Historical First Impressions Presents: "Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady of the World"

Eleanor Roosevelt and More at Reedsburg Public Library:  Reedsburg Public Library Celebrates Women’s History Month with a historical reenactment and a number of books highlighting women and their important contributions to society.

Jessica Michna, founder of Historical First Impressions, will portray first lady Eleanor Roosevelt on Monday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Library’s Community Room.  Roosevelt is just one of a number of historical characters in the actor’s repertoire.  Many will remember her well received portrayal of Edith Wilson at the Library a few years ago.  In 2016 Michna was awarded the Presidential Service Center’s Distinguished Service Award for her portrayal of first ladies. 

This presentation will bring to life the personality and achievements of the first lady known for her promotion of civil rights for African Americans, human rights, and social justice.  In creating her characters, the actor researches newspapers of the day, private letters and other primary sources, often spending up to two years on one character.  She also researches appropriate historical dress and sews her own costumes.  Michna remarks that she hopes that her presentation will cause her audience to see “Eleanor as a real flesh and bone person who left a great legacy to the nation, in fact to the world.” No registration is required for this free program.

Check out our Women’s History Month display as well as our Library Book Club selection, and featured book for March. This month, the Library Book Discussion group will be talking about “The Excellent Lombards” by Jane Hamilton.  The book is the coming of age story of Mary Frances, “Frankie,” Lombard, growing up on her family’s Wisconsin apple orchard.  Join us on Thursday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m. or Tuesday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m., virtually or in person. Also on display and ready for checkout are several copies of Jennifer Chiaverini’s “The Women’s March: A Novel of the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession.” 

Photo is of Jessica Michna from Historical First Impressions portraying Eleanor Roosevelt.