I can offer a 40-55 minute presentation (followed by a Q&A session) on any of the following subjects, which I personally researched and wrote. Most are accompanied by PowerPoint visuals.
“The Home Front” deals with the civilian effort during World War II as well as how that period changed our country even to this day. The United States home front during World War II supported the war effort in many ways, including a wide range of volunteer efforts, government-managed rationing, price controls, the role of women and minorities, geographic distribution, personal savings and even the Hollywood film industry.
“Inside FDR” is a potpourri of topics from the “man himself” that shed information on our 32nd president that we don’t learn in history class. Among the topics are: his hobbies, how he dealt with his polio, his enemies, his “firsts”, his childhood, his favorite quotes, what he considers his greatest accomplishments and failure and much more. This is truly a relaxed chat with Mr. Roosevelt.
“Five Women—Five Influences” talks about FDR’s relationships with his mother Sara Roosevelt, his wife Eleanor, his cousin Daisy Suckley, his mistress Lucy Mercer and his long-time secretary Margaret Lehand. Each woman left an imprint on our 32nd President. His interaction with each made an impact that influenced his life and his character and, in turn, influenced his leadership or our nation.
“The Four Freedoms” examines the events leading up to what many consider FDR’s most important speech. The Four Freedoms was actually a portion of his 1941 State of the Union address. This program explores the national climate leading up to the address as well as lasting effects the speech had on our country. The President also explores the “freedoms” he personally pursued during his lifetime in this though provoking presentation.
“Hot Dog Diplomacy” recounts the visit to the United State by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939. The presentation explores how crucial this visit was to the whole world as it helped pave the way for our country’s entry into World War II. The overnight stay at FDR’s home and hot dog picnic for the monarchs was the culmination of the visit that changed history.
“My English Bulldog” examines one of the most important relationships of the 20th Century which existed between United States’ President Franklin Roosevelt and Britain’s Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Their decisions helped win World War II for the Free World. Was it a ‘Friendship that Saved the World’ or a contentious association and personality clash? Learn the answer directly from our 32nd President.
“FDR and the Fight for Freedom” recounts how on December 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, our country was plunged into the greatest and most deadly conflict in global history—World War II. Learn about the key battles of that war and FDR’s strategies and philosophies that helped lead us to ultimate victory. Also, discover who the key military leaders were in this epic struggle.
“The New Deal” explores the serious plight our country was in during the 1930s. Millions of people were out of work, businesses were going under, banks were closing, and people were losing their homes and farms. In 1933 newly elected President Roosevelt had to come up with a plan to help our nation and its people. His solution was the New Deal. Find out the philosophy behind the various programs and acts that constituted the New Deal and how effective they were.
“The NPS–100 Years of Greatness” shares the story of the National Park Service created in 1916. From the first National Park in Yellowstone to the oversight of over 400 areas the NPS has become an important part of our nation and its natural and historic treasures. Find out FDR’s important contributions to the NPS and his ties with many of the NPS locations. This program can be tailored to include information on local NPS sites.
“My Life Changer” reveals the inside story on FDR’s biggest personal crisis . . . his affliction with polio. How did it happen? How did he combat it? Did he cover up his disability? And how did it affect his life and his character? All these questions are answered by the man who endured “the insidious and deadly enemy” known as Infantile Paralysis.
AND . . . if your organization is looking for a more formal, extended program:
“A Fireside Chat” a two act production that mixes humor, anecdotes and historical facts to entertain and inform the audience about FDR’s triumphs, regrets, life highlights and historically significant events. Audience members are drawn into the production even further as the president chats with them and solicits answers to questions. The hour and forty-five minute production (including intermission) gives an honest and thought-provoking portrait of the President who ranks with Washington and Lincoln as the three greatest U.S. Presidents and the one person most responsible for shaping the twentieth century.
The production is ideal for community theater “dark nights” since it requires only a very simple stage configuration, two set pieces, as well as simple lighting and sound cues. But it also works well for presentations to organizations, or community events. I would love to talk with you about it or answer any questions you might have. My contact information can be found under the “Booking” tab
“The Roosevelts: A Conversation with the Rough Rider and the New Dealer” is a two-man show that brings together Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, our 26th and 32nd Presidents. Both are consistently listed in historians “Top Five U.S. Presidents” and for good reason. Learn what made these fifth cousins tick, their similarities and their differences. This is a rare opportunity to meet these two giants and get a first hand insight into what made them the incredible leaders they were. Click here for a preview: https://youtu.be/RsnEop52Xe8
It is also possible for me to construct a program to fit your needs. Or, I can present one of FDR’s many speeches or Fireside Chats that he delivered during the twelve-plus years of his presidency.
FDR Lives 