Alexander Hamilton, HAMILTON, An American Musical, and D.A.R. Workshop.
Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Noon
Hosted by the Peter Puget Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution via Zoom. Presenter Helena Reynolds shared how once-forgotten Founding Father Alexander Hamilton’s legacy was revived by the Broadway hit musical Hamilton, An American Musical, which in turn, impacts the historical accuracy of the Daughters of the American Revolution, now and in the future.
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Educational, Interesting, Entertaining, Thought-provoking, Patriotic!
I loved the fact that you had the music and lyrics together. It was a treat to hear tie ins to the D.A.R. through Hamilton descendants. You’ve done a nice job converting to a presentation that works over Zoom.
Judy Willman, Redmond, WA ~ March 6, 2021
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Very Enjoyable, Informative, Educational, Great Presentation!
Helena’s Hamilton Educational Workshop was really helpful to understand the play. My daughters and grandkids have seen the play several times and listened to the songs sooo many times. They can recite it and I think they have the play memorized. They said they enjoyed the presentation, too.
I have heard about the play, but I had no idea what they were saying because they speak too fast for me. But Helena is such a great speaker and went over everything so even I can understand, so finally I’m able to begin to know what the play is about…..it was so very helpful.
I now know why my family enjoys it sooo much. Very educational. Thank you so much for inviting me.
Tomi ~ March 6, 2021
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Well presented, Easy view PowerPoint pages, Well organized, Very informative, Excellent!
I love history and I am a genealogist (formerly professional) and I didn’t know anything about Alexander Hamilton and there were actually interesting events in his life that could be applied to ancestors of that time like his life in the West Indies and 2nd sons and more leaving to try to make a fortune in the sugar industry. Most died. Also if the play inspires others to learn history then it is a good thing. I am worried that too many of our politicians don’t appreciate and know our history.
Bonnie Jean McDonald, Shoreline, WA ~ March 6, 2021
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Informative, Entertaining, Knowledgeable, Excited, Packed!
I was a history major in college and am still very much interested in the background of different cultures and places in our world. I would trim the amount of information that was included.
Anonymous ~ March 6, 2021
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Informative; Well-organized; Thorough; Engaging; and Enjoyable
I saw your David Douglas presentation, and I can see that you’ve made things even better! I especially liked seeing the words from some of the music–when one first sees the movie/production, it’s difficult if not impossible to catch all that is said…and the songs have a clever way of covering many of the facts about Alex’s life.
Sherry, Edmonds, WA ~ March 6, 2021
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INCREDIBLY ENJOYABLE
Hosted by the Peter Puget Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution on Saturday, March 6, 2021, Helena Reynolds’ Alexander Hamilton Educational Workshop was incredibly enjoyable.
Hallie Portz ~ March 6, 2021
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HAMILTON ZOOM RECAP SESSION plus “Fact, Fiction and/or Faction” Presentation
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Two sessions at 10 AM and 7 PM were scheduled on the 5th Anniversary of Hamilton, An American Musical‘s opening on Broadway in New York on Thursday, August 6, 2015
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Fun, Encouraging, Anticipation to future events
It was fun knowing Mary Anne Hamilton might join us again
I loved the “Fact, Fiction, or Faction” session
Patricia, Kent, WA ~ Aug. 6, 2020
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Interesting, enlightening, filling out the US history of one person and those around him
Your enthusiasm is infectious and fun and a joy to hear—thank you!
M.A.P. ~ Aug. 6, 2020
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Fun! Educational, Joy at reviewing such a great show!
I enjoyed the “Fact, Fiction, or Faction” presentation it. It was a good review about the story even if I didn’t remember the story. (I need all the help I can get.)
I can’t add any ways to improve the session. It was tooooo good!!
Sally ~ Renton, WA ~ Aug. 6, 2020
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Engaging, Informative, Relaxed – non-stressful or non-pressuring to engage if don’t want to
I enjoyed spending time with friendly people who have similar interests, in a relaxed environment.
The small group made it easier to engage than a large group. The “Fact, Fiction, or Faction” game was good content, so probably more of this might work better in a larger group…? Learned lots of interesting historical info from the game.
B. D. Burien, WA ~ Aug. 6, 2020
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It was a good presentation and discussion.
I’m glad I joined the presentation and I’m now intrigued to watch but maybe I’ll borrow a book first.
Rosalinda Santos, Kent, WA ~ Aug. 6, 2020
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Educational, Entertaining, and Engaging
The presentation was filled with facts that are slowly fading from my memory.
The zoom group were really Hamilton fans. Several shared their enthusiasm.
Jane, Covington, WA ~ Aug. 6, 2020
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ALEXANDER HAMILTON: The Man, The Musical, and the Maestro who Made it
JULY 2 & 8, 2020
WESLEY U Educational Program via ZOOM, Des Moines, WA
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Dear Helena
I thoroughly enjoyed your lecture on Alexander Hamilton on July 2, 2020 (via Zoom, Wesley U Educational Program, Wesley, Des Moines, WA). I didn’t know anything about him and now I’m completely enlightened. Much appreciated.
Joan Henzi, Des Moines, WA ~ July 3, 2020
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“Hamilton and the Musical That Helped Find the Forgotten Founding Father”
“Alexander Hamilton: The Man, The Musical, and The Maestro who Made the Musical”
June 18, 2020 HAMILTON DISCUSSION GROUP ~ Session via Zoom
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I enjoyed the information, your trip adventure and I look forward to finally seeing the production streaming next month.
Annie George, Auburn, WA ~ June, 2020
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Exhilarating, Fun, Educational
Wished I’d seen more of it. Love Helena’s infectious excitement for the subject. I’m always impressed beyond what I could imagine with Helena’s discussions.
Marlys Powell, Kent, WA ~ June 2020
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Friendly, Fun, Informative
I felt motivated to learn more about Alexander Hamilton, naturally. I just might try to catch the musical when it becomes available on Disney, but even if I don’t, I think I will have to see what I can find out about his life on the internet, or maybe pick up a book about him. I also really liked getting to know you a little better, and it’s very sweet that your son and daughter are involved in your efforts to share thoughts on him and the musical. Your story about going to Puerto Rico and the adventure of getting a hold of tickets, etc. also added a very nice personal touch.
A fun icebreaker question for the introduction time might be, “Tell us 1 or 2 things you learned about AH as a result of watching the musical or reading about it, etc.”
Larry Kraft, Kent, WA ~ June 2020
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Informative, Enriching and Fun!
This Zoom workshop validated the interest I have in Hamilton and….I couldn’t stop singing “The Zoom Where it Happens!” I’ve loved each and every one of your presentations that I’ve seen. My only thought is, where are you taking this from here? I think you may have a couple different types of audience; those who are your friends and colleagues and enjoy your journey to discovering Hamilton and those who don’t know you and come to learn of Hamilton’s legacy and who may not be as interested in your personal experience as the rest of us. If you’re going to stick with friends and colleagues, I think your presentation is great!
Karen Cline, Kent, WA ~ June 2020
NOTE: The Hamilton Discussion Group session via Zoom is highly personal and different from the educational workshops also presented entitled :
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Informative, Uplifting, Cheerful
I felt very good about learning new stuff. I loved the positive format. I have no suggestions for improvement.
Sally, Renton, WA ~ June 2020
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Entertaining, Informative, No Stress
I enjoyed the personal storytelling. Good job asking people during each segment if they had questions or comments
Patricia Sells, Kent, WA ~ June 2020
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You Helped Convince Me To Go See the Musical Hamilton
Dear Helena,
Just wanted to thank you for giving the “Hamilton” presentation at the Kent Library. I was so pleased to learn the history behind the story and that the musical lyrics were so understandable. This convinced me to go see the play. It was fantastic! I can’t thank you enough for all your tremendous knowledge and work in this area.
Myrne Larsen, Kent, WA ~ January 19, 2019
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Your Presentation Helped me get the Big Picture of Hamilton’s Impact
Helena,
It was a great story, well told by you. It was clearly presented with humor and many interesting facts about Hamilton and the early days of our country. I think your emphasis on how tough Hamilton’s life started out and how he rose above adversity is a lesson for all….don’t quit. Your power point notes were very good….made it easier to get the big picture clearly
Anonymous
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Informative, entertaining, fun!
Do everything you can to catch this presentation, it’s awesome. This was an eye opening adventure. I learned so much. It’s a really fun, educational experience!
Sue in Federal Way
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Fascinating!
Made me want to know more; inspiring to find out he had such humble beginnings
Anonymous
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Interesting, Fun, Informative, Education, Wanting to Know More
Really enjoyed everything about the workshop and it has given me a desire to want to know more.
Ellen Ellingsen, Renton, WA ~ July 8, 2018
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Informational, Profound, Appreciative
I enjoyed all new details and inside information on the play Hamilton.
Michele, Des Moines, WA ~ July 8, 2018
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Learning, Entertaining, Historical, Easy to Understand, I’m thankful!
Very well-organized to teach me the history and better understand the background and popularity for the play. Also, the music was easier to understand with lyrics presented with the songs sung. Many Thanks!
Jan, Kent, WA ~ July 8, 2018
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Emotional, Inspirational, Educational, Easy, Appreciative
Love the way it’s presented. Very informative. Start with Slide presentation, then to music. Easy to follow.
Bart LaGuardia ~ July 8, 2018
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Informative, Fast-paced, Fascinating
Wonderful presentation
Linda, Kent, WA ~ July 8, 2018
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Interesting, Accurate, Informative, Enjoyable, Worthwhile
I really enjoyed the presentation, especially that we listened to some songs & discussed them after.
C.H. ~ July 8, 2018
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Informative, Well-presented, Interesting, Concise
Thank you for a delightful afternoon
Anonymous ~ July 8, 2018
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Informative, Interesting, Engaging, Captivating, Worthwhile
I came because I drove my daughter but I am very glad I did. Your presentation is very engaging and makes me want to learn more.
E.C. ~ July 8, 2018
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Interesting and Fun
Very knowledgeable in topic – you can see her excitement in the topic.
W ~ July 8, 2018
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Historical, Calm, Informative, Worthwhile, Kind of Personal
This is a great workshop for people who have never heard of Alexander Hamilton. I memorized the entire soundtrack.
A.M. ~ July 8, 2018
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Wonderfully Knowledgeable, Heartfult, Entertaining, Easy to Follow, Session Ended too Quickly!
Fun, energetic presenter
Patricia, Kent WA ~ June 16, 2018
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Inspiring, Passionate, Impactful, Fundamental, Important
I so enjoyed the chance to dig deeper into the significance of the life of Alexander Hamilton. Sometimes we hear something or discover a story that truly impacts the way we view life. “Hamilton” makes me feel grateful to live in this great, imperfect, crazy country!
Nanette Sargeant, Maple Valley, WA ~ June 16, 2018
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Informative, Enjoyable Hip-Hop, Excellent Rhyming of Songs, Lessons from Hamilton’s History
Presenter is enjoyable to listen to and she has a positive energy!
Anne Cameron, Covington, WA ~ June 16, 2018
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Interesting, Informative, Educational, Enlightening, Historical
She was passionate about her subject.
Nancy Poel, Kent, WA ~ June 16, 2018
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Informative, Entertaining, Interesting, Fun, Well-made
Thank you for making this workshop. This is necessary for learning about Hamilton as most history books don’t give him enough credit.
Caden Seil and Caley Larsenl ~ June 16, 2018
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Monthly Hamilton Discussion Groups, 3rd Tuesdays – Dec. 2016 ~ Feb.2019
Helena,
Thank you so much for presenting the Hamilton classes. You encouraged us to get the (Hamilton, The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter) book and (Hamilton Musical Cast Album CDs) discs and listen to them so we could enjoy the Hamilton show.
I went through the book song by song, reading the words at the same time the music was playing in the background. It made my experience at Hamilton yesterday wonderful!
Sally , Kent, WA ~ March 3, 2018
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ALEXANDER HAMILTON ~ The Man, The Musical, and The Maestro Who Made It Happen
February 11, 2018 ~ 2:00-3:30 PM
This inaugural session at the Kent Regional Library included slides, stories, songs and little-known information about the once-forgotten Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. It also provided the setting for the photo on this website’s home page.
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Enjoyable, Informative, Compelling, Interesting, Inspiring
Very impressed with presenter’s knowledge and preparation. Very organized and definitely showed us her passion for Hamilton.
Lisa, Maple Valley, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Inspiring, Educational, Elucidating, Historical, Romantic
I think you did a fabulous job starting with the background of Hamilton’s life and loves. As a music and English/Language Arts teacher, I learned a lot. I’m really glad I came today.
Rachel Greenspan, Renton, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Informative, Smart, Thoughtful, Engaging, Fun
Loved the integration of personal comments, historical background info and music.
Mary Lu, Kent, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Informative, Powerful, Moving, Heartbreaking, Knowledgeable
Judy Stone ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Fun, Educational, Inspiring, Passionate, Important
Thank you for the presentation. It was very fun!
Evelyn Sergeant ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Informative, Passionate, Well Done, Energetic, Thoughtful
I appreciate your interest and passion in Hamilton and your desire and willingness to put on this presentation. Thank you.
Whitney, Kent, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Awesome, Informative, Educational, Exciting, Appreciative
Good job, pleased that I attended.
Ted, Kent, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Informative, Fun, Music, Enthusiastic
Great job, love the enthusiasm.
Sue, Federal Way, WA ~Feb. 11, 2018
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Freaking Awesome!
I loved it!
Reuben, Federal Way, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Informative, Thorough, Entertaining, Engaging, Thought-Provoking
Thank you for your work that went into this. I enjoyed the snippets and I think it would be great to listen to your favorite parts of each song.
Shaina E., Kent, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Interesting, Educational, Fun, Inspiring, Worthwhile
Good Job! Adds to my anticipating of seeing Hamilton! I’m going to buy the music today!
Shelley Hartman ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Informative, Educational, Interesting, Enlightening, Entertaining
Much appreciation for your workshops. No other library or senior centers have such an offering. Only in Kent! I really appreciate the Hamil-Thon Review. Thank you so much for the Hip-Hop Dance session, too.
Wendy Winston, Seattle, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Interesting, Enjoyable, Educational
Enjoyed your enthusiasm
Phillip Griggs, Kent, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Informative, Educational, Exciting, Inspiring, Creative
Fabulous! Very good presentation
Anna Bumatosl ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Interesting, Informational, Intriguing, Fun, Engaging
You did a good job keeping the audience intrigued.
Sonja Roszkowsk, West Seattle, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Fun, Informative, Well Done, Inspiring, Funny
I really enjoyed it.
Mary O’Malley, Des Moines, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Informative, Interesting, Enthusiastic, Fun, Entertaining
You should have a history degree to your name—think about it!
S.O. ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Thorough, Impressive, Well Done, Fun
Thank you for your passion and dedication, joy and enthusiasm!
Marcia Hinkle, Kent, WA ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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Educational, Tenacious, Enjoyable, Understanding, Fun
I am going to the musical and this presentation will add to my understanding of the performance. Thank you!
J.M.C., ~ Feb. 11, 2018
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MONTHLY HAMILTON DISCUSSION GROUPS, 3rd Tuesdays of every month
Thank you Helena Reynolds & Kent 50 Plus program at the Kent Senior Activity Center.
Hamilton! With the touring company finally reaching Seattle in February, the name alone brings discussion among family, friends, students, and the general public spawning theatre subscriptions, book sales on Hamilton, Burr and the formation of the United States. Helena Reynolds, Parks Program Coordinator at the Kent Senior Activity Center was at the forefront of this historical rage, inspiring people to learn more. Mrs. Reynolds brought this enlightening awareness of immigrant Alexander Hamilton, one of the authors of the Constitution and many amendments, to the people at no cost.
Helena started leading monthly presentations dissecting the 46 songs that tell Hamilton’s story. Helena introduced study attendees to numerous books available on Hamilton or his wife Eliza or his slayer Aaron Burr or his mentor and our first President, George Washington. As the study group gathered monthly at the Kent Senior Center over the next 13 months, Helena brought in outside contributors. Local author Martha Brockenbrough addressed the study group and others ranging in age from 15 – 95 about her investigative process over many years to publish “Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary” that is especially appealing to the younger sect.
As the discussion group came to the end of Hamilton’s story in January 2018 the seniors learned hip-hop dancing under the leadership of Seattle Theatre Group’s artists, choreographer Shakiah Danielson and Paramount Dance Administrator Rex Kinney.
You might think this is the end but Helena Reynolds will have Post-Hamilton discussions following Hamilton’s run at the Paramount in February and March. There’s even talk of a revival of the entire study of the 46 songs entitled Hamil-Thon.
Thank you Helena Reynolds and Kent 50 Plus program at the Kent Senior Activity Center.
Sharon Bosse, Kent, WA, ~ February 1, 2018
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Hamil-Thon
January 28, 2018
Helena,
Thank you so much for Hamil-thon. What a genius idea! It was a powerful experience reading the lyrics and listening to the music. I learned quite a bit about the life of Alexander Hamilton and feel well prepared and excited to see the show now. Your enthusiasm on the subject is infectious. I can’t wait to get started on my I, Eliza book when it arrives today.
Many thanks,
Debbie O.
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RESPONSE TO “HAMILTON THE MUSICAL” AND CHERNOW’S BIOGRAPHY OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON
.January 28, 2018
Dear Helena,
Thank you for the many hours of work you have given to this project to bring the musical and other information available about the importance of Alexander Hamilton in the successful founding of our United States!
I’ve attached a note regarding what I feel is a curriculum need in the education offered in our schools regarding the founding fathers with added information about the role Alexander Hamilton made in creating a strong Central Government and a truly United States of America!
Nancy Stephan
Attachment:
RESPONSE TO “HAMILTON THE MUSICAL” AND CHERNOW’S BIOGRAPHY OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON
The Biography of Alexander Hamilton followed by a study of the words and music to Hamilton The Musical led by Helena Reynolds at Kent, WA Senior Center have led me to feel that the history of our Founding Fathers needs to be reviewed and rewritten to include Hamilton as a major contributor to the successful founding of the United States of America!
As a retired educator with experience as a teacher, principal, curriculum director, Director of an American School in China and Principal of a Pre K through High School International School in Brazil, I feel we as educators have not taught about Hamilton and the politics of that era as completely as needed.
At present we are experiencing some of the negative results of inadequate history and civics education for our people. This can be corrected, although difficult, as many of the same or similar issues remain. However, differences offer challenges as well as positive outcomes. Perhaps Hamilton The Musical will serve as motivation to improve our curricula!
Helena Reynolds deserves special thanks for her enthusiasm and many hours of work to bring Hamilton to as many people as she can.
Nancy Stephan, Ed.D
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Passionate Presentation
December 27, 2017
For the past twelve months, the Kent Senior Activity Center has been offering a remarkable study in early American politics under the competent, inspired tutelage of Program Coordinator Helena Reynolds.
With Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton as his guide, Lin-Manuel Miranda has adapted the book into a musical for the stage. Miranda’s hit Broadway musical—-which is probably better classified as an opera—takes place during the era when our forefathers struggled to birth a nation. Historically rich in content, the musical’s unique narrative is rhymed and idiomatically contemporary.
Augmented by Helena’s careful research and passionate presentation, her study of this extraordinary, challenging work is finding an audience well beyond Kent. Helping to extend its reach even further would be a gift to us all.
Beverly Reich, Des Moines, WA
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