The following programs are scheduled at Valencia Library

 

HARRIET TUBMAN
February 10, 2007 – 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M
Born in 1820, Harriet Tubman was a runaway slave from
Maryland who became known as the “Moses of her people.” Over
the course of 10 years, and at great personal risk, she led hundreds
of slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, a secret
network of safe houses where runaway slaves could stay on their
journey north to freedom. (www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/tubman)

 

Harriet Tubman is portrayed by Karen Abercrombie, an award winning actress,
singer/songwriter and playwright as well as a storyteller. Karen is a graduate of the
American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. She has received critical acclaim
for the off Broadway productions in which she has appeared. Karen has also guest starred in
the following television shows: Judging Amy, Ally McBeal, and Days Of Our Lives.

 

 

CLASSICAL HEROINES IN LITERATURE
February 25, 2007 – 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M
Moving from Chekhov to Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde, Strindberg, Turgenev, and Moliere,
women characters in classical literature are portrayed, with special attention given to
relationships with other women, men, and society.

 

Performed by Stephanie Nash, a Yale School of Drama graduate, who has appeared on
television, commercials, and theaters in Los Angeles and New York.

 

 

BETSY ROSS
March 11, 2007 – 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M
Although the origin of the present flag's design is shrouded in the mists of history, one
popular story has it that in the spring of 1776, Robert Morris, financier and patriot
organizer, Col. George Ross and Gen. George Washington visited Mrs. Betsy Ross.
They showed her a design of a flag on a piece of paper. After suggesting the stars have
five rather than six points, she shortly produced a flag said to be the first `national' flag.
(thomas.loc.gov/)
Betsy Ross is performed by Suzan Gallerito, a member of Knott’s Berry Farm’s Entertainment
and Education Team, Living Legends, and Women in Theater. She performs regularly as a historical
impressionist for schools, civic groups, presidential libraries, parades, and fairs.

 

 

ABIGAIL ADAMS: EVERYDAY LIFE IN COLONIAL AMERICA
March 18, 2007 – 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M
Like other women of the time, Abigail lacked formal education; but her curiosity
spurred her keen intelligence, and she read avidly the books at hand. Reading created
a bond between her and young John Adams….and they were married in 1764. It was
a marriage of the mind and of the heart, enduring for more than half a century,
enriched by time. The Adamses retired to Quincy in 1801, and for 17 years enjoyed
the companionship that public life had long denied them. Abigail died in 1818…. She
leaves her country a most remarkable record as patriot and First Lady, wife of one President and mother
of another. (www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/aa2.html)

 

Abigail Adams is performed by Judith Helton, living history actress with over 22 years of experience
performing in schools. Ms. Helton is also the Recipient of the 1996 PASA (Performing Artists in
Schools Awards) Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

 

EVERYWOMAN: VOICES OF THE SISTERHOOD
March 25, 2007 – 2:00 P.M. – 3 P.M.
Throughout the course of history women have had a major impact on changing
limited mores, overturning cruel & destructive laws, making breakthroughs in
science & medicine and contributing in every area to improving the quality of life.
Our history books have given us the names of many of those women. But could
these women have accomplished great things without the support & encouragement
of the women who carried picket signs and marched at their side? This show is
about the women, less familiar to us, who assisted in making possible these historic events.

 

Performed by Sarah Simmons. Sarah came from Chicago, where she worked with the improv group
Second City. When she came to Hollywood, she studied with Lee Strasberg and Peggy Feury.
As a performer she has worked in theatre, television & films, including a year on General Hospital.
She currently teaches for the SAG Conservatory program at the American Film Institute, as well as
privately. Sarah also serves as a judge in middle and high school statewide competitions,
in association with the Drama Teachers Assoc. of Southern California,

VALENCIA LIBRARY MEETING ROOM

23743 W. Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA
661-259-8942
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY
www.colapublib.org
For ADA accommodation, such as sign language interpreter or materials in alternate format,
call (562) 940-8462 (voice), (661) 286-0058 (TTY) Monday-Friday, 8-5 at least 6 days prior to the event.
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN HISTORY AND LITERATURE
NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
FREE PERFORMANCES