| RJ Lindsey Living History Programs |
Johann Sebastian Bach
Mr. Bach tells tales of his childhood: walking 100 miles to
enroll in the best vocal school; finding gold coins in a fish head
at lunch.
He speaks about his life as a musician and certain difficulties:
called second rate by one town council; calling a bassoon
player a nanny goat requiring defense by the sword; being
arrested by his employer Duke Wilhelm Ernst.
The great musician tells humorous stories of his fellow
composers: Vivaldi, Handel, and Mozart. He describes the
changes in size and instrumentation of the orchestra and the
transition from harpsichord to piano.
Slides are shown picturing his childhood home, fellow
composers and notorious sopranos Francesca Cuzzoni and
Faustina Bordoni. Recorded musical selections feature Bach,
Vivaldi and Mozart compositions comparing their individual
musical styles.
Mr. Bach tells tales of his childhood: walking 100 miles to
enroll in the best vocal school; finding gold coins in a fish head
at lunch.
He speaks about his life as a musician and certain difficulties:
called second rate by one town council; calling a bassoon
player a nanny goat requiring defense by the sword; being
arrested by his employer Duke Wilhelm Ernst.
The great musician tells humorous stories of his fellow
composers: Vivaldi, Handel, and Mozart. He describes the
changes in size and instrumentation of the orchestra and the
transition from harpsichord to piano.
Slides are shown picturing his childhood home, fellow
composers and notorious sopranos Francesca Cuzzoni and
Faustina Bordoni. Recorded musical selections feature Bach,
Vivaldi and Mozart compositions comparing their individual
musical styles.
| Daniel Burnham - Make No Little Plans The City of Chicago rose from the ashes of the Fire of 1871 to the remarkable White City of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Mr. Burnham narrates a slide program detailing the Chicago Fire of 1871, the building of the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition, and the Chicago Plan of 1909 outlining the development plan for the city. The famed architect discusses his innovative buildings: Montauk, Monandnock, Reliance, and the Rookery, and presents the historic Burnham Plan of 1909 advocating sensible city growth asking, “How are we living?” . A selection of original 1893 World’s Fair souvenirs is available for display. |
James Breasted - Treasures of King Tut
Dr. Breasted was the first American to earn a Ph.D. in
Egyptology after rigorous study in Berlin and the first
president of the Oriental Institute in Chicago. Carrying two
pistols and a supply of various currencies and gold for
bargaining, he explored the ancient monuments and tombs of
Egypt.
He visited King Tut’s tomb shortly after it was opened in
1922 by Howard Carter. Dr. Breasted presents a dramatic slide
show about the archaeological clues that led to the discovery
of the tomb and his feelings of joy and amazement viewing the
wondrous artifacts not seen for over three thousand years.
A representative sampling of the amazing objects is viewed
with explanations of their composition and mystical
purposes. Dr. Breasted also explains the origin of the
famous curse of King Tut. It began with a canary and a cobra.
Dr. Breasted was the first American to earn a Ph.D. in
Egyptology after rigorous study in Berlin and the first
president of the Oriental Institute in Chicago. Carrying two
pistols and a supply of various currencies and gold for
bargaining, he explored the ancient monuments and tombs of
Egypt.
He visited King Tut’s tomb shortly after it was opened in
1922 by Howard Carter. Dr. Breasted presents a dramatic slide
show about the archaeological clues that led to the discovery
of the tomb and his feelings of joy and amazement viewing the
wondrous artifacts not seen for over three thousand years.
A representative sampling of the amazing objects is viewed
with explanations of their composition and mystical
purposes. Dr. Breasted also explains the origin of the
famous curse of King Tut. It began with a canary and a cobra.
Charles Dawes
Charles Gates Dawes, Chicago Banker and
Businessman lived at the center of Republican politics
and WWI.
Secured Illinois nomination for William McKinley for
president which Cook County Republican machine
opposed.
Youngest U.S. Comptroller of the Currency at 32 for
President McKinley.
First Director of the Bureau of the Budget established
by President Harding.
Vice-President for Calvin Coolidge
Ambassador to Great Britain for President Herbert
Hoover.
Dawes great-great grandfather William Dawes rode
with Paul Revere and his father, Brig. Gen. Rufus
Dawes, served with the "Iron Brigade" in the Civil
War.
Charles Gates Dawes, Chicago Banker and
Businessman lived at the center of Republican politics
and WWI.
Secured Illinois nomination for William McKinley for
president which Cook County Republican machine
opposed.
Youngest U.S. Comptroller of the Currency at 32 for
President McKinley.
First Director of the Bureau of the Budget established
by President Harding.
Vice-President for Calvin Coolidge
Ambassador to Great Britain for President Herbert
Hoover.
Dawes great-great grandfather William Dawes rode
with Paul Revere and his father, Brig. Gen. Rufus
Dawes, served with the "Iron Brigade" in the Civil
War.
Thomas Edison-America's Inventor
The famed inventor speaks of his life of invention as
powerpoint pictures fill the screen showing his life story
and many inventions. He speaks of his childhood; called
addled by his schoolteacher, home schooled by his
mother, first chemistry experiments which sometimes
exploded and caused fires, his experiments using his
childhood friends. They got sick and he got switched.
As an itinerant telegrapher, he traveled around the
Midwest and invented an automatic telegraph signal so he
could take naps. He got in trouble often and had to leave
town for the next telegraph job.
Edison speaks of his wife Mina who believes the term
housewife is inappropriate. She says she should be
called a home executive.
Thomas Edison shares stories of the difficulty in finding
the right light bulb filament after 1,000 tries. He also had
to invent the entire lighting system from wires to fuses,
meters and dynamos.
His favorite invention the phonograph amazed the
world. One man thought it a ventriloquist act because no
machine could reproduce human speech. It was
impossible.
Wanting to do for the eye what he had done for the
ear with the phonograph, Edison developed motion
pictures releasing the first movie The Great Train
Robbery in 1903.
Other stories follow about magnetic ore separation,
portland cement, and even wax paper. With 1093
patents, Thomas Edison is America's inventor.
The famed inventor speaks of his life of invention as
powerpoint pictures fill the screen showing his life story
and many inventions. He speaks of his childhood; called
addled by his schoolteacher, home schooled by his
mother, first chemistry experiments which sometimes
exploded and caused fires, his experiments using his
childhood friends. They got sick and he got switched.
As an itinerant telegrapher, he traveled around the
Midwest and invented an automatic telegraph signal so he
could take naps. He got in trouble often and had to leave
town for the next telegraph job.
Edison speaks of his wife Mina who believes the term
housewife is inappropriate. She says she should be
called a home executive.
Thomas Edison shares stories of the difficulty in finding
the right light bulb filament after 1,000 tries. He also had
to invent the entire lighting system from wires to fuses,
meters and dynamos.
His favorite invention the phonograph amazed the
world. One man thought it a ventriloquist act because no
machine could reproduce human speech. It was
impossible.
Wanting to do for the eye what he had done for the
ear with the phonograph, Edison developed motion
pictures releasing the first movie The Great Train
Robbery in 1903.
Other stories follow about magnetic ore separation,
portland cement, and even wax paper. With 1093
patents, Thomas Edison is America's inventor.
William Hammond,M.D., Surgeon General
The Civil War Surgeon General comments upon
Civil War medicine: the improvements in military
medicine with the introduction of the ambulance
corps and triage system; the historical medical
advancements: surgical ligature, infection control
and the latest medical controversy of whether or
not to use anesthetic for major surgery.
Dr. Hammond tells dramatic stories of several
courageous nurses standing up to the generals,
including Sherman, and the surgeons in order to get
the needed supplies and food for their patients.
The Surgeon General brings along a collection of
surgical instruments including: a wooden monaural
stethoscope, anesthetic funnel, and a complete set
of amputation tools.
The Civil War Surgeon General comments upon
Civil War medicine: the improvements in military
medicine with the introduction of the ambulance
corps and triage system; the historical medical
advancements: surgical ligature, infection control
and the latest medical controversy of whether or
not to use anesthetic for major surgery.
Dr. Hammond tells dramatic stories of several
courageous nurses standing up to the generals,
including Sherman, and the surgeons in order to get
the needed supplies and food for their patients.
The Surgeon General brings along a collection of
surgical instruments including: a wooden monaural
stethoscope, anesthetic funnel, and a complete set
of amputation tools.
Abraham Lincoln-Wit and Wisdom
President Lincoln speaks about his life: growing up
in Kentucky and Indiana, attending a blab school,
earning his first dollar.
He reviews major election contests: Congressional
race against evangelist Peter Cartwright when
Cartwright asked if Lincoln were going to Heaven
or Hell and Lincoln said, “I’m going to Congress;”
Senate race against Stephen Douglas which outlined
Lincoln's views on slavery; the historical
importance of his re-election proving a people's
government could hold an election during a civil
war.
President Lincoln speaks about his life: growing up
in Kentucky and Indiana, attending a blab school,
earning his first dollar.
He reviews major election contests: Congressional
race against evangelist Peter Cartwright when
Cartwright asked if Lincoln were going to Heaven
or Hell and Lincoln said, “I’m going to Congress;”
Senate race against Stephen Douglas which outlined
Lincoln's views on slavery; the historical
importance of his re-election proving a people's
government could hold an election during a civil
war.
Franklin D. Roosevelt - A Fireside Chat
The president speaks informally about his presidency,
Eleanor, Winston Churchill, Orson Wells and his
Scotty dog Fala.
Listen as FDR reads Depression era letters from
citizens asking for help, the most touching from
children, and recounts the New Deal programs
designed to help in the days when the people mattered.
It all sounds so familiar today.
Know his humanity as he speaks at length on a
subject dear to him, the work accomplished at Warm
Springs for people afflicted with polio.
Stand with him as he faces the challenges of WWII
and the many ifs facing the nation in 1942. When
skeptics challenged his war production goals, FDR
replied, "Let no man say it cannot be done; it must be
done and we have undertaken to do it."
At the conclusion of his “Fireside Chat” the President
invites audience questions.
The president speaks informally about his presidency,
Eleanor, Winston Churchill, Orson Wells and his
Scotty dog Fala.
Listen as FDR reads Depression era letters from
citizens asking for help, the most touching from
children, and recounts the New Deal programs
designed to help in the days when the people mattered.
It all sounds so familiar today.
Know his humanity as he speaks at length on a
subject dear to him, the work accomplished at Warm
Springs for people afflicted with polio.
Stand with him as he faces the challenges of WWII
and the many ifs facing the nation in 1942. When
skeptics challenged his war production goals, FDR
replied, "Let no man say it cannot be done; it must be
done and we have undertaken to do it."
At the conclusion of his “Fireside Chat” the President
invites audience questions.
The Titanic - Carr Van Anda with "Stories Aboard the Titanic"
100th Anniversary of Titanic sinking in April 2012.
On April 14, 1912 the H.M.S.Titanic strikes an ice berg and sends out an
S.O.S. At 1:30 a.m. Managing Editor Carr Van Anda of the NY Times
reads that wireless message.
Van Anda presents a powerpoint slide program telling the story of the
great ship from its construction to its final hours and the newspaper's
response. Van Anda recounts the stories of several passengers. Who
were they? Why were they on board. What twist of fate brought them
together?
An artifact display of replica dinnerware for each class, newspaper front
pages, Marconigrams, postcards, telegraph key and a piece of coal from
the ocean bottom is available.
100th Anniversary of Titanic sinking in April 2012.
On April 14, 1912 the H.M.S.Titanic strikes an ice berg and sends out an
S.O.S. At 1:30 a.m. Managing Editor Carr Van Anda of the NY Times
reads that wireless message.
Van Anda presents a powerpoint slide program telling the story of the
great ship from its construction to its final hours and the newspaper's
response. Van Anda recounts the stories of several passengers. Who
were they? Why were they on board. What twist of fate brought them
together?
An artifact display of replica dinnerware for each class, newspaper front
pages, Marconigrams, postcards, telegraph key and a piece of coal from
the ocean bottom is available.
Thomas Paine - The Voice of the American Revolution
America’s first best selling author tells his story of rising from
working class roots to the pinnacle of world fame. His pamphlet
“Common Sense” inspired the people to support independency. His
words “These are the times that try men’s souls” inspired
Washington’s army to continue the fight. Paine dramatically
describes the pivotal Battle of Trenton where George Washington,
against all odds, defeated the Hessian mercenaries after crossing the
Delaware River.
Paine speaks of his writings: “Common Sense,” “The Rights of
Man” and the controversial criticism of revealed religion “Age of
Reason”. His belief in abolishing monarchy and establishing
republican government earned him a British death sentence and
French citizenship during their revolution. The first person to use
the phrase “the United States of America” Thomas Paine helped
create the modern world.
America’s first best selling author tells his story of rising from
working class roots to the pinnacle of world fame. His pamphlet
“Common Sense” inspired the people to support independency. His
words “These are the times that try men’s souls” inspired
Washington’s army to continue the fight. Paine dramatically
describes the pivotal Battle of Trenton where George Washington,
against all odds, defeated the Hessian mercenaries after crossing the
Delaware River.
Paine speaks of his writings: “Common Sense,” “The Rights of
Man” and the controversial criticism of revealed religion “Age of
Reason”. His belief in abolishing monarchy and establishing
republican government earned him a British death sentence and
French citizenship during their revolution. The first person to use
the phrase “the United States of America” Thomas Paine helped
create the modern world.
Walt Whitman - America's Poet
Walt Whitman, one of the greatest poets America has ever produced,
shares stories of his life and readings of his poetry. He begins with
several verses of his masterpiece “Leaves of Grass.”
Whitman also speaks of his three years as a wound dresser tending to
the needs of the wounded and sick filling the Washington, DC
hospitals. He brought care, attention and compassion to the lonely men
so far from home.
A great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, Whitman reads from his Lincoln
lecture series narrating the night of the assassination and presenting a
reading of his most popular poem, “Oh, Captain, My Captain.”
Walt Whitman, one of the greatest poets America has ever produced,
shares stories of his life and readings of his poetry. He begins with
several verses of his masterpiece “Leaves of Grass.”
Whitman also speaks of his three years as a wound dresser tending to
the needs of the wounded and sick filling the Washington, DC
hospitals. He brought care, attention and compassion to the lonely men
so far from home.
A great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, Whitman reads from his Lincoln
lecture series narrating the night of the assassination and presenting a
reading of his most popular poem, “Oh, Captain, My Captain.”
Carr Van Anda - From the Pages of the NY Times
New York Times Managing Editor Carr Van Anda brings along period newspapers of the 18th and 19th
centuries to illustrate the changing appearance and purpose of publishing.
The editor then selects stories from his own career; when at age 19 he scooped Cleveland, Ohio newspapers by
two hours reporting General Grant’s passing; using coded telegrams between Paris and New York to report
Marshal Foch's elevation to commander fooling WWI European censors; when crossed phone lines gave him
access to Calvin Coolidge’s home just after he became president upon Harding’s death; the dramatic week of
reporting the Titanic sinking scooping other papers again making the New York Times the paper to read.
New York Times Managing Editor Carr Van Anda brings along period newspapers of the 18th and 19th
centuries to illustrate the changing appearance and purpose of publishing.
The editor then selects stories from his own career; when at age 19 he scooped Cleveland, Ohio newspapers by
two hours reporting General Grant’s passing; using coded telegrams between Paris and New York to report
Marshal Foch's elevation to commander fooling WWI European censors; when crossed phone lines gave him
access to Calvin Coolidge’s home just after he became president upon Harding’s death; the dramatic week of
reporting the Titanic sinking scooping other papers again making the New York Times the paper to read.
Charles Darwin - Journey of Discovery
The great naturalist narrates a slide presentation: "Join me
in a fantastical journey into the natural world of flamingos
and tortoises, fossils and finches, earthquakes and
volcanoes and especially of the origin of species."
"There is a tide in the affairs of men." Darwin experienced
that tide at age 22 and details the 5 year around-the-world
voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle.
Now come the discoveries. Darwin selects five elements of
interest: A South American Ostriche, giant quadruped
fossils, the Concepcion earthquake, 14,000 foot high Andes
seashells, and the Galapagos finches.
The great naturalist narrates a slide presentation: "Join me
in a fantastical journey into the natural world of flamingos
and tortoises, fossils and finches, earthquakes and
volcanoes and especially of the origin of species."
"There is a tide in the affairs of men." Darwin experienced
that tide at age 22 and details the 5 year around-the-world
voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle.
Now come the discoveries. Darwin selects five elements of
interest: A South American Ostriche, giant quadruped
fossils, the Concepcion earthquake, 14,000 foot high Andes
seashells, and the Galapagos finches.
At age 52 Dawes joined the 17th engineers and was appointed the General Purchasing Agent for the
American Expeditionary Forces by General John Pershing. Five goverments awarded him honors.
Charles Dawes speaks in detail about the politics and alliances of the world that then exploded into the
maelstrom of WWI. He tells stories of politics, General Pershing, McKinley, Bryan, and his famed “Hell and
Maria” speech to Congress railing against pin head politicians.
A collection of WWI artifacts is available for display.
American Expeditionary Forces by General John Pershing. Five goverments awarded him honors.
Charles Dawes speaks in detail about the politics and alliances of the world that then exploded into the
maelstrom of WWI. He tells stories of politics, General Pershing, McKinley, Bryan, and his famed “Hell and
Maria” speech to Congress railing against pin head politicians.
A collection of WWI artifacts is available for display.
The president speaks about the great conflict; its begining, his trouble with generals; his purpose to
preserve the Union and free elections and to place slavery on the road to extinction.
The famed Lincoln humor is revealed as the president share stories about critics, office-seekers, lawyers,
generals and Congressman.
In conclusion the president says he is “but an accidental instrument, temporary, to serve for a short time.”
He says it will be up to the American people to preserve the Union and its liberties to the latest generation.
preserve the Union and free elections and to place slavery on the road to extinction.
The famed Lincoln humor is revealed as the president share stories about critics, office-seekers, lawyers,
generals and Congressman.
In conclusion the president says he is “but an accidental instrument, temporary, to serve for a short time.”
He says it will be up to the American people to preserve the Union and its liberties to the latest generation.
And and then come the questions. Why two Ostriche species living adjacent? Are the ancient fossil animals
related to modern forms? Are the forces propelling earthquakes and volcanoes the same? How were the
seashells raised up above sea level? How did the Galapagos finches, which are related to South American
birds, become new species? How did the plants and animals even get to the Galapagos?
Using John Gould bird prints, chromolithographs of dinosaurs, nature photographs and his own drawings,
Darwin answers his questions using his theory of Descent with Modification powered by Natural Selection.
His book The Origin of Species changed Biology and our view of the world forever.
related to modern forms? Are the forces propelling earthquakes and volcanoes the same? How were the
seashells raised up above sea level? How did the Galapagos finches, which are related to South American
birds, become new species? How did the plants and animals even get to the Galapagos?
Using John Gould bird prints, chromolithographs of dinosaurs, nature photographs and his own drawings,
Darwin answers his questions using his theory of Descent with Modification powered by Natural Selection.
His book The Origin of Species changed Biology and our view of the world forever.
 |  |  |  |
John B. Stetson - Cowbot Hat Entrepreneur
The inventor of the cowboy hat reveals a life
philosophy centered on excellence and perseverance.
Having walked 750 miles across the Great Plains while
suffering from Tuberculosis, he knows about
perseverance. The maker of the finest hats in America
understands the road to business and personal excellence.
This powerpoint slide program tells the dramatic
story of John Stetson who began as a hat maker
apprenticed to his father. He then started his own
business in Philadelphia only to leave it because of his
illness.
Stetson traveled to St. Joseph, Missouri, rising to
partner in the brick making business which was then
washed downstream by a great flood.
Walking with 11 others across the Great Plains to
Pike's Peak to pan for gold, Stetson was cured of his
tuberculosis. During the sojourn he invented the cowboy
hat. Returning to Philadelphia, he started his business
again with a new design, the finest materials, and a
superior marketing strategy.
With photos from inside the Stetson factory, the hat
making process is shown with improved conditions for
the health of his workers. With centralized hat making,
worker bonuses, a savings and loan, company sponsored
family activitie and a company built hospital, John
Stetson changed the America hat making industry and
created an iconic American symbol.
The inventor of the cowboy hat reveals a life
philosophy centered on excellence and perseverance.
Having walked 750 miles across the Great Plains while
suffering from Tuberculosis, he knows about
perseverance. The maker of the finest hats in America
understands the road to business and personal excellence.
This powerpoint slide program tells the dramatic
story of John Stetson who began as a hat maker
apprenticed to his father. He then started his own
business in Philadelphia only to leave it because of his
illness.
Stetson traveled to St. Joseph, Missouri, rising to
partner in the brick making business which was then
washed downstream by a great flood.
Walking with 11 others across the Great Plains to
Pike's Peak to pan for gold, Stetson was cured of his
tuberculosis. During the sojourn he invented the cowboy
hat. Returning to Philadelphia, he started his business
again with a new design, the finest materials, and a
superior marketing strategy.
With photos from inside the Stetson factory, the hat
making process is shown with improved conditions for
the health of his workers. With centralized hat making,
worker bonuses, a savings and loan, company sponsored
family activitie and a company built hospital, John
Stetson changed the America hat making industry and
created an iconic American symbol.