Programs
The History of the White House: America's Executive Mansion
It took 8 years to build, was burned down, nearly fell down, and was almost painted black. It has grown in every direction, but still looks the same. Enjoy an entertaining tour through time in America’s Executive Mansion.
Stories from the Mayflower: What Were They Thinking?
The story of the Mayflower and its passengers is far more interesting and complex than what we were taught in school. Do you know about the 4-year-old child who was sent aboard as an indentured servant or the “Strangers” who outnumbered the Pilgrims? Have you heard about the boy who almost blew up the Mayflower or the ship within the ship?
Enjoy these and other fascinating stories that will change the way you think about the Pilgrims.
The Native Americans Who Saved the Pilgrims
This is not a simple story. These were not simple men. The Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims survive their first desperate year in Plymouth lived in a complex, rapidly changing world.
Come and hear the fascinating stories of Squanto, Massasoit, and Samoset. Learn who they were, what they did, and why they did it. It is a much more interesting story than the one you learned in school.
Mrs. Bennett Follows the Army
Learn about life as a woman who followed Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Wives, daughters, mothers, and single women followed their men on long marches and through cold and hungry conditions. Many had children with them. They worked as laundresses, cooks, and nurses. And, yes, a few were prostitutes.
Spend an hour with Mrs. Bennett and hear about life in camp, on the march, and during skirmishes and battles. Hear why they joined the Army, how they were treated, and why they stayed.
Performed in person only and in period dress.
White House Pets & Pests
Welcome or unwanted, loved or despised, inside or out, there have always been non-human occupants in the White House and on its grounds. Enjoy pictures and entertaining stories of these creatures.
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A History of People and the Great Swamp: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Join me for a lively history of Morris County’s remarkable Great Swamp. She will take us from the time when ancient Lake Passaic drained away to leave a swampy remnant through our current times. You will learn how humans have interacted with and affected the Swamp and the living things within it by using it, abusing it, trying to obliterate it, and finally saving it.
Washington Slept Here, A Lot: Washington in New Jersey
General Washington spent more time in New Jersey than any other state during the Revolutionary War. He fought here, wintered here, waited here, and sometimes just passed through. Whatever he was doing, he had to sleep somewhere. Some buildings still stand, some places are marked, some are forgotten. Join me for an armchair tour of the places where Washington slept.
Coming in 2026
Crossroads of the Revolution: The War of Independence in New Jersey
From 1776 to 1781, the War of Independence was often fought in New Jersey. Militias, Continents, Red Coats, and Hessians: sometimes they encamped here. Sometimes they fought here. Sometimes they were just passing through. From north to south, all of New Jersey experienced the Revolution. You'll enjoy learning about New Jersey's essential role in the War of Independence.
