A Description of Presentation
Heritage Consulting Inc.
Get to know: Ned Hector
November 13, 2009 by Donna Ann Harris
Ned Hector is a Revolutionary War hero, a free black man, who was a teamster and noted for his courage during the retreat from the Battle of Brandywine, where he refused to give up his horses, wagon and the armaments he was carrying. Noah Lewis of Upper Darby, PA brings Edward “Ned” Hector to life as a costumed educator at presentations for children and adults alike at schools, clubs and historic sites. We were introduced to Noah by Judy Anastasi, President of the Norwood Historical Society in Delaware County, as an exemplary historian and teacher, as we continue our research for the Delaware County Public History Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan. Noah dresses in costume of the Third Pennsylvania Artillery Company to bring his message—his passion—about the role of African-Americans in the Colonial fight for freedom during the Revolutionary War. Noah says he is an unlikely person to serve as a Revolutionary War costumed interpreter given his background, but he is a convincing and meticulous researcher about his character, Ned. Noah uses both first person and third person interpretation throughout his presentations, which allows him, as Ned Hector, to explore universal themes about liberty, courage and responsibility. His teaching has been lauded throughout the region and he returns year after year to certain elementary and middle schools as teachers continue to invite him to bring Revolutionary War lessons to life. You should get to know more about Ned Hector and Noah Lewis. View the web site at www.nedhector.com for more information.
A Sample of Ned Hector’s Classroom Presentation
Entrance
Ned runs into the room with a look of panic; he cautiously peers out a window).
“To arms, to arms! The Red Coats have broken through our lines!”
He then looks around at the unfamiliar surroundings
“Where are the Red Coats, and who are you?”
The teacher asks, “Tell us who are you first?”
Ned confirms that the teacher is a patriot. Then Ned gives the teacher a paper to be read aloud.
“My orders.”
March 10, 1777