February 15, 2011

In this one-of-a-kind event that celebrates Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday, we hosted four actors who brilliantly portray the four American presidents — Republican and Democratic — who most influenced him. Our 40th president’s optimistic, western vision was shaped by Thomas Jefferson. His free-market economics came straight out the presidency of Calvin Coolidge. During the Great Depression and Second World War, he was a steadfast admirer of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And the combination of tax cuts and strong defense was from the playbook of John F. Kennedy. Each of the actors is an accomplished character interpreter and historian in his own right. Colonial Williamsburg’s William Barker portrayed Jefferson. Jim Cooke played Coolidge. John Hamant presented FDR. Brian Hilton gave us JFK. And Paddy Morrissey was Reagan. Watch this enchanting evening of wit, wisdom, and lively history as we celebrated Ronald Reagan’s heroes and explored the roots of our 40th president’s worldview.