Nebraska Humanities Council speaker, Darrel Draper, will appear in two costumed presentations Thursday and Friday at the North Platte Public Library.
At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Draper will perform George Drouillard -- Hunter, Interpreter and Indian Sign-Talker for Lewis & Clark.
Drouillard was a half-French/half-Shawnee frontiersman who was considered to be the most valuable member of the expedition. This exciting and humorous portrayal has earned standing ovations from audiences in Montana to Virginia.
In January, Draper performed at the homes of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison to mark the beginning of the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.
Draper has been described as an awesome and absolutely wonderful performer and is one of the most requested speakers in the Nebraska Humanities Council's Speakers Bureau Program.
Draper will return to the library at noon Friday to present "The Life and Times of J. Sterling Morton" as part of the Friends of the Library Brown Bag Luncheon series.
Those attending may bring their own lunch or reserve a $5 lunch by calling the library at 535-8036 by noon Thursday.
Draper wrote and debuted the Morton presentation three years ago. Since then he has toured Nebraska. His acting ability and his uncanny resemblance to Morton transports the audience back in time.
J. Sterling Morton was the founder of Arbor Day. This April marks the 131st anniversary of this unique holiday that began as a speech by Morton to Nebraska legislators in 1872.
After Nebraska became a state, Morton would be elected as the first governor by a narrow margin, but his opponent demanded a recount. After some disputed ballots from Cass County were thrown out, his opponent won by eight votes. Morton never won another Nebraska election, but became Secretary of Agriculture under Grover Cleveland -- the first Nebraskan to hold a cabinet position.
One of his sons started the Morton Salt Company. Another son was Secretary of the Navy for Teddy Roosevelt. Today, Morton's statue is in the Hall of Fame in the U.S. Capitol.
Both performances are free, open to the public and about one hour long. Draper's performances are courtesy of a grant from the Nebraska Humanities Council.
Seating is limited, so call the library at 535-8036 to reserve a place.
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