Historian offering Christmas Civil War program
Chris Hart, well-known historian and storyteller, will portray William Chilcote, a Civil War veteran, as he prepares to receive guests in his home on Christmas Eve 1893.
Chris Hart, well-known historian and storyteller, will portray William Chilcote, a Civil War veteran, as he prepares to receive guests in his home on Christmas Eve 1893. As he does, he pauses to reflect how Christmas was celebrated in song, food and fellowship during the war. The program will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
William Chilcote, who spent four years fighting with the Union troops, was a lucky man. After surviving the harsh conditions of war, he was able to return home to New York, where his sweetheart greeted him with open arms. In the years ensuing the war, he had flashbacks of the many men he shared camp with, the men he confronted in battle and the men who, like himself, were fighting for a cause they felt strongly about. He knew his survival depended not only on his own skill and wit, but also on the generosity and bravery of others.
On this Christmas Eve of 1893, Chilcote warms himself with memories of the camaraderie he developed with strangers who had become family.
Hart has created a venture known as “History Comes to Life,” which allows him to combine two areas of personal interest: history and storytelling. Appearing in costume, he brings to life numerous historical and literary characters (over 50 to date and still expanding), ranging from Cy Young, to Icabod Crane, to Peter Daley, a Titanic survivor.
Hart serves as adjunct faculty and guest lecturer at several universities in Ohio. In addition, he has served as program development manager at Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton. He uses his acting talents at local community theaters and in two murder mystery troupes. He has participated in the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee and in the National Park Service in Pennsylvania including Gettysburg.
The Tuscarawas County Historical Society recently awarded Hart the Zeisberger Heckewelder Medal for outstanding contributions to local history.
To register for the program, visit www.doverlibrary.org/registration or email Sherrel at srieger@doverlibrary.org.