FDR and Teddy Will Visit SCLSNJ Libraries this Fall

From Somerset County Library System of New Jersey:

Somerset County, NJ - You read the headline right. Two former presidents (portrayed by actors, of course!) will visit six Somerset County Library System of New Jersey library branches this fall.

In September, American Historical Theatre actor Neill Hartley will visit two SCLSNJ libraries to perform Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s famous speech, “Arsenal for Democracy.” In October, American Historical Theatre actor Peyton Dixon will visit three SCLSNJ libraries to deliver spellbinding performances as President Theodore Roosevelt. In November, Hartley will return to one more SCLSNJ library branch for an encore performance as FDR.

Hartley is often recognized from his role as the Secretary of the Treasury in seasons 2, 3 and 4 of the popular series “House of Cards.” During his performances at SCLSNJ’s library branches, you will hear President Roosevelt’s plea for the support of our Allies and learn what he was thinking during this historical moment. These not-to-be-missed performances will take place on:

• September 14, 7-8 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Mary Jacobs Memorial Library branch, located at 64 Washington Street in Rocky Hill;
• September 28, 7-8 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bound Brook Library branch, located at 402 East High Street in Bound Brook; and
• November 7, 7-8 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield.

Combining years of theatre and improvisation training with history research, Peyton delivers a living history experience as the youngest president in American history, Theodore Roosevelt. Peyton will bring Teddy’s vigorous persona to life on:

• October 1, 2-3 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Manville Library branch, located at 100 South 10th Avenue in Manville;
• October 8, 2-3 p.m. at SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater Library branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater; and
• October 19, 7-8 p.m at at SCLSNJ’s Warren Township Library branch, located at 42 Mountain Boulevard in Warren Township.

These free programs are funded by the Horizons Speakers Bureau of the NJ Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Registration is required to attend these programs. Visit SCLSNJ.org or contact your local library branch for more information or to register.

Photo 1: Neil Hartley as FDR in "An Aresnal for Democracy II."

Photo 2: Peyton Dixon as Teddy Roosevelt in outside on steps.

Photos courtesy of the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey.