Make history come alive for your students!
Each program lasts approximately forty-five minutes with a chance for students to ask the historical characters questions. I come dressed in period clothing. $250 per program plus travel. (Prices subject to change. Discounts available if doing multiple bookings.
Colonial Times: Molly Banaky
“I was found guilty for stealing milk. I only spilled it though! Hanging is the usual punishment but, since I proved I could read the Bible, they sent me to the New World instead as an indentured servant. I was required to work seven years on a tobacco farm. Afterwards, I left and started my own farm in the colony of Maryland. Later, I broke the law by marrying a former slave of mine. I’ll tell you all about life as an indentured servant and what life was like during Colonial times when I come visit your classroom.” (Based on a true story.)
Revolutionary War: Nancy Hart
“I’m a Patriot. My husband was an officer in the Georgia Militia and was off fighting most of the time. That left me home to run our 400 acre farm and raise our eight children. Plus, I was determined to do my part to rid all of them Tories and Red Coats from Georgia. A river ran through our land that them Red coats often travelled along. I “Picked off” many of them with my musket. I also have shot a cannon at the Red Coats, spied on them, and captured a few Red Coats too. I may not know how to read or write, but that didn’t stop me from doing my duty.”
Civil War: Elizabeth Van Lew
“Being born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, I learned that slavery was a necessity of life. My opinion changed when I attended school in the North. But, when I moved back to Richmond, I realized Papa wasn’t going to change his mind. After he died, my mama, brother and I secretly freed our slaves, and then the war broke out. Quite by accident, I ended up spying for the Union Army with my messages going directly to General Ulysses S. Grant.”
Tall tales and Folktales Galore
Travel across the United States by listening to tall tales and folktales from around our country.
NEW PROGRAMS!
The Underground Railroad in Lawrence, Kansas: Elizabeth Ann Waltrous Abbott
Meet UGRR conductor Elizabeth Ann Waltrous Abbott. Hear her tell you stories about some of her passengers on the railroad. Sometimes the passengers made it to freedom. Other times they didn’t.
Kansas’ Stories
Kansas is full of wonderful stories. In this program I tell the students stories from the great state of Kansas.
Saint Nicholas Folktales:
Around the world there are different stories about St. Nicholas. In this program you will hear a story about him from Ireland, Italy, France, Russia, and Colonial America
Testimonials:
“We were taken on a journey back in time to 1826 to learn about the exciting life of Nancy Hart, a Revolutionary War heroine. Christine is a superb storyteller whose stories are captivating. I was impressed at how well she was able to bring history to life with her mix of knowledge, humor, and suspense. Our students were thoroughly engaged and we look forward to having her back.” 5th grade teacher, Tonganoxie Elementary School, Tonganoxie, KS
“Christine did a fantastic job performing for our students! She explained each tall tale with lots of excitement and enthusiasm The students were engaged and enjoyed hearing her stories! I highly recommend contacting her for performances.” 3rd grade teacher, Basehor Intermediate School, Basehor, KS
“Our 4th graders were completely engaged with Christine’s story telling about the Revolutionary War! They loved getting to be part of her presentation and continue to talk about the story she told. The students were able to easily connect her story to the curriculum we were learning in a fun and exciting way.” 4th grade teacher, Manor Hill Elementary School, Liberty, MO
“Thank you for your wonderful portrayal of Elizabeth Van Lew for our 7th graders last Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed it and our students did as well. They were drawn into your story and I feel that they came away understanding the significance of Elizabeth’s decision to aid the Union. As a history teacher, I appreciated that your performance was based on historical facts that were delivered in a manner that both entertained and educated.” Middle school Social Studies Teacher: Holy Trinity Catholic School, Lenexa, KS
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