Testimonials
Following Mrs. Mary Lincoln’s visit to Circle of
Friends in Medina, OH on April 9, 2019:
“Informative & entertaining. Well prepared.” ~ Alice
Cardillo
Sent after Abraham Lincoln’s visit to the 2nd Grade
class at Burton Elementary (OH) on April 26, 2019:
“Such a wonderful presentation. Students were so engaged
and loved every minute! Thank you for bringing history
to life!”
From George Washington’s Memorial Day presentation at the
Coshocton County (OH) Veteran’s Service Office’s observance on
May 27, 2019:
“We’ve had a tremendous, positive feedback from the
community due to the unique, historical presentation!” ~
James A. Barstow
Received after Lucretia Garfield’s appearance at the
“Destiny of the Republic” book discussion and celebration of the
life of James A. Garfield held as a fund raiser for the Moreland
Hills Historical Society (OH) on August 17, 2019:
“…We owe a debt of gratitude to Debbie. [She was] flawless
as [she] knitted together the story of the late President as
seen through Lucretia's eyes with the questions and
observations from [the] audience. A true professional. The
talk was enlightening and the conversation interesting.” ~
Maureen Geck, president – MHHS
From Lucretia Garfield’s appearance
for the Quincy Gillmore Civil War Round Table in Elyria, OH on
April 1, 2019:
"{Ms.
Deborah Weinkamer] played the role of Mrs. Lucretia Garfield,
wife of the Ohio congressman, general, and president perfectly.
In addition to capturing the soft, understated demeanor of
Lucretia, Ms. Weinkamer definitely came prepared for her modern
audience, its time period, and location. She started the
program by pointing out that she had received word of the Union
breakthrough success at Five Forks, that day, April 1 [1865],
and expressed her hope this meant that the long war was finally
nearing its longed-for end. Later, she pointed out that…her
husband served with Lt. Col. Lionel Sheldon of Elyria. Ms.
Weinkamer obviously did her homework in making the program
relevant to her audience.” -~ Keith Kauffman, Editor – “The
Swamp Angel” Newsletter of the QGCWRT
From Abraham
Lincoln’s appearance for the Geneva-Madison (OH) Knights of
Columbus Council 5286 on February 25, 2019:
"John King
takes you on a trip in time, when in character, during his
performance. He engages you with the tenor of his voice, the
demeanor of his body, and the non-verbal expressions of his
face. John truly transforms himself into Abe Lincoln with
heart and soul. You are convinced that he believes in Abe
Lincoln and his contribution to our American history and
heritage.” ~ Paul Wadowick, Geneva, Ohio
“Pleasantly
surprised. AND had many compliments about the subject matter and
his authenticity. Wonderful costume!” ~ Roberta Shields
Sent after Lucretia Garfield’s appearance for the
Delta Kappa Gamma retired teachers’ meeting in Mentor, OH on
February 21, 2018:
“Lucretia’s ‘candid chat’ certainly revealed interesting facets
of her life with and without Mr. Garfield. She was brought to
life before our eyes as you not only beautifully looked the
part, but your gentle manner of speaking and subtle sense of
humor captured our attention.
We, as educators, appreciate the fine art of teaching and you
indeed displayed your talent in successfully instructing us in a
most engaging manner.
The books, photos, and handouts made for great visual aids to
enhance your presentation. Thank you for your careful attention
to detail and willingness to tote these materials to the
meeting.” ~ Nancy Kurnat, Secretary
Received after Ulysses S. Grant’s appearance for
the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, OH on February 19,
2018:
“Wonderful info during talk, it was closer to
adult-oriented, but that is fine since the crowd was mainly
adult. It was also timed perfectly! Visitors were very
interested in talking to Grant on the museum floor... We
really appreciated having him here for the whole day as
well.” ~ Michael Fouts, Interpreter
Received after George Washington’s appearance for
the Bainbridge (OH) Historical Society on February 14, 2018:
“What a wonderful program you presented to our group earlier
this month. It’s probably the best we’ve ever had… It’s
obvious that you’ve spent a great deal of time researching
your subject. In addition, you really look like George
Washington, and your period costume is beautiful.
Most of the comments from the group involved your keen
memory and knowledge of your subject. ‘Did you notice he
didn’t use notes, he could pluck answers out of the air
without hesitation?’
You can’t be thanked enough for your interesting and
enlightening presentation – we loved it. You can be assured
we’ll be telling everyone about it.” ~ Harriet A. Novy,
Secretary
From George Washington’s
visit to the Bainbridge Historical Society in Bainbridge, OH on
February 14, 2018:
“You
have his spirit within you.”
Received after We Made History appeared at Presidents’ Day
events in Hudson and Mentor, OH in February 2018:
“Just think about all the chatter today in lunchrooms and
classrooms across northeast Ohio... ‘Hey, didja know George
Washington's teeth weren't made of wood...Hey, didja know James
A. Garfield lived in Mentor and that Abe Lincoln lives in
Illinois...or, Hey, didja know Taft got stuck in the
bathtub; yep, took a dozen men and a crane to get him out,’
etc., etc.
All kidding aside, more than a few people now have some
tidbits of knowledge they didn't have before. And that,
colleagues, is what it's all about.” ~ Dale Liikala, former
portrayer of William H. Taft
From
President Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Grace Church in Middleburgh
Hts., OH on February 10, 2018:
“John came to serve us any way he could. He came to engage our
group by visiting at most every table prior to his
presentation. That was quite a feat, given that we had 32
tables. His stories were very engaging as well. A+.” ~ Pastor
Jim Hicks
From teachers at Normandy Elementary School after the
WMH
troupe’s visit for “History Alive!” on February 13, 2014:
“My students loved the assembly. (I did
too!) I have a few students who are really interested in
American History and seeing the looks on
their faces when the Presidents walked
into the classroom [after the assembly] was priceless!
This was a new and successful idea. Thanks! Let’s do it
again!”
“We enjoyed the classroom
visits very much. The living historians were amazing!
I appreciated the detail of their costumes, hair, make-up,
etc. I also appreciated how they all focused on the importance
of education.”
“What a wonderful experience
for the students to see presidents and first ladies up close and
personal. I loved the whole school together for such a
patriotic assembly!”
“I loved how they stayed in character… I also loved how a
question from a student became a story about their [the
President’s or First Lady’s] experiences. What a memorable
day for the students.”
Received after General Washington’s
visit to the Valley of Youngstown, Scottish Rite on February 17th:
“Excellent program. Very knowledgeable and
informative. More than worth the cost.”
~ Randal Davis
After
President & Mrs. Lincoln’s visit on February 12,
2014 to Normandy Manor Retirement Community in Rocky River:
“We enjoyed the presentation. It was
nice that they went around to visit other residents and staff
afterwards and we were able to take pictures. Thanks.” ~
Tammy Danilovic
About Debbie Weinkamer as
Lucretia Garfield: James
R. Garfield II, the great-grandson of President James Garfield, used
to say,
“If I want to know anything about my ancestors, I ask
Debbie.”
