Hail to the Chiefs: A Presidential Series

In honor of the 2008 Presidential elections, the Friends of the Fiske Free Library and the Claremont Historical Society will present "Hail to the Chiefs," a series of programs in February, May and July that will honor Theodore Roosevelt, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and John Quincy Adams.

The series will begin on Wednesday, February 27 with Ted Zalewski, Cambridge, Massachusetts, presenting "Theodore Roosevelt : Mind, Body and Spirit." Combining history, drama and fun, Zalewski gives voice to many of Roosevelt's own words, writings, and beliefs. Cowboy, soldier, naturalist, historian, father, statesman and winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace, Theodore Roosevelt lived a life that inspires us still.

On Thursday May 22 Mike Lowe of Braintree, Massachusetts will present "The JFK Experience." As a child, Lowe listened to recordings of John Fitzgerald Kennedy's speeches and began imitating his speaking style. Two years ago, he realized that his talent for imitation allowed him a unique way to tell this president's story. Using Kennedy's words, Lowe combines his voice and emotions to re-create the experience of hearing our 35th President.

The series will conclude on Wednesday July 23 with "John Quincy Adams : A Spirit Unconquerable" presented by Jim Cooke of Quincy, Massachusetts. Cooke portrays Adams, our sixth president, in the last ten years of his long life. He will speak about his fight against the infamous "Gag Rule" devised by slave masters to curb congressional discussion of slavery, and his defense of the Africans who had fought for their freedom on the slave ship Amistad.

More information about all three performers is available at www.solotogether.com. All programs will be held at 7pm at the Fiske Free Library, 108 Broad Street, Claremont, New Hampshire and are free and open to the public. For more information contact the library at 603-542-7017.