Brian Fox Ellis: Exploring Two Faces of American History

Exploring Two Faces of American History: A Conversation with Territorial Governor Ninian Edwards and Pottawatomie Chief Gomo Presented by Storyteller, Historian, Author, and Museum Consultant, Brian "Fox" Ellis Brimfield Public Library Monday, November 9th 6:30pm Free Program Ages 18+ No Registration Required Spend an hour with two of the most pivotal and dynamic personalities in Illinois History, as portrayed by Brian "Fox" Ellis. As the original thirteen colonies were bursting at the seams, as early pioneers came flooding over the Alleghenies and the tribes of the east were being pushed to the west, as Illinois was struggling to become a state, there were a series of events that few folks even know about, let alone realize how pivotal these events were in forever shaping our history and influencing our nation’s relations with Native Americans. From the War of 1812 to the burning of the French Village of Peoria and the Fort Dearborn Massacre in Chicago, this program will challenge the audience to reconsider what they think they know about America’s story. First they will meet Illinois’ Territorial Governor Ninian Edwards as he speaks on his role in The War of 1812, the creation of our state constitution, and the Cahokia Council with the Indians. While Fox changes into traditional regalia, the host will lead a brief conversation to help the audience more deeply consider Governor Edward’s stories. Then they will meet Pottawatomie Chief Gomo and listen as he shares his side of the story in the rescue of the French women and children of Peoria, his relationships with the other principal chiefs of this region, including Black Hawk, Tecumseh, and The Prophet, his relationship to the Fort Dearborn Massacre, and his speech responding to the Governor. The host will then mediate a debate as the audience makes an effort to make sense of these divergent perspectives. Much of the text for this program was taken directly from the speeches these two men delivered to each other as they squared off to determine the future of this region. Storyteller, Brian” Fox” Ellis steps into each of their shoes to bring to life a controversial story in this vital moment in the birthing of our nation. This program explores American History unvarnished and promises to inspire a lively discussion! Brian “Fox” Ellis is a storyteller, historian, author of 32 books, and museum consultant who presents programs at schools, conferences, museums, Chautauqua, libraries and theaters around the world. He is of Cherokee descent, performs at powwows, and has written a program with the blessings of Sauk Elders that explores Black Hawk’s perspective on Illinois History. He is a regular presenter at museums across the country including the Booth Museum of Western Art, Eiteljorg Museum, The Field Museum, The Denver Museum of Science and Nature and The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He has been one of the more popular Illinois Humanities Roads Scholars for 20 years. He has created similar tours for the bicentennial of Audubon’s first tour of Illinois and the bicentennial of the national tour of Lewis and Clark.