The 2025 show calendar
All Shows:
All performances are at 10:00am. Each performance runs about 45 minutes.
Performances are free and open to the public. Donations are, however, gladly accepted. Donate at the show, or click here.
Tickets will be distributed on the date of the show on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of tickets distributed will be limited to the legal capacity of the courthouse. We ask that patrons do not save seats in the courtroom.
All performances take place at the Historic Hanover Courthouse.
13182 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover, Virginia 23069.
The Parsons' cause trial (high school cast)
Performance on June 21st, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
On December 1, 1763, a country lawyer from Hanover stepped from obscurity into the forefront of legal and political circles in Virginia. His name was Patrick Henry. The event that shaped his destiny was the trial of The Parsons’ Cause. Henry challenged the two most potent entities of colonial Virginia— the King and the clergy. The case proved to be one of the opening salvos of the revolution and started Henry on the path of becoming
the “Voice of the Revolution.”
Presenter: Students from high schools in Hanover County.
Maggie Walker
Performance on June 28th, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
Maggie Walker, from Richmond, Virginia, was a businesswoman who served as the nation’s first black female bank president.
Presenter: Theresa G. Theresa made her name in the broadcast community as a radio and television personality. She hosted the former radio broadcast Talk–Back Live and Community of Hope television program. Theresa is also a professional storyteller and living history performer.
Julia Child
Performance on July 5th, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
Meet the witty Queen of Cuisine who changed culinary history because of the great love of her life, Paul Child. He introduced Julia to French cooking and inspired her to follow her dreams. And this at a time when people in America were more interested in TV dinners and getting out of the kitchen! Julia Child was more than just an innovative chef. She was also a terrific author, educator and television personality who set the standards by which all subsequent cooking shows have been judged. Bon appetit!
Presenter: Mary Ann Jung. Mary Ann is an award-winning actress and Smithsonian Scholar who performs delightful and inspiring shows about amazing women in history. She has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, and in newspapers around the world. Mary Ann has done numerous shows for the National Archives, Kennedy Space Center, and Smithsonian Museums, as well as for festivals, corporate events and schools She has been a lead actress and Royal Court Director at the MD Renaissance Festival for 45 years. You can get her schedule on her website www.HistoryAliveShows.com.
GENERAL GEORGE PATTON
Performance on July 12th, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
General Patton speaks about the historic V-E Day of WWII and the hard road the Allied Forces had to take to win that terrible war overseas, in a hostile land where the world’s freedom hung in the balance. Having a heritage of military service, Patton knew and followed his destiny to be the liberator of many millions of people under the boot heels of the terrible NAZI oppression.
Presenter: Tim has performed as General George S. Patton nationally for over 25 years, for all manner of “Stars and Stripes” spirited events, including the most prestigious U.S. Military celebrations and civic/ patriotic organizations.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
Performance on July 19th, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
The author of the Declaration of Independence, the architect of the Virginia Statute on Religious
Freedom, and the founder of the University of Virginia discusses the events of 1775.
Presenter: Bill Barker. Bill has been interpreting Mr. Jefferson since 1984 and has portrayed him at Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello. Bill has appeared as Mr. Jefferson at the White House and the Palace of Versailles. He has also portrayed Mr. Jefferson on programs on ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, CNN, The History Channel and C-SPAN.
PATRICK HENRY
Performance on July 26th, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
Hanover County’s most famous citizen was an attorney, planter, and orator. His cry of “Liberty or Death” became a rallying cry for American troops during the Revolutionary War and earned Henry the moniker of “The Voice of the Revolution.” Hear Henry speak on his upbringing in Hanover, the importance of The Parsons’ Cause, and his plea for a militia to defend Virginia at the Second Virginia Convention.
Presenter: John Tucker is a retired attorney and a Catholic deacon. He has portrayed Henry and other characters at St. John’s Church since 2002. His portrayal of Henry is featured in the current “Give Me
Liberty” exhibit at The Virginia Museum of History and Culture.
THE REVEREND SAMUEL DAVIES
Performance on August 2nd, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
Davies was an evangelist and Presbyterian minister. He ministered at Pole Green Church in Hanover County from 1748 to 1759, followed by a term as President of Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey. Davies was one of the first non-Anglican preachers in Virginia, and one of earliest missionaries to slaves in the Thirteen Colonies. Known for his oratory, he was a strong influence on Patrick Henry. Davies was also a prolific writer, authoring several hymns and publishing a book of poetry.
Presenter: Beau Robbins is an historical interpreter, speaker, consultant and model for historical artists. He is also an historical tailor and mantua maker, bringing to life fashions of the past for other interpreters and museums, specializing in the 18-19th centuries. He has performed at historical sites and events throughout the US including national and state parks, as well as private venues and film.
ELIZABETH EGE
Performance on August 9th, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
Elizabeth Walker Ege (1746-1829) lived in the Old Stone House in Richmond for most of her life, and witnessed the transformation of that city from a little village hugging the banks of the James River to a thriving state capital and early industrial boomtown. Called an “exemplary woman,” Mrs. Ege will share her story intertwined with that of early America’s foundational history in this informative and entertaining program.
Presenter: Deborah T. Phillips is a well-known local actor and historical guide. She has portrayed Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe, Captain Sally Tompkins, Patsey Henry Fontaine, and Rosie the Riveter for previous summer sessions of The Parsons’ Cause Foundation
THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE
Performance on August 16th, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
The Marquis de Lafayette, born into a wealthy French family, was commissioned an officer at the age of 13. He became convinced that the American cause in its Revolutionary War was noble, and he traveled to the New World seeking glory. Named a Major General in the Continental Army at the age of 19, he quickly became a confidant of George Washington. Here, Lafayette speaks of his return to America in 1824-1825.
Presenter: Charles Wissinger is a well-known local actor. In addition to performing in Liberty or Death at St. John’s Church, Charles has made many appearances during the summer series of The Parsons’ Cause Foundation, portraying Edgar Allan Poe, James Madison, Audie Murphy, Francis Scott Key and Benjamin Stringfellow.
The Parsons’ Cause – Prelude to Revolution
Performance on August 23rd, 10am at the Historic Hanover Courthouse
In keeping with tradition, the Foundation closes the summer series with the reenactment of The Parsons’ Cause Trial, which propelled Patrick Henry into the high echelon of legal and political circles in Colonial Virginia. (Adult Cast)