LvngHstry
George and Diane Bernheimer are Historical Interpreters who have thrilled hundreds with their educational, entertaining and historically accurate presentations. Their speciality is to give the audience a taste of life in the turbulent times of Territorial Kansas of 1854 to 1861, and our Civil War. They present individually and as part of living history programs at museums, historic sites, Civil War reenactments, and other venues as well as to church, civic, and historical interest groups.George and Diane Bernheimer are Historical Interpreters who have thrilled hundreds with their educational, entertaining and historically accurate presentations. Their speciality is to give the audience a taste of life in the turbulent times of Territorial Kansas of 1854 to 1861, and our Civil War. They present individually and as part of living history programs at museums, historic sites, Civil War reenactments, and other venues as well as to church, civic, and historical interest groups.
The Program Format
Dressed in period, and character appropriate attire, George and Diane Bernheimer bring each of these people of our history into the present. Each portrayal is based on research, and study of primary sources such as journals, letters, diaries, and biographies of the person, their family members, and contemporaries. Whenever possible, the characters own words are used in the presentation. Each character speaks of the historical, political, and social setting of their era, and their part in it. The audience is then given the opportunity to interact with the character by asking questions, or by engaging in dialogue while still in the time period of the character. Character is then "broken", and members of the audience have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters concerning their research, and other relevant topics. Each presentation lasts 40-50 minutes, including questions.“
"In the 13-year history of the "Bleeding Kansas" program series at Constitution Hall in Historic Lecompton, Kansas, there have been almost a dozen first-person portrayal programs presented. Without a doubt, George & Diane Bernheimer's presentation here in 2008 titled "Their Last Evening: Reverend Thomas & Sarah Johnson", was one of the finest performances yet. Exquisitely attired, the Bernheimer's are gifted reenactors and living history educators. We look forward to having them back again, and so will our audience."
George and Diane have portrayed the Reverend Thomas and Sarah Johnson and have done a US Sanitary Commission impression at Fort Scott National Historic Site. The Bernheimer's are a joy to work with. They are consummate professionals thoroughly researching their subjects and presenting compelling and accurate portrayals. We asked them to tailor their performance to emphasize certain aspects of the Johnsons' lives and they were most agreeable in providing us what we wanted. We hope to have them back again soon."
"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your Wilson program at Good Ol' Days. The Wilson's are in many respects tough to flesh out since we have not found any letters, diaries, etc. from them. You were able to take what materials you could find and blend them with the history of the Fort, the community , and the territory/state so well....Very well done indeed!"
"Thank you for such an excellent presentation (as George Templeton Strong) at our Lions Club. Everyone was so impressed. The only regret was that we didn't have time for more questions and answers!"
George & Diane Bernheimer
Historical Interpreters
Last Site Revision January, 2011
Icon Photograph Courtesy of Anna Surface
www.SurfaceandSurfacePhotography.com
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