MOUNT VERNON – The year is 1758. The French and Indian War is raging. The bitter struggle between two European powers, the native peoples and the colonies finds a raiding party of French soldiers and Shawnee warriors descending on the Jemison family home near present day Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Mary Jemison, her parents and siblings are captured and taken to Fort Duquesne (present day Pittsburgh). Mary, a teenager at the time, is sold to the Seneca and her parents are killed. Mary is taken into the tribe, learns the Seneca ways and eventually takes a Delaware Indian as a husband.
This fascinating story will be told by Mary Jemison as portrayed by Julia Geiger at the next Chautauqua at The Grand Hotel located at 12 Public Square in Mount Vernon on February 22 at 7 PM.
The Chautauqua Series, now in its 12th season, presents first person, living history on a donation basis, supported by a grant from the Ariel Foundation and organized by Elixir Presents. It is a wonderful way to expand your knowledge of history beyond the accounts found in the history books. The programs are entertaining, family oriented and an excellent way to learn about the real people behind the stories for people of all ages and a great way to enhance the understanding of history at an affordable price (your pay what you can afford).
Doors open at 6 PM for the Mary Jemison with the program starting at 7 PM with Christina from the Colonies, singing colonial songs. Mary Jemison will then tell her story and take questions from the audience.
These programs are presented in the conference room, on the lower level of the Grand Hotel. The facility is fully accessible to people with special needs.
For more information about this program and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com, www.VisitKnoxOhio.org, or www.wqio.com. You can also call 740-392-6102 or 740-392-3018. If you would like to receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, please contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.