Linden Hill Speaker’s Bureau

PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
There is a choice of presentations that last 30 minutes ($50), 45 minutes ($60), and 60 minutes ($70). Prices include travel of less than 50 miles. One-hour presentations with music and Power Point or dramatic readings are $100.Each presentation can be followed by a discussion period.

STEAMBOATS ON THE CHESAPEAKE –The romantic steamboat era on the Chesapeake Bay from 1818 to 1963 is recreated in this vivid social history of the moonlight cruises, day excursions, amusement parks, and resorts. It was a glamorous era that is brought back to life from the mists of memories. 45 minutes with Powerpoint.

THE INCREDIBLE TRUTH BEHIND ‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ – There is no doubt that truth is stranger than fiction. At the beginning of the 20th century, French journalist Gaston Leroux stumbled onto the amazing events unfolding at the opulent Paris Opera. From the beautiful singer-dancer Christine Daaé and the underground lake, to the brilliant but sadly deformed Eric who became ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, all of the romantically mysterious elements are true. Even the circumstance of Andrew Lloyd Webber finding Leroux’ old book is touched by ‘coincidence beyond belief’. 60 minutes, music and Power Point.

THE DARK SECRETS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE - Research by author Jeanne du Nord reveals secrets and answers to long-asked questions about Edgar Allan Poe, his work and life. 45 Minutes.

PAST LIVES AND EXTRAORDINARY ENCOUNTERS

Are near-death experiences real? Can people return after death? What should we do with the information they may give us? Can we help those in the spirit world to come to us? Can we gain a better understanding of that supernatural world we may enter some day? Can research be done with the help of supernatural assistants? Have you had an extraordinary experience? 60 minutes, interaction with audience.

‘THE GREEN ROCKING CHAIRS’ - During the golden age of steamboats on the Chesapeake Bay, the verandahs of the legendary resorts were lined with green rocking chairs. Diary entries show that women met while vacationing at these resorts and often continued their friendships year after year. Amy Ainsworth of Philadelphia and Eliza Reynolds of Richmond first meet in the Gay Nineties and every summer thereafter through the Ragtime era, WWI, the Roaring Twenties, the Stock Market Crash, up to the gathering storm of WWII. Lulled by the Bay breezes and the rhythm of the green rocking chairs, they formed a friendship that strengthened their ability to face the events of life, right up to the play’s unexpected conclusion. Like life, the play is both tragedy and comedy. 60 minutes with dramatic readings and music.

THE QUEST FOR THE GRAIL AND OTHER UNHOLY TALES – 4 hour series made up of 30 minute presentations, each of which has been presented by the author on site in Britain at sites indicated. [Each segment can be done individually.]

Tales From the Shadows of the Stone Circles (Stonehenge)
Tales from the Mabinogion (Cardiff, Wales)
The Tale of Merlin (The Welsh countryside)
Knights of the Round Table (Chepstow Castle – site of the quidditch matches in ‘Harry Potter’)
Ladies of King Arthur’s Court (Tintagel)
Tristan and Iseult (St. Mawes, Cornwall)
Glastonbury and the Grail (Glastonbury Abbey)
The Once and Future Arthurian Cycle (Wells)

JOSHUA THOMAS – THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS – Joshua Thomas, with less than two weeks of formal education, became one of the wisest men in Eastern Shore history. 60 minutes with Powerpoint.

‘REJOICE!’ – In 1661, the new settlers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, sailed down the rivers to gather to rejoice. This dramatization, taken from historical information gathered for ‘Makepeace’, recreates their celebration. Powerpoint, Music, Dramatic Reading. 30 minutes.

Celtic Themes

5000 YEARS OF CELTIC HISTORY - A Brief Look at the Very Long History of the Celts From the triskelis trinity carved in 3200 BC at what is today Newgrange, Ireland, to the flight all over the world of the Wild Geese in the 19th century, this is a very fast moving time capsule. 60 Minutes

BEYOND THE NINTH WAVE - THE CELTIC CHESAPEAKE - What happens to a people and their culture when they have been forced by invaders to find a new homeland? Using the example of the Celtic people, who were cast out of their homelands by ethnic cleansing and the Acts of Clearances of the 18th century, we explore the culture that was created on the Eastern Shore when they brought their traditions here. Segments include: Background of Celtic History – BC; Background of Celtic History - AD; ‘The Wild Geese’; Superstitions; Traditions; Names, Nicknames and Genealogy; Family and Lifestyle; Tall-Tales and Folklore; Nature – Dogs and Wildlife; Music; Maryland’s Tradition of Religious Toleration; Joshua Thomas, the Parson of the Islands; Food and Hospitality; Language; Humor.  
7 hour series made up of 30 minute presentations. Can be tailored to shorter segments.

CELTIC MYTHOLOGY - This presentation explores the ancient Celtic mythology of broomsticks, wands, dragons, trolls, unicorns, three-headed dogs, magic hats, owls, transfiguration, and thin places between the dimensions. 45 minutes

SAINTS PRESERVE US – The Celtic saints combined their traditional reverence for nature with Christianity. The tales of their saintly and often whimsical acts come down to us in the lives of saints Patrick, Brendan, Kevin, Columcille/Columba, Cuthbert, Modomnoc, Gobnait, Samson, David, Piran, Nectan, Stephen, Maughold, Ive, Guirec, Gall, James, Uncumbra, and Baldric. 60 minutes Powerpoint.

For more information, contact LH123@comcast.net