Hammontree bringing story of Tecumseh to Moreland
Kenneth Neff Hammontree, who is well known for his portrayal of many historical figures throughout the nation’s two-plus centuries, will present a historical evening with Tecumseh for the Moreland Community Historical Society on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at Moreland Church of God.
Part of a historical society’s mission is to identify important historical aspects of its local area and share unique historical people, moments and events with the public.
On Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m., the members of the Moreland Community Historical Society will present on one of the area’s most intriguing figures.
Kenneth Neff Hammontree, who is well known for his portrayal of many historical figures throughout the nation’s two-plus centuries, will present a historical evening with Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief and warrior who promoted resistance to the expansion of the United States into Native lands in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Dressed to impress, Hammontree will paint a picture of Tecumseh’s life and accomplishments.
Known as “Mr. Ohio History,” Hammontree pours himself into each of his characters, whether it is former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Daniel Boone or a long list of important historical figures throughout Ohio.
“His presentations are extremely intriguing and informative, and we hope everyone will show up to hear this incredible story of one of Ohio’s most important historical American Indian figures,” Gail Miller of the MCHS said. “He is well known for recreating so many wonderful historical people.”
The evening is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served during the event in the Moreland Church of God.
Recently, the MCHS presented an arrowhead program that connects directly to Native American life in the area, so they felt this tied in nicely to that theme.
“In a sense it is a follow-up to that program, in that it focuses on an oftentimes long-forgotten part of our Native American history,” Miller said.
An Ashland resident, Hammontree began his career as an educator, teaching American and Ohio history. During that tenure he realized many of his students were very unaware of Ohio’s historical past, and thus, he set about recreating some key historical figures by dressing up and portraying them in public. Hammontree would even occasionally dress up in character while teaching his classes.
That was the beginning of Living History Productions, Hammontree’s effort to bring these historical figures to life.
Throughout the years the educator and portrayer of historical figures has accumulated a massive inventory of wigs, makeup, outfits and other memorabilia that allow him to transform into character.
Even after he moved from his teaching realm into that of an engineering designer for Marathon Oil Company, Hammontree’s passion for portraying historical characters and teaching others about the role each played in the nation and state’s history continued.
His list of historical characters continues to grow, although any newcomer to the family must meet certain criteria: They must have displayed integrity, had moral credibility, and be someone everyone can look up to and learn from for their character.
Hammontree does extensive research on each individual, making sure they meet those standards, and he pours himself into learning how to best recreate their life, work and message.
From Johnny Appleseed to George Washington and Gen. George S. Patton, this thespian and historian brings a unique flavor on each historical figure.
In addition to his portrayals, Hammontree is an accomplished author.
His first book, “There Was a Time,” is a historical novel centered around the life of Jenny Wade, the only civilian killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
“It should be a fascinating evening to learn more about Tecumseh, and Ken’s ability to recreate a historical figure will make it well worthwhile for those who attend,” Miller said.
The recently renovated Moreland Church of God, which features loads of artwork from local artist Rusty Baker, who recently passed away, is located at 7135 Millersburg Road in the heart of Moreland.