SEARSPORT, ME, August 5, 2013 – On Wednesday, August 7, at 11:00 am and again at 1:00 pm, join us for a living history portrayal of the heroine Abbie Burgess Grant by 7thgrader Melanie Rosenberg. As Abbie Burgess, Melanie will tell the harrowing story of tending the Matinicus Rock Light for nearly a month while her father was away from the island, and what it was like to become a well-known heroine. Melanie will also reveal discoveries she made during research which might surprise people who know Abbie’s story only through children’s stories. After the performance, Melanie will answer audience questions as both in and out of character.
In her native Boulder, Colorado, Melanie is a member of Young Chautauqua, an award-winning youth program in which young scholars research and portray people from the past. The scholars use their research to create a complete historical character right down to period correct clothing, language and worldview. The presentations given by the young scholars use monologues and question-and-answer sessions that engage audiences in a lively exploration of the past.
Visiting her grandparents in Fryeburg, Maine, eleven-year-old Melanie Rosenberg came across The Original Biography of Abbie Burgess, Lighthouse Heroine by Dorothy Jones, Ruth Sexton Sargent and Dorothy Holder Jones. By the time she finished the book, Melanie knew that she was going to portray Abbie Burgess for her historical next role.
Melanie will give two performances on Wednesday August 7, at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm in the Discovery Center in The Old Vestry at the museum. The performances are free with admission to Penobscot Marine Museum.
SEARSPORT, ME, August 5, 2013 – On Wednesday, August 7, at 11:00 am and again at 1:00 pm, join us for a living history portrayal of the heroine Abbie Burgess Grant by 7thgrader Melanie Rosenberg. As Abbie Burgess, Melanie will tell the harrowing story of tending the Matinicus Rock Light for nearly a month while her father was away from the island, and what it was like to become a well-known heroine. Melanie will also reveal discoveries she made during research which might surprise people who know Abbie’s story only through children’s stories. After the performance, Melanie will answer audience questions as both in and out of character.
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