HFK Presents

Program Descriptions

2015-2016

HFK Presents was established to meet the needs of the young at heart who are never too old to learn

something new about history’s most interesting, inspirational figures. The 45 minute, one man

interactive performances give audiences a new, first person perspective on the people and events that

make up our history and culture.

To Book a Performance:

HFK Presents

708-218-7001

www.hfkpresents.com

hfktales@gmail.com

www.leadershipinhistory.blogspot.com

Twitter: @HFK_Presents

Facebook: HFK Presents

Programs are great for:

Library programs

Historical society events

DAR & Masonic events

Organizational events

...and many, many more!

Fees are dependent on location and group size.

Discounts applied to multiple back to back bookings.

Please call or email for details.

Benjamin Franklin A man for all ages! Inventor, statesman, and founding father. He seemed to do it all! Listen as Franklin

reminisces about his political life, writings, and scientific inventions. How has this founding father changed the way we live our lives

today?

Burnham’s Chicago See Chicago and its history through the eyes of the finest tour guide in the state! When did the history of Chicago

begin? How was its development influenced by its place on the lake? How has the lakefront changed over the years? Why is the city’s

architecture important to its history? Daniel Burnham, architect of the 1909 Chicago Plan, leads you through the history of the “Windy

City”, and its transformation from the “Wild Onion” to the “City of Big Shoulders”

George Washington: Mount Vernon to Washington D.C. George Washington is most commonly known as the first President of our

country. However, did you know this surveyor and gentlemen farmer happily became a father to not only his wife’s children and grandchildren,

but to many nieces and nephews as well? His commitment to his family was as important to him as his commitment to his soldiers, and later,

a fledgling nation. Learn what brought Washington from a surveyor of land to a leader of a nation.

Teddy Roosevelt Having just completed his second term as President, Theodore Roosevelt reflects on his triumphs and failures, focusing

mainly on his White House years.

Leader of the Band--The March King Join storyteller Terry Lynch as the "march king" John Philip Sousa. Hear the story of how

a 13 year old boy runs away to join the circus, becomes the band master of the United States Marine Corps. Band, conducts the

President's own Marine Band under five presidents, and writes 136 military marches along the way! An exciting story of ambition

and perseverance.

Lewis & Clark Meriwether Lewis, member of the Corps of Discovery Expedition explains how our country expanded west from the

Mississippi River. How was the land of the Louisiana Purchase explored? What were these explorers hoping to find? Included are the stories

of the Corps’ travels west from St. Louis to the Pacific.

A Day at the Fair with Daniel Burnham Experience the majesty of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Relax for a day at the fair with

Chicago architect and Director of Works for the Columbian Exposition, Daniel Burnham. Audience members will learn about the origins of

the fair as well as the exhibits, people, and politics involved with the creation Burnham’s White City.

Program Descriptions

for the

2015-2016 Season

Illinois Inventors An early newspaper hawker will give you the" inside scoop” on these Land of Lincoln legends and their inventions.

Marvin Camras, tape recorder

Laurens Hammond, electronic keyboard

Levant Richardson, ball bearing roller skates

Charles Pajeau, tinker toys

Ives McGaffrey, vacuum cleaner

Whitcomb Judson, zipper

The Underground Railroad Told from the perspective of an owner of a “Safe House" in Illinois, hear how a safe house was used as

astopping point for the slaves to gain rest and nourishment before going on to safety in Canada. Several safe houses in the immediate

Chicagoland area will be highlighted.

Stephen Douglas The history of Illinois would not be complete without a look at America’s 16th President, Abraham

Lincoln. Hear the stories of his days as a young man in Salem, IL, through the tragic end of his presidency.

Early Movers & Shakers J.P. Moneybags, a turn of the 20th century businessman, discusses the road to success for the following

entrepreneurs:

Marshall Field (department stores)

William Wrigley (chewing gum)

Charles Walgreen (drug stores)

Ray Kroc (McDonald’s restaurants)

Frederick Maytag (appliances)

Was their road to success a smooth one? Did they always have encouragement? Did they ever have to overcome obstacles?

A great program to stress the importance of never giving up on your dreams!

U.S. Grant: The Hero of Appomattox It has been 150 years since the Civil War. Ulysses S. Grant, commander of the Union

Army, commemorates this anniversary as he reveals how the war impacted the lives of All Americans. The conflict was not restricted

to the fields of battle. The war affected the lives of average citizens as the nation. struggled to remain united.

Perfect for Civil War commemorations.

Jamestown Settlement America--discovered by Columbus, claimed by Spain, desired by all!! A new territory was named after

England’s beloved queen. Who was up to the job of settling this wild new land? None other than English adventurer Captain John

Smith. In this exciting program, Captain Smith will explain how he helped to settle Jamestown in the Virginia Territory.

Historical Illinois Travel the timeline of Illinois from the prairies to the urban societies of today. Hear how historical figures and

events, such as George Rogers Clark and the Revolutionary War helped to meet the people’s needs as the population grew.

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James Madison: Father of the Constitution Virginian James Madison is known as not only our 4th President, but as the father

of the U.S. Constitution. Small in stature, but big in determination, he co-authored the Federalist Papers, which were instrumental in

explaining the need for a strong central government, and promote the U.S. Constitution as the best model for that government. As a

two term President, Madison is best known for reluctantly declaring war on Britain in 1812. He was also Dolly’s husband! Perfect

for Constitution Day observances.

The War of 1812: Mr. Madison’s War James Madison did NOT want to be involved in another conflict with the British. He

tried every diplomatic channel to avoid war, and found himself backed into a corner. Encouraged to declare war by some very vocal

members of Congress, Madison found himself having to clean up the mess left to him by his predecessor, Thomas Jefferson.

Alexander Hamilton: The American Rags to Riches Story Alexander Hamilton was born in the Caribbean and abandoned

as a child. How did these humble beginnings plant the seeds of opportunity for this founding father? Ironically, he in turn created

opportunities for others by helping to create a government he could never run as President.

Oh The Humanity!; The Hindenburg Disaster On May 6, 1937, WLS reporter Herb Morrison was sent to Lakehurst Naval

Air Station in New Jersey to cover the first anniversary of transatlantic passenger service. What he witnessed that day turned out to

be one of the greatest disasters of the 20th century. Hear Morrison explain the historical significance of the dirigible Hindenburg, as

well as recount the horrific details of that day.

Mudslinging, Muckraking and Apple Pie: Presidential Campaigns, the Great American Pastime Political campaigns

are getting down and dirty. How did this campaign craziness get started? Believe it or not, they have actually gotten more civil over

the years. Don’t believe it? In this program, hear the stories of the mudslinging and muckraking of the Jefferson v. Adams campaign

of 1800, the Jackson v. Adams of 1828, the Lincoln v. Douglas of 1860, and Grant v. ANYONE! Also covered in this program is the

1912 campaign when Teddy Roosevelt decided to start his OWN political party.

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Farming in America: The Growth of an Industry Blacksmith John Deere discusses the influence he, inventor Cyrus McCormick,

and farmer Joseph Glidden had on the expansion of farming in America

Pierre Salinger and the 1000 Days of Kennedy’s Camelot Pierre Salinger was White House Press Secretary and one of the

most trusted advisors of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. This program, told through the eyes of Salinger,

will not only cover the tragic events of November 22, 1963, but the 1000 days that made up the Kennedy administration. Learn

about the close relationship he had with the President, and the unique perspective he had on some of the most dangerous times in

our country’s recent history.

Henry Ford There was more to Mr. Ford than the automobile industry. Ford hoped to be as big a success in politics, as he was in

running the Ford Motor Company. Hear how his uncompromising opinions worked for the auto industry, but did not make him a

man of the people.

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Edgar Allan Poe: To Tell a Tale Literary chills abound in this spine tingling program. Edgar Allan Poe will give a brief

biographical sketch of his life. The main focus of this program is the retelling of some of Poe’s greatest works. Highlights include

“The Raven” and “The Tell Tale Heart”.

Great for Halloween programming!

Charles Dickens: A Tale with a Twist A staple of any reading list, Charles Dickens’ writing has become a part of our everyday

language. Just ask anyone who has ever been called a “Scrooge”! In this program, Dickens reflects on his life, and discusses some

of his best loved works. How did the culture of his time influence his writings? Works discussed may include, but are not limited to:

A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol, The Cricket on the Hearth, as well as some of Dickens'

short stories and non fiction works.

Program may also be customized for the Christmas season.

This option will exclusively include Dickens's Christmas stories of which there are many!

The Legend of St. Nicholas You’d better watch out!! The Old English Father Christmas tells the stories of St. Nicholas, the

protector of children throughout the ages. Learn about the origins of :

St. Nicholas characters in various countries

Popular Christmas symbols

Worldwide Christmas traditions

This special show for November & December may be customized for kids from ages 1-92, so no important secrets are ever

revealed! Companion book also available for $10.00

Great for Holiday programming!

Hysteria in Salem Join the chief Magistrate of the Salem Witch Trials John Hathorne as he recounts the hysteria, paranoia, and

resulting trials that took place during the mid 17th century in Salem, Massachusetts.

Great for Halloween programming!

Great for Halloween programming!

Haunted History Sit back and listen, if you dare, to the entertaining and chilling tales of the historical hauntings of the Midwest.

Stories of the S.S. Eastland, Brookfield Zoo, Fort Dearborn Massacre, and John Dillinger (to name just a few) help to guarantee

spooky goosebumps, while learning a bit of history at the same time!

Andrew Jackson, the Story of “Old Hickory” Andrew Jackson, our seventh President, and voice of the “common man” tells

the tales of his 1812 wartime exploits, his disagreements with Congress, and his tumultuous presidency.

Motivational and Leadership Programs

Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity Today, no one knows what the future may hold! During

these uncertain times, who can the average person look to for guidance? Let the past inspire the future. Speaker Terry Lynch has

had the opportunity to research some of this country’s most famous leaders. Through his research, he has found that not everything

in the lives of our most prestigious Americans ran smoothly.

Let the past inspire the future as you learn:

Everything is on purpose

Not to let the little mistakes cloud the greatness to come

Great leaders learn from their mistakes

A companion book is available for $10.00.

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Over There: The War to End All Wars Commemorating the anniversary of WWI (2014-2018)

It has been 100 years since the beginning of World War I. This war, more than any other, brought with it major changes to the

leadership in Europe, changes in warfare, and changes to society, especially for women. Hear how World War I resulted in--to quote

a song from another war-- a world turned upside down.

The Bright Ideas of Thomas Edison The inventions of Thomas A. Edison didn’t happen overnight. The light bulb, phonograph,

film projector, and others took a great deal of trial and error. Hear Edison discuss not only his inventions, but the perseverance he

needed to become one of the great American inventors.

We Didn’t Leave: Farmers Who Remained in the Dustbowl During the dustbowl of the 1930s, 75% of the farmers did

NOT migrate from the plains to escape the brutal conditions. They had been successful farmers who originally came to the plains

with the promise of bountiful land and harvests. However, during the 30s, they found that the successful farming techniques of the

east were not suitable for the terrain of the plains.

Also discussed are the many unsuccessful ways farmers tried to manufacture rain, and how with the help of the government

they finally overcame this adversity.

Just 20 Feet From Safety: The Story of the S.S. Eastland Ollie Sanders, a Western Electric employee was an eyewitness to

the disaster of the S.S. Eastland. Relive the events, aftermath and ongoing legends that surround the sinking of the “Speed Queen of

the Great Lakes” on the Chicago River on July 24, 1915.

Forever the Tramp: A Chaplin Retrospect After receiving his honorary Oscar in 1972, actor Charlie Chaplin looks back on his

legendary career as a pioneer of American film. Included are his days in Chicago with Essanay Studios, his Hollywood successes, and

finally, his exile in Switzerland.

Visit our website: www.hfkpresents.com

Blog: www.leadershipinhistory.blogspot.com

YouTube Channel: HFK Presents

History happens when you least expect it!

The Bard of Avon Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Death of Shakespeare

William Shakespeare penned some of civilizations most beloved plays and poems. The global interest in the Bard is unmistakable.

His works have been translated and published in dozens of languages. In this program, hear the Bard himself, William Shakespeare

tell of his life, loves and works.

“He was not of an age, but for all time!”—Ben Johnson 1573-1637, preface to the First Folio.

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Happy Hoosier Bicentennial Celebrate Indiana’s 200th Birthday! The festivities celebrating the 19th state’s admission

to the Union come to a fever pitch when the 23rd President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison of Indianapolis brings into focus

the history, industry, natural resources, politics and entertainment that enabled the great state of Indiana to influence the nation.

Holiday Tales with Hans Christian Anderson A new program for the holiday season! Join Hans Christian Anderson

as he brings his delightful Christmas stories to life with the help of his audience. Stories include: The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Little

Match Girl, The Fir Tree, and The Snow Queen.