Thomas Jefferson Live

John M. Stewart

A Versatile Entertainer

John Stewart has been deeply interested in the life of Thomas Jefferson since he was a student at the University of Virginia. John has lectured on Jefferson's life and influence in American History to schools, civic groups and business audiences around and beyond Florida for over 30 years.

Now John impersonates Jefferson in costume and language. In over 150 living history programs he has earned a fine reputation for reenacting his favorite historical character.

A large part of his presentation takes the form of questions and answers. You will be entertained by his convincing portrayal of Jefferson, as well as benefited from his extensive knowledge of Jefferson's life.

Join him for a rare opportunity to go back in time with one of the premier founding fathers.

Testimonials

Jane Schafer, Colonial Dames of the 18th Century, St Petersburg, FL Chapter

I had the pleasure of seeing John Stewart's reenactment of Thomas Jefferson at a Clearwater Chapter SAR meeting last fall. I was so impressed that I invited him to do a presentation for my Colonial Dames XVII Century chapter in January 2013. The program was wonderful and met with great enthusiasm by all who attended. I feel that we were very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and believable presenter in the person of John Stewart. He has obviously spent many, many hours of research in developing this character........you feel like you were transported back to the 18th century!

Thank you, John, for such a tremendous program!

Sarah Herman, Head of Our Sisters' School, New Bedford, MA

Jane Schafer, Colonial Dames of the 18th Century, St Petersburg, FL Chapter

John Stewart joined our community meeting as Thomas Jefferson. He was dressed to the nines in authentic costume and for 30 minutes, he engaged our 65 students in a presentation on the life and work of the 3rd President of the United States. It was clear that he had enough material to continue- his depth of knowledge and ability to answer any question from the students was remarkable. I would recommend John as a guest lecturer on the life and work of Thomas Jefferson, particularly for a mature crowd with strong background knowledge. He is an amazing role model for what it means to truly study a historic character.

Beppy Landrum Owen, Esq., Chair, Jefferson Uncorked! Series, University of Virginia Club of Greater Orlando

We've now enjoyed hosting Mr. Jefferson at two separate events for our private club; both were thoroughly fantastic. John Stewart brings to vibrant life all that could be anticipated in a conversation with such an extraordinary historical personality: knowledge, humor, wit and wisdom, all of which is enjoyed through the appropriate historical lens. Eighteenth and nineteenth century stories come alive in the twenty-first century; it's a kind of wonderful time travel.

Patricia M Strait, Treasurer Princess Hirrihigua Chapter, NSDA

Beppy Landrum Owen, Esq., Chair, Jefferson Uncorked! Series, University of Virginia Club of Greater Orlando

How can you top a great crème brulee? Serve up Mr. John Stewart as the Honorable Thomas Jefferson with a dollop of authenticity sprinkled with earthy humor, the spirit of our founding fathers and bit of bravado! The four St Petersburg chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the one chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution meet jointly to recognize Constitution Day in the month of September. The SAR was host this year and announced that John, a member of the SAR, would present a program on Thomas Jefferson. None of us was prepared for the historical accuracy and the professional delivery of his presentation as “Mr. Constitution, Statesman and President Jefferson.” He meandered among the luncheon tables in quite authentic garb answering questions posed by a self-effacing mc/interviewer. The questions ran the gamut from his heritage, education, travels, and contributions to the emerging democracy to, more specifically, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Then the mc/interviewer asked guests if they had any questions for President Jefferson. The questions were erudite and relevant, and John responded thoroughly and thoughtfully. With admiration for the study that must have proceeded this entertaining session, I would certainly recommend Mr. Stewart’s talented performance to others.

Presentations

Shows with color slides:

1. How a Young Lad Born in Rural Virginia Came to Write the Declaration of Independence

2. The Most Nasty, Vicious Election of 1800

3. The Louisiana Purchase

4. Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates

5. George Washington: a Jefferson Perspective

6. Jefferson’s Constitutional Thought

7. Jefferson and the French Revolution

8. Sally Hemings: A Jeffersonian Perspective

Shows for a specific purpose

Most shows can be adjusted for a particular audience, be it a classroom full of fourth graders, or an adult social group.

Other topics of interest regarding Jefferson's career, deeds or opinions may be substituted by mutual agreement. For example, "The Unlikely Friendship of Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson."

FAQ

If you are considering having John Stewart appear as Thomas Jefferson at your event, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does the show take?
- It can vary according to the interest of the audience. Basically, the format is for a monologue of about 20 minutes followed by the same time for questions.
How much does it cost?
- Fees vary according to the group, distance traveled and purpose of my presentation as I do schools for free. Call for a quote.
How much time in advance do I need to book?
- In a pinch, it can be done on very short notice, but about a month ahead of time is good, as my calendar fills up.
Do I need an audience count before the show?
- Not really, but some general sense of the size of the crowd is appreciated for preparation purposes.
Do I need to provide a microphone?
- If the audience is larger than 40 people, it is desirable. A mobile mike, which does not squeal as I walk around the audience, is preferable. I have a Sure mic which connects with most built in sound systems. Otherwise, I am anchored at the podium, which is less relaxing to the audience and to me.
What kind of facilities does Mr. Jefferson need?
- For a show with slides, a room dark enough for the colors to be vivid.
- A small room to change into costume about 15 minutes before showtime.
- Preferably a seating arrangement which permits me to walk around in it.
Will an introduction be provided?
- Yes.
What do I need to tell Mr. Jefferson about the audience before the show?
- What are they interested in and how familiar are they, generally, with American revolutionary history.

Welcome to Thomas Jefferson Live

John M. Stewart

A Versatile Entertainer

Testimonials

Jane Schafer, Colonial Dames of the 18th Century, St Petersburg, FL Chapter

Jane Schafer, Colonial Dames of the 18th Century, St Petersburg, FL Chapter

Jane Schafer, Colonial Dames of the 18th Century, St Petersburg, FL Chapter

Sarah Herman, Head of Our Sisters' School, New Bedford, MA

Jane Schafer, Colonial Dames of the 18th Century, St Petersburg, FL Chapter

Jane Schafer, Colonial Dames of the 18th Century, St Petersburg, FL Chapter

Beppy Landrum Owen, Esq., Chair, Jefferson Uncorked! Series, University of Virginia Club of Greater Orlando

Beppy Landrum Owen, Esq., Chair, Jefferson Uncorked! Series, University of Virginia Club of Greater Orlando

Beppy Landrum Owen, Esq., Chair, Jefferson Uncorked! Series, University of Virginia Club of Greater Orlando

Patricia M Strait, Treasurer Princess Hirrihigua Chapter, NSDA

Beppy Landrum Owen, Esq., Chair, Jefferson Uncorked! Series, University of Virginia Club of Greater Orlando

Beppy Landrum Owen, Esq., Chair, Jefferson Uncorked! Series, University of Virginia Club of Greater Orlando

Presentations

Shows with color slides:

Shows for a specific purpose

FAQ

If you are considering having John Stewart appear as Thomas Jefferson at your event, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

Mr. Jefferson on Good Government

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