We have a Speakers Bureau to provide speakers for public gatherings,
clubs, schools, and other events. Please click the speaker's name to contact him directly by email.
John Greer tells of the adventures of
Timothy Murphy, "The best shot in the Revolutionary War."
Timothy Murphy (1751 - 1818) served on the Northern Frontier of New York with Daniel Morgan's Riflemen. Murphy was the most famous private soldier of the Revolution and with much justification he should rank right up there with other great American war heroes like Alvin York or Audie Murphy. Like the other riflemen, he fought throughout the entire war, no small feat in itself.
Murphy's marksmanship changed the course of the Revolutionary War when he killed British General Simon Fraser in the Saratoga Campaign in 1777 with a single rifle shot from 300 yards distance.
Jim Johnson and Mary Lynn Johnson express the essence of the American Revolution in a range of programs from "Voices of the Revolution and Everyday Life" to "Eighteenth Century Clothing and Uniforms".
"Voices of the Revolution and Everyday Life" includes a sampling of Thomas Jefferson's sweet potato biscuits as well as a summary of major events, during the revolution told in the words of the men and women who lived them. "Eighteenth Century Clothing and Uniforms" presents a brief look at the apparel of both men and women in the revolutionary war period, from "mob-cap" to "banyan”. Other joint programs include, "Women Who Fought and Men Who Didn't". "Molly Pitcher" and other ladies who fought are included along with men whose main contributions were in ways other than fighting. During the Christmas Season they are available for "Yankee Doodle Christmas" which focuses on the events that occurred in December during the years of the Revolutionary War. As well as their joint programs they both do single presentations on a variety of topics. Jim does several programs on the Presidents of the United States illustrated by his collection of campaign buttons and Presidential memorabilia. Mary Lynn does solo programs on "Eighteenth Century Science" and "Colonial Cooking".
Dr. Gary N. Sisson, 903-583-6961, speaks on the role of Patrick Henry in the American Revolution:
“Patrick Henry Speaks (1765-1775)”, approx. 20 min., ends with “Liberty or Death” speech.
“Patrick Henry: Soldier, Statesman (1775-1777)”, approx. 20 min., begins with “Liberty or Death” speech. “Liberty or Death” Speech only, approx. 8 min.
Both performances are in full costume and in character.
Both are usually available on evenings and weekends. They are available on weekdays with 5-6 months advance.