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Scenes from a colonial resurrection: First-person interpretations of history draw America 250 crowds – WTOP News
The troupe nearly doubled its cast to about 60 as it added underrepresented figures and expanded summer appearances for tourists, organizers said.
- Historic Philadelphia, Inc. expanded its living-history cast to nearly 60 performers to celebrate America's 250th birthday, doubling the troupe at the start of the season to accommodate increased tourism during the semiquincentennial.
- Directors hold rolling auditions throughout the year to find performers who authentically portray diverse characters like James Forten and Quakers, prioritizing the group's mission to tell stories of underrepresented Philadelphians.
- To survive 101-degree temperatures during the semiquincentennial, artistic director Johanna Dunphy noted cast members rely on 'freezie-pops that come like 250 to a box.' Performers maintain authenticity through period-accurate clothing and sewing techniques.
- Performers like Carol Spacht's Betsy Ross have appeared at NASCAR races and MLB All Star games, including a karaoke contest with Eagles player Jordan Mailata, delighting crowds and keeping history relevant.
- Philadelphia is appealing a federal court decision allowing the Trump Administration to replace a slavery exhibit at the President's House, challenging the group's mission to portray diverse characters at federal sites.
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Scenes from a colonial resurrection: First-person interpretations of history draw America 250 crowds – WTOP News
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Betsy Ross is a dynamo with a T-shirt cannon. America’s 250th birthday has been a banner year for the actors of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. who immerse visitors in Colonial history via first-person interpretations and true stories. In the last few months, Betsy, played by Carol Spacht, has waved the checkered flag at...
·Chevy Chase, United States
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Scenes from a colonial resurrection: First-person interpretations of h
Bill Robling as Benjamin Franklin, left, and Carol Spacht as Betsy Ross, center, greet the Philadelphia Phillies mascot, the Phillie Phanatic before a baseball game between the Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
·Baltimore, United States
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left8Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Left
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources lean Left
80% Left
L 80%
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