MARK EDW. ACHTERMANN
of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, begs leave to acquaint the PUBLIC, and especially, those with an Interest in the STUDY OF THE PAST, or Archaeology, that he hath discovered the Art, and hath already entered on the Business of presenting
HISTORICAL INTERPRETATIONS,
particularly of the Period between the Founding of the Province of Pennsylvania and the late War with France, as this Period is unhappily but little known to most, & thus most wanting Discovery. The Subscriber humbly Conceives that, those who will favour him with their Custom, will find their TREASURE-HOUSES of KNOWLEDGE well plenished and their AMUSEMENT well served by his Performances ; Thus he as in Duty bound shall ever Pray.
MARK EDW. ACHTERMANN
MARK EDW. ACHTERMANN: Historical Interpretations
Award-winning “living history” performer
Mark Edward Achtermann is delighted to offer
a fascinating selection of first-person composite characters.
The Historical Interpretations listed below are first-person “living history” portrayals of composite characters. What this means is that the presentations are given as though both the performer and the audience are living in the 18th century. The characters listed here are composite: although each one is a single person, they are based upon years of research on many different individuals. They are intended to represent “typical” men of colonial Pennsylvania.
APOTHECARY & BOTANIST
1748; 1763
Jonas Wright
Mr. Wright explains how a physician, a barber-surgeon, and an apothecary are different. On the way he displays a selection of plants used for healing, demonstrates five basic techniques of composition of medicines, and outlines some of the essential equipment of the colonial apothecary.
Medical knowledge and techniques underwent considerable changes in the 1700s, and to reflect these changes I can present Jonas Wright as a character from 1748 or as one from 1763.
PUBLICK HOUSE KEEPER
1744
Benjamin Chambers
Publick-house keeper Benjamin Chambers happily recounts the current news and gossip of the middle of the 18th century in Pennsylvania. He can also tell you about the eating and sleeping habits of his guests, the conditions of the roads, and the business of tavern-keeping in the 1700s.
SCHOOLMASTER
1755
Fredrick Sacks
Although Pennsylvania law required that every child in the province be taught to read, to write, to do simple mathematics, and to practice “a useful trade,” the provincial government never established a system of schooling or of examination. Schoolmasters, therefore, were not public servants, but were forced into a position of selling themselves to the highest bidder. The bids often were not very high.
Mr. Sacks is a university-trained scholar who would love to teach Latin, Greek and French, but today he will settle for either German or English, depending upon his audience. He explains the curriculum of his school, and works through some basic lessons. He displays the tools of the scholar and of the disciplinarian and explains their use. He also discusses the importance of good penmanship, the proper maintenance of writing equipment, and good form in correspondence, colonial style.
FARMER AND COMPANY AGENT
1748
Johannes Christian von Schlegell
Herr von Schlegell is forever searching for the indentured servants for his company of farmers and tradesmen. Indentured servants were the backbone of the labor force in colonial Pennsylvania. Between four and six out of every ten Pennsylvanians in the 1700s were indentured servants.
Herr von Schlegell explains the indenturement system, the distinction between an indentured servant and a slave, and the advantages of indenturement. He also outlines the daily routine of Pennsylvanian farmers in the 1700s for both men and women, displays period clothing, and demonstrates some of the practical difficulties of running a business in provincial Pennsylvania.
INDIAN TRADER & PIONEER
1748
Jack Woods
Jack Woods knows that the “Back Parts” of Pennsylvania are not a “pathless wilderness”, but a bustling world of activity. He knows how to live with the Natives, at likes it better than life in the city. He explains the way to survive as a trader, how the pioneer is different from the settler, and why people in the backcountry aren't always happy with government. He can show what the colonists have learned from the Natives, and what the First Peoples have learned from the Europeans.
The Historical Interpretations listed here are focused upon the period between the founding of Pennsylvania (1682) and the American War of Independence (1775-1783) with a special concentration on the years between 1740 and 1765. The dates listed her for the characters should not be seen as hard and fast. None of these characters “actually lived”, so if your program or site represents another date within the colonial period, the interpretations can usually be modified to accommodate that need.
ENGAGEMENTS & FEE STRUCTURE
Generally, engagements should be made for a single character interpretation. Other arrangements may be made, but may be subject to a slightly different fee structure.
As of January 2002, the FEE for an evening engagement (one presentation) is $115.00; for one half-day engagement (two presentations), $230.00; & for a one-day engagement (three presentations), $285.00. This FEE includes
1) a general INTRODUCTION to the interpretation through a brief “teacher’s guide”;
2) the PERFORMANCE proper including clothing and properties required by the interpretation; &
3) a presentation FOLLOW-UP including bibliographic materials if desired.
A reasonable additional Fee will be charged for travel expenses when the performance is to be outside the following area: the Pennsylvania counties of Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks, Chester, York, or Dauphin (south of Clark’s Creek), or the Maryland Counties of Harford (northeast of Little Gunpowder Falls) or Cecil (north of Elk River). A further Fee will be charged if LODGING is required.
Contact:
Historical Interpretations
Mark Edward Achtermann
630 Running Pump Road
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
(717) 393-9295
Contact via E-Mail