Grand Blanc Township living museum to help needy families
by Julia Zaher | Grand Blanc News
Sunday October 05, 2008
Jim Cheek | Grand Blanc News -
Terry
Townsend, 6, of Grand Blanc listens closely to General George Custer,
played by Dakota Starr of Grand Blanc, during a Historical Living
Museum on Sept. 20 at the McFarlen Library in Grand Blanc. Dakota will
be at the Grand Blanc V.F.W. Post 822 on Saturday.
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GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan — Want to meet George Washington, Dolly Madison or Gen. George Custer?
You'll get the chance to do just that at a living museum being produced by Grand Blanc High School junior Dakota Starr.
"We have key characters from American history from the Revolution to World War II," Dakota said.
Actors portraying Theodore Roosevelt, Francis Scott Key and others will dress in period costumes and give speeches.
The American military living museum takes place from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at VFW Post 822, 5065 Saginaw Road.
Visitors are asked to bring nonperishable food items, which will be distributed through the VFW to people in need.
Dakota, 17, is coordinating the living museum and food drive to
complete requirements for his Eagle Scout project. He is a member of
Boy Scout Troop 176.
The idea came from his interest in military
re-enactments, a pastime he shares with his mother, Gretchen Starr. The
two travel to participate in historic re-enactments around the state.
Dakota participates in Civil War re-enactments with the USS Michigan Marine Guard.
He also is looking into joining a World War II French Resistance re-enactment group.
And he does impressions of Army Gen. George Custer, a cavalry commander in the American Civil War and Indian Wars.
Dakota's interest in historic re-enactments was sparked four years ago when he saw a group of historic actors at a parade.
"I just started talking to them and found it really interesting," he said.
He has recruited members of the Grand Blanc High School drama club,
friends and fellow historic actors for the living museum. Some of the
actors have appeared at McFarlen Library and at the high school to
perform minipresentations.
"We've had a little bit of practice at this for coming up to a year now," Dakota said.
The living museum is free. Visitors can contribute nonperishable
food items or cash to support the VFW food pantry. Boy Scouts also will
be on hand for the annual popcorn sale, now under way. For $25, popcorn
items will be sent to active-duty troops serving overseas.