by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
More than 1,500 Duval County public and private school 5th-grade students experienced some “living history” at the Main Library this week. Actor and reenactor Bill Barker took the stage Tuesday and Wednesday in the Hicks Auditorium to explain the history of America’s founding and answer questions from students.
He usually performs at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, but Barker also travels the world portraying the third President of the United States. His resume includes appearances at The White House and the Palace of Versailles in France and he’s been featured in Time and Southern Living magazines.
The event was presented by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida. Local program chair Anis Daley remarked Barker is much more than an actor.
“He’s really a scholar and historian. After his presentation about the period in history, the students are allowed to ask him questions and he answers them just as President Jefferson would have,” she said. Daley also said the Colonial Dames brought former President George Washington to the Main Library last year and their goal is to present all four U. S. Presidents who are depicted on Mount Rushmore.
Thomas Jefferson’s visit was a partnership between the Colonial Dames, Duval County Public Schools and the Jacksonville Public Library. It was underwritten by the Roger L. and Rochelle S. Main Charitable Trust.
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