journal - American Village

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JOURNAL
American Village
2015 YEAR END EDITION
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AMERICAN VILLAGE
CITIZENSHIP TRUST
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gordon G. Martin, Board Chair
Fred C. Crawford , Deputy Board Chair
Dr. Cathy J. Randall, Immediate Past
Board Chair
John P. Kelly, Board Treasurer
Tom Walker, President and Ex Officio
Secretary
Honorable Jo Bonner
Carol Brown
Honorable Tom Butler
J. Danny Cooper
Dr. Marquita F. Davis
Dr. Beth Hamer
Honorable Bobby Hayes
Col. (Ret.) Roosevelt Lewis
Dr. Robert M. McChesney
Mrs. H. Taylor (Vaughan) Morrissette
Honorable Arthur Orr
Dr. John Schmidt
Robin Stone
Senator Cam Ward
Frank Wilkes
Donna Williams
MISSION
The American Village Citizenship
Trust serves the Nation as an educational institution whose mission is to
strengthen and renew the foundations
of American liberty and self-government by engaging and inspiring citizens
and leaders, with a special emphasis on
programs for young people.
GOALS
The Trust fulfills its mission by focusing
on five closely-related goals:
• Teach youth the vital lessons of
liberty
• Remember the price of liberty and
honor those who have paid it
• Promote public regard for the
Constitution and America’s Charters
of Freedom
• Engage citizens and leaders in the
stewardship of liberty
• Foster renewal of the American spirit
of E Pluribus Unum (“From many, one”)
THE AMERICAN VILLAGE
P.O. BOX 6
MONTEVALLO, AL 35115
(205) 665-3535
WWW.AMERICANVILLAGE.ORG
Founder’s Message
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
This year marks the 226th anniversary of the first Presidential
proclamation establishing a national day of Thanksgiving.
In September 1789 the new House of Representatives passed what would
become the First Amendment to the Constitution providing for freedom
of religion. The very next day the House passed a resolution requesting
that President George Washington declare a "Public Day of Thanksgiving
and Prayer." A few days later, President Washington issued the following
proclamation establishing the first day of national Thanksgiving:
President George Washington's
1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation:
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of
Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and
humbly to implore His protection and favor; and — Whereas both
Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to
recommend to the people of the United States a day of public
thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful
hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by
affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of
government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of
November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service
of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the
good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in
rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care
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and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold
mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the
great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational
manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness,
and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are
blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great
and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and
Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in
public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our
National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and
constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations
(especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord;
to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and
us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Go. Washington
As our country remembers the inestimable blessings of liberty and faces significant challenges, may we follow
Washington's invitation to join in such a day of Thanksgiving.
Tom Walker
Founder and President
Auspicious Morning - President George Washington and the Building of the American Republic
By Peter Waddell
UNVEILED MAY 12, 2015 AT DECATUR HOUSE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
AT AN ARTIST’S RECEPTION GIVEN BY
THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION,
STEWART D. MCLAURIN, PRESIDENT
IN COLLABORATION WITH
THE AMERICAN VILLAGE CITIZENSHIP TRUST,
THOMAS G. WALKER, JR., PRESIDENT
This painting commemorates one of President George Washington’s
many visits to inspect the Capitol under construction. In the painting,
Washington is astride a beautiful white horse. He is admiring what was
to be the Senate Chamber, though its design was soon substantially
altered. Beyond the Capitol walls the nascent city is spread before us.
The farms give way to the roads of Le’Enfant’s grand plan. The painting
manifests the desire, long unfulfilled, that Washington should be
memorialized on horseback in the Capitol, surrounded by symbols of
the new republic, to which he was ardently dedicated.
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A Christmas Kickoff Event
Former White House Chef Roland Mesnier
returns to the American Village
Saturday, December 5th for a
White House Coffee and Dessert Brunch
This rare Christmas treat is a fundraising event for the
American Village. Your $100 ticket purchase or $1,000
table sponsorship will help support our educational
programming throughout the coming year.
On Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in
elegant Liberty Hall, guests will have the opportunity to
meet the inspiring and engaging Chef Roland Mesnier.
Hear him talk about his life and legendary career as the
longest serving Chef in the history of the White House.
Having served five United States Presidents and First
Ladies: Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter, Ronald and Nancy
Reagan, George H. W. and Barbara Bush, Bill and Hillary
Clinton, and George W. and Laura Bush, Chef Mesnier is
an engaging storyteller…with stories to tell!
DESSERT MENU
APPLE CIDER BRÜLÊE
(A FAVORITE OF PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH)
ROLAND MESNIER’S GINGERBREAD
(FROM HIS NEW BOOK THE WHITE HOUSE IN GINGERBREAD)
CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ CAKE
(A FAVORITE OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN)
COCONUT CHOCOLATE BARS
(A FAVORITE OF FIRST LADY NANCY REAGAN)
SPICED LINZER COOKIES
(A FAVORITE OF PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER AND
FIRST LADY ROSALYN CARTER)
BLUEBERRY CAKE
(A FAVORITE OF PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH)
SAVORIES
Get a behind-the-scenes personal glimpse of how
America’s first families celebrate their own Christmases in
the White House…and enjoy the White House
Christmas Dessert Brunch, featuring eight of the chef’s
fabulous White House recipes.
CHEESE SHORTBREADS
CHEESE STRAWS
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Chef Mesnier will
autograph copies of his
new book The White
House in Gingerbread,
which will be available at
this event. Also available
will be a limited number
of signed commemorative
White House plates.
About the new cookbook, Chef Mesnier says, “I must say
it is spectacular and will make a great holiday gift. Indeed
this book has been my labor of love all year, perhaps my
entire career! I am very proud of this book as I feel it is
truly my legacy – a close-up view of what we created at
the White House during my 26 year tenure.”
There will be an auction at this event as well. Items up
for your bid include an autographed chef’s hat and
embroidered chef’s jacket donated by Roland Mesnier.
After the Dessert and Coffee Brunch guests are invited to
visit the National Veterans Shrine, the Lucille Ryals
Thompson Colonial Chapel, and the Estes Theatre –
which houses a very special miniature Christmas village.
Testimonials found on Chef Mesnier’s website from
former First Ladies attest to his talents:
“Roland Mesnier used his special gifts to serve his
country in such a way that made George and me so
proud to be Americans at state dinners! Roland is truly
a great pastry chef – every dessert he created was a
delicious work of beauty.”
—Barbara Bush
“His creations are a reflection of him--creative, original,
and sweet as can be. From birthdays to state dinners,
Roland makes every event memorable with his
whimsical desserts.”
—Laura Bush
Chef Mesnier engages the audience with stories of
America’s first families. Following the brunch, he will
autograph copies of his new book, “The White House in
Gingerbread,” which is available for purchase in the
American Village Gift Shop.
Responses from guests attending the 2011 White House
Coffee and Dessert event at the American Village echo
the First Ladies’ sentiments:
“The chef has an engaging personality and surprises
with tidbits of behind the scenes White House
information. I loved it!”
—Beth Hamer
“It was delightful! Chef was entertaining, educational
and personal. He gave us insights into what goes on in
The White House, and talked to each of us like we were
old friends. If you get a chance to hear him speak, it’s
well worth it.”
—Martha Yeilding
To order tickets call (205) 665-3535 ext. 1031
or 877-811-1776, ext. 1031
or email [email protected].
Tickets are $100 each, and table sponsorships
are $1,000 (8 seats).
Pre-reservations are required.
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Village Briefs
The Village celebrated its 15th Anniversary and
Washington’s birthday, February 16
A special convocation was held in Liberty Hall, during
which presentations were made to the American Village by:
• The Birmingham Museum of Art – Copy of the
Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington by Gilbert
Stuart, c. 1965, by Theodore Ramos
Dr. Graham Boettcher, Chief Curator and William Cary
Hulsey Curator of American Art, Birmingham Museum of
Art, presents a copy of the Landsdowne portrait of George
Washington by Gilbert Stuart.
• The Honorable Maryon Allen and The Birmingham
Public Library – Section of a U.S. Capitol Tree planted by
George Washington, originally donated to the Library
Archives by former U. S. Senator Maryon Allen and her
late husband, U.S. Senator James B. Allen
• Alabama Power Company – The American Village
Veterans’ Tree, a gift from the Alabama Power Foundation
Good Roots Program
• The City of Montevallo Industrial Development Board –
The American Village Liberty Tree
• Alabama Gold Star organization – Memorial to honor
those who gave their lives in the War on Terror
Special music was provided by pianist Mrs. Denise George
and vocalist Ms. Mildred Lanier. O
320 attended a National Day of Prayer Breakfast
at the American Village; Father Jonathan Morris
was keynote speaker
In a news release prior to the May 7 event, American
Village founder and CEO Tom Walker said, "This is the
64th anniversary of the
National Day of Prayer,
although the precedent for
setting aside a day of prayer
and thanksgiving dates
back to President George
Washington and the first
Federal Congress. We are
delighted that a sold-out
breakfast will welcome
Father Jonathan Morris and
other guests this Thursday."
The event was cosponsored
by the Colonial Chapel
Foundation which operates
the privately funded
Lucille Ryals Thompson
Chapel on the American
Village campus. O
Father Jonathan Morris,
keynote speaker for the 2015
National Prayer of Prayer
Breakfast at the American
Village, autographs his new
book for guests.
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Author Nimrod “Rod” Thompson Frazer was guest
speaker at Memorial Day convocation
Mr. Frazer recounted stories of Alabama’s 167th Infantry
Regiment, from his book Send the Alabamians, which tells
the story of the “Rainbow Division” from their recruitment
to their valiant service on the bloody fields of eastern
France in the climactic final months of WWI.
At the Memorial
Day convocation,
the American
Village “Above
and Beyond
Award” was
given to Honor
Flight
Birmingham for
working to honor
America’s veterans for all their sacrifices and transporting
our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials built to
honor their service to the nation. O
Members of Alabama Academy of Honor visit the
American Village
The Alabama Academy of Honor was created to recognize
living Alabamians for their outstanding accomplishments
and services. Each person elected to membership is a
distinguished citizen of Alabama, chosen for
accomplishment or service greatly benefitting or reflecting
great credit on the State. Several members of this
prestigious group visited the Village in April, and were
treated to a tour, lunch and dinner. The event was cohosted by Dr. Cathy Randall, Chair of the Academy, and
Academy member Vaughan Morrissette. O
New Pre-K and Kindergarten program expands
Living America’s Story - Colonial Story Time Adventures, a
new educational program for Pre-K/Kindergarten unveiled
in 2014, doubled in size in 2015. Children join in an
adventure and travel through time to discover moments
that shaped our nation’s unique history, including Paul
Revere’s Ride, Life at John and Abigail Adams’ homestead,
and Betsy Ross and the making of the American flag. O
Members of the Alabama Academy of Honor enjoy dinner in
the Mount Vernon Room of Washington Hall and a tour of
the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor during
their two day visit to the American Village.
American Village
named Best
Heritage Tour by
Alabama Magazine
Readers of Alabama
Magazine selected the
American Village as
“Best Heritage Tour”
in the 2015 “Best of
Bama” contest.
Winners were
featured in the
July/August issue of
the magazine. O
Mechelle Ryder of Alabama
Magazine presents Tom Walker with
the Best of Bama award.
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American Village celebrates Independence Day 1776
Billed as "Alabama's best 'up close and personal' fireworks
extravaganza," the American Village's Independence Day
1776 celebration promised to explode with excitement in
honor of the nation's independence ... and despite a brief
rain delay, it delivered! Visitors enjoyed a day filled with
historical vignettes, revolutionary adventure, patriotic
music, food and fun.
Patrick Henry, Phillis Wheatley, Dolley Madison, George
Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin
delighted and held audiences spellbound while Tomcats
Barbershop Quartet, Chuck King and Friends, The Colonial
Consort, and
Mildred Lanier
had them singing
and tapping their
feet.
A record 2015
class of 30 Junior
Interpreters, along
with staunch
Village volunteers
and our incredible
staff, made
Independence
Day activities run
smoothly. O
Tom Walker, founder and president of the American Village, introduces the 2015 Junior
Interpreter Class during the evening program on Independence Day. Each year students
in grades 6 through 12 interested in fine arts performance and history are chosen to
participate in American Village summer programming. These Junior Interpreters receive
professional training and assist our professional educational interpreters to help immerse
thousands of visitors in customs and times of the 18th Century.
2015 Teacher Preview Days attracted
100 educators to workshops
On two summer days in July, more than
100 educators from Alabama and
Mississippi were immersed in American
history and actively engaged in a
sampling of the American Village
school programs. Village founder and
president, Tom Walker, gave teachers a
brief overview of the first 15 years at
the Village; and Dr. Terry Roberson,
who had recently conducted a review
of educational programming for the
Village, engaged teachers in a
discussion on how best to reach
students and what materials were most
beneficial to provide classrooms. O
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Mr. Saduski is an Emmy-nominated television and motion
picture producer whose work includes the mini series The
Pacific and He Has Seen War. O
Educators from Alabama and Mississippi participate in
Teacher Preview Days.
Soils from Korea and Iwo Jima enshrined
on Veterans Day
As a part of Veterans Day ceremonies November 11,
battlefield soils from Korea and Iwo Jima were enshrined
beneath the monument Liberty Uniting the Colonies on the
brick plaza at the
entrance of the
National Veterans
Shrine. This
hallowed ground
joined that of
thirty other
battlefields
enshrined at the
dedication of the
Veterans Shrine
in February 2014.
During the same
ceremony, special
guest Kirk Saduski
placed a wreath at
the National
Veterans Shrine.
Armed Forces monuments relocated to Freedom Trail
In October, Armed Forces monuments were relocated from
the Chapel garden to new sites along what will be the
Freedom Trail. This new paved path travels from the far
side of Concord
Bridge and into
the wooded area
at the top of the
hill. The new War
on Terror
Memorial
unveiled by the
Gold Star
organization in
February of this
year will also be
placed on the
Freedom Trail.
Completion of the
Trail is expected
in 2016. O
Future expansion to
include replica Powder
Magazine
Grading and paving is
underway on a new
sidewalk just above the
Liberty Bell Garden that
will connect to the path
leading from the picnic area
to Concord Bridge.
Centered on this new
sidewalk will be a replica
Powder Magazine. The
octagonal structure will be
about 24’ in diameter.
As history notes, on the
night of April 18, 1775,
hundreds of British troops
marched from Boston to
nearby Concord in order to seize an arms cache. Paul
Revere and other riders sounded the alarm, and colonial
militiamen began mobilizing to intercept the Redcoat
column. This scene is reenacted at the American Village in
our “Patriots” program for K-third grade. Students play the
parts of Paul Revere, the redcoats, colonial militiamen, and
other patriots of the American Revolution, O
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They stood up for America.
Stand with them today.
Early American patriots stood up for liberty -- risking their lives,
their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Their sacrifice and
courage transformed subjects of the British Crown into a nation
of self-governing citizens. Their example has been upheld by
veterans in every generation since.
This is the story of America.
The American Village has brought American history to life for
over 500,000 young people since it opened in 1999. Citizens of
all ages connect with the inspiring stories of our past -- and are
encouraged to make a commitment to stand up for our nation’s
future.
Stand with us today in this vital work.
Please consider making a gift to support the American Village.
Your tax-deductible gift today will help us strengthen the
American Village educational programs and continue to make
them even more engaging and powerful. Your gift will help us
teach the vital lessons of liberty to our youth and expand our
reach to even more young people and citizens of all ages each
year from throughout the Nation.
Donate online: www.americanvillage.org (click on Make a Gift)
Make a one-time or sustaining gift by credit card or bank draft.
Donate by phone: (205) 665-3535, ext. 1021 (Jennie Glenn)
Donate by mail: Use the enclosed contribution envelope, or send your check to
The American Village
Attn: Development Office
P. O. Box 6
Montevallo, AL 35115
Ask us about Planned Giving.
We are happy to provide information about making a bequest in your will, charitable gift annuities,
gifts of life insurance and other forms of planned and deferred giving. If you have questions or would
like assistance with planned giving, please email [email protected], or call (205) 665-3535,
ext. 1021 (Jennie Glenn).
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING A YEAR-END GIFT.
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Looking Ahead:
DECEMBER 5
White House Coffee
and Dessert Brunch
Former White House Chef Roland
Mesnier returns for a Christmas
kickoff event. Saturday, Dec. 5 at
10 a.m. This is a fundraising event
for the American Village. Tickets
are $100.
DECEMBER 6
Lessons and Carols
All are invited to our traditional
Christmas service in the Lucille
Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel.
5:00 p.m. Reception to follow in
Liberty Hall. Music provided by the
Montevallo Community Chorale.
Christmas concert in the Chapel,
Colonial fete with Martha
Washington in the rustic Barn, and
visits to the Oval Office and
National Veterans Shrine. Tickets
are $25 per person. Please call (205)
665-3535 extension 1031. Groups
are welcome.
MAY 30
Memorial Day
A Day of Remembrance for those
who gave “the last full measure of
devotion” for our country and for
liberty. Join us for a morning
convocation in Liberty Hall, and
an afternoon of events.
FEBRUARY 15
Washington’s
Birthday Celebration
Join us as we celebrate George
Washington’s Birthday. Open 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy birthday cake
and sing happy birthday to
Washington at noon. See the new
Embattled Farmer statue that will be
unveiled!
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS:
NOVEMBER 25-29
Closed for Thanksgiving
MAY 5
National Day of
Prayer Breakfast
DECEMBER 8-9-10
Colonial Christmas
Lunch and Tour
Includes lunch in the East Room of
the White House with Dolley
Madison as your hostess, a
Mark your calendar to join the
American Village and the Lucille
Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel
Board as we observe the National
Day of Prayer. Please check our
website for more information as the
event draws near.
DECEMBER 19-JANUARY 3
Closed for Christmas and
New Year’s holidays
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Post Office Box 6
Montevallo, AL 35115
www.americanvillage.org