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Historical Presentations
(Both Live & Virtual)
(60 Minutes)
Experience the powerful story of freedom’s long road in The History of Emancipation & Juneteenth-an engaging presentation that brings to life the dramatic milestones and unsung heroes of America’s journey toward justice.
Travel through the fervor of the abolitionist movement and the seismic election of Abraham Lincoln, then witness the bold early emancipation efforts of leaders like John C. Fremont and David Hunter, and the pivotal “Contraband of War” policy introduced by General Benjamin Butler. Delve into the Emancipation Proclamation: its strategic timing, political reverberations, and the immediate impact on enslaved people as Union troops pressed deeper into Confederate territory, liberating thousands along their path.
Feel the tension and hope at the Civil War’s end, culminating with the arrival of Federal troops in Texas and the momentous reading of General Order No. 3 in Galveston on June 19, 1865-the day that would become known as Juneteenth. Discover how this profound event sparked celebrations of freedom that spread from Texas across the nation, ultimately leading to Juneteenth’s recognition as a national holiday.
Through engaging speaking and compelling historical insights, this presentation reveals how the fight for emancipation reshaped a nation and why the legacy of Juneteenth continues to inspire the pursuit of liberty and equality today.
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| (90 Minutes)
Follow in the footsteps of history’s most infamous night with this immersive presentation, the result of years of research and travel to the very places where the Lincoln assassination saga unfolded. Journey to Washington, D.C., and stand inside Ford’s Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, and the nearby Petersen House, where the nation’s beloved leader drew his last breath. Explore Mary Surratt’s Boarding House and Tavern, shadowy sites where the web of conspiracy was spun.
Trace Booth’s dramatic escape through rare photographs and firsthand documentation: from the Samuel Mudd House, where the assassin sought refuge, to the dense Pine Thicket hideout, and finally to the Garrett House and Barn, where Booth’s flight ended in a deadly standoff with Federal troops.
This fascinating presentation brings to life one of America’s greatest tragedies, revealing intrigue, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Experience the assassination of Abraham Lincoln as never before-through the actual locations, haunting images, and the stories that still echo through history.
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| (60 Minutes)
Step into the dazzling world of the Roaring Twenties with this lively one-hour slide presentation-an entertaining whirlwind tour through the decade that truly launched the 20th century!
Witness a time when the world was changing at breakneck speed: World events and political upheavals rocked the globe, Prohibition gave rise to speakeasies and notorious gangsters, and the shadowy world of organized crime flourished behind the glitz and glamour.
But the 1920s were more than just headlines-they were a cultural revolution. Say goodbye to the stuffy conventions of the Victorian era and hello to the birth of modern style! Flappers and dapper gents strutted in bold new fashions, while the sounds of jazz, led by legends likeJelly-Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong, set the rhythm for a generation obsessed with youth, excitement, and freedom.
From wild parties to political clashes, from the latest trends to the hottest celebrities, this lecture brings the Jazz Age to life with vivid images and fascinating stories. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or just a fan of all things fabulous, get ready to experience the most explosive and unforgettable decade of the century!
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| (90 Minutes)
Discover the dramatic saga of Boston’s Irish community in this riveting presentation, tracing their journey from 17th-century indentured servants and the 1718 Scots-Irish arrivals to the waves of Catholic immigrants who forever changed the city’s character. Uncover the hardships faced by early Irish newcomers who braved prejudice, exclusion, and violence, from the fiery Pope’s Day riots to the shocking burning of the Ursuline Convent.
Experience the upheaval of the Great Famine, when tens of thousands of Irish refugees flooded Boston, transforming its neighborhoods and workforce. Follow their struggles to find work, build communities in places like the North End, East Boston and Charlestown, and confront deep-seated anti-Irish sentiment as they fought for a foothold in a city dominated by Anglo-Saxon Protestants.
Witness the rise of Irish political power as Boston’s Irish Americans moved from street-level activism to city hall, producing legendary leaders like James Michael Curley and “Honey Fitz” Kennedy. Through stories of adversity, resilience, and triumph, this presentation reveals how the Irish shaped Boston’s identity-and how their legacy lives on in its politics, neighborhoods, and culture to this day.
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| (60 Minutes)
Step into the dramatic early days of New England with this riveting presentation, which uncovers not just the well-known story of the Pilgrims’ landing at Plymouth, but also the forgotten saga of “Weston’s Men” at Wessagusset-now Weymouth. Witness how these two English groups, arriving with different ambitions and leadership, navigated the harsh realities of the New World and forged uneasy relationships with the Native peoples around them.
Explore the tense interactions, desperate survival strategies, and mounting mistrust that set the stage for one of the region’s first violent showdowns. In 1623, simmering tensions erupted as Myles Standish led a deadly preemptive strike at Wessagusset, luring Native leaders to a supposed trade gathering before launching a brutal attack. The aftermath was immediate and far-reaching: the collapse of the Wessagusset settlement, shattered alliances, and a legacy of suspicion that would haunt English-Native relations for generations.
Through stark storytelling, period accounts, and analysis of the attack’s consequences, this talk brings to life a pivotal but often-overlooked episode in colonial history-one whose echoes shaped the fate of Massachusetts and beyond.
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| (60 Minutes)
In 1620, the Pilgrims set foot on the shores of a wild and unforgiving land, driven by a quest for religious freedom and hope for a new beginning. What they found instead was a harsh, untamed wilderness filled with peril-disease, hunger, and the constant threat of death. Their survival hung by a thread through that first brutal winter, as nearly half their number perished.
But out of adversity came an extraordinary story of resilience and alliance. Through the grace of God and the vital aid of the Wampanoag Nation-the “People of the Dawn”-the Pilgrims found a lifeline. Wampanoag leaders like Massasoit and guides like Squanto taught the newcomers how to plant corn, hunt, and fish, forging a partnership that would shape the fate of the fledgling colony. Together, they signed a peace treaty and celebrated a bountiful harvest, marking the origins of Thanksgiving and the enduring legacy of cooperation and survival against all odds.
Experience the tale of courage, faith, and the meeting of two worlds that defined the birth of Plymouth Colony and changed the course of American history forever.
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| (60 Minutes)
Unlock the secrets lurking in the shadows of the Northeast with The Haunted History of New England-a spellbinding presentation where fact and folklore intertwine! Journey into the chilling true tales and legendary hauntings that have left an indelible mark on the region’s history.
Delve into the infamous story of Mercy Brown, the so-called “Vampire” of Exeter, Rhode Island, whose tragic death in 1892 sparked a vampire panic and inspired international headlines. Explore the cursed depths of Massachusetts’ Freetown State Forest, a hotspot of eerie legends and unexplained phenomena. Dare to enter the notorious Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, where whispers of unsolved murders and restless spirits linger in every room.
Venture into a haunted Connecticut forest, where the wilds conceal secrets of the supernatural. Feel the chill of ghostly happenings at New Hampshire’s grand Mount Washington Hotel, where guests and staff alike have reported mysterious apparitions. Finally, uncover the spectral evidence at the historic John Alden House in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where the past refuses to rest.
Through gripping storytelling, historical accounts, and spine-tingling legends, this presentation promises to fascinate, shock, and leave you questioning what lies beyond the veil. Are you ready to confront New England’s haunted history?
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| (60 Minutes)
Discover the dramatic story behind one of New Hampshire’s most breathtaking landscapes in this captivating presentation on Crawford Notch. Journey back to 1771, when adventurous hunters Nash and Sawyer first discovered this rugged mountain pass and revealed it as a vital link between the coast and the interior. Follow the daring exploits of the Crawford and Rosebrook families, whose pioneering spirit transformed the wilderness into a bustling gateway for travelers and commerce.
Relive the era of the Grand Hotels, where luxury and adventure met amid the soaring peaks, and see how the arrival of the railroad in 1875-an engineering marvel many thought impossible-opened the Notch to a new wave of tourism and prosperity.
Through vivid stories, historic maps, and rare photographs, experience the triumphs, tragedies, and innovations that shaped Crawford Notch into the awe-inspiring destination it is today. Whether you’re a history buff, rail enthusiast, or lover of New England’s wild beauty, this presentation promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the White Mountains.
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| (60 Minutes)
Step into the shadows of Massachusetts’ mysterious past with "Massachusetts' Paranormal Past," the thrilling new presentation brings you on a one-hour journey that plunges into the real historical events that shaped the Bay State-and the chilling paranormal phenomena that followed in their wake.
Unravel the legend of the Curse of Giles Corey, whose ghost is said to haunt Salem and whose dying words doomed generations of sheriffs to mysterious deaths. Venture into the depths of the Haunted Hoosac Tunnel, known as "The Bloody Pit," where nearly 200 workers lost their lives and where apparitions and eerie cries still echo in the darkness. Stand on the Eunice Williams Bridge in Greenfield, where the tragic spirit of a colonial-era minister’s wife is said to appear on misty nights. Explore the haunted corners of Plymouth’s Ancient Burial Ground, where restless specters linger among the oldest graves.
Through gripping primary sources, evocative maps, and haunting period photographs, "Massachusetts' Paranormal Past" brings history and legend together for an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, you’ll never look at Massachusetts the same way again. Dare to discover the stories that refuse to rest!
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(60 Minutes)
Step into the harrowing world of Andersonville Prisoner of War Camp with this slide presentation, tracing the rise and tragic legacy of the Confederacy’s most infamous Civil War prison. Officially known as Camp Sumter, Andersonville was constructed in early 1864 to house captured Union soldiers, but soon became notorious for its extreme overcrowding, lack of shelter, poor sanitation, and rampant disease. Over its 14 months of operation, more than 45,000 Union prisoners were confined within its stockade-at times swelling to over 33,000 men in a space intended for far fewer-with nearly 13,000 perishing from starvation, exposure, and illness.
Through vivid images and firsthand accounts, the presentation explores daily life inside the camp, the desperate struggle for survival, and the breakdown of order among inmates. Learn about the infamous “dead line,” the role of prisoner self-policing, and the impact of the camp’s horrors on national memory. The program also examines the aftermath: the trial and execution of commandant Henry Wirz for war crimes, the efforts of Clara Barton and Dorence Atwater to identify the dead, and Andersonville’s enduring place in American history as a symbol of suffering and resilience.
(60 Minutes)
Discover the dramatic and little-known story of San Miguel de Gualdape in this engaging slide presentation. Founded in 1526 by Spanish magistrate Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón, San Miguel de Gualdape was the first European settlement in what is now the continental United States, predating both St. Augustine and Jamestown.
Explore the ambitious voyage that brought over 600 settlers-including women, children, priests, and enslaved Africans-to the coast of present-day South Carolina or Georgia, and learn how hopes for a "New Andalucía" quickly unraveled amid shipwreck, disease, starvation, and conflict with local Indigenous peoples. The presentation delves into the colony’s brief existence, marked by mutiny, the first recorded slave rebellion in what would become the United States, and the ultimate abandonment of the settlement after only a few months, with just 150 survivors returning home.
Through vivid visuals and expert narration, this presentation brings to life the enduring legacy of San Miguel de Gualdape: a story of ambition, hardship, cross-cultural encounters, and resistance that set the stage for centuries of American history.
(60 Minutes)
Uncover the eerie legends and chilling tales that haunt the American South in this captivating slide presentation. "The Haunted History of the South." takes you on a journey through four of the region’s most notorious supernatural hotspots:
St. Augustine, Florida: Explore the ghostly happenings at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where the spirits of drowned children are said to play hide-and-seek, and the Huguenot Cemetery, a hotbed of paranormal activity with apparitions and mysterious voices lingering among the tombstones.
The Bell Witch, Tennessee: Delve into the infamous Bell Witch legend, where the Bell family was tormented by an unseen force that spoke, predicted the future, and even claimed responsibility for John Bell’s death-the only recorded case in U.S. history where a supernatural entity was blamed for a person’s demise.
Sloss Furnaces, Alabama: Step into the industrial shadows of Birmingham’s Sloss Furnaces, where the restless spirits of overworked laborers and the notorious foreman “Slag” Wormwood are said to haunt the rusting catwalks, sometimes even physically interacting with visitors.
Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Visit America’s Most Haunted Hotel, where the Victorian-era Crescent Hotel is alive with tales of spectral guests, a mischievous poltergeist named Michael, and the lingering spirits of patients from its dark days as a 1930s cancer hospital.
Through vivid images, spine-tingling stories, and historical insight, this presentation brings to life the South’s most haunted locations, where history and the supernatural intertwine, and the past refuses to rest. Perfect for history buffs and ghost story enthusiasts alike, prepare to be both educated and unsettled as you explore the haunted heart of the South.
(60 Minutes)
In this dynamic lecture, travel back to the Gilded Age and meet Henry Flagler, the industrialist who, after co-founding Standard Oil, set his sights on the untamed coasts of Florida. Learn how Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway didn’t just lay tracks-it laid the foundation for entire cities, from the opulent resorts of Palm Beach to the bustling streets of Miami and the daring Over-Sea Railroad stretching to Key West.
Uncover the epic story of ambition, engineering, and resilience as Flagler’s crews battled hurricanes, swamps, and staggering odds to connect the Sunshine State. Hear how partnerships with pioneers like Julia Tuttle helped transform Miami from a mosquito-ridden outpost into a thriving metropolis. Explore how Flagler’s vision for luxury hotels and modern infrastructure turned Florida into America’s winter playground and a global economic powerhouse.
True Crime Presentations
(Both Live & Virtual)
(60 Minutes)
We all know the chilling ditty-“Lizzie Borden took an ax…”-but how much do you really know about the true story behind America’s most infamous murder mystery? 40 Whacks: The Lizzie Borden Case is a gripping one-hour presentation that cuts through the legend to reveal the real facts of the shocking double homicide that rocked Fall River in 1892.
Dive deep into a world of Victorian secrets, courtroom drama, and sensational headlines. Drawing on extensive research, rare archival materials, period newspapers, and haunting photographs, this presentation brings the case to life like never before. Was Lizzie a cold-blooded killer, or the victim of a rush to judgment? What clues did investigators uncover-and what mysteries still linger over a century later?
Entertaining, fascinating, and packed with surprising revelations, 40 Whacks promises to captivate true crime fans and history buffs alike.
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| (90 Minutes)
Forget what you’ve seen on the silver screen, this captivating presentation takes you beyond Hollywood’s myths to reveal the true, untold story of Bonnie and Clyde. Blending travelogue and history, you’ll follow the infamous duo’s real-life trail across Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, visiting the very sites of their homes, crimes, shootouts, and hideouts.
For decades, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow have been cast as Dust Bowl-era antiheroes, their legend fueled by the iconic 1967 film and sensationalized TV dramas. But the truth is far more complex and compelling than fiction. Through rare period photographs, and modern video footage captured on location, this presentation peels back the layers of myth, exposing the hardships, violence, and relentless pursuit that defined their lives.
Discover how Bonnie and Clyde’s partnership began in the depths of the Great Depression, driven by love, desperation, and a disdain for authority10. Learn about the injuries and close calls that shaped their infamous spree-like the car crash that left Bonnie permanently crippled, and the daring prison breakouts and narrow escapes that made them legends354. Witness the relentless chase that ended in a hail of bullets on a lonely Louisiana road, and see how their story has been distorted and romanticized over time86.
This is the real Bonnie and Clyde: flawed, fascinating, and unforgettable. Join us for a journey that separates fact from fiction and uncovers the human drama behind America’s most notorious outlaw couple.
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| (90 Minutes)
Step into the electrifying world of early 20th-century America with "Viva l'anarchia", a riveting presentation that brings to life the dramatic saga of Sacco and Vanzetti. Follow the journey of these two Italian anarchists from the tense robberies in Bridgewater and Braintree, Massachusetts, to the sensational trial in Dedham that captured the world’s attention.
Experience the relentless six-year fight for justice as appeals and new evidence failed to overturn their convictions, sparking a global outcry. Witness the power of protest as massive demonstrations erupted across continents, uniting voices in a call for fairness and freedom. The presentation reaches its gripping climax with a vivid recounting of Sacco and Vanzetti’s final days-their sentencing, execution at Charlestown State Prison, and the haunting funeral procession down Boston’s Hanover Street.
Featuring rare, unpublished period photographs of key figures, crime scenes, courthouses, and protest marches, as well as striking images of these historic locations as they appear today, "Viva l'anarchia" offers an unforgettable, visually rich exploration of one of America’s most controversial and compelling cases. Don’t miss this chance to see history through new eyes and discover the human drama behind the headlines.
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| (60 Minutes)
Prepare for a spine-tingling journey into the dark side of Massachusetts history! This captivating talk delves into the state’s most infamous murder cases-both solved and unsolved-offering a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and a dash of blood and gore. Perfect for true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this presentation brings chilling tales to life with vivid photographs and artwork sourced from rare archives, microfilm, and classic literature.
But the intrigue doesn’t stop with the past. Many of the original murder sites and historic locations have been photographed as they appear today, giving you a haunting sense of the modern-day context behind these notorious crimes. From shadowy alleyways to grand old mansions, you’ll see how echoes of these sensational cases still linger across Massachusetts.
If you love a good whodunit, shocking twists, and the macabre allure of unsolved mysteries, this lecture promises an unforgettable evening you won’t want to miss!
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(45 Minutes)
On the crisp morning of October 4, 1875, 17-year-old Josie Langmaid set out for Pembroke Academy, unaware that a predator lurked in the shadowy woods, watching her every step. By nightfall, the quiet town of Pembroke, New Hampshire, would be shaken to its core: Josie’s decapitated, mutilated body was discovered near the school, and her severed head found half a mile away the next morning.
What followed was one of New England’s most chilling murder investigations. Suspicion swirled around several townsfolk until a crucial tip led authorities to a shocking revelation, the main suspect, Joseph Lapage, was no stranger to violence. In fact, this grisly crime was only the latest in a string of murders stretching from Canada to the United States.
This enhralling presentation brings the harrowing story to life with haunting period images, archival photographs, and modern-day shots of the crime scenes. Trace the relentless pursuit of a serial killer whose reign of terror crossed borders and left communities forever changed. If you’re drawn to true crime, historical mysteries, and tales of evil lurking in the most unexpected places, this is one story you won’t soon forget.
(45 Minutes)
On the morning of September 24, 1872, 14-year-old Georgianna Lovering vanished from her home in Northwood, New Hampshire, triggering a frantic search that gripped the entire community. Clues soon surfaced: her shawl and hair comb were discovered at a spot marked by signs of a violent struggle, fueling fears of a grisly fate.
As suspicion mounted, the spotlight fell on Georgianna’s eccentric uncle, Franklin Evans. His odd behavior could no longer be ignored, and under pressure, Evans confessed to the brutal murder, leading authorities to the hidden, mutilated body and the spot where he had secreted her organs. But the horror didn’t end there: as Evans awaited execution, he began to confess to other murders across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts-including the notorious, unsolved Bussey Woods Murders of Boston in 1865.
This riveting presentation uncovers the chilling life and crimes of Franklin Evans; New England’s first serial killer, through rare period and modern photographs, maps, and original newspaper accounts. Witness the investigation that shocked a region, the trial that made headlines, and the confessions that revealed a monstrous legacy stretching across state lines. If you’re fascinated by true crime and the dark corners of history, this is one story you won’t want to miss.
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