The Bridgeport Public Library, in partnership with the West Virginia Humanities Council, will be hosting History Alive!’s Minnie Pearl on August 20, 2019 at 2 p.m. All are welcome and admission is free.  

 

Sarah Colley studied theater while in college during the Great Depression intending to be a serious actress. White touring with a theater company she created the comedic down-home character of Minnie Pearl to help promote performances. Her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in 1940 was a success and eased fears that her satire of rural ways might not be appreciated by country audiences. People instead embraced Minnie as one of their own, and she became a legend in country entertainment. 

 

She will be portrayed in her Bridgeport appearace by Denise Giardina of Charleston. 

 

About History Alive!  History Alive! provides a unique passport to the past. The program brings historical characters to life through portrayals by presenters who have conducted scholarly research on their character. Presenters are available to nonprofit organizations across West Virginia, including libraries, schools, museums, historical societies, and civic groups.

 

History Alive! allows audiences to explore history through interaction with historical figures. These presentations are not one-person plays. They are intended to engage audiences in a dialogue with the character. 

 

History Alive! presenters have conducted thorough research into the characters they portray. They have gained insight into their character after studying primary sources such as autobiographies, journals, letters, speeches and other personal papers. Their presentation is based on scholarship and analysis rather than a script. 

 

For information about the event, contact Tyler Grogg at the Bridgeport Public Library at 304-842-8248.