This month, we at Hearthside transform our museum and grounds into the 1904 Worlds Fair.
It was a lot of work for months. We wanted to show what took place at this historic event.
We, the docents and staff took on amazing transformations to take you back in time.
I was asked to take on a challenge and portray a great African American man in history. He was Doc. William Key.
Preparing for my interpretation of Dr William Key
It was not easy. The mustache kept getting in my mouth when I talked. I kept wanting to pose like, Lady Estelle when folks wanted to take my photo. I did not know what to do with my hands. But all in all, it was a lots of fun.
A self-trained veterinarian, “Dr.” William Key was born a slave in 1833. Even as a child Bill was recognized for having extraordinary horse whispering and animal healing skills – using only kindness and no force.
Read more about the Doc and his amazing horse, Beautifull JIM.
http://www.beautifuljimkey.com/history.htm
It was also a big attraction at Hearthside's 1904 World's Fair.
I was honored to have been able to teach such a beautiful and true story to so many interested people.
3 comments:
Great posting - - - You looked great - I would have loved to have heard your interpretation.
Did you ever see my post when I portrayed an 1860s widow?
I know how nervous you must have been:
http://passionforthepast.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-time-as-1860s-widow.html
I was having so much fun I did not have time to be nervous. The folks that came to the exhibition was so pleased, that it made for a great presentation,.
Here is a wonderful comment sent to me in my email. I wanted to share it with you, my loyal readers.
Hi Estelle,
I’ve wanted to tell you just how great your performance as Doc Key was at the World’s Fair. Wow, what a terrific job you did in interpreting him.
You always had a crowd around, and so I didn’t get too close to hear everything, but several visitors have commented on it to me. I had hoped to
see you last night at the meeting to tell you in person, but since you weren’t there, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to let you know how
much everyone thought of your fine performance!
I will keep Morgan Freeman updated so that as they get ready to produce the movie, “Beautiful Jim Key” he will know that in Rhode Island, at Hearthside,
we have celebrated the history of this wonderful horse and his talented owner. Who knows, maybe next time we do it, they will be filming the movie
and we can have some role, even if it’s just promoting the movie! Then you can tell everyone that you and Morgan Freeman played the same part!
See you next weekend for the Garden Party!
Kathy
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