Program Descriptions

2015-2016

To book a performance: Histories for Kids, Inc.

708-218-7001 www.historiesforkids.com

hfktales@gmail.com www.historiesforkids.blogspot.com

Twitter: @Hist_4_Kids Join us on Facebook!

Histories for Kids, Inc. specializes in historical portrayal and storytelling for children of all ages. These 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. Below is a list of available shows, as well as detailed program descriptions. All programs are available year round.

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 the leader of a nation. Perfect for social studies units, or studies of U.S. Presidents! May be customized for all ages.

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. Suitable for any social studies curriculum, or President’s Day festivities. May be customized for all ages.

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? Great for social studies, language arts, science ...what educational discipline has Franklin NOT influenced? May be customized for all ages.

Superheroes Then & Now A humorous look at superheroes! The great hero of Greek mythology, Zeus tells action packed stories of superheroes from yesterday and today. How do the mythological tales of long ago relate to the comic book superheroes of today? Great for language arts lessons, or studies of mythology. May be customized for all ages.

Let the Games Begin!: The Origins of Sports During this fun filled program, ancient athlete “Discus Meter” will lead you through time to discover the beginnings of some of today’s most enjoyable pastimes . The Olympic Games, baseball, football, basketball, ice-skating, and tennis will all be on the audience’s scorecard. Great for study of the Olympic Games, or for any other sports enthusiast. May be customized for all ages.

Tall Tales You know them, you love them, they’re the wonderful folktales of American history and literature. Pecos Bill The world’s greatest cowboy Davy Crockett half horse, half alligator, with a touch of o’ snapping turtle Johnny Appleseed As real as the crunch of a ripe apple John Henry A steel drivin’ man Bess Call The strongest woman in the world! AND MORE! These are just some of the stories of our larger than life American folk heroes. Great for social studies or language arts lessons. May be customized for all ages.

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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. Great for social studies units on U.S Presidents, War of 1812, or westward expansion. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

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” Great for social studies units on Chicago, or before a field trip to the “Windy City”. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories Join your very knowledgeable safari guide, as he brings the wilderness to life, and puts his spin on these classic Kipling stories with the help of his interactive audience. Some of the wild stories include…How the Camel Got Its Hump, How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin, How the Leopard Got His Spots, The Elephant’s Child, The Butterfly That Stamped, The Beginning of the Armadillos. Perfect for any cross curriculum lesson. May be customized for all ages.

King Arthur and His Tales of the Round Table King Arthur will ’elevate” audience members to the Order of Chivalry, so they may take their place at the “table”. They will hear exciting stories of the knights and ladies in his court at Camelot. The adventurous tales include stories of Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Bedivere, Excalibur, Merlin: Arthur’s Magician, Nimue: the Lady of the Lake, Lady Guinevere, Morgan le Fay, and MORE! May be customized for all ages.

Fantastic Food Firsts Join your host, Chef Alphonse Dente (just call him Al) as he talks about the firsts behind such fun foods as popcorn, cheeseburgers, pizza, ice cream and MORE! Audience members will learn such culinary tidbits as: Where was the first ice cream sundae created? (hint: it’s the home of the Wildcats) and Who invented the first marshmallow? It’s a riddle only a Sphinx could solve! May be customized for all ages.

Leader of the Band--The March King Join the "march king" John Philip Sousa as he recounts the stories of how as a 13 year old boy, he ran away to join the circus band, and later became the band master of the United States Marine Corps. Band, conducting the President's own Marine Band under five presidents, while writing 136 military marches along the way! An exciting story of ambition and perseverance. May be customized for all ages.

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 perfect addition to any social studies curriculum. May be customized for all ages.

Nicholas Flamel’s Science Faction of Fiction Take a look back to the great thinkers 15th & 16th century who were seen to be wizards and warlocks for their new and unproven ways of thinking. Your host, Nicholas Flamel will help decipher the difference between the fact and fiction of finding the Philosopher ’s Stone. Great for language arts or science lessons. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

U.S. Grant: The Hero of Appomattox Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War (1865-2015) 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. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

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? Great for language arts, social studies, and science curriculums. Also a good program to stress the importance of never giving up on your dreams! Recommended for grades 3 and up.

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 Great for social studies or science lessons. A great kickoff for your Science Fair! Recommended for grades 3 and up.

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Hooray for Art! Join Monsieur Henri Palette, a typical French artist, as he tells audiences about his favorite pieces of art and their creators. Artists included in the program are Joseph Cornell, Alexander Calder, Mary Cassatt, Jacob Lawrence, Paul Klee, John Singer Sargent, Diego Rivera, and the art of 6th century China. A great introduction to art appreciation! Recommended for grades 3 and up.

Stephen Douglas A brief biographical sketch of the life of the Senator from Illinois, as well as history of Illinois, which of course, would not be complete without a look at America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. Audience members will hear the stories of his days as a young man in Salem, IL, through the tragic end of his presidency through the eyes of his greatest adversary, Stephen A. Douglas. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

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 Feder-alist Papers, which were instrumental in explaining the need for a strong central government, and to promote the U.S. Constitution as the best model for that government. As a two term President, Madison is best known for re-luctantly declaring war on Britain in 1812. He was also Dolly’s husband! Perfect for Constitution Day observances and for students preparing for the U.S. Constitution test. Recommended for grades 5 and up.

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, but 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. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

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. Excellent for an election year, or the study of elections. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

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. Excellent for students studying Illinois. May be specifically focused for older students preparing for the Illinois Constitution test. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

The Underground Railroad Told from the perspective of an owner of a “Safe House" in Illinois, hear how safe houses were used as a stopping 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. Great supplement for Civil War, Black History Month, or social studies units. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

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. Great for social science and science units. Recommended for grades 5 and up.

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Presidential Pets These pampered pets have won the hearts of First Families throughout our country’s history. Some presidents have had many pets, some have had a few. Hear some of the more humorous stories of presidential pets from Emily Spinach, to Fala. Macaroni to Bo. Recommended for grades 3 to 5.

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. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

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Monster Mayhem of the Midwest Lock all the doors! There are monsters in Illinois! Believe it or not, ghoulish stories such as the Murphysboro Mud Monster, Headless Horseman of Illinois, Nellie the Lion, Bigfoot in Illinois, The Mad Gasser of Mattoon, and more will chill your bones better than watching Creature Feature on a Friday night! May be customized for all ages. This is a great “Haunted History” alternative for younger students.

Great for Halloween programming!

Edgar Allan Poe: To Tell a Tale Literary chills abound in this spine tingling program as Edgar Allan Poe gives 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” Not intended for younger students, this program is recommended for grades 6 and up.

Great for Halloween programming!

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. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

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 Salinger had with the President and the unique perspective he had on some the most dangerous times of our country’s recent history. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

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! While it is possible to customize for all age groups, this performance is generally recommended for grades 3 and up. Ask for details on a great alternate show for younger students.

Great for Halloween programming!

Hysteria in Salem Magistrate John Hathorne recounts the hysteria, paranoia, and resulting trails that took place during the mid 17th century in Salem, Massachusetts. Not intended for younger students. This program is suitable for grades 6 and up.

Great for Halloween programming!

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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.

Over There: The War to End All Wars 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. Not recommended for students younger than grade 6.

Charles Dickens: A Tale with a Twist A staple to 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. A great introduction to English literature, or as a holiday treat! Recommended for grades 6 and up.

This program may also be customized for the Christmas season. This option will exclusively include Dickens's Christmas stories of which there are many!

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. Discussed will be not only Edison’s inventions, but the perseverance he needed to become one of the great American inventors. Recommended for grades 3 and up.

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. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

NEW!! 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. Recommended for grades 6 and up.

NEW!! 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. May be customized for all ages!

Call or email for current rates 708-218-7001

hfktales@gmail.com

Exclusively Storytelling For those who wish to have an assembly for Pre K through 1st grade, and are looking for something a little less content heavy, we now offer “Exclusively Storytelling” These performances do not include study guides. They are storytelling performances for the younger set. Pirate Tales Hear the rollicking pirate stories (both male and female) from around the world. Your very genial host, Captain Taffy will tell exciting tales of pirate from many exciting locations including: England, Germany, Ireland, Morocco, The Caribbean and MORE!! Aesop’s Fables Join Aesop as he recounts his tales, and with the help of the audience, makes some of his favorite stories come to life. Careful, amid the laughter and fun, you might learn something!

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