widely read in both America and England.
Phillis Wheatley’s poetry is notable for its classical references, elegant structure, and complex themes. She often used her work to subtly challenge the institution of slavery, even while writing in a style that was accessible to her audience. For example, in her poem “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” she expresses gratitude for her introduction to Christianity but also reminds readers of the shared humanity of all people, regardless of race. Her poetry thus became a vehicle for social commentary, advocating for the dignity and rights of African Americans at a time when such views were rarely expressed in public discourse.
Tragically, Wheatley’s later life was marked by hardship. After gaining her freedom, she married John Peters, a free Black man, but faced financial difficulties, the loss of her children, and declining health. She died in 1784 at around the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations of writers and activists. Despite the adversities she faced, Wheatley’s achievements stand as a testament to the resilience and brilliance of the human spirit. Her contributions to American literature continue to be celebrated, and her life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of education, artistic expression, and the ongoing struggle for equality. She may not have fought in the Revolutionary War physically, but she fought with her words and let the quill transform them onto the paper for publication.
Personal Bio
Dr. Daisy Century is a passionate historical performer and dedicated educator. She holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, reflecting her commitment to excellence in both scholarship and performance.
Dr. Century was honored as "Teacher of the Year" for three consecutive years by the School District of Philadelphia. She is a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society and earned a Supervisor's Certificate in Science from Temple University.
With years of experience bringing history to life on stage, Dr. Century engages diverse audiences by blending rigorous historical research with dynamic storytelling through her portrayals of eight historical figures. Her extensive educational background shapes her approach to teaching, inspiring learners to connect with the past in meaningful and memorable ways.
Whether performing for students, museums, historical societies, or churches, Dr. Century is committed to fostering curiosity and deepening audiences' understanding of history's enduring relevance. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she believes in the transformative power of history and is passionate about sharing it with people of all ages.
Phillis Wheatley Quotations
“Imagination! Who can sing thy force? Or who describes the swiftness of thy course?”
–from the poem “Imagination”
“May the muse inspire each future bard with philanthropic fire.”
–from the poem “A Hymn to Humanity”
“In every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call Love of freedom.”
–from a letter written to Reverend Samson Occom
“Through thickest gloom look back, immortal shade, on that confusion which thy death has made.”
–from a poem on the death of the Reverend Dr. Sewell
“While an intrinsic ardor bids me write, the muse doth promise to assist my pen.”
–from the poem “To the University of Cambridge”
Recommended Readings
Carretta, Vincent. Phillis Wheatley: Biography of a Genius in Bondage. University of Georgia Press, 2011.
Gates, Henry Louis. The Trials of Phillis Wheatley: America’s First Black Poet and her Encounters with the Founding Fathers. Basic Books (Division of Hachette Book Group), 2010.
Lasky, Kathryn. The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet. Candlewick Biographies, 2003.
Wheatley, Phillis. Complete Writings. Penguin Classics, 2001.
Wheatley, Phillis. Poems On Various Subjects, Religious & Moral. Anson Street Press, 2025
Wheatley, Phillis. The Poems of Phillis Wheatley-With Letters and a Memoir. Dover Publications, 2010.
Thomas Paine
Portrayed by Martin Lahman
On November 30th, 1774, Thomas Paine arrived in America—a man unknown on the continent and nearly forgotten in his own hometown of Thetford, England. At 36, he docked in Pennsylvania not as a celebrated thinker, but as a failed corset maker, dismissed schoolteacher, and fired tax collector. Yet in less than two years on the American continent, he transformed himself into one of the most influential political voices of the Enlightenment era.
Paine entered Pennsylvania during a moment of intellectual energy and rising revolutionary sentiment. With a recommendation from Dr. Benjamin Franklin, he became editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine and immediately distinguished himself with a writing style that was bold, accessible, and unafraid of confrontation. He wrote against slavery, argued for women’s right to a voice in society, and championed democratic principles and the expansion of the franchise.
On January 10th, 1776, Paine published the work that would define his legacy in American history: Common Sense. The pamphlet demanded separation from England and insisted such independence was practical, just, and most persuasively aligned with the will of God. Paine’s sharp attacks on King George III, written with sarcasm, clarity, and fire, echoed through the colonies. More than 500,000 copies circulated in eight years, and it is estimated that two-thirds of colonists either read or heard Common Sense read aloud. The pamphlet unified sentiment toward independence.
Throughout the Revolutionary War, Paine continued writing to support the American cause. His American Crisis series urged men to enlist, challenged wealthy colonists to contribute funds, and condemned the brothers Howe, making a mockery of their military strategy. Paine did not limit himself to commentary—he served as a soldier, crossing the Delaware and fighting at the Battle of Trenton.
After America secured its independence, Paine carried his revolutionary ideals to France and England, where he was prosecuted mercilessly for his writings. Paine’s Rights of Man, published in two parts, functioned as an attack on the system of monarchy as well as an ideology of broader democracy and social welfare.
Thomas Paine died in 1809. His vision of a republic free from monarchy had taken root, and many of the rights he championed—suffrage, equality, social welfare—would shape American political development for generations. Above all, Paine believed in free speech and the power of the written word. In that conviction, he helped forge the intellectual foundation of the United States. Yet many of the systems he battled against still plague the world today. Paine wished for a republic with a more direct system of election. Shorter terms for representatives and term limits for all legislatures. Paine fought for the rights of workers globally to be paid a fair wage and to receive a pension when they were too old to work. Thomas Paine was a truly enlightened man who teetered on the edge of what was found socially acceptable during his time. Whether Paine was right or wrong, he wrote with passion and inspiration to reshape the structure of Western government.
Personal Bio
Martin Lahman is a Professional Chautauquan who is a junior student at Metropolitan State University of Denver, majoring in Political Science with a focus on American Politics. He has a background in acting and debate and has a passion for political history. He participated in High Plains Young Chautauqua for 11 years, performing as Albert Einstein, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and J. Edgar Hoover. He would like to thank everyone who helped him succeed at High Plains Chautauqua in the past and present, as well as the Chautauqua coaches of the Greeley School District 6.
Thomas Paine Quotations
“Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one."
"To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead."
"Whatever is my right as a man is also the right of another; and it becomes my duty to guarantee as well as to possess."
"Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us."
“Man did not make the earth, and though he had a natural right to occupy it, he had no right to locate as his property in perpetuity, any part of it.”
Recommended Readings
Ayer, A. J. Thomas Paine. Faber and Faber, 1988.
Conway, Moncure Daniel. The Life of Thomas Paine, with a History of His Literary, Political and Religious Career in America, France and England. G.P. Putnam & Sons, 1892.
Fruchtman, Jack, Jr. Thomas Paine: Apostle of Freedom. Four Walls Eight Windows, 1994.
Nelson, Craig. Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations. Viking, 2006.
Unger, Harlow Giles. Thomas Paine and the Clarion Call for American Independence. Da Capo Press, 2019.
On November 30th, 1774, Thomas Paine arrived in America—a man unknown on the continent and nearly forgotten in his own hometown of Thetford, England. At 36, he docked in Pennsylvania not as a celebrated thinker, but as a failed corset maker, dismissed schoolteacher, and fired tax collector. Yet in less than two years on the American continent, he transformed himself into one of the most influential political voices of the Enlightenment era.
Paine entered Pennsylvania during a moment of intellectual energy and rising revolutionary sentiment. With a recommendation from Dr. Benjamin Franklin, he became editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine and immediately distinguished himself with a writing style that was bold, accessible, and unafraid of confrontation. He wrote against slavery, argued for women’s right to a voice in society, and championed democratic principles and the expansion of the franchise.
On January 10th, 1776, Paine published the work that would define his legacy in American history: Common Sense. The pamphlet demanded separation from England and insisted such independence was practical, just, and most persuasively aligned with the will of God. Paine’s sharp attacks on King George III, written with sarcasm, clarity, and fire, echoed through the colonies. More than 500,000 copies circulated in eight years, and it is estimated that two-thirds of colonists either read or heard Common Sense read aloud. The pamphlet unified sentiment toward independence.
Throughout the Revolutionary War, Paine continued writing to support the American cause. His American Crisis series urged men to enlist, challenged wealthy colonists to contribute funds, and condemned the brothers Howe, making a mockery of their military strategy. Paine did not limit himself to commentary—he served as a soldier, crossing the Delaware and fighting at the Battle of Trenton.
After America secured its independence, Paine carried his revolutionary ideals to France and England, where he was prosecuted mercilessly for his writings. Paine’s Rights of Man, published in two parts, functioned as an attack on the system of monarchy as well as an ideology of broader democracy and social welfare.
Thomas Paine died in 1809. His vision of a republic free from monarchy had taken root, and many of the rights he championed—suffrage, equality, social welfare—would shape American political development for generations. Above all, Paine believed in free speech and the power of the written word. In that conviction, he helped forge the intellectual foundation of the United States. Yet many of the systems he battled against still plague the world today. Paine wished for a republic with a more direct system of election. Shorter terms for representatives and term limits for all legislatures. Paine fought for the rights of workers globally to be paid a fair wage and to receive a pension when they were too old to work. Thomas Paine was a truly enlightened man who teetered on the edge of what was found socially acceptable during his time. Whether Paine was right or wrong, he wrote with passion and inspiration to reshape the structure of Western government.
Personal Bio
Martin Lahman is a Professional Chautauquan who is a junior student at Metropolitan State University of Denver, majoring in Political Science with a focus on American Politics. He has a background in acting and debate and has a passion for political history. He participated in High Plains Young Chautauqua for 11 years, performing as Albert Einstein, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and J. Edgar Hoover. He would like to thank everyone who helped him succeed at High Plains Chautauqua in the past and present, as well as the Chautauqua coaches of the Greeley School District 6.
Thomas Paine Quotations
“Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one."
"To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead."
"Whatever is my right as a man is also the right of another; and it becomes my duty to guarantee as well as to possess."
"Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us."
“Man did not make the earth, and though he had a natural right to occupy it, he had no right to locate as his property in perpetuity, any part of it.”
Recommended Readings
Ayer, A. J. Thomas Paine. Faber and Faber, 1988.
Conway, Moncure Daniel. The Life of Thomas Paine, with a History of His Literary, Political and Religious Career in America, France and England. G.P. Putnam & Sons, 1892.
Fruchtman, Jack, Jr. Thomas Paine: Apostle of Freedom. Four Walls Eight Windows, 1994.
Nelson, Craig. Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations. Viking, 2006.
Unger, Harlow Giles. Thomas Paine and the Clarion Call for American Independence. Da Capo Press, 2019.
Legendary Ladies: Frances Wisebart Jacobs, Augusta Tabor, and Polly Pry
Frances Wisebart Jacobs (portrayed by Susan Malmstadt)
Known as “Denver’s Mother of Charities,” Frances Jacobs arrived in Central City with her husband in 1863. When she moved to Denver, she walked the streets helping anyone in need using her own money to supply food and medicine. Forever preaching cleanliness, she distributed bars of tar soap wherever she went.
Few could resist her pleas for charitable donations and she represented Denver at national charities conferences.
In 1887, Frances joined with three clergymen to create the Charity Organization Society, a federation of 23 charities sharing fundraising efforts and donations that eventually became United Way.
In the 1880s, she worked tirelessly to raise funds to build a free hospital for consumptives (tuberculosis victims). A bronze statue of her stands in the lobby of National Jewish Hospital. When she died, thousands of mourners of all faiths attended her funeral. She is the only woman honored with a stained-glass window in the gold dome at the State Capitol.
Personal Bio
Susan Malmstadt joined Legendary Ladies in 2012 after her retirement from the field of aging and senior programming. She teaches exercise classes and volunteers with the Young Chautauqua program in the Greeley Schools and enjoys Road Scholar trips, her friends and family, reading and researching.
Her other portrayals include Rosamond Underwood, presented at HPC in 2015, and early motorist Alice Ramsey. She hopes to have Isabella Bird on stage shortly.
Frances Wisebart Jacobs Quotations
“Neither religious fellowship nor accident of birth ought to do with saving and rescuing human hearts and lives.”
“All men and women are our brothers and sisters.”
“Every heart will respond to love and kindness.”
“She was a woman free of all prejudice.” (Said at her funeral)
Recommended Readings
Abrams, Jeanne, E., Jewish Women Pioneering the Frontier Trail, University Press, 2006.
Biery, Marsha, Frances Wisebart Jacobs, Great Lives in Colorado History, Filter Press, 2013.
Shirley, Gayle C., Remarkable Colorado Women, Morris Book Publishing, 2002.
Augusta Tabor (portrayed by Cheri Enterline)
Augusta Tabor grew up in Maine in a conservative culture. At that time, it was expected that young ladies would stay at home and socialize by hosting afternoon teas. However, this was not her nature. She had a curious mind and adventurous spirit. She met and married a young man with the same appetite for life. They moved west during the gold rush. Because it wasn’t an easy life, they both discovered their own strengths–his determination to succeed and her survival instincts. During this period, her husband, Horace Tabor, was able to strike it rich in silver. As wealth can do, it changed Horace into a spendthrift and Augusta into a determined guardian of this wealth. This is what she became known for–her courage to stand up to him. Women didn’t do that. Horace didn’t appreciate this. He left her for a more fun-loving woman. Her conservative childhood served her well, as she was able to manage their properties after the divorce. Winning property was unheard of for wives.
Her impact on American history is an example of believing in yourself. Never give up.
Personal Bio
Cheri Enterline was born in 1947 in Pasadena, California and spent most of her life in Colorado being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. While she enjoys writing, her only performance experience is her current journey with the Legendary Ladies.
Quotes about Augusta Tabor
Known as “the First Lady of Leadville”
It was commonly mused that Augusta’s corset was the first “bank” of Leadville because the miners could trust her with their holdings
Recommended Readings
Major, Diane C. Augusta Tabor: Enterprising Pioneer. Filter Press, LLC, 2013.
Moynihan, Betty. Agusta Tabor, A Pioneering Woman. Cordillera Press, 1988.
Polly Pry (portrayed by Judie Hinton)
Polly Pry, the first female reporter for The Denver Post, broke barriers in a male-dominated profession through her fearless investigative journalism and unwavering commitment to exposing corruption and serving the public interest. Known for her wit, audacity, and determination, she tackled stories that others avoided and demonstrated that women could command front-page headlines with the same authority and impact as their male counterparts. Her pioneering work not only transformed journalism but also paved the way for future generations of women reporters. Polly Pry's enduring legacy is one of courage, integrity, and the conviction that women belong at the center of the story—not at its margins.
Personal Bio
Judie Hinton became a Legendary Lady in June 2012 after retiring from John Deere Company as an auditor. She has one son and two grandchildren. Her hobbies are performing as a character with the LL's, traveling with her family and friends to beautiful locations, reading, and dancing.
Polly Pry Quotations
"I wasn't born to be a quiet woman. I was born to be a question mark at the end of a sentence, a voice where none was expected, a woman whose footsteps echoed in newsrooms that once barred their doors."
"Our insane treatment of the insane"
Recommended Readings
Bricklin, Julia. Polly Pry: The Woman Who Wrote The West. Twodot, 2018.
Many of Polly Pry's articles for The Denver Post can be accessed through the DenverLibrary.org page
"Polly Pry, 1857–1938" and the DenverPost.com page "Polly Pry."
Casimiro Barela – The Father of the Colorado Senate
Portrayed by Angel Vigil
Casimiro Barela was an American politician known as the "Father of the Colorado Senate" and “the Perpetual Senator.” He was in the Colorado Senate for almost 40 years during its territorial and statehood eras. He is one of the longest serving state legislators in United States history.
He was a co-author of the Colorado State Constitution, and was instrumental in ensuring that it was also written in Spanish. Barela was an advocate of bilingual education and publishing laws and news in multiple languages.
He is one of only 16 people honored with a stained-glass portrait in the rotunda of the Colorado State Capitol building for making significant contributions to early Colorado history.
Barela's legacy in Colorado included a willingness to work for the business class, guarding the interests of the Hispanic culture and Spanish language speaking populace, serving as the politician-patron for the people of Trinidad, Colorado, being an early supporter of women’s suffrage, supporting New Mexico statehood, and helping make Columbus Day a holiday.
He advocated for the Hispanic population in Colorado, and owned two different Spanish newspapers, Las Dos Republicas in Denver, and El Progresso in Las Animas County. He served as Denver consul for Mexico and Costa Rica.
Casimiro Barela was born on March 4, 1847 in Embudo, New Mexico during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. In 1867 Barela moved to Trinidad, Colorado. He published newspapers and raised sheep, cattle, and horses. He married Josefita Ortiz on his twentieth birthday. After Josefita’s death in 1883 he married Damiani Rivera, a wealthy woman from New Mexico. Together, they became the wealthiest family in Southern Colorado.
He continued to serve in the Senate and made it a point to defend the rights of minorities. As more Italians came to the state for mining and railroad jobs, he worked to represent them. At another time an old Latino ranching family in Southern Colorado was being intimidated by the Rockefeller family's powerful Colorado Fuel & Iron Company. Barela took up the ranchers' cause and defended their right to the land.
Barela was elected Justice of the Peace in Trinidad when he was just twenty-two. This started his career in politics. He later served as County Assessor, Territory Representative, and County Sheriff for Las Animas County. By the time Barela was twenty-six years old, he also ran a blacksmith shop and a supply shop. Barela was also named postmaster for a town sixteen miles south of Trinidad. The town loved him so much that they renamed the town Barela, Colorado.
He continued to be a well-respected figure in state politics and among the Latino community. A few months before his death in 1920, he even attended the inauguration of President Obregon in Mexico.
Personal Bio (angelvigil.com)
Angel Vigil is a Colorado Heritage Artist storyteller whose specialty is the oral traditions of the Hispanic Southwest. He is an award-winning author, historian, performer, theater director and educator. His awards include the Governor's Award for Excellence in Education and the Mayor’s Individual Artist Fellowship Award. He has also received the Heritage Artist Award and the Master Artist Award from the Colorado Council on the Arts. He was also awarded the Colorado State Theatre Educator of the Year Award.
Angel is the author of seven award-winning books on Hispanic and Western culture and arts. His books have won the prestigious New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age National Award, the Border Library Association Southwest Book of the Year Award, and the Colorado Book of the Year Special Recognition Award. His latest book is Borderlands, Living in Two Worlds–the Story of Hispanics in the American Southwest.
Angel is also a member of the Colorado Endowment for the Humanities Chautauqua program for his historical presentations.
Casimiro Barela quotations
“When it is a matter of my people, especially if they are discriminated against, I will dedicate myself to act for their good at all times and all places. I will act for their defense regardless of my political party.”
“You may say ignorance of the law is no excuse. I say it is the only excuse.”
“We may be a minority group. But we are people. We will be heard and considered.”
Recommended Readings
Fernández, José Emilio. The Biography of Casimiro Barela. Translated by A. Gabriel Meléndez, University of New Mexico Press, 2003.
Hunt, Inez. The Barela Brand. Colorado Springs Public Schools Division of Instructional Services, 1971.
Monnett, John H. and Michael McCarthy. Colorado Profiles, Men and Women Who Shaped the Centennial State. Cordillera Press, 1987.
Thomas Jefferson
Portrayed by Jeremy Meier
At the Second Continental Congress, Thomas Jefferson was more comfortable sitting with a quill than standing toe to-toe with the fiercest orators of the day. After producing A Declaration of the Causes and Necessity for Taking Up Arms, figures such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Patrick Henry took notice of his abilities. Jefferson was tasked with writing a formal declaration of the colonies’ purpose.
We hold these truths to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
A passage removed from Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence depicted slavery as a cruel war against natural law. With or without cognitive dissonance, Jefferson’s estate at Monticello enslaved generations of families.
Shortly after the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Jefferson was requested for several posts to represent the United States. But the death of his wife had left Jefferson in “a stupor of mind” which had had rendered him “as dead to the world as she whose loss occasioned it.” Jefferson eventually accepted a post as the American diplomat to France. This offered proximity to John Adams (serving a diplomatic post in England). The emotional bond Jefferson enjoyed with John and Abigail Adams was both a salve to his grief and an inspiration to his intellectual spirit. The cost of party politics was not yet in his mind, nor how it would one day impact relationships with close friends.
In France, Jefferson became more austere in his belief that a time should define its purpose with skepticism to principles of the past. Jefferson received letters updating the progress of the Constitutional Convention. He worried about the absence of a Bill of Rights, and felt trepidation of the executive branch becoming a king-for-life.
Returning to America in 1789 with a new title, Jefferson served as the first Secretary of State. He was alarmed to perceive old customs which emulated the courts of England. His dear friend Adams had grown particularly fond of titles—expressing that the president should be referred to as “His Most Benign Highness.” In letters to confidants, Jefferson characterized the capital as filled with monarchists and anti-Republicans. The first battles of party politics poured into the American press. Jefferson left his post in 1794 to return to his home at Monticello.
Now on the outside of American politics, Jefferson sought republican principles to be returned to American government. By 1799, Jefferson was the sitting vice president under John Adams. A quasi-war with France and executive opposition to the press led to the Alien and Sedition Acts. In Jefferson’s view, these acts were “something worthy of the 8th or 9th century.”
The American Revolution secure, the new republic was yet on an uncertain course. The election of 1800 would follow next. What could possibly make things more complicated from there?
Personal Bio
Jeremy Meier serves as the Chair of Creative Arts & Media at Owens Community College in Northwest Ohio. Greeley audiences have seen Jeremy in his portrayals of John F. Kennedy (2025), Charles Chaplin (2025), Steve Jobs (2024), and Robert F. Kennedy (2018). Meier holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Central Michigan University and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the Ohio State University. Meier will next be developing a program on J. Edgar Hoover. Check out his work at www.jeremymeier.com.
Thomas Jefferson Quotations
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”
“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.”
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free … it expects what never was and never will be.
“The second office of this government is honorable and easy. The first is but a splendid misery.”
“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”
Recommended Readings
Ellis, Joseph J. American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1998.
This book is at the top of the list for a reason—it explores great questions about the third president and author of The Declaration of Independence. Jefferson’s influences from Enlightenment thinking are explored as well as his contradictory views on the issue of slavery.
Jefferson, Thomas. The Portable Thomas Jefferson. edited by Merrill D. Peterson, Penguin Books, 1977.
Experience Jefferson through his own words. A compact collection of primary source material, this book includes Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia and various letters he wrote to friends and colleagues.
Meacham, Jon. Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power. Random House, 2012.
An accessible and engaging biography, Meacham traces the development of Jefferson’s persuasive strategies in shaping policy through the early decades of the American story.
Rasmussen, Dennis C. Fears of a Setting Sun: The Disillusionment of America’s Founders. Princeton University Press, 2021.
Read about the hopes and consternation for the new republic through the eyes of Washington, Hamilton, Adams, and Jefferson. Their perspectives overlap and their differing principles color each other’s stories.
Wood, Gordon S. Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Penguin Press, 2017.
From 1776 through the earliest days of the Washington administration, Jefferson and Adams benefited from their contrasting approaches to communication and political thought. This is the story of their profound friendship as well the events that led to its dissolution after the election of 1800. In Jefferson’s post-presidential life, the two men find reconciliation through exchanged letters.
Alexander Hamilton
Portrayed by Dr. Hal Bidlack
Alexander Hamilton was a man who thought broadly. He believed our nation would be best served by men who were “continental in their thinking.” He meant this in the fullest possible meaning: geographically, politically, economically, culturally, and legally.
Hamilton was a soldier, a political philosopher, a propagandist, a financier, and a founder. By the time of his death at the age of 47, Hamilton had become the chief architect of the American economic system, the midwife to its legal system, and the enemy or friend of the most powerful men in the nation.
As a Founding Father, Hamilton was one of the most important, perhaps second only to General Washington. To most Americans Hamilton remains a vaguely disquieting figure, known more for how he died (mortally wounded in a duel) than for what he did in life. The echoes of Weehawken N.J., the bluff where his life ended in his “interview” with Aaron Burr, have profoundly shaped Hamilton’s modern legacy. Hero or melancholic, suicide or principled man, Hamilton’s duel with Burr had an immediate and cataclysmic impact on both men’s political and personal futures. Hamilton’s was extinguished by a lead mini-ball, Burr’s by the reverberations of shooting down a great, if flawed, man.
Alexander Hamilton served his country in three major ways. First, he served with the quill. As the principal author of the Federalist Papers, Hamilton was critical to helping Americans of both his era and ours understand the ideas, views, and beliefs of the Founding Fathers. The Papers were both propaganda and philosophy.
Secondly, Hamilton served his country in public office. Most critically, he was the first Secretary of the Treasury. In that position, he worked tirelessly to put our nation on a firm financial foundation. His understanding that a well-managed debt is an important tool in fueling economic prosperity, as well as his support of a national bank, and his profound influence with President Washington all support the claim that he was the most important Secretary of the Treasury ever.
Finally, he served his country bravely and well in war. Near the beginning of the Revolutionary War, in August of 1775, Hamilton first saw fire rescuing twenty-one 9-pound cannon from the Battery in New York under fire from HMS Asia. He served as General Washington's closest aide from March of 1777 to April of 1781 and ended his revolutionary service by leading a critical attack at Yorktown on October 14, 1781.
Yet Hamilton can also be seen as the new American: a man who rose through society propelled only by his intelligence and energy, who became far more than seemed likely at his birth. He was hated by enemies and loved by his family and friends. Hamilton’s legacy, therefore, may be that he was the herald, the prototype of the New American: strong of will, confident of purpose, with the encumbrances of human frailties. History does a disservice when he is remembered merely for how he died. It was his life that was far more interesting, and far more important. Hamilton resonates through the ages.
Personal Bio
Dr. Hal Bidlack is a retired career military officer. During his years in the military, he served as Deputy Director of the Air Force Institute for National Security Studies, was posted to the United States Department of State in Washington and was an ICBM launch officer and instructor. He also served at the White House as Director of Global Environmental Affairs for the National Security Council. He spent much of his career teaching Political Science at the United States Air Force Academy. Following his retirement, he served on the staff of a United States Senator and as a senior research fellow at DC-based think tanks.
He holds academic degrees from the University of Michigan, including a doctorate in political science. He regularly portrays General Hamilton around the country. His work as Hamilton has been seen on both national and local television. His performances have been seen in auditoriums, libraries, and museums around the country. He has performed Hamilton for a wide array of audiences, including federal judges, school children, and historians.
Alexander Hamilton Quotations
On Aaron Burr:
[He is] “For or against nothing, but as it suits his interests or ambition. I feel the religious duty to oppose his career.”
“If we have an embryo-Caesar in the United States, ’tis Burr.”
On his “awkward” birth:
James, his father, was the fourth son of a Scottish Lord. Thus, he had “better pretensions fore most of those who in this country plume themselves on ancestry.”
On the Congress:
“3/4 of the members of Congress were mortal enemies to talent and that 3/4 of the remainder were contemptuous of integrity.”
On why the Bill of Rights is unnecessary and perhaps dangerous:
Written in Federalist 84, “the Constitution itself, in every rational sense, and to every useful purpose, is a bill of rights.”
Hamilton at age 12:
The first existent written communications from Hamilton to his friend Ned. From the squalor of his impoverished Caribbean home, Hamilton was already looking for a way to leave behind the anonymous misery he felt his life to be.
“I would willingly risk my life though not my character to excel my station… I wish there was a war.”
Hamilton on Jefferson:
On his farming troubles at Grange: [I am] “as little fitted to be a farmer as Jefferson to guide the helm of the United States.”
Recommended Readings
Brookhiser, Richard. Alexander Hamilton, American. The Free Press, 1999.
An excellent book and by far the more readable of the Hamilton texts.
Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Books, 2004.
Simply the standard for Hamilton books. Chernow’s superb book is the best researched text on Hamilton yet, and contains details, insights, and analysis unmatched in earlier works. My highest recommendation.
This is the classic work on Hamilton that served as the inspiration for the hit musical on Broadway, when read by Lin-Manuel Miranda on vacation.
Knott, Stephen F. and Tony Williams. Washington and Hamilton: The Alliance that Forged America. Sourcebooks, Inc., 2015.
A very good and very readable book that explains the importance of the deep personal, as well as intellectual, connection between Washington and Hamilton. To truly understand the Founding period you need to read this book.
Newton, Michael E. Alexander Hamilton: The Formative Years. Eleftheria Publishing, 2015.
The definitive work on Hamilton’s early years. This text is very important, in that it lays to rest a number of false histories of AH’s youth, to include the debate about the year of his birth, which Newton meticulously researches, and determines AH was born in 1757.
Alexander Hamilton was a man who thought broadly. He believed our nation would be best served by men who were “continental in their thinking.” He meant this in the fullest possible meaning: geographically, politically, economically, culturally, and legally.
Hamilton was a soldier, a political philosopher, a propagandist, a financier, and a founder. By the time of his death at the age of 47, Hamilton had become the chief architect of the American economic system, the midwife to its legal system, and the enemy or friend of the most powerful men in the nation.
As a Founding Father, Hamilton was one of the most important, perhaps second only to General Washington. To most Americans Hamilton remains a vaguely disquieting figure, known more for how he died (mortally wounded in a duel) than for what he did in life. The echoes of Weehawken N.J., the bluff where his life ended in his “interview” with Aaron Burr, have profoundly shaped Hamilton’s modern legacy. Hero or melancholic, suicide or principled man, Hamilton’s duel with Burr had an immediate and cataclysmic impact on both men’s political and personal futures. Hamilton’s was extinguished by a lead mini-ball, Burr’s by the reverberations of shooting down a great, if flawed, man.
Alexander Hamilton served his country in three major ways. First, he served with the quill. As the principal author of the Federalist Papers, Hamilton was critical to helping Americans of both his era and ours understand the ideas, views, and beliefs of the Founding Fathers. The Papers were both propaganda and philosophy.
Secondly, Hamilton served his country in public office. Most critically, he was the first Secretary of the Treasury. In that position, he worked tirelessly to put our nation on a firm financial foundation. His understanding that a well-managed debt is an important tool in fueling economic prosperity, as well as his support of a national bank, and his profound influence with President Washington all support the claim that he was the most important Secretary of the Treasury ever.
Finally, he served his country bravely and well in war. Near the beginning of the Revolutionary War, in August of 1775, Hamilton first saw fire rescuing twenty-one 9-pound cannon from the Battery in New York under fire from HMS Asia. He served as General Washington's closest aide from March of 1777 to April of 1781 and ended his revolutionary service by leading a critical attack at Yorktown on October 14, 1781.
Yet Hamilton can also be seen as the new American: a man who rose through society propelled only by his intelligence and energy, who became far more than seemed likely at his birth. He was hated by enemies and loved by his family and friends. Hamilton’s legacy, therefore, may be that he was the herald, the prototype of the New American: strong of will, confident of purpose, with the encumbrances of human frailties. History does a disservice when he is remembered merely for how he died. It was his life that was far more interesting, and far more important. Hamilton resonates through the ages.
Personal Bio
Dr. Hal Bidlack is a retired career military officer. During his years in the military, he served as Deputy Director of the Air Force Institute for National Security Studies, was posted to the United States Department of State in Washington and was an ICBM launch officer and instructor. He also served at the White House as Director of Global Environmental Affairs for the National Security Council. He spent much of his career teaching Political Science at the United States Air Force Academy. Following his retirement, he served on the staff of a United States Senator and as a senior research fellow at DC-based think tanks.
He holds academic degrees from the University of Michigan, including a doctorate in political science. He regularly portrays General Hamilton around the country. His work as Hamilton has been seen on both national and local television. His performances have been seen in auditoriums, libraries, and museums around the country. He has performed Hamilton for a wide array of audiences, including federal judges, school children, and historians.
Alexander Hamilton Quotations
On Aaron Burr:
[He is] “For or against nothing, but as it suits his interests or ambition. I feel the religious duty to oppose his career.”
“If we have an embryo-Caesar in the United States, ’tis Burr.”
On his “awkward” birth:
James, his father, was the fourth son of a Scottish Lord. Thus, he had “better pretensions fore most of those who in this country plume themselves on ancestry.”
On the Congress:
“3/4 of the members of Congress were mortal enemies to talent and that 3/4 of the remainder were contemptuous of integrity.”
On why the Bill of Rights is unnecessary and perhaps dangerous:
Written in Federalist 84, “the Constitution itself, in every rational sense, and to every useful purpose, is a bill of rights.”
Hamilton at age 12:
The first existent written communications from Hamilton to his friend Ned. From the squalor of his impoverished Caribbean home, Hamilton was already looking for a way to leave behind the anonymous misery he felt his life to be.
“I would willingly risk my life though not my character to excel my station… I wish there was a war.”
Hamilton on Jefferson:
On his farming troubles at Grange: [I am] “as little fitted to be a farmer as Jefferson to guide the helm of the United States.”
Recommended Readings
Brookhiser, Richard. Alexander Hamilton, American. The Free Press, 1999.
An excellent book and by far the more readable of the Hamilton texts.
Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Books, 2004.
Simply the standard for Hamilton books. Chernow’s superb book is the best researched text on Hamilton yet, and contains details, insights, and analysis unmatched in earlier works. My highest recommendation.
This is the classic work on Hamilton that served as the inspiration for the hit musical on Broadway, when read by Lin-Manuel Miranda on vacation.
Knott, Stephen F. and Tony Williams. Washington and Hamilton: The Alliance that Forged America. Sourcebooks, Inc., 2015.
A very good and very readable book that explains the importance of the deep personal, as well as intellectual, connection between Washington and Hamilton. To truly understand the Founding period you need to read this book.
Newton, Michael E. Alexander Hamilton: The Formative Years. Eleftheria Publishing, 2015.
The definitive work on Hamilton’s early years. This text is very important, in that it lays to rest a number of false histories of AH’s youth, to include the debate about the year of his birth, which Newton meticulously researches, and determines AH was born in 1757.
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