Portraying characters from history

Sixteen members of the Douglas County Historical Society Young Chautauquans have been practicing since January to portray characters from the country's early history.

Abby Lewis, 12, who's playing the president John Adam's wife, Abigail Adams, said they all had to practice their characters three times in front of an audience before their performances Wednesday and again at 5 p.m. today at the Mormon Station State Historic Park.

"I performed at two teachers' classes and at the Carson City Rendezvous," said Abby.

Barb Sikora has two children who are involved in Young Chautauquans.

"We meet every other week at the museum," she said. "They research their character."

Sikora's 10-year-old daughter Annika said she chose her character because she found her interesting.

"I'm Eliza Cooke," said Annika.

Schyler Jarvis, 14, said he chose his character, Mark Twain, because he liked the famous author's books.

Schyler's mom, Jody Jarvis, said the historical society's Young Chautauquan program has expanded her children's curriculum, since they are homeschooled.

"It's given them an opportunity to meet other kids," she said. "It's a fun way to learn history. It helps them with their self-confidence."

Jarvis said studying a character from history teaches them how historical figures were connected.

"It shows them how they have a connection. It makes it seem real," she said. "It teaches about geography, slavery issues, transportation. I don't see any downside to it. They're already talking about who they're going to be next year."

Of the 16 who joined Young Chautauquans this year, some are from Carson City and they held their rehearsals in Carson. But, they joined up for Wednesday's performance and will return to Mormon Station State Historic Park today at 5 p.m.

For more information on the historical society's Young Chautauquan program, call Grace Bower at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 782-2555.