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History on the Hoof Programs

Stacy's Programs * David's Programs

Music Groups

Stacy's Programs


"OVER HERE, MOLLY PITCHER:"
This interpretive storytelling program relates the legend of “Molly Pitcher” (Mary Hays McCauley), the heroine of the 1778 Battle of Monmouth Courthouse – and explores the daily lives of the “women of the army” who followed their husbands to war during the American Revolution. Molly reminisces about the days when she accompanied her husband through summer battles and winter encampments from Valley Forge to Monmouth to Morristown. Relating her tales of firing a cannon in the heat of battle to trudging “behind the baggage,” she provides a glimpse into what it was like to be a “camp follower” in the days when American independence was a dream rather a certainty. Participatory artillery drill, too! Adult and elementary school versions.

“SONGS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ERA” Bombardments! Battles! Patriotism! Soldiers and Sailors! Brave Lasses! Sheep! (Yes, an occasional sheep!) Folk singers Stacy Flora Roth and Bob Dupre, together known as “LIBERTY TREE,” explore the Yankees' side of the American Revolution through songs, ballads, odes and hymns of the day. 

NEW FOR DECEMBER 2021! SING LUSTILY OF WINTER: A GARLAND OF SEASONAL SONGS” with LIBERTY TREE (Stacy Roth and Bob Dupre). Join Bob and Stacy for a set of songs relating to events and customs of wintertime throughout the ages. Includes a few light nods to Christmas, but the overall emphasis is secular.

"COLONIAL FROLICK: EARLY AMERICAN SONGS, SINGING GAMES, AND MORE:" Stacy Roth and folksinger Bob Dupre, together known as “LIBERTY TREE,” present their favorite rhymes, riddles, rounds, ditties, and dances from the 17th to early 19th centuries. Lots of audience participation. For kids, their parents, and their grandparents!

FIFE AND DRUM: Revolutionary War and general repertoire available for festivals, event openings, etc.

"REVOLUTIONARY TEA:" (formerly titled Totally Tea) Why was tea so important in the lives of 18th century people that fashion-conscious families posed for portraits with their tea sets? Did Great Britain lose her American Colonies over "the cup that cheers?" Find out in this unusual costumed presentation of tea lore, history, songs, poetry, living history display and demonstration. Presenter Stacy Roth can work with your organization to turn Revolutionary Tea into a tea tasting or 18th century tea party. (Program currently on hiatus.)

David's Programs

"DAVID MACCAFFREY, THE SHANNACHIE OF GLENDUNBUNN BALLYBEGG:" The wit and wisdom, humor and horror, and hubris and humanity of a people are found in their traditional stories. Compelling storyteller David Emerson retells (and embroiders) the colorful and ancient tales of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall in a presentation that will "warm, tickle, or chill the heart."

"DAVID MACCAFFREY, THE SHANNACHIE OF GLENDUNBUNN BALLYBEGG: SPOOKY TALES" Did you know the Celts invented Halloween? Long before Christianity made it to Ireland's misty shores, the native Celtic people celebrated the 31st of October as the eve of Samhain, a time when the boundaries of our world and the 'Otherworld' are at their thinnest and all manner of spirits, spectres, fairies and fell creatures are free to roam the mortal realm. Join storyteller David MacCaffrey, the "Shannachie of Glenndunbun Ballybegg" as he tells traditional and modern Irish tales of terror. Drawing on the ancient folkways and legends of the people who practically invented horror his stories present a macabre menagerie of ghosts and ghouls, devils and demons, banshees and beasties and things that go bump in the night. A perfect way to start our favorite haunted holiday.

CHRISTMAS AND MIDWINTER STORIES  Anecdotes about the origins of holiday customs, the Victorian "invention" of modern Christmas, the popularity of the Christmas tree, and traditional tales about "the most wonderful time of the year" are among the topics presented by David in an hour of holiday storytelling.


GEORGE WASHINGTON for your CELEBRATION?:
David Emerson portrays the Revolutionary War General for special events. David has been customizing his interpretation to the needs of 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution commemorations. He has appeared as “His Excellency” at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, & Monmouth, the Middlebrook encampment, and more.

David was featured as George Washington in New Jersey Network's "Ten Crucial Days."

“GEORGE WASHINGTON REMEMBERS NEW JERSEY” George Washington was no stranger to New Jersey. From Trenton to Princeton to Morristown to Monmouth to Middlebrook, (and more), the General spent more time here than in any other state. Join General Washington (portrayed by David Emerson) as he reminisces about his brightest and darkest moments during the battles and encampments of the “Cockpit of the Revolution.”

NEW! “GEORGE WASHINGTON: IN HIGH SPIRITS” George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army, and as first president, the father of his country. But did you know he was also one of the leading distillers in the new nation? Join living history interpreter David Emerson as he portrays George Washington discussing his involvement with the spirits of his age. Topics will include Washington’s foray into the commercial distilling of whiskey and corn liquor, and experiments with viniculture and home brewing. Hear about his favorite wines, champagnes, and other beverages and enjoy anecdotes about some of his favorite watering holes in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and other points in between.

“MEET BENJAMIN FRANKLIN” Walkaround and meet and greet character for special events, festivals, and more.

"…and six and two-thirds dollars per month on account of pay": The founding fathers fought for freedom, the officers for honor; but what motivated the common soldier? Historical interpreter David Emerson, as recruiting sergeant David MacCaffrey, presents an enlisted man's-eye view of the American Revolution.

"GREASY LUCK:"
Meet Leland Emerson, captain of the whaling ship Sarah Ann in the year 1843. Find out about life at sea, including encounters with the infamous "Mocha Dick."

“THE LURE AND LORE OF LIQUOR: TAVERN BEVERAGES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION” Many people know that our Revolution was fomented in the famous taverns of Colonial America – City Tavern of Philadelphia, Boston’s Green Dragon, and the Raleigh in Williamsburg. But other than politics, what was fueling the debates between the Sons of Liberty or the Virginia Burgesses?  Join historian and mixologist (yes, indeed) David Emerson in a lively exploration of Colonial drinking customs. The talk will include discussion of the various types of beverages available to the 18th Century tavern tippler, how they were made, and even some recipes that you can try on your own (if you dare). Discover our forefathers’ alternative to the modern Mohito and Martini, and what Ben Franklin considered “The Proof of God’s Love.” 

 Songs of the Revolutionary Era and Colonial Period

LIBERTY TREE – the duo of Bob Dupre and Stacy Roth delight audiences with songs of the Revolutionary Era and wider Colonial to Early Federal period with close harmonies, anecdotes, and the occasional playful prop.

Christmas Carols * Tavern Songs * Songs of the Sea

"SPICED PUNCH:"
Quartet with David Emerson, Denise Gealer, and musicians and puppeteers Tom & Marianne Tucker. Costumed performance of Victorian (and earlier) Christmas Songs, Colonial Tavern Ditties, and Sea Songs of all periods -- in appropriate historical dress. Programs can include anecdotes and introductions of musical selections, if desired.

History on the Hoof
Stacy F. Roth / B. David Emerson
P.O. Box 421
Burlington, NJ 08016
(609) 239-2706
email: historyonthehoof AT verizon.net

page updated 4/26/2022

 

Photo credits: Stacy with teacup by Andrew Wilkinson of Wilkinson Media, "Rose Helen Niemiec, Welder" by John Niemiec,  Stacy as Molly Pitcher by James Bell, Stacy Roth and Flora Newberry by John Niemiec, "David MacCaffrey" by Stacy Roth, David as George Washington by Tim Griscom, David as Davy Crockett and 19th C Sea Captain by Stacy Roth, David and Stacy by John Niemiec.