With history all around us as Pennsylvanians, it is easy to overlook it sometimes. The Commonwealth not only shaped our 250 year old nation but, consequently, the world. As we celebrate the semiquincentennial, the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society is offering a way to rediscover history and to do it in an entertaining way with reenactors.

Throughout the year, the Williamsport museum will present “Meet & Greet the Late & Great” lectures, presenting America’s key historical figures.

“I wanted to do something above the normal activities. We were able to secure a grant from the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau Travel and Tourism Fund, as well as a generous donation from Catherine Burns Insurance Services in Muncy. With those monies, we are able to present a dozen reenactors who portray presidents, first ladies, and other interesting figures from history,” said Gary Parks, executive director of the Taber, located at 858 W. Fourth St.

Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, President Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, President Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman will all visit the museum this year.

Portrayed by skilled reenactors, each historical figure comes to life through story-telling and costuming.

“We recently hosted Abigail Adams and hosted a crowd of 77 people. I am hoping that some of the weekend programming will bring in school-aged children and their families. The programming is free. It focuses on our educational mission,” said Parks.

First Lady Abigail Adams packed the Taber’s community room during its Coffee Hour on Thursday, April 9. Reenactor Meg Gefken brought the audience back in time as they learned about Abigail’s life as President John Adams’ wife, our nation’s first lady and the mother of the sixth President of the United States John Quincy Adams.

“He worked tirelessly. He was annoyed when Thomas Jefferson ran against him for president,” said Gefken about her husband, who was the second president of our nation.

Through Gefken’s portrayal, the audience learned Abigail did not have a formal education. Despite that, the First Lady was self-educated exceptionally well. Her intellect proved to be a powerful influence on her husband’s presidential decisions. According to Gefken, Abigail often admonished John to “remember the ladies.”

“All men are created equal. What about the other half of us?” asked Gefken’s Abigail, who reminded her husband that women had no rights in Britain.

Abigail found a mentor in Martha Washington, who was the wife of President George Washington and the first First Lady.

“She was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to me. She financed the Revolutionary War,” recounted Gefken, who added Washington also mended socks for the troops and took care of veterans.

Gefken entertained the audience with a light tone and humor that was rewarded with laughter.

“I thought she was very personable and it’s interesting to hear from her point of view. I am very into history. If you don’t know your history, it will repeat itself,” said 15 year old Nora Gscheidle.

“If the reenactor is effective, they can often sweep you into believing that they are the actual person standing before you. The little anecdotes that they share — personal memories, quirks, mannerisms, idiosyncrasies, help convey this willing suspension of disbelief,” said Parks.

From May through August, additional reenactors will entertain and educate audiences. In addition, the museum will have additional speakers as part of their America250 and Pennsylvania250 lecture series. For a list of upcoming events, visit tabermuseum.org and explore their event calendar or call 570-326-3326.