\; \; \; \;
Join us oat the First Presbyterian Church at 99 Main Street\, Succasunna\, where President George Washington will ad dress us from the porch of this historic home. \; All three historic b uildings in the district -- the house\, the King Store and the Silas Riggs Saltbox House -- will be open for tours from 1 p.m. to approximately 2:45 p.m.\, when attendees will assemble on the front lawn of the house. \ ; Please bring your own lawn chair. \;In case of inclement we ather\, registrants will be notified by email of the rain location.
\n< p>As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary\, join us for a truly unique journey into America&rsquo\;s past as we welcome President George Washington&mdash\;brought to life by a talented historical inter preter&mdash\;for a special appearance at the King Home in Ledgewood. Thro ugh engaging storytelling and firsthand reflections\, &ldquo\;President Wa shington&rdquo\; will share insights into the founding of our nation\, his leadership during the Revolutionary era\, and the challenges and hopes of a young United States. This immersive living history experience offers vi sitors of all ages the rare opportunity to hear from the Father of Our Cou ntry and connect with history in a memorable and meaningful way.\n< strong>About Historical Interpreter Michael Grillo: \; Michae l Grillo is a historical interpreter who has portrayed George Washington f or more than 30 years\, bringing the nation&rsquo\;s first president to li fe through engaging performances at historic sites\, cultural institutions \, and public events. His appearances have included programs at Federal Ha ll National Memorial\, New York Historical\, Hamilton Grange National Memo rial\, Morris-Jumel Mansion\, Fraunces Tavern Museum\, and Washington's He adquarters at Valley Forge\, as well as the Washington Memorial Chapel. Gr illo has also performed at community celebrations such as the Pottstown &l dquo\;Go Fourth!&rdquo\; festival and at venues including the Valley Forge Casino Resort. In addition to public events\, he frequently appears at sc hool assemblies and private programs\, where his immersive interpretation helps audiences experience history in a vivid and memorable way. \;&nb sp\;In addition to his performance work\, Grillo has devoted decades to mu seum education. He spent 26 years as a museum educator and site interprete r at the Van Cortlandt House Museum and currently serves at St. Paul's Chu rch National Historic Site. Throughout his career\, he has received multip le certificates recognizing his excellence in public engagement as George Washington\, reflecting his dedication to making early American history ac cessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
\nAbout Mar ia Grillo: Maria Grillo has been an elementary educator for over twenty five years. She has taught students from Pre-Kindergarten to Upper Elementary grades. An avid reader\, Maria&rsquo\;s interests in British an d American history\, specifically The French and Indian War and The Americ an Revolution\, center on the roles played by women of the time\, specific ally the Colonial Everywoman and her significant contributions to Early Am erican life. These exemplary women\, many of which are lost to history\, e ngaged in creating colonial foodways\, medicine\, midwifery\, education an d the bringing up of families and subsequent generations of American Patri ots. Maria particularly enjoys researching historic figures (Martha Washin gton\, Mary Ball Washington and Elizabeth Burgin to name a few) in depth t o bring to light unknown and forgotten facts about her subjects\, their ti mes and their often perilous but integral roles in the pursuit of American freedom.
\nRegister online or call the library at (973) 584-2400.\n
George Washington's visit is co-presented by the Roxbury Historic T rust\, Roxbury Public Library\, and the Roxbury Township Historical Societ y. \; This program is funded by a grant from the New Jersey State Libr ary&rsquo\;s REV 250: Examining the Semiquincentennial through a Jersey Le ns - an opportunity for public libraries to celebrate New Jersey&rsquo\;s contributions and place in history.
\n \; \; \; \;